Printing apparatus and control method of printing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a recording apparatus or the like which suppresses a load on a user by suppressing a use amount of ink and paper required for re-recording.SOLUTION: The recording apparatus includes a storage means for storing image data and a recording means for recording the image data on a recording medium. When re-recording is performed after image data is recorded, a recording means adds a margin to the image data to be re-recorded and records the image data.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a control method for the recording apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Known techniques for recording on roll paper include banner printing and banner copying. Banner printing is a technique in which, in a recording device that records on roll paper, multiple pages of image data are printed onto a single, connected sheet of paper, eliminating the margins between pages. Banner copying is the acquisition of image data that is the basis for banner printing using a scanner. This type of printing poses a problem: if an error occurs, such as if there is a problem with the printed image, reprinting the image would result in a significant waste. Previously, a method for reprinting an image when an error occurs during image recording has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-019746 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the inventors of the present invention studied the technology described in Patent Document 1, they found that when performing long printing on roll paper, the amount of ink and paper required for reprinting becomes extremely large.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a recording device that reduces the amount of ink and paper used for re-recording, thereby reducing the burden on the user, and a method for manufacturing such a recording device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above object is achieved by the present invention, which is described below. That is, a recording device according to the present invention is a recording device comprising a storage means for storing image data and a recording means for recording the image data on a recording medium, and is characterized in that when re-recording is performed after the image data has been recorded, the recording means records the re-recorded image data with an overlapping margin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording device that reduces the amount of ink and paper used for re-recording and reduces the burden on the user, and a method for manufacturing the recording device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a schematic internal configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a block diagram of the inkjet recording apparatus, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the main parts of the inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a conventional banner copy. [Figure 3] This is the process for creating banner copy and an example of a failure. [Figure 4] 3 is an example of an image obtained in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 6 is another example of an image obtained in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of recording in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display on an operation panel in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 6 is another example of a display on the operation panel in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 6 is another example of a display on the operation panel in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of an image according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]10 is another example of an image according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of recording in a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to preferred embodiments.

[0010] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 shows the internal configuration of a recording device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 1(a) is a block diagram showing the internal configuration. The recording device 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an image memory 104, and an operation panel 105. The image memory 104 and the operation panel 105 correspond to a storage unit and an operation unit, respectively. The recording device 100 also includes a reading control unit 106, a reading unit 107, a read image processing control unit 108, a recorded image processing control unit 109, a recording control unit 110, a color printer 111, a paper feed control unit 112, and a roll paper feed unit 113.

[0011] The CPU 101 is a system control unit that controls the entire image processing apparatus. The ROM 102 stores the control program for the CPU 101, an operating system (OS) program, and the like. The RAM 103 is composed of SRAM or the like and is used to store program control variables and the like. The RAM 103 also stores setting values ​​registered by an operator, device management data, various work buffers, and the like. The paper settings for a print job are also stored in the RAM 103 in association with the image data to be recorded.

[0012] The image memory 104 is composed of a DRAM or the like, and a spooler for storing image data is also stored in the image memory 104. In this embodiment, image data to be recorded is temporarily saved in the image memory 104, and then the recording process begins. The image data is deleted if a user instructs not to re-record it, and continues to be held even after recording if the user does not instruct otherwise. Furthermore, if recording is not possible for some reason, multiple pieces of image data are stored in the image memory 104, and when the image data becomes recordable, it is possible to record the target image data according to instructions from the CPU 101.

[0013] The operation panel 105 is equipped with LEDs, a liquid crystal display, operation buttons, etc., and is used by the operator (user) to perform various input operations and display the operating status of the recording device. The user can also select settings for recording jobs including recording paper and settings for interrupt jobs from the operation panel 105. The user can also select image data for re-recording and whether to execute re-recording from the operation panel 105. If recording is no longer possible due to paper running out, the operation panel 105 notifies the user, and also notifies the user of the type of recording paper that should be replenished.

[0014] The reading control unit 106 optically reads an original placed on a platen in the reading unit 107 using a CS image sensor (contact image sensor, hereinafter referred to as CS), and converts the data into digital image data through A / D conversion. The read image processing control unit 108 corrects the digital image data generated by the reading control unit 106 based on the characteristics of the CS, and outputs high-resolution image data. The recording device can obtain image data in which variations in the read signal caused by the state of the CS image sensor, the environment in which the recording device is used, etc. are corrected through processing in the read image processing control unit 108.

[0015] The recording image processing control unit 109 receives as input the luminance signals (RGB, YCC, etc.) of the image read by the reading unit 107 and the reading control unit 106, and generates image data. The recording control unit 110 acquires printer status information and controls recording in a color printer 111 such as an inkjet printer, and outputs the image data generated by the recording image processing control unit 109 to the color printer 111. The paper feed control unit 112 controls the type of recording paper (recording medium) used by the color printer 111. The recording device 100 is equipped with a roll paper feed unit 113, but is also capable of recording on cut paper.

[0016] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a recording device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The recording device 100 is an inkjet recording device that records images using an inkjet method. It includes a recording device main body 120 and a main body cover unit 130 with multiple covers. The main body cover unit 130 is provided to cover the recording device main body 120. The main body cover unit 130 includes a paper feed cover 131 for loading recording media, an access cover 132 for performing maintenance work inside the recording device, an ink tank cover 133 for supplying ink to the recording device main body, and a reading unit 134 for reading recording media. The front of the recording device main body 120 is provided with an operation unit 135 that accepts user operations, and the operation unit 135 includes an operation panel 105. Therefore, the operation unit 135 can not only accept user operations but also display information from the recording device to the user.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a conventional banner copy process. Conventional banner copy processes are executed as follows: First, the user scans a document (S011). Specifically, when the user selects start of scanning by operating operation panel 105 or the like, CPU 101 operates reading unit 107 to scan the image. Then, the process proceeds to S012, where the image data is stored in image memory 104, and the process proceeds to S013. In S013, the user selects whether scanning of all documents is complete using operation panel 105. The user repeats the processes of S011 and S012 until all documents have been scanned. Once all documents have been scanned, the user operates operation panel 105, and the process proceeds to S014. Note that in this process, the completion of scanning is determined by the user's operation of operation panel 105, but this is not a limitation. For example, the number of documents to be scanned may be input into the recording device in advance, and the process may proceed to S014 after scanning that number of documents. In S014, CPU 101 performs image processing on the image data stored in image memory 104 using read image processing control unit 108 and print image processing control unit 109. After image processing is completed, CPU 101 passes the image data to color printer 111, and a printing operation is performed.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows an example of an image in this embodiment, showing an example of an actual banner copy and an example of a failed attempt. When copying a banner, the user must first scan a document 301. Here, the document 301 is scanned one page at a time. After the user selects that all documents have been scanned, the image data of each scanned document is joined, arranged, and recorded. As a result, as shown in document 302, unnecessary gaps between each document are removed, and an image that is joined together like a single large banner is obtained. Here, arrow 305 indicates the direction in which the image is recorded (the direction in which the recording medium is transported).

[0019] On the other hand, if the user scans in the wrong direction, it is possible that only part of the image will be recorded in the wrong direction, as shown in document 303. In such a case, in order to obtain the image that was originally intended, it is necessary to scan and record the entire document again, even though the failed image 304 recorded in the wrong direction is only a part of it, which may result in waste of recording media and ink and increase the burden on the user.

[0020] 4 and 5 are examples of images obtained in this embodiment. In FIG. 4, an image 401 contains a failed image 402 that was recorded in the wrong direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, an image with a margin 403 is obtained by re-recording. The image with a margin 403 is an image in which the failed image 402, which was recorded in the wrong direction, is rearranged in the correct orientation and a margin is added. The correct orientation refers to the orientation of the document in the image that the user originally intended to obtain. In this example, it is the orientation of the document recorded on the document 302. The image with a margin 403 has a margin located after the failed image 402 in the recording direction. In this example, the margin corresponds to a portion of the document image (part B) before the document of the failed image 402 was scanned. By providing a margin in this way, the user can easily align the document when gluing. The user can obtain an image similar to the original 302 by adhering the re-recorded overlap-added image 403 onto the image 401 so as to cover it.

[0021] In FIG. 5, an image similar to the original 302 is obtained by re-recording and pasting a different overlap-added image 503 onto the same image 501 as in FIG. 4 . The overlap-added image 503, like the overlap-added image 403, has an overlap portion positioned after the failed image 502, which was recorded in the opposite direction in the recording direction. However, it differs in that nothing is recorded in the overlap portion. In other words, the overlap portion may or may not be recorded as long as it allows pasting and allows the desired image to be obtained. In this example, the user can obtain an image similar to the original 302 by cutting the side of the image 501 where the failed image 502 is located and pasting the overlap-added image 503 from below. Re-recording the overlap-added image 503 requires the user to take the time to cut out the failed image, but has the advantage of narrowing the area to be pasted, compared to re-recording the overlap-added image 403.

[0022] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for re-recording in this embodiment. S111 to S114 correspond to S011 to S014 in Fig. 2, and their explanation will be omitted. After recording is completed (S115), in S116, CPU 101 displays a selection screen on the operation panel for selecting whether to re-record the recorded image, and if the user selects not to re-record, the process proceeds to S124. In S124, CPU 101 deletes the image data saved in image memory 104, and ends the process.

[0023] On the other hand, if the user selects re-recording in S116, the process proceeds to S117. In S117, CPU 101 displays a selection screen on the operation panel for selecting whether to make adjustments to the image data, and if the user selects adjustments, the process proceeds to S118, and if the user selects not to make adjustments, the process proceeds to S119. Here, adjustments to the image data refer to correcting the orientation of the image data, correcting the order of the image data, etc., and the user can perform these operations using operation panel 105 if necessary. In S118, CPU 101 displays an image processing screen on operation panel 105, and when the user operates it, the recorded image processing control unit 109 processes and performs adjustments. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S119.

[0024] In S119, CPU 101 displays a selection image on operation panel 105 for re-recording part or all of the image data, and if the user selects to re-record all, the process proceeds to S120. In S120, CPU 101 re-records all of the image data without adding any margin, and then returns to S115.

[0025] On the other hand, if the user selects to re-record part of the image data in S119, the process proceeds to S121. In S121, CPU 101 displays an image data selection screen on operation panel 105, and if the user selects image data, the process proceeds to S122. In S122, CPU 101 displays an extension provision method selection screen on operation panel 105, and if the user selects an extension provision method, the process proceeds to S123. In S123, CPU 101 executes the recording operation of the extension provision image under the conditions selected by the user, and returns to S115. In other words, whether or not to provide an extension is determined by the user's selection of whether to record all image data or only part of the image data. If the user selects to re-record in S116, the process returns to S116 after passing through multiple processes, and the processes of S116 to S123 are repeated until the user selects not to re-record.

[0026] Examples of margin providing methods displayed in S122 include those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. At this time, a form can be adopted in which the user can select a margin providing method recommended to the user with priority depending on the image to be recorded. For example, if the number of images to be re-recorded exceeds the majority of the image data, the method of pasting the margin-provided image from above as shown in FIG. 4 would result in a large pasting area. Therefore, the method of pasting the margin-provided image from below as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed as recommended. By performing such operations, the position at which the margin is provided can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the amount of margin to be provided can also be adjusted as appropriate by the user's selection.

[0027] 7A and 7B are examples of the display (UI) of the operation panel 105 in this embodiment, with Fig. 7A being an example of a screen where the user selects whether to re-record in S119, and Fig. 7B being an example of a screen where the user selects whether to revise the image data in S121. A re-recording selection screen 701 allows the user to select either re-record 702 or end recording 703. If the user selects re-record 702, the screen transitions to a selection screen 704 for whether to revise the image data. If the user selects revise the image data (705), the screen transitions to the screen in Fig. 8, and if the user simply selects re-record (706), the screen transitions to the screen in Fig. 9.

[0028] FIG. 8 is an example of a display on the operation panel 105 for the user to adjust image data. FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are examples of screens displayed in the aforementioned S118, allowing the user to adjust the image data. Here, items that the user can operate include, for example, changing the orientation or order of image data, and deleting image data. Image data 801 that the user has operated (changed) is displayed in a highlighted manner, such as by highlighting or changing the color, compared to other areas. In this embodiment, the outer frame is displayed with a thick line. This makes it visually easy to understand which image data the user has operated (changed). After the user has performed various operations, if they select "Retouching Completed" 802, the screen will transition to the screen shown in FIG. 9.

[0029] FIG. 9 shows an example of a display (UI) on the operation panel 105 that allows the user to select a portion to be re-recorded. FIG. 9(a) shows an example of a screen for selecting whether to re-record all data in the process of S119 described above, and FIG. 9(b) shows an example of a screen for selecting image data in the process of S121. In FIG. 9(a), when the user selects Start Recording 901, all image data is re-recorded without adding a margin (S120). On the other hand, when the user selects Select Image Data 902 in FIG. 9(a), the screen transitions to FIG. 9(b), where the user can select the image data they want to record. When the user selects image data (C and D in this example), the selected image data 903 is highlighted, for example, by highlighting or changing the color compared to the rest of the image data. In this embodiment, the outer frame is displayed with a thick line. This improves visibility of whether the user has made a selection. After the user selects image data, the user can select Start Recording 904, whereby only the image data selected by the user is added with a margin and re-recorded. In other words, whether or not a margin is provided is determined by the user's selection of whether to record all image data or only a portion of the image data.

[0030] In this embodiment, re-recording is performed with a margin on one side, but the user may be prompted to select a method for adding a margin, equivalent to step S122 described above, before re-recording. In this case, a selection screen may be displayed on the operation panel 105. The method for adding a margin is not limited to the above method. For example, if the image data before and after the image data to be corrected is used as is and only the corrected image data is re-recorded, a margin may be added to both the front and back. By performing such processing, re-recording with a margin can be performed. As a result, paper and ink waste during re-recording can be reduced, and the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0031] (Second embodiment) In this embodiment, an example in which paper runs out midway (hereinafter also referred to as "out of paper") and an example in which paper gets jammed midway through printing (hereinafter also referred to as "jam") will be described. FIG. 10 shows an example of an image when paper runs out. The image data in this embodiment is the same as the image data in the first embodiment. In this example, paper runs out when printing of images A and B 1001 is completed. In other words, the paper-out occurrence position 1002 is the position where printing of B is completed. In this case, the CPU 101 stores the paper-out occurrence position 1002 in the image memory 104. Then, when re-printing, the remaining image 1004 after the paper-out occurrence position is printed with an overlap margin 1003. The desired image can then be obtained by pasting the image data together.

[0032] FIG. 11 shows an example of an image in which a jam occurs during printing. In this example, a jam 1102 occurs after printing of images A and B 1101 is completed. That is, in this example, the jam occurrence position 1103 is the point where the image data of B is completed. In this case, the CPU 101 stores the jam occurrence position 1103 in the image memory 104. Then, when re-printing, the remaining image 1105 after the paper-out position is printed with an overlap margin 1104. The image data can then be stitched together to obtain the desired image. In this case, the user needs to cut the image that was first printed at the jam occurrence position 1103.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of recording when a paper out or jam occurs (hereinafter, collectively referred to as an error). In the above-mentioned S114, if a paper out or jam occurs (S211), recording is interrupted. At this time, CPU 101 stores the location where the paper out or jam occurred in image memory 104 (S212). Thereafter, CPU 101 displays a message on operation panel 105 to the user requesting that the error be resolved, and requests the user to resolve the error (S213). When the user inputs on operation panel 105 that the error has been resolved, the process proceeds to S214. In S214, CPU 101 displays an image on operation panel 105 that prompts the user to select whether or not to re-record, and if the user selects end, recording ends immediately. On the other hand, if the user selects re-recording, the process proceeds to S215. In S215, CPU 101 displays a screen on operation panel 105 that prompts the user to select whether to record all data or continue recording. If the user selects to record all data, the process proceeds to S216. If the user selects to continue recording, the process proceeds to S217. In S216, CPU 101 re-records all data without adding a margin. In S217, CPU 101 re-records the image data stored in image memory 104 after the position where the error occurred, with a margin added (S217). In other words, whether to add a margin is determined by the user's selection of whether to record all image data or continue recording. By performing such processing, the user can obtain the desired image even when an error occurs, and the waste of paper and ink that occurs during the re-recording can be reduced, thereby easing the burden on the user.

[0034] In this embodiment, the focus is on reprinting when recording is interrupted due to an error such as paper out or jam, but it can also be applied to cases where memory is insufficient, for example, when the user stops recording midway.

[0035] The present embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0036] (Configuration 1) a storage means for storing image data; a recording means for recording the image data on a recording medium, A recording apparatus characterized in that, when re-recording is performed after the image data has been recorded, the recording means records the image data to be re-recorded with an overlapping margin.

[0037] (Configuration 2) 2. The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein the storage means can hold the image data even after recording by the recording means.

[0038] (Configuration 3) 3. The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a selection means for allowing a user to select whether to perform re-recording after recording by the recording means.

[0039] (Configuration 4) 4. The recording device according to configuration 3, wherein the storage means deletes the image data when the user selects not to re-record the image data using the selection means.

[0040] (Configuration 5) 5. The recording device according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the selection means allows a user to select a change in the orientation of the image data to be re-recorded.

[0041] (Configuration 6) 6. The recording device according to any one of configurations 3 to 5, wherein the selection means allows a user to select a change in the order of the image data to be re-recorded.

[0042] (Configuration 7) 7. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 3 to 6, wherein the selection means allows a user to select an area of ​​the image data to be re-recorded.

[0043] (Configuration 8) 8. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 3 to 7, wherein the selection means allows a user to select whether or not to provide the overlap margin.

[0044] (Configuration 9) 9. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 3 to 8, wherein the selection means allows a user to select a position where the overlap margin is to be provided.

[0045] (Configuration 10) 10. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the recording means adds an overlap margin to the image data to be re-recorded so that the image data to be re-recorded can be pasted on top of the recorded image data when re-recording is performed.

[0046] (Configuration 11) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the recording means adds an overlap margin to the image data to be re-recorded so that the image data to be re-recorded can be pasted together from below the recorded image data when re-recording is performed.

[0047] (Configuration 12) 12. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the recording medium is roll paper.

[0048] (Configuration 13) 13. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the recording means executes banner printing.

[0049] (Method 1) a storage means for storing image data; a recording unit that records the image data on a recording medium, A control method for a recording device, comprising a re-recording step in which, when re-recording is performed after the image data has been recorded, the recording means adds an overlay to the image data to be re-recorded and records it.

Claims

1. a storage means for storing image data; a recording means for recording the image data on a recording medium, A recording apparatus characterized in that, when re-recording is performed after the image data has been recorded, the recording means records the image data to be re-recorded with an overlapping margin.

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage means is capable of holding said image data even after said recording means has performed recording.

3. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection means for allowing a user to select whether to perform re-recording after recording by said recording means.

4. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said storage means deletes said image data when the user selects not to re-record said image data using said selection means.

5. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the selection means allows a user to select a change in the orientation of the image data to be re-recorded.

6. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said selection means allows a user to select a change in the order of the image data to be re-recorded.

7. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said selection means allows a user to select an area of ​​the image data to be re-recorded.

8. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the selection means allows a user to select whether or not to provide the overlap.

9. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the selection means allows a user to select a position where the overlap margin is to be provided.

10. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording means adds a margin to the image data to be re-recorded so that the re-recorded image data can be pasted onto the recorded image data when re-recording is performed.

11. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording means, when re-recording is performed, adds an overlap margin to the image data to be re-recorded so that the re-recorded image data can be pasted onto the bottom of the recorded image data.

12. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is roll paper.

13. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording means executes banner printing.

14. a storage means for storing image data; a recording unit that records the image data on a recording medium, A control method for a recording device, comprising a re-recording step in which, when re-recording is performed after the image data has been recorded, the recording means adds an overlay to the image data to be re-recorded and records it.

Images