Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

This achieves both a reduction in the frequency of paper changes and a reduction in paper waste. [Solution] An image forming apparatus that performs a print job includes: an acquisition means for acquiring a first paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus, a second paper size and the size of a first print area that are pre-set for a first print job; a calculation means for calculating a first margin amount based on the first paper size and the size of the first print area if the first paper size is larger than the second paper size; and a determination means for determining the paper size to be used for the first print job based on a comparison result between an allowable margin amount that defines the margin amount allowed in the image forming apparatus and the first margin amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There are known image forming apparatuses such as printers or copiers that execute a print job received from a host device and form an image on a recording medium. Among this type of image forming apparatuses, there are known image forming apparatuses such as large-format printers that execute a print job using a sheet of paper such as roll paper in order to print a poster or the like. Generally, since roll paper corresponding to a large-format printer is large in weight and size, it is troublesome to replace the paper, and there is a problem that the printing time including the paper replacement becomes long. In order to reduce the frequency of paper replacement, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of printing with the paper mounted on the image forming apparatus even when the paper size set in the print job is different from the paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0005] The image forming apparatus according to this disclosure is an image forming apparatus for executing a print job, and is characterized by comprising: acquisition means for acquiring a first paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus and a second paper size and a first print area size that are pre-set for a first print job; calculation means for calculating a first margin amount based on the first paper size and the first print area size if the first paper size is larger than the second paper size; and determination means for determining the paper size to be used for the first print job based on a comparison result between an allowable margin amount that defines the margin amount allowed in the image forming apparatus and the first margin amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The technology disclosed herein makes it possible to achieve both a reduction in the frequency of paper changes and a reduction in paper waste. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the main controller of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating the conventional printing process flow of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the printing process of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the detailed flow of the printing process in an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the relationship between image data and paper size. [Figure 7] A table showing an example of information regarding the types of paper that can be loaded into an image forming apparatus and their loading status. [Figure 8] A table showing an example of print job information set for a print job. [Figure 9] A table showing an example of margin information generated when a print job is executed. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the printing process of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] A table showing an example of information indicating the types of paper that can be loaded into an image forming apparatus and their loading status. [Figure 12] A table showing an example of print job information set for a print job. [Figure 13] A table showing an example of margin information generated when a print job is executed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments described below are not limiting to this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, each step in the flowchart will be indicated by a reference numeral beginning with "S".

[0009] [First Embodiment] Image forming apparatus hardware configuration Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller unit 110 and a print engine unit 120. The image forming apparatus 100 can also be connected to a host device 190 via a network 191. The controller unit 110 includes a main controller 111, a host IF 112, a print engine IF 113, a RAM 114, a ROM 115, an image processing unit 116, an input / output device 117, and an HDD 118. These are interconnected via a system bus 119.

[0010] The main controller 111, including the CPU, controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 100, such as printing operations, using the RAM 114 as a work area, according to the program and various parameters stored in the ROM 115. For example, when a print job is input from the host device (host computer) 190 via the host IF 112, the image processing unit 116 performs predetermined image processing on the received print job according to the instructions of the main controller 111. Then, the main controller 111 transmits the print job with the image processing performed to the print engine unit 120 via the print engine IF 113.

[0011] RAM 114 is used as the work area of ​​the main controller 111, as a temporary storage area for various received data, and for storing various setting data. ROM 115 stores programs for execution by the main controller 111 and various data necessary for various operations of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0012] The image processing unit 116 performs various image processing tasks. For example, it processes a print job represented in a page description language (Page Description Language) into a bitmap print job. For example, the image processing unit 116 processes a color space (e.g., YCbCr) of an input print job into a standard RGB color space (e.g., sRGB). For example, the image processing unit 116 performs various image processing tasks as needed, such as resolution conversion to a number of pixels that the image forming apparatus 100 can print, image analysis, and image correction. The print jobs obtained through these image processing tasks are stored in the RAM 114.

[0013] The input / output device 117 includes hard keys, a panel for the user to perform various operations, and a display unit for displaying (notifying) various information to the user. Also, for the display of information to the user, the input / output device 117 may output sound (such as a buzzer, voice, etc.) based on acoustic information from an acoustic generator. For the input / output device 117, a touch panel in which an operation unit and an output unit are integrated may be used. The HDD 118 is a non-volatile storage area, which stores programs for the main controller 111 to execute, print jobs, and setting information necessary for various operations of the image forming apparatus 100, and can read out the stored various data. Note that instead of the HDD 118, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or cloud storage may be used.

[0014] The print engine unit 120 is a print unit that performs image formation. The print engine unit 120 includes a controller IF 121, a print controller 122, a ROM 123, a RAM 124, and an image processing controller 125. Further, the print engine unit 120 includes a maintenance control unit 126, an ink supply control unit 127, a head carriage control unit 128, a conveyance control unit 129, and a recording head 130. Each part is connected via a system bus 131.

[0015] The print controller 122 constituted by a CPU controls various mechanisms included in the print engine unit 120 using the RAM 124 as a work area according to programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 123. When the print engine unit 120 receives various commands or a print job via the controller IF 121, the print controller 122 temporarily stores them in the RAM 124.

[0016] To enable the recording head 130 to perform recording operations, the print controller 122 instructs the image processing controller 125 to convert the saved print job into recording data. Once the recording data is generated, the print controller 122 instructs the recording head 130 to perform recording operations based on the recording data. At this time, the print controller 122 uses the transport control unit 129 to transport the paper. Following the instructions of the print controller 122, the recording operation by the recording head 130 is performed in conjunction with the paper transport operation, and the printing process is carried out.

[0017] The head carriage control unit 128 changes the orientation and position of the recording head 130 according to the operating status of the image forming apparatus 100, such as the maintenance status and recording status. The ink supply control unit 127 controls the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head 130 so that it remains within an appropriate range. The maintenance control unit 126 controls the cleaning of the transport rollers and the recording head 130, which are controlled by the transport control unit 129.

[0018] The recording head 130 is a printing unit that prints images, and prints images onto paper based on a print job. The recording head 130, for example, holds multiple print heads for multiple colors and ejects ink in synchronization with the paper transport to form an image on the paper. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is described using an inkjet printer that uses ink as a recording material as an example, but is not limited thereto. This disclosure is applicable to printing apparatuses of various printing methods, such as thermal printers such as dye-sublimation printers or thermal transfer printers, dot matrix printers, LED printers, and electrophotographic printers such as laser printers.

[0019] In this embodiment, the input / output device 117 is located inside the image forming apparatus 100, but is not limited to this. For example, the input / output device 117 may be connected as an external device via the network 191. The host device 190 may also function as the input / output device 117. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 may be able to connect other input / output devices via the network 191 or the like, in addition to the input / output device 117.

[0020] Furthermore, the host device 190 is, for example, an external device that serves as a source of print jobs, and a printer driver is installed on the host device. The host device 190 is not limited to a host computer, but may be, for example, a tablet terminal. In addition to the host device 190, the image forming apparatus 100 may also be connected to a data supply device that serves as a source of print jobs, such as a digital camera or a smartphone. The connection method between each device and the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to via the network 191. For example, each device and the image forming apparatus 100 may be directly connected via wireless communication.

[0021] Functional configuration of an image forming apparatus In this disclosure, margin amount refers to margin ratio or margin area. The margin ratio is calculated by subtracting the print area area (print area width multiplied by print area height) from the paper area (paper width multiplied by paper height), and then dividing the result by the paper area. The allowable margin amount refers to the allowable margin ratio or allowable margin area, and is the amount that defines the allowable margin amount in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the main controller 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The acquisition unit 201 acquires various information, including the paper size and the width and height of the print area set for the print job, as well as the paper size of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100. The information set for the print job also includes the allowable margin amount. In addition, if there is a subsequent print job, the acquisition unit 201 also acquires various information set for the subsequent print job.

[0023] The calculation unit 202 calculates the margin amount, such as the margin ratio mentioned above. The comparison unit 203 compares the margin amount for the paper size installed in the image forming apparatus 100 with the allowable margin amount mentioned above. The comparison unit 203 also compares the margin amount when the current print job is executed using the paper size set for the subsequent print job with the allowable margin amount mentioned above.

[0024] The determination unit 204 determines the paper size for the print job and subsequent print jobs based on the comparison result of the margin amount calculated by the calculation unit 202 and the margin amount compared by the comparison unit 203. The notification unit 205 notifies the user of information such as the status of the image forming apparatus 100, information prompting paper replacement, and errors that have occurred. Notification methods include displaying information on a display device (not shown) or using an acoustic device such as a buzzer or voice. The display control unit 206 controls the display of information received from the notification unit 205, for example, on a display device (not shown). The control unit 207 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 100. In the following description, margin ratio and allowable margin ratio will be used as examples of margin amounts, but margin area and allowable margin area may also be used.

[0025] Processing flow performed by the image forming apparatus An example of the processing flow performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a conventional image forming apparatus that receives a print job and determines the paper size to be printed. The problems of conventional processing will be explained using this flowchart. In the following explanation, the term "paper" will be used, but this disclosure is also applicable to recording media other than plain paper. In other words, this disclosure can be applied to recording media such as sheets. Furthermore, the explanation will assume that the paper is roll paper. Therefore, the paper size will refer to the width of the paper or the paper width. Note that this disclosure is also applicable to paper such as cut paper.

[0026] In S301, the main controller 111 stores the print job received from the host IF 112 in the RAM 114. In S302, the main controller 111 obtains the print job setting information and generates print job information including the paper size. In S303, the main controller 111 compares the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus with the paper size in the print job information and processes according to the comparison result. If the paper size in the print job information is the same as the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus, the process proceeds to S306. If the paper size in the print job information is larger than the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus, the process proceeds to S304. If the paper size in the print job information is smaller than the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus, the process proceeds to S305. In S304, the main controller 111 notifies the user via the notification unit 205 to change the paper. In this case, the main controller 111 may also display the message prompting the user to change the paper on a display device (not shown) via the display control unit 206. In addition, the main controller 111 may notify the user by sounding a buzzer or the like. Once the paper change is complete, the process proceeds to S306. In S305, the main controller 111 changes the paper size set for the print job to the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus, and the process proceeds to S306. In S306, printing is performed using the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus with the paper size set for the print job, and the processing flow shown in the flowchart in Figure 3 is completed.

[0027] As mentioned above, conventional technology executes printing by changing the paper size to one loaded in the printer without considering margin amounts such as the margin area (calculated by subtracting the area of ​​the print job from the paper area) or the margin ratio (calculated by dividing the margin area by the paper area). Therefore, even if the margin ratio or margin area is larger than the value intended by the user, printing is still performed, resulting in wasted paper.

[0028] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Specifically, it shows the processing flow for determining the paper size when the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 is larger than the paper size set for the print job, taking into account the margin ratio when printing with the loaded paper. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing flow for calculating the margin ratio. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between image data and paper size. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of information indicating the paper that can be loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 and the loading status. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of print job information set for a print job. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of margin information that occurs when printing a print job. The information on the paper that can be loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 in Figure 7 is generated when initializing the image forming apparatus 100 or when registering paper information. The main controller 111 acquires the information on the paper that can be loaded via the acquisition unit 201. The processing of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

[0029] The processing flow for determining the paper size while considering the margin ratio when printing on paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 will be explained using Figure 4. In S401, the main controller 111 stores the print job received from the host IF 112 in the RAM 114. In S402, the main controller 111 acquires the print job setting information via the acquisition unit 201 and generates the print job information shown in Figure 8.

[0030] In S403, the main controller 111 compares the paper size information in Figure 7 with the paper size information in Figure 8 via the comparison unit 203, and proceeds with processing according to the comparison result. If the paper size information in the print job is the same as the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, the process proceeds to S408. If the paper size information in the print job is larger than the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, the process proceeds to S404. If the paper size information in the print job is smaller than the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, the process proceeds to S405. In S404, the main controller 111 notifies the user via the notification unit 205 to change the paper. In this case, the main controller 111 may also display the message prompting the user to change the paper on a display device (not shown) via the display control unit 206. In addition, the main controller 111 may also notify the user by sounding a buzzer or the like. Once the paper change is complete, the process proceeds to S408. In S405, the main controller 111, via the calculation unit 202, calculates the margin ratio when printing a print job on the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, based on the paper size information in Figure 7 and the print job information in Figure 8, and generates the margin information shown in Figure 9. Once the margin information is generated, the process proceeds to S406.

[0031] In S406, the main controller 111 makes the following decision via the determination unit 204 based on the allowable margin ratio of the print job information in Figure 8 and the margin information in Figure 9. Specifically, the main controller 111 decides whether to change the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 or to change the paper size 805 set in the print job to the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100. If the main controller 111 decides to change the paper, the process proceeds to S404. If the main controller 111 decides to change the paper size 805 set in the print job to the paper size of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, the process proceeds to S407.

[0032] In S407, the main controller 111 changes the paper size 805 set for the print job to the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, and the process proceeds to S408. In S408, printing is performed using the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, on paper of the paper size set for the print job. Once printing is complete, the processing flow shown in the flowchart in Figure 4 is finished.

[0033] Next, we will explain the detailed processing flow for calculating the margin ratio in S405 of Figure 4 using the flowchart in Figure 5. In S501, the main controller 111 calculates the margin ratio when the image data is not rotated, based on the paper size information in Figure 6 and the print job information in Figure 7, via the calculation unit 202, and the process proceeds to S502. Here, an example of when the image data is not rotated is shown in Figure 6(a).

[0034] In S502, the main controller 111 compares the width of the image data when rotating the image data of a print job with the paper width (paper width size) via the comparison unit 203, based on the paper size information in Figure 6 and the print job information in Figure 7. An example of rotating the image data is shown in Figure 6(b). In the examples in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the margins are smaller when the image data is rotated than when the image data is not rotated. If the width of the image data when rotated is less than or equal to the paper width, the process proceeds to S503. If the width of the image data when rotated is greater than the paper width, the process proceeds to S505.

[0035] In S503, the main controller 111 calculates the margin ratio when the image data is rotated, based on the paper size information in Figure 7 and the print job information in Figure 8, via the calculation unit 202. In S504, the main controller 111 compares the margin ratio when the image data is not rotated, calculated in S501, with the margin ratio when the image data is rotated, calculated in S503, via the comparison unit 203. If the margin ratio when the image data is not rotated is smaller than or equal to the margin amount when the image data is rotated, the process proceeds to S505. If the margin ratio when the image data is not rotated is larger than the margin ratio when the image data is rotated, the process proceeds to S506. In S505, the main controller 111 sets the margin ratio when the image data is not rotated to the margin information in Figure 9, and the processing flow of the flowchart shown in Figure 5 ends. In S506, the main controller 111 sets the margin ratio when the image data is rotated to the margin information in Figure 9, and the processing flow of the flowchart shown in Figure 5 ends.

[0036] Information on paper that can be loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 will be explained using Figure 7. The paper information shown in Figure 7 includes paper size 701, paper width 702, and loading status 703. Paper size 701 is the size of the paper (unit: inches). Paper width 702 is the width of the paper (unit: mm). Loading status 703 indicates whether or not paper is loaded into the image forming apparatus 100. If paper is loaded into the image forming apparatus 100, loading status 703 is set to TRUE. If no paper is loaded into the image forming apparatus 100, loading status 703 is set to FALSE. In Figure 7, the paper sizes 701 that can be loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 are 18 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches, and 42 inches, and the respective paper widths 702 are 457 mm, 610 mm, 914 mm, and 1067 mm. In Figure 7(a), the loading status 703 for paper size 701 is TRUE, indicating that 36-inch paper is loaded into the image forming apparatus 100. In Figure 7(b), the loading status 703 for paper size 701 is TRUE, indicating that 42-inch paper is loaded into the image forming apparatus 100.

[0037] The print job information set for a print job will be explained using Figure 8. The print job information shown in Figure 8 is generated at S402 in the flowchart of Figure 4, and the main controller 111 acquires this print job information via the acquisition unit 201. The print job information in Figure 8 includes the job ID 801, image data width 802, image data height 803, image data area 804, paper size 805, and allowable margin ratio 806.

[0038] Job ID 801 is an identification ID assigned to each print job. Image data width 802 is the width of the image data (mm). Image data height 803 is the height of the image data (mm). Image data area 804 is the image data area (mm²) calculated by multiplying the image data width 802 and the image data height 803. Paper size 805 is the paper size (inch) to be printed on, set for the print job. Allowable margin ratio 806 is a value that defines the margin ratio allowed by the user. The margin area is the area of ​​the margin region obtained by subtracting the image data area from the paper area, and the margin ratio (%) is the ratio obtained by dividing the margin area by the paper area. The allowable margin ratio 806 may also be calculated from the image data height 803, image data area 804, paper size 805, and paper width 702.

[0039] For example, the allowable margin ratio of 806 can be calculated by determining the paper width of 702 from the paper size of 805 and using the following formula (1).

[0040] Allowable margin ratio = 100 × Image data area / (Paper width × Image data height) ... Formula (1) In this embodiment, the allowable margin ratio 806 is a value stored as print job information, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be set and stored in the image forming apparatus 100 as an allowable margin ratio common to all print jobs.

[0041] In Figure 8, print job JOB1 has an image data width of 802 = 550 mm, an image data height of 703 = 850 mm, and an image data area of ​​804 = 550 mm × 850 mm = 467,500 mm². Print job JOB1 also has a paper size of 805 = 24 inches and a margin ratio of 806 = 10.0%.

[0042] The margin information in Figure 9 will now be explained. The margin information in Figure 9 is generated by the main controller 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment during the process of S405 in the flowchart shown in Figure 4 and the process of the flowchart shown in Figure 5. The main controller 111 acquires the margin information in Figure 9 via the acquisition unit 201. The margin information in Figure 9 includes the job ID 901, paper size 902, rotation 903, image data width 904, image data height 905, paper area 906, margin area 907, and margin ratio 908.

[0043] Job ID 901 is an identification ID assigned to each print job. Paper size 902 is the paper size (inches). Rotation 903 indicates whether or not to rotate the image data by 90 or 270 degrees before printing. If you want to print with a 90 or 270 degree rotation, Rotation 903 is set to TRUE. If you want to print without rotation, Rotation 903 is set to FALSE. If the image data can be rotated by 90 or 270 degrees and still fit within the paper width, that is, if the image data width 904 is smaller than the paper width 702, the margin information for the 90 or 270 degree rotation is also calculated and stored. Image data width 904 is the width of the image data (mm). If Rotation 903 is FALSE, the image data width 802 in the print job information in Figure 8 is set to the image data width 904. If Rotation 903 is TRUE, the image data height 803 in the print job information in Figure 7 is set to the image data width 904. Image data height 905 is the height of the image data (mm). If Rotation 903 is FALSE, the image data height 803 of the print job information in Figure 8 is set to the image data height 905. If Rotation 903 is TRUE, the image data width 802 of the print job information in Figure 8 is set to the image data height 905.

[0044] The paper area 906 is the area of ​​the paper (mm²) and is calculated from the paper width 702 and the image data height 905 in the paper information of Figure 7(a) or Figure 7(b). The margin area 907 is the area of ​​the margin region (mm²) obtained by subtracting the image data area 804 in Figure 8 from the paper area 906. The margin ratio 908 is the percentage obtained by dividing the margin area 907 by the paper area 906. The margin ratio can be calculated, for example, using the following formula (2).

[0045] Margin ratio = 100 × (Paper area - Image data area) / Paper area ... Formula (2) Next, we will explain an example of printing on paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 where the margin ratio is smaller than the allowable margin ratio, using Figures 7(a) and 9(a). Specifically, we will explain the case where the processing route proceeds from S406 to S407 in Figure 4.

[0046] In Figure 7(a), if the paper size 701 is TRUE and the paper size 703 is TRUE, it indicates that the image forming apparatus 100 is loaded with 36-inch paper. In this situation, the margin information when printing print job JOB1 on the loaded 36-inch paper is shown in Figure 9(a).

[0047] In Figure 9(a), when rotation 903 is FALSE, the image data width 904 is 550 mm and the image data height 905 is 850 mm. The paper area 906 is calculated from the paper width 702 in Figure 7(a) and the image data height 805 in Figure 9(a), resulting in 914 mm × 850 mm = 776,900 mm². The margin area 907 is calculated from the paper area 906 and the image data area 804 in Figure 8, resulting in 776,900 mm² - 467,500 mm² = 309,400 mm². The margin ratio 908 is calculated from the margin area 907 and the paper area 906, resulting in 100 × 309,400 mm² / 776,900 mm² = 39.8% (rounded to two decimal places).

[0048] In Figure 9(a), when rotation 903 is TRUE, the image data width 904 is 850 mm and the image data height 905 is 550 mm. The paper area 906 is calculated from the paper width 702 in Figure 7(a) and the image data height 905 in Figure 9(a), which is 914 mm × 550 mm = 502,700 mm². The margin area 907 is calculated from the paper area 906 and the image data area 804 in Figure 8, which is 502,700 mm² - 467,500 mm² = 35,200 mm². The margin ratio 908 is calculated from the margin area 907 and the paper area 906, which is 100 × 35,200 mm² / 502,700 mm² = 7.0% (rounded to two decimal places). Therefore, the margin ratio of the paper size mounted in the image forming apparatus 100 is the margin ratio when rotation 903 is TRUE (7.0%).

[0049] Figure 9(b) shows the margin information for the paper size (24 inches = 610 mm) set in the print job. When rotation 903 is FALSE, the image data width 904 is 550 mm and the image data height 905 is 850 mm. The paper area 906 is calculated from the paper size of the print job (24 inches = 610 mm) and the image data height 805 in Figure 9(a), which is 610 mm × 850 mm = 518,500 mm². The margin area 907 is calculated from the paper area 906 and the image data area 804 in Figure 8, which is 518,500 mm² - 467,500 mm² = 51,000 mm². The margin ratio of 908 is calculated from the margin area of ​​907 and the paper area of ​​906, which is 100 × 51,000 mm² / 518,500 mm² = 9.8% (rounded to two decimal places).

[0050] In Figure 7(a), if the paper size 701 is 36 inches and the paper loading status 703 is TRUE, the details of the processing in S406 in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be explained. Here, the allowable margin ratio 806 of the print job information in Figure 8 is assumed to be 10.0%. In S406, the main controller 111 compares the margin ratio (7.0%) of the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 with the allowable margin ratio 806 (10.0%). In this embodiment, the margin ratio (7.0%) of the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 is smaller than the allowable margin ratio. Therefore, the main controller 111, via the determination unit 204, decides to change the paper size 805 of the print job to 36 inches, which is the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 in Figure 7(a).

[0051] Thus, if the margin ratio of the paper size loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 is less than or equal to the allowable margin ratio, the paper size of the print job is changed to the paper size loaded into the image forming apparatus 100.

[0052] Next, using Figures 7(b) and 9(c), we will explain an example where the margin ratio when printing with the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the allowable margin ratio, and the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 is replaced with paper of the paper size set for the print job. That is, we will explain the case where the processing route proceeds from S406 to S403 in Figure 4.

[0053] In Figure 7(b), if the paper size 701 is TRUE and the paper size 703 is TRUE, it indicates that the image forming apparatus 100 is loaded with 42-inch paper. In this situation, the margin information when printing print job JOB1 on the loaded 42-inch paper is shown in Figure 9(c).

[0054] In Figure 9(c), when rotation 903 is FALSE, the image data width 904 is 550 mm and the image data height 905 is 850 mm. The paper area 906 is calculated from the paper width 702 in Figure 7(b) and the image data height 905 in Figure 9(c), resulting in 1,067 mm × 850 mm = 906,950 mm². The margin area 907 is calculated from the paper area 906 and the image data area 804 in Figure 8, resulting in 906,950 mm² - 467,500 mm² = 439,450 mm². The margin ratio 908 is calculated from the margin area 907 and the paper area 906, resulting in 100 × 439,450 mm² / 906,950 mm² = 48.5% (rounded to two decimal places).

[0055] In Figure 9(c), when rotation 903 is TRUE, the image data width 904 is 850 mm and the image data height 905 is 550 mm. The paper area 906 is calculated from the paper width 702 in Figure 7(b) and the image data height 905 in Figure 9(c), resulting in 1,067 mm × 550 mm = 586,850 mm². The margin area 907 is calculated from the paper area 906 and the image data area 804 in Figure 8, resulting in 586,850 mm² - 467,500 mm² = 119,350 mm². The margin ratio 908 is calculated from the margin area 907 and the paper area 906, resulting in 100 × 119,350 mm² / 586,850 mm² = 20.3% (rounded to two decimal places).

[0056] Since the margin ratio 908 is smaller when rotation 903 is TRUE, the margin ratio of the paper size loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 is the margin ratio when rotation 903 is TRUE (20.3). In Figure 7(b), when the loading status 703 is TRUE for paper with a paper size 701 of 42 inches, the details of the processing of S406 in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be explained. Here, the allowable margin ratio 806 of the print job information in Figure 8 is assumed to be 10.0%.

[0057] In S406, the main controller 111 compares the margin ratio (20.3%) of the paper size loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 with the allowable margin ratio 806 (10.0%). The margin ratio (20.3%) of the paper size loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the allowable margin ratio. Therefore, the main controller 111, via the determination unit 204, decides to replace the paper loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 with 24-inch paper, which is the paper size 805 set for the print job in Figure 7.

[0058] Furthermore, if the paper size set for a print job differs from the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, the main controller 111 may decide whether to change the paper size of the print job, taking the paper type into consideration. For example, if the paper type is roll paper, it is assumed that the paper will be cut after printing. Therefore, the possibility of problems occurring when printing on a paper size larger than the paper size set for the print job is low, so the main controller 111 decides to change the paper size of the print job. On the other hand, if the paper type is cut paper, the possibility of problems occurring when printing on a paper size different from the paper size set for the print job is high, so the main controller 111 decides not to change the paper size 805 of the print job.

[0059] If the margin ratio of the paper size loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the allowable margin ratio, the paper size of the print job will be set to the pre-configured paper size, and the paper loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 will be changed to the paper size set in the print job.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the paper size is determined according to the allowable margin ratio and the margin ratio, but it is not limited to this. The paper size may also be determined according to the margin area and the allowable margin area. In addition, a method for selecting between a paper feed priority mode that prioritizes the paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 and a setting priority mode that prioritizes the paper size set in the print job may be provided, and the paper size of the print job may be determined according to the mode. As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in the frequency of paper changes and a reduction in paper waste.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] This embodiment describes the process of determining the paper size by considering both the setting information of the print job to be executed and the setting information of the subsequent print job. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the processing flow when the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job, and the paper size set for the print job is larger than the paper size that can be loaded into the image forming apparatus 100, and smaller than the paper size set for the subsequent print job. In this processing flow, the paper size is determined by considering the margin ratio when printing on paper of the size set for the subsequent print job. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of information indicating the paper that can be loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 and the loading status. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of print job information set for a print job. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of margin information that will be generated when printing a print job. The information on the paper that can be loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 in Figure 11 is generated when initializing the image forming apparatus 100 or when registering paper information. The main controller 111 acquires the information on the paper that can be loaded via the acquisition unit 201.

[0062] The process shown in the flowchart in Figure 10 is described below. In S1001, the main controller 111 stores the print job received from the host IF 112 in the RAM 114, and the process proceeds to S1002. In S1002, the main controller 111 acquires the print job setting information via the acquisition unit 201 and generates the print job information shown in Figure 12. The processes in S1001 and S1002 and the processes from S1003 onwards can be executed in parallel. Therefore, the next print job can be received even while the processes from S1003 onwards are being executed.

[0063] In S1003, the main controller 111 compares the paper size in Figure 11 with the paper size in the print job information (set paper size) in Figure 12 via the comparison unit 203, and proceeds with processing according to the comparison result. If the paper size in the print job information (set paper size) is the same as the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, the process proceeds to S1012. If the paper size in the print job information (set paper size) is smaller than the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, the process proceeds to S1004. If the paper size in the print job information (set paper size) is larger than the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, the process proceeds to S1008.

[0064] In S1004, the main controller 111 calculates the margin ratio when printing a print job on the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, based on the paper size information in Figure 11 and the print job information in Figure 12, via the calculation unit 202. Furthermore, the main controller 111 generates margin information (not shown) using the margin ratio, etc. Once the margin information is generated, the process proceeds to S1005. In S1005, the main controller 111, via the determination unit 204, decides whether to perform one of the following actions based on the allowable margin ratio of the print job information shown in Figure 12 and the margin information (not shown). The action is either to "change the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100" or to "change the paper size 1205 set in the print job to the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100".

[0065] If it is decided to change the paper, the process proceeds to S1006. If it is decided to change the paper size 1205 set in the print job to the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, the process proceeds to S1007.

[0066] In S1006, the main controller 111 notifies the user via the notification unit 205 to change the paper. In this case, the main controller 111 may also display the message prompting the user to change the paper on a display device (not shown) via the display control unit 206. In addition, the main controller 111 may also notify the user using a buzzer or the like. Once the paper change is complete, the process proceeds to S1012. In S1007, the main controller 111 changes the paper size 1205 set in the print job to the paper size of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, and the process proceeds to S1012.

[0067] In S1008, the main controller 111 compares the paper size (set paper size) of the current print job information in Figure 12 with the paper size of the subsequent print job information in Figure 12 via the comparison unit 203, and proceeds with processing according to the comparison result. If the paper size (set paper size) of the current print job information is larger than the paper size of the subsequent print job information, the process proceeds to S1006. If the paper size (set paper size) of the current print job information is smaller than or equal to the paper size of the subsequent print job information, the process proceeds to S1009.

[0068] In S1009, the main controller 111 calculates the margin ratio when printing the current print job using the paper size of the subsequent print job information, based on the paper size information in Figure 11 and the print job information in Figure 12, via the calculation unit 202. The main controller 111 generates the margin information shown in Figure 13 using the calculated margin ratio, and the process proceeds to S1010. In S1010, the main controller 111 decides, via the determination unit 204, to perform one of the following actions based on the allowable margin ratio of the print job information in Figure 11 and the margin information in Figure 13. The action is either to "replace the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 with paper of the paper size set for the current print job" or to "change the paper size 1205 of the current print job to the paper size set for the subsequent print job".

[0069] If it is decided to replace the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 with paper of the size set for the current print job, the process proceeds to S1006. If it is decided to change the paper size 1205 of the current print job to the paper size set for the subsequent print job, the process proceeds to S1011. In S1011, the main controller 111 changes the paper size 1205 of the current print job to the paper size set for the subsequent print job, and the process proceeds to S1006. In S1012, printing is performed using the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the paper size set for the print job. Once printing is complete, the process flow shown in the flowchart in Figure 10 is finished.

[0070] Information on paper that can be loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 will be explained using Figure 11. The paper information shown in Figure 11 includes paper size 1101, paper width 1102, and loading status 1103, similar to Figures 7(a) and 7(b). In Figure 11, the paper sizes 1101 that can be loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 are 18 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches, and 42 inches, and the respective paper widths 1102 are 457 mm, 610 mm, 914 mm, and 1067 mm. In Figure 11, the loading status 1103 for paper with a paper size 1101 of 18 inches is TRUE, indicating that 18-inch paper is loaded into the image forming apparatus 100.

[0071] The print job information set for a print job will be explained using Figure 12. The print job information shown in Figure 12 is generated at S1002 in the flowchart of Figure 10 in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The print job information in Figure 12 includes, as in Figure 8, a job ID 1201, an image data width 1202, an image data height 1203, an image data area 1204, a paper size 1205, and an allowable margin ratio 1206.

[0072] In Figure 12, JOB1 has an image data width of 1202 = 550 mm and an image data height of 1203 = 850 mm. The image data area 1204 is 550 mm × 850 mm = 467,500 mm², the paper size 1205 is 24 inches, and the allowable margin ratio 1206 is 10.0%. In Figure 12, JOB2 has an image data width of 1202 = 900 mm and an image data height 1203 = 1,000 mm. The image data area 1204 is 900 mm × 1,000 mm = 900,000 mm², the paper size 1205 is 36 inches, and the allowable margin ratio 1206 is 10.0%.

[0073] The margin information in Figure 13 will now be explained. The margin information in Figure 13 is generated by the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment during the process at S1009 in the flowchart shown in Figure 10 and the process in the flowchart shown in Figure 5. The main controller 111 acquires the margin information in Figure 13 via the acquisition unit 201. The margin information in Figure 13 includes, as in Figure 9, a job ID 1301, paper size 1302, rotation 1303, image data width 1304, image data height 1305, paper area 1306, margin area 1307, and margin ratio 1308.

[0074] Figure 13 illustrates an example where, if the paper size set for a print job is larger than the paper size loaded in the image forming apparatus 100, and smaller than the paper size set for a subsequent print job, the print job is printed using the paper size set for the subsequent print job. If the paper size set for the print job is used, 24-inch paper is loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 to execute the current print job. Then, 36-inch paper is loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 to execute the subsequent print job. In other words, two paper changes are required.

[0075] In this embodiment, at S1010 in Figure 10, the main controller 111, via the determination unit 204, determines the paper to be used for the current print job and subsequent print jobs based on the allowable margin ratio of the print job information in Figure 11 and the margin information in Figure 13. Specifically, in order to determine whether the number of paper changes can be reduced, it determines whether the paper size (36 inches) set for the subsequent print job can be applied to the current print job.

[0076] Figure 13(a) shows the margin information when the current print job JOB1 is printed on paper the same size as the subsequent print job JOB2. In Figure 13(a), when rotation 1303 is FALSE, the image data width 1304 is 550 mm and the image data height 1305 is 850 mm. The paper area 1306 of JOB1 (rotation: FALSE) is calculated from the paper width 1102 of the paper used in JOB2 and the image data height 1205 of JOB1, resulting in 914 mm × 850 mm = 776,900 mm2. The margin area 1307 of JOB1 (rotation: FALSE) is calculated from the paper area 1306 and the image data area 1204 in Figure 12, resulting in 776,900 mm2 - 467,500 mm2 = 309,400 mm2. The margin ratio of 1308 for JOB1 (Rotation: FALSE) is calculated from the margin area of ​​1307 and the paper area of ​​1306, resulting in 100 × 309,400 mm² / 776,900 mm² = 39.8% (rounded to two decimal places).

[0077] In Figure 13(a), when rotation 1303 is TRUE, the image data width 1304 is 850 mm and the image data height 1305 is 550 mm. The paper area 1306 of JOB1 (rotation: TRUE) is calculated from the paper width 1102 of the paper used in JOB2 and the image data height 1305 of JOB1, which is 914 mm × 550 mm = 502,700 mm². The margin area 1307 of JOB1 (rotation: TRUE) is calculated from the paper area 1306 and the image data area 1204 in Figure 12, which is 502,700 mm² - 467,500 mm² = 35,200 mm². The margin ratio of 1308 for JOB1 (Rotation: TRUE) is calculated from the margin area of ​​1307 and the paper area of ​​1306, which is 100 × 35,200 mm² / 502,700 mm² = 7.0% (rounded to two decimal places).

[0078] Since the margin ratio 1308 is smaller when rotation 1303 is TRUE, the margin ratio 1308 when the current print job JOB1 is printed on the 36-inch paper size of the subsequent print job JOB2 will be 7.0%.

[0079] Figure 13(b) shows the margin information when printing the subsequent print job JOB2 on paper of the same size as the subsequent print job JOB2. In Figure 13(b), when rotation 1303 is FALSE, the image data width 1304 is 900 mm and the image data height 1305 is 1000 mm. The paper area 1306 of JOB2 (rotation: FALSE) is calculated from the paper width 1102 of the paper used in JOB2 and the image data height 1205 of JOB2, which is 914 mm × 1000 mm = 914,000 mm2. The margin area 1307 of JOB2 (rotation: FALSE) is calculated from the paper area 1306 and the image data area 1204 in Figure 12, which is 914,000 mm2 - 900,000 mm2 = 14,000 mm2. The margin ratio of 1308 for JOB2 (Rotation: FALSE) is calculated from the margin area of ​​1307 and the paper area of ​​1306, resulting in 100 × 14,000 mm² / 914,000 mm² = 1.5% (rounded to two decimal places).

[0080] In the subsequent print job, if rotation 1303 is TRUE, the image data width 1304 is 1000 mm and the image data height 1305 is 900 mm. When rotation 1303 is TRUE, the image data width is larger than the paper width of the paper size, so the subsequent print job cannot be executed. Therefore, when the subsequent print job JOB2 is printed on paper of the size of the subsequent print job JOB2, the margin percentage will be 1.5%, which is smaller than the allowable margin percentage.

[0081] When printing the current print job JOB1 on the 36-inch paper size of the subsequent print job JOB2, the processing flow in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to S1010, S1011, S1006, and S1012 of the flowchart in Figure 10.

[0082] In S1010, the main controller 111 compares the allowable margin ratio 1206 (10.0%) of the current print job JOB1 in Figure 12 with the margin ratio 1308 (7.0%) of the margin information in Figure 13(a). The margin ratio 1308 (7.0%) is smaller than the allowable margin ratio 1206 (10.0%). Therefore, the main controller 111 decides via the determination unit 204 to change the paper size 1205 of the current print job JOB1 to the paper size 36 inches of the subsequent print job JOB2. In other words, if the margin ratio of the current print job remains smaller than the allowable margin ratio even after changing the paper size of the current print job to the paper size of the subsequent print job, it is possible to execute both the current print job and the subsequent print job with a single paper change.

[0083] In S1011, the main controller 111 changes the paper size 1205 of the current print job JOB1 to 36 inches, which is the paper size of the subsequent print job JOB2, and the process proceeds to S1006. In S1006, the paper loaded into the image forming apparatus 100 is replaced with the 36-inch paper newly set for the current print job JOB1, and the process proceeds to step S1012. In S1012, printing is performed using the paper after the paper change.

[0084] When this embodiment is applied, when printing the current print job JOB1, the paper size of the subsequent print job JOB2 is taken into consideration, and the 18-inch paper currently loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 is replaced with 36-inch paper for the subsequent print job JOB2. Since both the current print job JOB1 and the subsequent print job JOB2 are printed on 36-inch paper, the paper only needs to be changed once. Therefore, the frequency of paper changes can be reduced compared to the conventional technology.

[0085] According to this embodiment, if the paper size of the current print job does not fit within the paper size available in the image forming apparatus, printing can be done on paper of the size of the subsequent print job, thereby reducing the frequency of paper changes and shortening the printing time, including paper change time. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in the frequency of paper changes and a reduction in paper waste.

[0086] [Other embodiments] Furthermore, a program for realizing the functions of the embodiments described herein may be supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media. The system or device's computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) may read the program and execute its functions, or cause various mechanisms to execute it. This program may be executed on a single computer or through the coordinated execution of multiple computers. In addition, it is not necessary to implement all of the above-described processes in software; some or all of the processes may be implemented in hardware such as an ASIC. Moreover, the implementation is not limited to a configuration where a single CPU performs all processes; multiple CPUs may cooperate as appropriate to perform the processes, or one CPU may execute one of the processes while multiple CPUs cooperate to perform the other processes.

[0087] The above-described embodiments include the following configurations.

[0088] (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus for executing a print job, comprising: acquisition means for acquiring a first paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus, a second paper size and a first print area size pre-set for a first print job; calculation means for calculating a first margin amount based on the first paper size and the first print area size if the first paper size is larger than the second paper size; and determination means for determining the paper size to be used for the first print job based on a comparison result between an allowable margin amount that defines the margin amount allowed in the image forming apparatus and the first margin amount.

[0089] (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the determination means determines the paper size to be set for the first print job to be the first paper size when the first margin amount is less than or equal to the allowable margin amount, and determines the paper size to be set for the first print job to be the second paper size when the first margin amount is greater than the allowable margin amount.

[0090] (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the calculation means calculates the first margin amount by subtracting the size of the first printing area (the width of the first printing area multiplied by the height of the first printing area) from the first paper size (the width of the first paper size multiplied by the first height) by the first paper size, provided that the height of the first printing area is less than or equal to the width of the first printing area when the height of the first printing area is less than or equal to the width of the first printing area when the height of the first printing area is greater than the width of the first printing area.

[0091] (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 3, characterized in that the acquisition means further acquires a third paper size that is pre-set for a second print job that follows the first print job, the calculation means calculates a second margin amount by subtracting the size of the first print area from the third paper size obtained by multiplying the width of the third paper size by the first height, if the second paper size is larger than the first paper size and the third paper size is larger than the second paper size, and the determination means determines the paper size to be set for the first print job to be the third paper size if the second margin amount is less than or equal to the allowable margin amount.

[0092] (Configuration 5) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a notification means for notifying that the first paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus is to be changed to another paper size.

[0093] (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 5, characterized in that the notification means displays on a display device the content of changing the first paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus to another paper size.

[0094] (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 5 or 6, characterized in that the notification means notifies by sound device when the first paper size mounted in the image forming apparatus is changed to another paper size.

[0095] (Configuration 8) A control method for an image forming apparatus that performs a print job, comprising: a step of acquiring a first paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus, a second paper size preset for the first print job, and the size of the first print area calculated from the width and height of the first print area; a step of calculating a first margin amount based on the first paper size and the size of the first print area if the first paper size is larger than the second paper size; and a step of determining the paper size to be used for the first print job based on a comparison result between an allowable margin amount that defines the margin amount allowed in the image forming apparatus and the first margin amount.

[0096] (Configuration 9) A program for causing a computer to function as an image forming apparatus as described in any one of Configurations 1 to 7.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for performing print jobs, An acquisition means for acquiring the first paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus, and the second paper size and the size of the first printing area that are pre-set for the first print job, If the first paper size is larger than the second paper size, a calculation means for calculating a first margin amount based on the first paper size and the size of the first printing area, A determination means for determining the paper size to be used for the first print job based on a comparison result between an allowable margin amount that defines the allowable margin amount in the image forming apparatus and the first margin amount, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned determination means is If the first margin amount is less than or equal to the allowable margin amount, the paper size to be set for the first print job is determined to be the first paper size. If the first margin amount is greater than the allowable margin amount, the paper size to be set for the first print job is determined to be the second paper size. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The calculation means is If the height of the first printing area is less than or equal to the width of the first printing area, the height of the first printing area is taken as the first height. If the height of the first printing area is greater than the width of the first printing area, the width of the first printing area is taken as the first height. Then, the first margin is calculated by subtracting the size of the first printing area (the width of the first printing area multiplied by the height of the first printing area) from the first paper size (the width of the first paper size multiplied by the first height) by the first paper size, and dividing the result by the first paper size. The image forming apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The acquisition means further acquires a third paper size that is pre-set for a second print job that follows the first print job. The calculation means, when the second paper size is larger than the first paper size and the third paper size is larger than the second paper size, calculates the second margin by subtracting the size of the first printing area from the third paper size obtained by multiplying the width of the third paper size by the first height, and then dividing the result by the third paper size. The determination means determines the paper size to be set for the first print job to be the third paper size if the second margin amount is less than or equal to the allowable margin amount. The image forming apparatus according to feature 3.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying that the first paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus is to be changed to another paper size.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the notification means displays on a display device the content of changing the first paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus to another paper size.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the notification means notifies by sound device when the first paper size installed in the image forming apparatus is changed to another paper size.

8. A control method for an image forming apparatus that performs a print job, A step of acquiring the first paper size mounted on the image forming apparatus, the second paper size pre-set for the first print job, and the size of the first print area calculated from the width and height of the first print area, If the first paper size is larger than the second paper size, the process involves calculating a first margin based on the first paper size and the size of the first printing area. A step of determining the paper size to be used for the first print job based on a comparison result between the allowable margin amount that defines the allowable margin amount in the image forming apparatus and the first margin amount, A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

9. A program for causing a computer to function as an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images