Printer

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of achieving both execution of processing as defined by a standard and execution of processing different from that defined by the standard.SOLUTION: In a printer 10, when no specific instruction is given, that is, when a mode 1 is determined as a print page range designation mode, double-sided printing is performed as defined by a predetermined standard, and when a specific instruction is given, that is, when a mode 2 is determined as the print page range designation mode, double-sided printing different from that defined by the predetermined standard is performed, so that it becomes possible to achieve both execution of double-sided printing as defined by the standard and execution of double-sided printing different from that defined by the standard.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to a printing device capable of executing processes in accordance with standards such as PJL commands. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printing device that can execute processing in accordance with PJL commands. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-179018 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, from the user's perspective, there are cases where processing that differs from processing that conforms to standards such as PJL commands is appropriate.

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide a technology that can simultaneously execute processing as defined by a standard and execute processing that differs from the processing defined by the standard. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the printing device of the present application is a printing device comprising a print engine capable of printing on sheets, and a controller, wherein the controller is capable of printing on sheets using the print engine based on a print job written in accordance with a predetermined standard and including image data for multiple pages, and wherein, for a print job written in accordance with the predetermined standard in which double-sided printing and a starting page are specified, if no specific instruction is given in the print job, and the specified starting page is an odd-numbered page of the print job, then an image based on the image data for the odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the specified starting page, is printed on the first side of the sheet, and an image based on the image data for the even-numbered pages of the print job, including the page following the starting page, is printed on the second side of the same sheet, performing first double-sided printing and specifying the starting page. However, if the specified starting page is an even-numbered page of the print job, a second double-sided printing is performed in which an image based on the image data of the specified starting page is not printed on the first side of the sheet but is printed on the second side of the sheet, and an image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the page before the starting page, is printed on the first side of the same sheet; and if a specific instruction is given to the print job, whether the specified starting page is an odd-numbered page of the print job or an even-numbered page of the print job, an image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages, with the starting page as page 1 and including the specified starting page, is printed on the first side of the sheet, and an image based on the image data of even-numbered pages, with the starting page as page 1 and including the page next to the starting page, is printed on the second side of the same sheet, and a third double-sided printing is performed in which [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present application, it is possible to both execute processing as defined by the standard and execute processing that differs from the processing defined by the standard. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system. [Figure 2]10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of print job processing executed by a printer. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for a print page range designation mode determination process. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for a print page range determination process. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a print job. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of double-sided printing. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a print page range designation mode determination process in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a print page range designation mode determination process in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a printer 10 (an example of a printing device) and an output device 50. The printer 10 is a device capable of executing various processes such as printing, and executes the various processes in accordance with a print job output from the output device 50. The output device 50 may be any device capable of outputting a print job, and various devices such as a PC, a mobile terminal, a USB device, etc. may be used.

[0011] The printer 10 mainly comprises a CPU (an example of a controller) 12, memory 14, a user I / F 18, a scanner 22, a print engine 20, and a communication I / F 26. I / F stands for interface. These components can communicate with each other via a bus 28.

[0012] The printer 10 can communicate with the output device 50 through the communication I / F 26. The communication I / F 26 includes a LAN I / F 30 and a USB I / F 31. The LAN I / F 30 is an interface used for communication via a LAN (Local Area Network) and a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the USB I / F 31 is an interface used for data input / output with a USB device. The USB I / F 31 includes a connector for connecting a USB cable and a connector for connecting a USB device such as a USB memory.

[0013] The CPU 12 executes processing in accordance with a control program 32 stored in the memory 14. The memory 14 also includes a data storage area 34. The data storage area 34 is an area for storing data necessary for executing the control program 32, etc. The memory 14 includes a non-volatile memory 36 such as a ROM or flash memory, and a volatile memory 38 such as a RAM.

[0014] The memory 14 may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, an electrical signal carrying a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but is not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0015] The user I / F 18 is, for example, a touch panel that is integrated with a display, and displays various information such as the operation screen of the printer 10 on the display, and accepts user operations on icons, buttons, etc. displayed on the display. In addition to the touch panel, the user I / F 18 may also be configured with a display and hard keys that are separate from the display.

[0016] The scanner 22 is a component that includes an image sensor and reads images to perform scanning. The print engine 20 is, for example, an electrophotographic printing mechanism. The print engine 20 may also be an inkjet printing mechanism.

[0017] In this specification, the term "processing" basically refers to the processing of the CPU 12 in accordance with instructions written in a program. In other words, in the following description, processes such as "judging," "extracting," "selecting," "calculating," "deciding," "identifying," "acquiring," "receiving," and "control" refer to the processing of the CPU 12. Processing by the CPU also includes hardware control using the OS's API. In this specification, the operation of each program will be described without mentioning the OS. In other words, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also mean that "program B controls hardware C using the OS's API." Furthermore, the processing of the CPU 12 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, it may be described as "performed by CPU 12." Furthermore, the processing of the CPU 12 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms, such as "performed by program A."

[0018] Note that "acquire" is used as a concept that does not necessarily require a request. In other words, the process of the CPU 12 receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "the CPU acquires data." Furthermore, "data" in this specification is represented by a computer-readable bit string. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats is treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Furthermore, "request" and "instruct" are concepts that indicate the output of information indicating a request or an instruction to the other party. Furthermore, information indicating a request or an instruction is also simply referred to as a "request" or "instruction."

[0019] Furthermore, the process by the CPU 12 to determine whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B is present from information A." The process by the CPU 12 to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B or event C is present from information A."

[0020] Next, the process when printer 10 prints on a print medium such as a sheet based on a print job will be described with reference to Figure 2. The print job process shown in Figure 2 is executed by CPU 12 when printer 10 prints a print job that output device 50 has output to printer 10. First, CPU 12 acquires a print job in step (hereinafter, step will be abbreviated as S) 10. For example, CPU 12 acquires the print job by receiving the print job, or by reading out a print job stored in memory 14.

[0021] 5(a) shows an example of a print job 100. The print job 100 is written in accordance with the PJL (short for Printer Job Language) standard (an example of a predetermined standard). The beginning of the print job 100 is indicated by [ESC]%-12345X@PJL, and the end of the job is indicated by [ESC]%-12345X. The print job 100 includes a PJL command section 110 and a PDL (short for Page Description Language) section 120 from the beginning to the end.

[0022] A large number of PJL commands are written in the PJL command section 110, but only a few commands used in this embodiment will be picked out and explained.

[0023] @PJL SET JOBNAME="office-PDF(A&A4.pdf)" is a command that specifies the name of the print job 100, and in this example, it indicates that the name of the print job 100 is office-PDF(A&A4.pdf).

[0024] @PJL JOB START=2 END=4 is a command that specifies the page range to be printed (hereinafter referred to as the "page range specification command"). In this example, it indicates that the print range to be printed is from page 2 of the pages included in print job 100 as the starting page to page 4 as the ending page.

[0025] @PJL SET BRDXPAGERANGEMODE=MODE2 is an extended command (an example of a command indicating a specific instruction), and is a command that can be added independently by the vendor of the printer 10, for example. In other words, extended commands are commands that are not defined in the PJL standard, but are written in accordance with a format defined in the PJL standard. This example shows that the double-sided printing page range designation mode (DXPAGERANGEMODE) is set to mode 2 (MODE2). In this embodiment, the double-sided printing page range designation mode can be switched between mode 1 (MODE1), mode 2, and automatic (AUTO). Details of each mode will be described later.

[0026] @PJL SET ECONOMODE=OFF is a command that specifies whether to put the printer 10 into eco mode (resource-saving mode), and in this example, it specifies that eco mode is off. When eco mode is specified, the printer 10 prints by, for example, coarsening the dots to minimize the consumption of toner and ink.

[0027] @PJL ENTER LANGUAGE=PCL is a command indicating the description language of the PDL unit 120, that is, the type of print job 100. In this example, it indicates that the description language of the PDL unit 120 is PCL (short for Printer Command Language).

[0028] Returning to FIG. 2, it is assumed that the CPU 12 acquires the print job 100 as the print job in S10. In the following S11, the CPU 12 determines whether or not a page range designation command has been detected from the print job 100. If the CPU 12 determines that a page range designation command has been detected (S11: YES), the CPU 12 executes a print page range designation mode determination process (S12).

[0029] 3 shows the detailed procedure for the print page range designation mode determination process. The print page range designation mode can be either mode 1 (an example of a first state) or mode 2 (an example of a second state) which belong to the double-sided print page range designation mode, or single-sided print mode. Therefore, the print page range designation mode determination process determines the print page range designation mode to be either mode 1, mode 2, or single-sided print mode. The differences between mode 1 and mode 2 will be explained below using the specific example shown in FIG. 6.

[0030] 6(a) shows a portion of the print settings included in the PJL command section 110 of print job 100, and seven pages of image data P1 to P7 included in the PDL section 120 of print job 100. In the print settings shown in FIG. 6(a), the PJL command specifies double-sided printing (@PJL SET DUPLEX=ON) and the print page range is specified as the page range from page 2 to page 5 (@PJL JOB START=2 END=5).

[0031] When double-sided printing is performed based on this print job 100, if the print page range designation mode is set to mode 1, as shown in FIG. 6(b), even though page 2 is designated as the starting page of the page range, image data P1 of the previous page, page 1, is printed on the front side of the first sheet (an example of the first side), and page 2 designated as the starting page is not printed on the front side of the first sheet, but is printed on the back side of the same sheet (an example of the second side). Furthermore, even though page 5 is designated as the ending page of the page range, image data P6 of the next page, page 6, is printed on the back side of the third sheet. This is to ensure that the images printed on the front and back sides of the sheets do not differ from the images printed on the front and back sides of the document, for example, if image data P1 to P7 are obtained by scanning the front and back sides of a document with scanner 22. Double-sided printing with mode 1 set in this manner complies with the PCL standard.

[0032] On the other hand, when the print page range specification mode is set to mode 2, pages 2 through 5 specified as the page range are printed in order from the front of the first sheet to the back of the second sheet, as shown in Figure 6(c). Some users may prefer to print only the specified page range, even if the order is different, rather than printing the front and back of the document in the order specified by the PCL standard. Therefore, double-sided printing with mode 2 set can meet this user's needs. Furthermore, double-sided printing with mode 2 set contributes to reducing the amount of toner and ink used and the number of sheets printed, thereby contributing to resource conservation.

[0033] Returning to Figure 3, the CPU 12 determines whether double-sided printing has been instructed (S30). The double-sided printing instruction may be made, for example, by settings on the printer 10 side using the user I / F 18 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "main unit settings"), or by settings on the output device 50 side. When double-sided printing is instructed by settings on the output device 50 side, as described above, it is sufficient to write the PJL command @PJL SET DUPLEX=ON (see Figure 6(a)) in the PJL command section 110 of the print job 100.

[0034] If the determination in S30 indicates that double-sided printing is instructed (S30: YES), the CPU 12 detects the extension command (S31). Then, the CPU 12 determines the print page range designation mode from the detected extension command (S32). As described above, the extension command can designate either mode 1, mode 2, or automatic. Therefore, if either mode 1 or mode 2 is designated, the CPU 12 can determine the print page range designation mode to be the designated mode. On the other hand, if automatic is designated, the CPU 12 can determine the print page range designation mode to be either mode 1 or mode 2 according to a predetermined criterion. Figure 5(b) shows an example of the predetermined criterion. In the example of FIG. 5(b), when PCL is used as the description language of the PDL unit 120, the print page range specification mode is determined to be mode 1, and when a description language other than PCL, such as PostScript (registered trademark), PDF (abbreviation for Portable Document Format), PCLm, XPS (abbreviation for XML Paper Specification), PWG-Raster, or others, is used as the description language of the PDL unit 120, the print page range specification mode is determined to be mode 2. Note that this standard is merely an example, and some of the description languages ​​determined to be mode 2 in FIG. 5(b) may be determined to be mode 1. A print job in which PCL (an example of a first-type PDL) is used as the description language of the PDL unit 120 is an example of a first-type print job. A print job in which a PDL other than PCL (an example of a second-type PDL) is used as the description language of the PDL unit 120 is an example of a second-type print job.

[0035] If the print page range designation mode is determined to be mode 1 in the determination of S32 (S32: mode 1), the CPU 12 determines the print page range designation mode to be mode 1 (S33) and then ends the print page range designation mode determination process. On the other hand, if the print page range designation mode is determined to be mode 2 (S32: mode 2), the CPU 12 determines the print page range designation mode to be mode 2 (S34) and then ends the print page range designation mode determination process.

[0036] On the other hand, if it is determined in S30 that double-sided printing has not been instructed (S30: NO), the print page range designation mode is determined to be single-sided printing mode (S35), and the print page range designation mode determination process is then terminated.

[0037] 3, if double-sided printing is instructed (S30: YES), it is assumed that an extension command is written in the print job 100 (S31). However, the CPU 12 may acquire a print job that does not have an extension command. In this case, the CPU 12 determines the print page range designation mode based on the criteria in FIG. 5(b) in the same way as when automatic is specified in the extension command in determining the designation mode in S32.

[0038] Returning to Fig. 2, the CPU 12 executes a print page range determination process (S13). Fig. 4 shows the detailed procedure of the print page range determination process. In Fig. 4, the CPU 12 acquires the print page range (S41). As the print page range is described by a page range designation command as described above, the CPU 12 can acquire the print page range by detecting the page range designation command and analyzing the description.

[0039] Next, CPU 12 determines whether the print page range designation mode is mode 1 (S41). If the print page range designation mode is mode 1 (S41: YES), CPU 12 determines whether the start page of the acquired print page range is an even number (S42), and if it is an even number (S42: YES), sets the previous page as the start page (S43). In the example of Figure 6(a), the start page of the print page range is page 2, which is an even number (S42: YES), so the previous page, page 1, is set as the start page (S43).

[0040] On the other hand, if the start page of the acquired print page range is an odd number (S42: NO), the CPU 12 sets the acquired start page as the start page (S44).

[0041] In the next step S45, CPU 12 determines whether the end page of the acquired print page range is an odd number (S45), and if it is an odd number (S45: YES), it determines whether the end page of the acquired print page range is the final page of print job 100 (S46). If this determination determines that the end page is not the final page of print job 100 (S46: NO), CPU 12 sets the next page as the end page (S47) and then terminates the print page range determination process. In the example of FIG. 6(a), the end page of the print page range is page 5, which is an odd number (S45: YES) and is not the final page of print job 100 (S46: NO), so CPU 12 sets the next page, page 6, as the end page (S47).

[0042] On the other hand, if the judgment in S45 is that the acquired end page is an even number (S45: NO), or if the judgment in S46 is that the acquired end page is the final page of the print job 100 (S46: YES), the acquired end page is left as the end page (S48), and then the print page range determination process is terminated.

[0043] On the other hand, if the print page range designation mode is not mode 1 in the determination of S41 (S41: NO), the CPU 12 sets the acquired start page as the start page and the acquired end page as the end page (S49), and then ends the print page range determination process.

[0044] 2, if the CPU 12 does not detect a page range specification command in the determination of S11 above (S11: NO), the CPU 12 sets the print page range to all pages of the print job 100 (S14), and then determines whether double-sided printing has been instructed (S15), similar to S30 (see FIG. 3) above. If double-sided printing has been instructed in this determination (S15: YES), the CPU 12 determines the print page range specification mode to mode 2 (S16), similar to S34 above, and then proceeds to S20.

[0045] On the other hand, if it is determined in S15 that double-sided printing is not instructed (S15: NO), the CPU 12 determines the print page range designation mode to be single-sided printing mode (S17), in the same manner as in S35 above, and then proceeds to S20.

[0046] In S20, CPU 12 selects the start page of the print page range as the page to be rasterized. CPU 12 then rasterizes the image data of the start page (S21), color converts it (S22), binarizes it (S23), and passes it to print engine 20 (S24). This process is repeated page by page (S26) until the end page (S25: YES). At this time, if either mode 1 or mode 2 is set as the print page range designation mode, double-sided printing is performed by print engine 20, and if single-sided printing mode is set, single-sided printing is performed.

[0047] Furthermore, the following specific case will be described in which double-sided printing is performed by applying the print job process shown in FIG. 2. The specific case is as follows: Case 1: When the print job 100 and print settings shown in FIG. 6A are used and mode 1 is determined as the print page range specification mode. Case 2: When the print job 100 and print settings shown in FIG. 6A are used and mode 2 is determined as the print page range specification mode. Case 3: The print page range of the print settings in Case 1 is changed to @PJL JOB START=3 END=5, and the rest is the same as Case 1. Case 4: The print page range of the print settings in Case 2 is changed to @PJL JOB START=3 END=5, and the rest is the same as Case 2. is.

[0048] First, we will explain Case 1. When CPU 12 acquires print job 100 (S10), it sets the print page range designation mode to Mode 1 (S12). Mode 1 corresponds to the case where no specific instruction is given. Next, CPU 12 acquires pages 2 through 5 as the print page range from the contents of the page range designation command (S40). Since the start page of the print page range is page 2, which is an even-numbered page (S42: YES), CPU 12 sets page 1, which is the page immediately before page 2, as the start page (S43). Now, assuming that the process proceeds to printing the first sheet without specifying the end page, CPU 12 selects page 1 as the start page of the print page range (S20). Then, CPU 12 executes the processes of S21 through S24, and an image based on image data P1 of page 1, which is the page immediately before page 2 that is the start page of the specified print page range, is printed on the front side of the first sheet, as shown in FIG. 6(b). Next, CPU 12 selects the next page, page 2 (S26), and executes the processes of S21 to S24, so that an image based on image data P2 of page 2, which is the starting page of the specified print page range, is not printed on the front side of the first sheet, but is printed on the back side of the same sheet, as shown in Fig. 6(b). This type of double-sided printing, in which an image based on image data of the page just before the starting page of the specified print page range is printed on the front side of the first sheet, an image based on image data of the starting page of the specified print page range is printed on the back side of the same sheet, and subsequent images based on image data of odd-numbered pages of print job 100 are printed on the front sides of the second and subsequent sheets, is called second double-sided printing.

[0049] Next, Case 2 will be described. When CPU 12 acquires print job 100 (S10), it determines the print page range designation mode to be Mode 2 (S12). Mode 2 corresponds to the case where a specific instruction has been issued. Next, CPU 12 acquires pages 2 through 5 as the print page range from the contents of the page range designation command (S40). If the print page range designation mode is Mode 2 (S41: NO), CPU 12 does not change the designated print page range (S49). Then, assuming that the process has proceeded to printing the first sheet, CPU 12 selects page 2 as the start page of the print page range (S20). Then, CPU 12 executes the processes of S21 through S24, and an image based on image data P2 of page 2, which is the start page of the designated print page range, is printed on the front side of the first sheet, as shown in FIG. 6(c). Next, CPU 12 selects the next page, page 3 (S26), and executes the processes of S21 to S24, thereby printing an image based on image data P3 of page 3, which is the page following page 2, which is the starting page of the specified print page range, on the back side of the same sheet, as shown in Fig. 6(c). This double-sided printing, in which an image based on image data of the starting page of the specified print page range is printed on the front side of the first sheet, an image based on image data of the page following the starting page of the specified print page range is printed on the back side of the same sheet, and subsequently, images based on image data of odd-numbered pages of print job 100, with the starting page as page 1, are printed on the front side of the second and subsequent sheets, and images based on image data of even-numbered pages of print job 100, with the page following the starting page as page 1, are printed on the back side of the same sheet, is third double-sided printing.

[0050] Next, Case 3 will be described. When CPU 12 acquires print job 100 (S10), it determines the print page range designation mode to be Mode 1 (S12). Next, CPU 12 acquires pages 3 through 5 as the print page range from the contents of the page range designation command (S40). The start page of the print page range is page 3, which is an odd-numbered page (S42: NO), so CPU 12 does not change the start page (S44). Now, assuming that processing proceeds to printing the first sheet without specifying the end page, CPU 12 selects page 3 as the start page of the print page range (S20). Then, CPU 12 executes the processes of S21 through S24, whereby an image based on image data P3 of page 3, which is the start page of the specified print page range, is printed on the front side of the first sheet. Next, CPU 12 selects the next page, page 4 (S26), and executes the processes of S21 to S24, thereby printing an image based on image data P4 of page 4, which is an even-numbered page of print job 100 and follows page 3, which is the starting page of the specified print page range, on the back side of the first sheet. In this way, an image based on image data of the starting page of the specified print page range is printed on the front side of the first sheet, an image based on image data of the page next to the starting page of the specified print page range is printed on the back side of the same sheet, and subsequent images based on image data of odd-numbered pages of print job 100 are printed on the front sides of the second and subsequent sheets, and images based on image data of even-numbered pages of print job 100 are printed on the back side of the same sheets. This double-sided printing is the first double-sided printing.

[0051] Next, case 4 will be described. When CPU 12 acquires print job 100 (S10), it determines the print page range designation mode to be mode 2 (S12). Next, CPU 12 acquires pages 3 through 5 as the print page range from the contents of the page range designation command (S40). If the print page range designation mode is mode 2 (S41: NO), CPU 12 does not change the designated print page range (S49). Then, assuming that processing has proceeded to printing the first sheet, CPU 12 selects page 3 as the start page of the print page range (S20). Then, CPU 12 executes the processes of S21 through S24, whereby an image based on image data P3 of page 3, which is the start page of the designated print page range, is printed on the front side of the first sheet. Next, CPU 12 selects the next page, page 4 (S26), and executes the processes of S21 to S24, thereby printing an image based on image data P4 of page 4, which is the page next to page 3, which is the start page of the specified print page range, on the back side of the same sheet. In this way, in Case 4, CPU 12 executes the third double-sided printing.

[0052] In this way, in the printer 10 of this embodiment, when no specific instruction is given, that is, when mode 1 is determined as the print page range designation mode, double-sided printing is performed as specified by a specified standard, and when a specific instruction is given, that is, when mode 1 is determined as the print page range designation mode, double-sided printing is performed in a manner different from that specified by the specified standard, so it is possible to perform both double-sided printing as specified by the standard and double-sided printing that is different from that specified by the standard.

[0053] In this embodiment, double-sided printing is performed using print job 100 written in accordance with the PJL standard, but when double-sided printing is performed using a print job not written in accordance with the PJL standard, CPU 12 may perform the third double-sided printing described above. For example, before S11, CPU 12 may determine whether the acquired print job is a print job written in accordance with the PJL standard, and if YES, proceed to S11, or if NO, proceed to S14.

[0054] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the print page range designation mode determination process executed by the CPU 12. Therefore, the description will focus on the differences and omit the description of other parts as appropriate.

[0055] FIG. 7 shows detailed steps of the print page range designation mode determination process in this embodiment. The print page range designation mode determination process in FIG. 7 corresponds to the print page range designation mode determination process in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. The print page range designation mode determination process in FIG. 7 differs from the print page range designation mode determination process in FIG. 3 in that the determination of whether the print page range designation mode is set to mode 1 or mode 2 is made based on whether eco mode is set. In the print page range designation mode determination process in FIG. 7, processes similar to those in the print page range designation mode determination process in FIG. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions of those processes will be omitted where appropriate.

[0056] 7, if double-sided printing is instructed (S30: YES), the CPU 12 acquires the main body settings (S61). The main body settings are stored, for example, in the non-volatile memory 36, so the CPU 12 can acquire the main body settings by reading them from the non-volatile memory 36. The CPU 12 then determines whether or not the eco mode is set from the acquired main body settings (S62). If it is determined that the eco mode is not set (S62: NO), the CPU 12 sets the print page range designation mode to mode 1 (S33). On the other hand, if it is determined that the eco mode is set (S62: YES), the CPU 12 sets the print page range designation mode to mode 2.

[0057] As described above, when the printer 10 of this embodiment is set to Eco mode, the print page range designation mode for double-sided printing is set to Mode 2. When Mode 2 is set as the print page range designation mode, compared to when Mode 1 is set, as explained in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 6, the amount of toner and ink consumed in printing can be reduced, and the number of sheets used in printing can also be reduced in many cases.

[0058] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the eco mode is set on the printer 10 side, but as mentioned above, the eco mode can also be set on / off using a PJL command. Therefore, if the print job 100 describes whether the eco mode is set on / off using a PJL command, the CPU 12 may make a determination in S62 based on whether the eco mode is set on / off as described by the PJL command.

[0059] Furthermore, when double-sided printing is performed using a print job that is not written in accordance with the PJL standard, the CPU 12 may perform the third double-sided printing method described above even if the eco mode is not set.

[0060] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments only in the print page range designation mode determination process executed by the CPU 12. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences and omit the description of other parts as appropriate.

[0061] Fig. 8 shows detailed steps of the print page range designation mode determination process in this embodiment. The print page range designation mode determination process in Fig. 8 corresponds to the print page range designation mode determination process in Figs. 3 and 7 in the first and second embodiments. The print page range designation mode determination process in Fig. 8 differs from the print page range designation mode determination process in Fig. 3 in that the print page range designation mode is determined based on the type of print job 100. In the print page range designation mode determination process in Fig. 8, processes that are similar to the print page range designation mode determination processes in Figs. 3 and 7 are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions of those processes will be omitted as appropriate.

[0062] 8, the CPU 12 acquires the device settings (S61) and then acquires the type of print job 100 (S71). As described above, the type of print job 100 is indicated by the PJL command @PJL ENTER LANGUAGE, so in S71 the CPU 12 detects @PJL ENTER LANGUAGE and analyzes the description to determine that the type of print job 100 is PCL.

[0063] Next, the CPU 12 detects the print page range designation mode for double-sided printing that is associated with the print job 100. In this embodiment, the printer 10 is configured to be able to associate the type of print job with the print page range designation mode for double-sided printing, for example, using the user I / F 18. The associated content is then stored in the non-volatile memory 36 as a device setting, and the CPU 12 acquires the device setting in S61.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0065] (1) In each of the above embodiments, examples have been described in which the processes shown in Figures 2 to 4, 7, and 8 are executed by CPU 12. However, these processes may be executed not only by CPU 12 but also by ASIC or other logic integrated circuits, or these processes may be executed by cooperation between CPUs, ASICs, and other logic integrated circuits.

[0066] (2) In the above embodiments, the printer 10 is used as an example of the printing device, but this is merely an example. The printing device may be a multifunction device equipped with a FAXIF.

[0067] (3) In the above embodiments, the print job 100 is output by the output device 50 to the printer 10, but this is not limiting and the print job 100 may be generated within the printer 10. For example, when copying an original using the printer 10, the printer 10 generates a print job including image data generated by reading an image on the original using the scanner 22, and prints the print job using the print engine 20. In this case, the print job 100 is generated within the printer 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10...printer, 12...CPU, 14...memory, 18...user I / F, 20...print engine, 22...scanner, 26...communication I / F, 30...LAN I / F, 31...USB I / F, 32...control program, 36...non-volatile memory, 50...output device

Claims

1. a print engine capable of printing on sheets; A controller; A printing device comprising: The controller The printing engine is capable of printing onto sheets based on a print job including image data for multiple pages, the print job being written in accordance with a predetermined standard; For a print job that is written in accordance with the predetermined standard and has a double-sided printing specification and a start page specification, If no specific instructions are given in the print job, If the specified starting page is an odd-numbered page of the print job, An image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the specified start page, is printed on the first side of a sheet; performing a first double-sided printing in which images based on image data of even-numbered pages of the print job, including the page next to the start page, are printed on a second side of the same sheet; If the specified starting page is an even page of the print job, An image based on the image data of the specified start page is not printed on the first side of the sheet, but is printed on the second side of the sheet; performing a second double-sided printing in which images based on image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the page before the start page, are printed on a first side of the same sheet; If the specific instruction is included in the print job, Even if the specified start page is an odd-numbered page of the print job, Even if the specified start page is an even-numbered page of the print job, An image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages including the specified start page, with the start page being the first page, is printed on the first side of the sheet; a third double-sided printing is performed in which images based on the image data of even-numbered pages, including the page next to the start page and counting the start page as the first page, are printed on the second side of the same sheet; A printing device characterized by:

2. the predetermined standard is the PJL (Printer Job Language) standard, 2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. The controller For a print job that is not written in accordance with the predetermined standard and that has a double-sided printing specification and a start page specification, the third double-sided printing is performed.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

4. The case where the specific instruction is not included in the print job means that the print job does not include a command indicating the specific instruction, The case where the specific instruction is included in the print job means that the print job includes a command indicating the specific instruction.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

5. the command indicating the specific instruction is a command not defined in the predetermined standard; 5. The printing device according to claim 4.

6. the command indicating the specific instruction is written in accordance with a format defined in the predetermined standard, but is a command not defined in the predetermined standard; 6. The printing device according to claim 5.

7. a print engine capable of printing on sheets; A controller; A printing device comprising: The controller The printing engine is capable of printing onto sheets based on a print job including image data for multiple pages, the print job being written in accordance with a predetermined standard; For a print job that is written in accordance with the predetermined standard and has a double-sided printing specification and a start page specification, If resource saving mode is not specified for the print job, If the specified starting page is an odd-numbered page of the print job, An image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the specified start page, is printed on the first side of a sheet; performing a first double-sided printing in which images based on image data of even-numbered pages of the print job, including the page next to the start page, are printed on a second side of the same sheet; If the specified starting page is an even page of the print job, An image based on the image data of the specified start page is not printed on the first side of the sheet, but is printed on the second side of the sheet; performing a second double-sided printing in which images based on image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the page before the start page, are printed on a first side of the same sheet; If the resource saving mode is specified for the print job, Even if the specified start page is an odd-numbered page of the print job, Even if the specified start page is an even-numbered page of the print job, An image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages including the specified start page, with the start page being the first page, is printed on the first side of the sheet; a third double-sided printing is performed in which images based on the image data of even-numbered pages, including the page next to the start page and counting the start page as the first page, are printed on the second side of the same sheet; A printing device characterized by:

8. the predetermined standard is the PJL (Printer Job Language) standard, 8. The printing device according to claim 7.

9. a print engine capable of printing on sheets; A controller; A printing device comprising: The controller The printing engine is capable of printing onto sheets based on a print job including image data for multiple pages, the print job being written in accordance with a predetermined standard; For a print job that is written in accordance with the predetermined standard and has a double-sided printing specification and a start page specification, If the printing device is in a first state, An image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the specified start page, is printed on the first side of a sheet; performing a first double-sided printing in which images based on image data of even-numbered pages of the print job, including the page next to the start page, are printed on a second side of the same sheet; If the specified starting page is an even page of the print job, An image based on the image data of the specified start page is not printed on the first side of the sheet, but is printed on the second side of the sheet; performing a second double-sided printing in which images based on image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the page before the start page, are printed on a first side of the same sheet; When the printing device is in a second state, Even if the specified start page is an odd-numbered page of the print job, Even if the specified start page is an even-numbered page of the print job, An image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages including the specified start page, with the start page being the first page, is printed on the first side of the sheet; a third double-sided printing is performed in which images based on the image data of even-numbered pages, including the page next to the start page and counting the start page as the first page, are printed on the second side of the same sheet; A printing device characterized by:

10. the predetermined standard is the PJL (Printer Job Language) standard, 10. The printing device according to claim 9.

11. The first state is a state in which the printing device is not set to indicate a specific instruction, the second state is a state in which the printing device is set to indicate the specific instruction; 10. The printing device according to claim 9.

12. The setting indicating the specific instruction is a setting indicating that a resource saving mode is to be entered.

12. The printing device according to claim 11.

13. The controller For a print job that is not written in accordance with the predetermined standard and has a double-sided printing specification and a start page specification, The third double-sided printing is performed even if the setting indicating the specific instruction is not set in the printing device.

12. The printing device according to claim 11.

14. a print engine capable of printing on sheets; A controller; A printing device comprising: The controller The printing engine is capable of printing onto sheets based on a print job including image data for multiple pages, the print job being written in accordance with a predetermined standard; For a print job that is written in accordance with the predetermined standard and has a double-sided printing specification and a start page specification, If the print job is a first type of print job, If the specified starting page is an odd-numbered page of the print job, An image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the specified start page, is printed on the first side of a sheet; performing a first double-sided printing in which images based on image data of even-numbered pages of the print job, including the page next to the start page, are printed on a second side of the same sheet; If the specified starting page is an even page of the print job, An image based on the image data of the specified start page is not printed on the first side of the sheet, but is printed on the second side of the sheet; performing a second double-sided printing in which images based on image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the page before the start page, are printed on a first side of the same sheet; If the print job is a second type of print job, Even if the specified start page is an odd-numbered page of the print job, Even if the specified start page is an even-numbered page of the print job, An image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages including the specified start page, with the start page being the first page, is printed on the first side of the sheet; a third double-sided printing is performed in which images based on the image data of even-numbered pages, including the page next to the start page and counting the start page as the first page, are printed on the second side of the same sheet; A printing device characterized by:

15. the predetermined standard is the PJL (Printer Job Language) standard, 15. The printing device according to claim 14.

16. The controller For a print job that is not written in accordance with the predetermined standard and has a double-sided printing specification and a start page specification, The third double-sided printing is performed even if the print job is the first type of print job.

15. The printing device according to claim 14.

17. The first type of print job is a print job in which image data is described in a first type of PDL (Page Description Language), The second type of print job is a print job in which image data is described in a second type of PDL (Page Description Language).

15. The printing device according to claim 14.

18. the first type PDL is a PDL that is not set to indicate a specific instruction in the printing device, the second type PDL is a PDL that is set in the printing device to indicate the specific instruction; 18. The printing device according to claim 17.

19. the first type of PDL is PCL (Printer Command Language), the second type of PDL is a PDL other than the PCL, 18. The printing device according to claim 17.

20. a print engine capable of printing on sheets; A controller; A printing device comprising: The controller The printing engine is capable of printing onto sheets based on a print job including image data for multiple pages, the print job being written in accordance with a predetermined standard; For a print job that is written in accordance with the predetermined standard and has a double-sided printing specification and a start page specification, If the specified starting page is an odd-numbered page of the print job, An image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the specified start page, is printed on the first side of a sheet; performing a first double-sided printing in which images based on image data of even-numbered pages of the print job, including the page next to the start page, are printed on a second side of the same sheet; If the specified starting page is an even page of the print job, An image based on the image data of the specified start page is not printed on the first side of the sheet, but is printed on the second side of the sheet; performing a second double-sided printing in which images based on image data of odd-numbered pages of the print job, including the page before the start page, are printed on the first side of the same sheet; It operates in mode 1, Even if the specified start page is an odd-numbered page of the print job, Even if the specified start page is an even-numbered page of the print job, An image based on the image data of odd-numbered pages including the specified start page, with the start page being the first page, is printed on the first side of the sheet; a third double-sided printing is performed in which images based on the image data of even-numbered pages, including the page next to the start page and counting the start page as the first page, are printed on the second side of the same sheet; It operates in mode 2, is possible, A printing device characterized by:

21. the predetermined standard is the PJL (Printer Job Language) standard, 21. The printing device according to claim 20.

Images