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

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that allows a user to specify a desired output print length when repeatedly printing an image on a roll of paper. [Solution] The roll-to-roll image forming apparatus of the present invention is configured to receive execution commands for print jobs relating to repeated printing of an original image with a specified output print length, and when an execution command for a print job is received, it includes a control unit that prints the original image on the conveyed roll paper a number of times corresponding to the specified output print length.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a roll-to-roll type image forming apparatus (also referred to as a roll machine) that uses roll paper as a recording medium and forms an image on the roll paper is known. For example, refer to Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, this type of image forming apparatus is used, for example, in applications such as repeatedly printing label images of the same design on roll paper (for example, long paper with label paper pasted on a backing sheet). And the roll paper on which the label images are repeatedly printed is commercially available as, for example, masking tape.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a printing mode of a label image on roll paper. In FIG. 1, pages P11 to P15 respectively correspond to regions where the same label image is printed. The length of each page region in the conveyance direction is set based on, for example, the vertical image size of the label image in the paper conveyance direction.

[0006] This type of roll paper is generally sold with a specified paper length (e.g., 30m) regardless of the design of the label image. Therefore, printing on this type of roll paper is often done considering the output print length (meaning the length of paper on which printing is performed; the same applies hereafter) that matches the actual paper length of the roll.

[0007] In this regard, conventional image forming apparatuses only allow printing jobs to be specified by the number of copies (i.e., in units of pages). Therefore, when printing for a desired paper length, the user had to calculate the required number of copies based on the image size of the label image and set it as a print job. Note that the image size of the label image typically varies depending on the design of the label image. For the user, this calculation is cumbersome, and if the output print length differs from the actual paper length, the resulting printout may be considered defective.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, the objective is to provide an image forming apparatus that enables a user to specify a desired output print length when repeatedly printing an image on a roll of paper. In other aspects, the objective is to provide an image forming system having the image forming apparatus. In other aspects, the objective is to provide a control method for the image forming apparatus. In other aspects, the objective is to provide a control program for the image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The main present invention that solves the aforementioned problems is: A roll-to-roll type image forming apparatus, A control unit is configured to receive execution commands for print jobs involving repeated printing of an original image with a specified output print length. When it receives such an execution command, it executes printing of the original image on the transported roll paper a number of times corresponding to the specified output print length. This is an image forming apparatus equipped with [a specific feature].

[0010] Also, in other situations, An external terminal device that issues the execution command for the print job, The image forming apparatus described above, This is an image forming system equipped with [a specific feature].

[0011] Also, in other situations, A control method for a roll-to-roll type image forming apparatus, The system is configured to accept execution commands for print jobs involving repeated printing of an original image with a specified output print length. Upon receiving such execution commands, the system prints the original image on the transported roll paper a number of times corresponding to the specified output print length. This is a control method for an image forming apparatus.

[0012] Also, in other situations, A control program for a roll-to-roll type image forming apparatus, The system is configured to accept execution commands for print jobs involving repeated printing of an original image with a specified output print length. Upon receiving such execution commands, the system prints the original image on the transported roll paper a number of times corresponding to the specified output print length. This is a control program for an image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when repeatedly printing an image on a roll of paper, the user can specify a desired output print length and perform the printing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of how label images are printed on roll paper. [Figure 2] This figure schematically shows the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]Diagram showing the main components of the control system of an image forming unit included in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 4] Diagram showing an example of the functional configuration installed by a control unit to execute repeated printing in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 5] Diagram showing an example of image data of a document image [Figure 6] Diagram showing an example of an operation screen for specifying the job content of a print job in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 7] Diagram for explaining "fit", "overlap", and "front" of the processing method at the print end portion in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 8] Flowchart showing an example of the processing of a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 9] Diagram showing an example of an operation screen for specifying the job content of a print job in an image forming apparatus according to Modification 1 [Figure 10] Diagram for explaining the processing method of the print width end portion in the N-up function in an image forming apparatus according to Modification 1 [Figure 11] Flowchart showing an example of the processing of a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to Modification 1 [Figure 12] Diagram showing an example of an operation screen for specifying the job content of a print job in an image forming apparatus according to Modification 2 [Figure 13] Flowchart showing an example of the processing of a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to Modification 3 [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0016] [Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus] Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "image forming apparatus U") according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 3. In this embodiment, an example of the image forming apparatus U is shown in which a label image is repeatedly printed on a roll of paper, but the image to be printed is not limited to a label image.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus U. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the control system of the image forming unit 1 provided in the image forming apparatus U.

[0018] The image forming apparatus U is a roll-to-roll type image forming apparatus that uses a roll of paper P as a recording medium and forms an image on the roll of paper P. The type of paper used as the roll of paper P is arbitrary. Here, for example, label paper is used for applications such as masking tape.

[0019] The image forming apparatus U is configured by connecting a paper feeding unit 2, an image forming unit 1, and a winding unit 3 from the upstream side along the transport direction of the roll paper P.

[0020] The paper feeding unit 2 is a device that feeds roll paper P to the image forming unit 1. Inside the housing of the paper feeding unit 2, the roll paper P is wound in a roll shape around a support shaft and held rotatably. The paper feeding unit 2 transports the roll paper P wound around the support shaft to the image forming unit 1 at a constant speed via a plurality of transport roller pairs, such as a dispensing roller and a paper feeding roller. The paper feeding operation of the paper feeding unit 2 is controlled by the control unit 100 provided in the image forming unit 1.

[0021] The image forming unit 1 forms a color image using electrophotographic process technology. Specifically, the image forming unit 1 first transfers the toner images of each toner color—Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black)—formed on the photosensitive drum 413 to the intermediate transfer belt 421. Then, after superimposing the four toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 421, it secondarily transfers them to the roll paper P fed from the paper feeding unit 2, thereby forming a color image on the roll paper P.

[0022] Furthermore, the image forming unit 1 employs a tandem system in which photoreceptor drums 413 corresponding to four colors, Y, M, C, and K, are arranged in series in the direction of travel of the intermediate transfer belt 421, and the toner images of each toner color are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421 in a single step.

[0023] The image forming unit 1 comprises an image reading unit 10, an operation display unit 20, an image processing unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a paper transport unit 50, a fixing unit 60, an inline scanner 70, a communication unit 81, a storage unit 82, and a control unit 100.

[0024] The control unit 100 includes a CPU 100a, ROM 100b, RAM 100c, etc. The CPU 100a reads a program corresponding to the processing content from ROM 100b, loads it into RAM 100c, and works in cooperation with the loaded program to centrally control the operation of each block of the image forming unit 1. At this time, various data stored in the storage unit 82 are referenced. The storage unit 82 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive.

[0025] The control unit 100 transmits and receives various types of data to and from an external terminal device (e.g., a personal computer (not shown)) connected to a communication network such as a LAN or WAN via the communication unit 81. For example, the control unit 100 receives image data transmitted from the external terminal device and forms an image on the roll paper P based on this image data. The communication unit 81 is composed of a communication control card, such as a LAN card.

[0026] The image reading unit 10 is comprised of an automatic document image feeder 11, also known as an ADF, and a document image scanning device 12, among other components.

[0027] The automatic document image feeder 11 transports the document images D placed in the document image tray using a transport mechanism and sends them to the document image scanner 12. The automatic document image feeder 11 makes it possible to continuously scan multiple document images D placed in the document image tray at once.

[0028] The document image scanning device 12 optically scans the document image transported from the automatic document image feeding device 11 onto the contact glass or the document image placed on the contact glass, and reads the document image by forming an image of the reflected light from the document image onto the light-receiving surface of the CCD sensor 12a. The image reading unit 10 generates input image data based on the reading result by the document image scanning device 12. This input image data is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 30.

[0029] The operation display unit 20 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. The display unit 21 displays various operation screens, image status, operating status of each function, printing information, etc., according to display control signals input from the control unit 100. The operation unit 22 is equipped with various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, accepts various input operations from the user, and outputs operation signals to the control unit 100.

[0030] The image processing unit 30 includes circuits and other components that perform digital image processing on the input image data according to initial settings or user settings. For example, the image processing unit 30 performs gradation correction based on gradation correction data under the control of the control unit 100. In addition to gradation correction, the image processing unit 30 also performs various correction processes such as color correction and shading correction, as well as compression processing, on the input image data. The image forming unit 40 is controlled based on the image data that has undergone these processes.

[0031] The image forming unit 40 includes toner image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K, and an intermediate transfer unit 42, etc., for forming an image using colored toners of Y, M, C, and K components based on the input image data.

[0032] The toner image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K for the Y, M, C, and K components have similar configurations. For the sake of illustration and explanation, common components are indicated by the same reference numeral, and when distinguishing them, Y, M, C, or K is added to the reference numeral. In Figure 2, only the components of the toner image forming unit 41Y for the Y component are given reference numerals, while the components of the other toner image forming units 41M, 41C, and 41K are omitted.

[0033] The toner image forming unit 41 includes an exposure device 411, a developing device 412, a photoreceptor drum 413, a charging device 414, a drum cleaning device 415, and a toner recovery unit 200, etc.

[0034] The photoreceptor drum 413 is made of an organic photoreceptor, for example, in which a photosensitive layer made of a resin containing an organic photoconductor is formed on the outer surface of a drum-shaped metal substrate. The control unit 100 rotates the photoreceptor drum 413 at a constant peripheral speed by controlling the drive current supplied to the drive motor that rotates the photoreceptor drum 413.

[0035] The charging device 414 is, for example, a charging charger, which uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive photoreceptor drum 413 to a negative polarity by generating a corona discharge.

[0036] The exposure apparatus 411 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser, and irradiates the photoreceptor drum 413 with laser light corresponding to the image of each toner color component. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of each toner color component is formed in the image region of the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413 that has been irradiated with laser light, due to the potential difference with the background region.

[0037] The developing device 412 is a two-component inverted type developing device that visualizes the electrostatic latent image and develops it as a toner image by depositing the developer of each toner color component onto the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413.

[0038] The developing roller 412A of the developing device 412 carries the developer while rotating and supplies the toner contained in the developer to the photoreceptor drum 413. Specifically, the developing roller 412A receives a developing bias from the developing bias application unit 412B, and a potential difference is generated between it and the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413, thereby forming a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413.

[0039] The drum cleaning device 415 has an elastic, flat drum cleaning blade or the like that is in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413, and removes any material that remains on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0040] The intermediate transfer unit 42 includes an intermediate transfer belt 421, a primary transfer roller 422, a plurality of support rollers 423, a secondary transfer roller 424, and a belt cleaning device 426, etc.

[0041] The intermediate transfer belt 421 is an endless belt and is stretched in a loop around a plurality of support rollers 423. At least one of the plurality of support rollers 423 is a drive roller, and the others are driven rollers. For example, it is preferable that the roller 423A, which is located downstream in the belt travel direction from the primary transfer roller 422 for component K, is the drive roller. This makes it easier to maintain a constant belt travel speed in the primary transfer section. As the drive roller 423A rotates, the intermediate transfer belt 421 travels at a constant speed in the direction of arrow A.

[0042] The intermediate transfer belt 421 is a conductive and elastic belt with a high-resistance layer on its surface. The intermediate transfer belt 421 is rotationally driven by a control signal from the control unit 100.

[0043] The primary transfer roller 422 is positioned on the inner circumferential side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, facing the photoreceptor drum 413 for each toner color component. By pressing the primary transfer roller 422 against the photoreceptor drum 413 with the intermediate transfer belt 421 in between, a primary transfer nip is formed for transferring the toner image from the photoreceptor drum 413 to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0044] The secondary transfer roller 424 is positioned on the outer circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, opposite the backup roller 423B which is located downstream of the drive roller 423A in the belt travel direction. By pressing the secondary transfer roller 424 against the backup roller 423B with the intermediate transfer belt 421 in between, a secondary transfer nip is formed for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 421 to the roll paper P.

[0045] As the intermediate transfer belt 421 passes over the primary transfer nip, the toner image on the photoreceptor drum 413 is sequentially superimposed onto the intermediate transfer belt 421 and primary transferred. Specifically, by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer roller 422 and applying a charge with the opposite polarity to the toner to the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, that is, the side in contact with the primary transfer roller 422, the toner image is electrostatically transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0046] Subsequently, as the roll paper P passes through the secondary transfer nip, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondary transferred to the roll paper P. Specifically, a secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 424, and a charge with the opposite polarity to the toner is applied to the back side of the roll paper P, that is, the side in contact with the secondary transfer roller 424, thereby electrostatically transferring the toner image to the roll paper P. The roll paper P, on which the toner image has been transferred, is then transported toward the fixing unit 60.

[0047] The belt cleaning device 426 removes any transfer residue remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 421 after secondary transfer. Alternatively, instead of the secondary transfer roller 424, a so-called belt-type secondary transfer unit may be used, in which the secondary transfer belt is stretched in a loop between a plurality of support rollers, including the secondary transfer roller.

[0048] The fixing unit 60 comprises an upper fixing unit 60A having a fixing surface side member positioned on the fixing surface of the roll paper P, i.e., the side on which the toner image is formed; a lower fixing unit 60B having a back side support member positioned on the back side of the roll paper P, i.e., the side opposite the fixing surface; and a heating source, etc. When the back side support member is pressed against the fixing surface side member, a fixing nip is formed that grips and transports the roll paper P. The fixing unit 60 fixes the toner image to the roll paper P by heating and pressurizing the transported roll paper P with the fixing nip after the toner image has been secondarily transferred.

[0049] The inline scanner 70 captures and reads an image formed on the roll paper P using, for example, a built-in CCD sensor or CMOS sensor. The inline scanner 70 is positioned, for example, downstream of the fixing unit 60 in the transport path unit 53, and facing the roll paper P.

[0050] The paper transport unit 50 includes a paper feeding unit 51, a paper discharge unit 52, and a transport path unit 53, etc. The transport path unit 53 has multiple transport roller pairs and transports the roll paper P fed from the paper feeding unit 2 to the image forming unit 40 and the fixing unit 60, and then sends it to the take-up unit 3. The multiple transport roller pairs of the transport path unit 53 include registration roller pairs that correct the tilt and misalignment of the roll paper P.

[0051] Furthermore, the paper feed section 51 is a separate paper feed section for plain paper, provided separately from the paper feed unit 2, and feeds paper that does not exceed the width of the main body of the image forming unit 1. The three paper feed tray units that make up the paper feed section 51 store paper identified based on basis weight, size, etc., according to pre-set types.

[0052] The roll paper P fed from the paper feeding unit 2 to the image forming unit 1 is transported to the image forming unit 40 by the transport path section 53. In the image forming unit 40, the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 421 is transferred to one side of the roll paper P in a single secondary transfer, and a fixing process is performed in the fixing unit 60. The image-formed roll paper P is transported to the winding unit 3 by the paper discharge section 52, which is equipped with a pair of paper discharge rollers.

[0053] The winding unit 3 is a device that winds up the roll paper P that has been transported from the image forming unit 1. Inside the housing of the winding unit 3, for example, the roll paper P is wound around a support shaft and held in a roll shape. To this end, the winding unit 3 winds the roll paper P that has been transported from the image forming unit 1 onto the support shaft at a constant speed via multiple pairs of transport rollers.

[0054] [Detailed configuration of the control unit 100] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that only the functional configuration of the control unit 100 for performing repeated printing will be described here.

[0055] Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 100.

[0056] The control unit 100 functions as a job reception unit 101, an adjustment unit 102, and a print control unit 103.

[0057] The job reception unit 101 receives execution commands for print jobs. In this embodiment, the job reception unit 101 is configured to receive execution commands for print jobs related to repeated printing of an original image with a specified output print length. The user can issue such execution commands for print jobs using, for example, the operation display unit 20 or an external terminal device (for example, an external computer not shown).

[0058] Furthermore, the job reception unit 101 can specify whether to use "fit," "overlap," or "front" as the processing method for the end of the print job (see Figure 6). Note that "end of print" refers to the portion corresponding to the last page when printing is performed repeatedly on the roll paper P (the same applies hereafter).

[0059] The adjustment unit 102 sets the number of times the original image is repeatedly printed in a print job, based on the vertical size of the original image (representing the image size in the transport direction; the same applies hereinafter) and the output print length specified for the print job. That is, the adjustment unit 102 calculates an appropriate number of repetitions when executing a print job from the output print length received by the job reception unit 101 and sets that value.

[0060] The adjustment unit 102 sets the number of repetitions for the print job as a value obtained by dividing the specified output print length by the vertical size of the original image, for example, as shown in equation (1) below. Number of repetitions N = specified output print length / vertical size of the original image... Equation (1)

[0061] However, in print jobs involving repeated printing with a specified output print length, the end of the print job may not coincide with the end of the original image. This is because the standard print length (hereinafter abbreviated as "standard print length") obtained by repeatedly printing the original image an integer number of times (where the integer number represents the value obtained by dividing the specified output print length by the vertical size of the image; the same applies hereinafter) may not match the specified output print length. In this case, if printing is performed beyond the specified output print length without any settings, depending on the type of printed material, problems may occur such as the image forming process being performed outside the paper area.

[0062] Therefore, the adjustment unit 102 adjusts the number of repetitions of the original image, etc., so that the print termination unit processes according to the specified item of "fit," "overlap," or "front" received by the job reception unit 101 (see Figure 7, which will be described later).

[0063] The print control unit 103 prints the original image onto the transported roll paper P according to the print job settings adjusted by the adjustment unit 102.

[0064] Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an example of the processing of each function of the control unit 100.

[0065] Figure 5 shows an example of image data for a document image. Here, an image of "100mm (paper transport direction) x 150mm (paper width direction)" is shown as an example. In repeated printing, for example, the image size of this document image, "100mm (paper transport direction) x 150mm (paper width direction)," becomes the unit of one page. In other words, in repeated printing, for example, the number of times this document image is repeated is used as the number of printed pages, and printing is performed accordingly. Therefore, in repeated printing, printing is performed with an output print length of 100mm (paper transport direction) x the number of repeated prints.

[0066] The adjustment unit 102 determines the image size of the original document image from the image data of the original document image received by the job reception unit 101.

[0067] However, the image size of the original document image, which is used as a unit for one page, may be adjustable by the user so that there is margin around the actual original document image.

[0068] In addition, the image size of the original document image may not be predetermined in the image data. In such cases, the adjustment unit 102 may use known image recognition processing to identify the actual image formation area in the image data of the original document image and calculate the image size of the original document image.

[0069] Figure 6 shows an example of an operation screen M for specifying the job details of a print job. This operation screen M is displayed on the operation display unit 20 when, for example, a user sends a print job registration command to the image forming apparatus U from an external terminal device, along with image data of the original document.

[0070] The operation screen M displays items such as a "output print length" specification item (text box M1) and a "print end processing method" item (pull-down menu M2). The user can specify the output print length as a numerical value (e.g., 1000 mm) by entering a number into text box M1 on the operation screen M. The user can also specify the print end processing method to one of three types, "fit," "overlap," or "front," by selecting from the pull-down menu M2 on the operation screen M. The content specified by the user on the operation screen M will be received as a print job by the job reception unit 101.

[0071] Although not shown in Figure 6, the job reception unit 101 may also accept print jobs for repeated printing of an original image with a specified output print length, as well as for repeated printing of an original image with a specified number of copies.

[0072] Figure 7 illustrates the "fit," "overlap," and "front" methods for processing the end of the printout. As described above, this process is used when the specified output print length does not match the reference print length obtained by repeatedly printing the original image an integer number of times (where the integer number of times is the output print length divided by the vertical size of the image).

[0073] In Figures 7A to 7C, P1 represents the beginning of the output roll paper P, and P2 represents the end of the output roll paper P. Here, the output print length is specified by the user to be at least N times the vertical size of the original image and less than N+1 times.

[0074] Figure 7A shows the method for processing the end of the printout when "Front" is specified as the processing method for the end of the printout. When "Front" is specified, the adjustment unit 102 sets the number of repetitions of the original image to a value calculated by truncating the output print length specified by the user by the vertical size of the original image, and then performs printing. Note that with this method of processing the end of the printout, the actual output print length that is printed will be shorter than the output print length specified by the user by the amount of the fraction truncation due to the truncation division.

[0075] Figure 7B shows the method for processing the end of the print output when "overlap" is specified as the processing method for the end of the print output. When "overlap" is specified, the adjustment unit 102 sets the number of repetitions of the original image to a value calculated by rounding up the output print length by the vertical size of the image data. In this method of processing the end of the print output, the actual print output length will be longer than the output print length specified by the user by the amount rounded up by the rounding up division.

[0076] Figure 7C shows the processing method for the end of the printout when "Fit" is specified as the processing method for the end of the printout. When "Fit" is specified, the adjustment unit 102 sets the number of repetitions of the original image to a value calculated by rounding up the output print length and dividing it by the vertical size of the image data. Then, for the image data of the last page, the adjustment unit 102 calculates the difference between the output print length and the above-mentioned standard print length, and corrects the leading edge of the original image in the transport direction to an image trimmed by the amount of the difference. With this processing method for the end of the printout, the actual output print length that is printed will match the output print length specified by the user.

[0077] [Operation flow of the control unit 100] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit 100 in a print job with repeated printing.

[0078] This section describes the processing that occurs when the control unit 100 receives an execution command for a print job that performs repeated printing with a specified output print length.

[0079] This process is initiated by a print execution command from the user. Specifically, the user first sends image data of the original document to the image forming apparatus U from an external terminal device (for example, the user's personal computer) to register a print job. Then, on the operation screen M (i.e., the operation display unit 20) shown in Figure 6, the user specifies the output print length and the processing method for the end of the print on the output paper as the job details of the print job, and issues an execution command for the print job. In other words, the print data of the print job acquired by the control unit 100 includes data such as the image data of the original document, the image size data of the original document, the output print length, the processing method for the end of the print on the output paper, and the specification data (paper size) of the roll paper P used as the recording medium.

[0080] When the control unit 100 receives a print job for repeated printing, it obtains data for the specified output print length from the print data defining the print job (step S1). Next, the control unit 100 obtains the vertical size of the original image in the paper transport direction from the print data defining the print job (step S2).

[0081] Next, the control unit 100 provisionally calculates the minimum number of print repetitions required by rounding down the specified output print length by the vertical size of the original image using the following equation (1) (step S3). Number of repetitions N = specified output print length / vertical size of the original image... Equation (1)

[0082] Next, the control unit 100 refers to the "processing method for the end of the print job" specified for the print job (step S4).

[0083] If the print job specifies the "processing method for the end of printing" as "before," the control unit 100 sets the N times calculated by the above formula (1) as the number of repetitions to be performed during printing (step S5). Then, the control unit 100 instructs the image forming unit 40 to perform printing so that the number of repetitions of printing the image data is N (step S6).

[0084] Furthermore, if the print job specifies the "overlap" mode as the "processing method for the end of printing," the control unit 100 sets the number of repetitions to be executed during printing to N+1, which is the N times calculated above (step S7). Then, the control unit 100 instructs the image forming unit 40 to perform printing so that the number of repetitions of printing the image data is N+1 (step S8).

[0085] Furthermore, if the print job specifies the "Fit" mode as the "processing method for the end of the print job," the control unit 100 sets the number of repetitions to be performed during printing to N+1, which is an increment of the N times calculated by formula (1) above (step S9). The control unit 100 then subtracts N times × image height size from the specified output print length and calculates the difference. The control unit 100 then modifies the image data to be used as the final page by trimming it by the difference (step S10). The control unit 100 then sets the number of repetitions for printing the image data to N+1, and uses the modified image data for the final page to have the image forming unit 40 perform printing (step S11).

[0086] Through the series of processes described above, the control unit 100 can repeatedly perform printing so that the actual output print length corresponds to the output print length specified by the user.

[0087] [effect] As described above, in this embodiment, As a roll-to-roll type image forming apparatus, A control unit is configured to receive execution commands for print jobs involving repeated printing of an original image with a specified output print length. When it receives such an execution command, it executes printing of the original image on the transported roll paper a number of times corresponding to the specified output print length. An image forming apparatus comprising the above is disclosed.

[0088] According to the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, when repeatedly printing an image onto masking tape or the like, it is possible to provide the user with a function that allows them to specify a desired output print length.

[0089] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, the processing method for the end of printing can also be specified by the user, making it possible to smoothly perform repeated printing with a specified output print length.

[0090] <Example 1> The image forming apparatus U according to this disclosure may be equipped with an N-up function that stacks the original image N times in the width direction of the roll paper P. The N-up function according to this modified example is a function that aggregates and prints the original image as many times as possible in the width direction of the roll paper P. That is, in the image forming apparatus U according to this modified example, the control unit 100 can specify in the print job that the original image be stacked N times in the width direction of the roll paper P.

[0091] Figure 9 shows an example of an operation screen M for specifying the job details of a print job in the image forming apparatus U according to Modification 1.

[0092] The operation screen M shown in Figure 9 displays, for example, items for specifying the "output print length" (text box M1) and items for specifying the "processing method for the end of the print" (pull-down menu M2), similar to the operation screen M shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the operation screen M shown in Figure 9 also displays items for specifying "N-up" (checkbox M3) and items for specifying the "processing method for the print width edges of the output paper" (pull-down menu M4).

[0093] Furthermore, the user can specify N-up printing in a print job by, for example, checking the checkbox M3 on this operation screen M. Additionally, the user can specify the method for handling the print width edges during N-up printing, either "fit" or "front," by selecting from the pull-down menu M4 on this operation screen M.

[0094] Figure 10 illustrates the processing method for the print width edges in the N-up function.

[0095] In this modified version, the control unit 100 calculates the number of printable N-ups based on the width of the original image (representing the image size in the transport direction; the same applies hereinafter) and the paper width of the roll paper P, when N-up is specified in the print job. The control unit 100 then generates combined image data by combining the N-up number of original images in the width direction, and uses the combined image data to perform printing.

[0096] Here, the control unit 100 sets the N-up number as a value obtained by dividing the paper width size of the roll paper P by the image width size of the original image, for example, as shown in equation (2) below. N-up count = Paper width of roll paper P / Image width of original image ... Equation (2)

[0097] However, when setting the N-up count, the print width edge (representing the widthwise edge of the roll paper P) may not match the width edge of the original image (representing the widthwise edge of the original image). This is because the paper width size of the roll paper P may not match the standard print width when the original image is combined an integer number of times in the paper width direction (where the integer number is the value obtained by dividing the paper width size by the image width). Note that "print width edge" refers to the portion corresponding to the widthwise edge when the original image is repeatedly printed along the width direction on the roll paper P (the same applies below).

[0098] Therefore, the control unit 100 in this modified example allows specifying the processing method for the edges of the print width in the N-up function of a print job. Specifically, the control unit 100 adjusts the number of repetitions of the original image, etc., so that the edges of the print width are processed according to the specified item of "fit" or "front" (see Figure 10).

[0099] If "front" is specified as the method for processing the edges of the print width, the control unit 100 sets the N-up number to a value calculated by truncating the paper width size of the roll paper P by the horizontal image size of the original image, as shown in Figure 10A.

[0100] On the other hand, if "Fit" is specified as the method for processing the edges of the print width, the control unit 100 sets the N-up number to a value calculated by rounding up and dividing the paper width size of the roll paper P by the horizontal image size of the original image, as shown in Figure 10B. Then, it calculates the difference between the paper width size and the above-mentioned standard print width, modifies the image data at the very edge to an image that has been trimmed by the difference in the paper width direction from the original image, and generates combined image data.

[0101] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit 100 when the N-up function is installed. Figure 11 only shows a series of processes for creating combined image data.

[0102] First, the control unit 100 obtains N-up specification information for the print job (whether or not an N-up specification has been made) (step S21). Next, the control unit 100 obtains the paper width size of the roll paper P from the print data that defines the print job (step S22). Next, the control unit 100 obtains the horizontal size of the original image in the paper width direction from the print data that defines the print job (step S23).

[0103] Next, the control unit 100 calculates the required number of N-ups by using the following equation (2) to divide the paper width size of the roll paper P by the image width size of the original image (step S24). N-up count = Paper width of roll paper P / Image width of original image ... Equation (2)

[0104] Next, the control unit 100 refers to the "processing method for the print width edges of the output paper" specified for the print job (step S25).

[0105] If the print job specifies the "forward" mode as the "method for handling the print width edges of the output paper," the control unit 100 determines the number of N-ups calculated by the above formula (2) as the number of N-ups to be executed during printing (step S27).

[0106] Furthermore, if the print job specifies "Fit" mode as the "processing method for the end of the print job," the control unit 100 determines the N-up number to be executed during printing by incrementing the N-up number calculated in formula (2) above by one. Then, the control unit 100 subtracts the N-up number × image width from the paper width size of the roll paper P and calculates the difference. At this time, the control unit 100 modifies the image data used at the very end by trimming it by the amount of that difference (step S26).

[0107] Next, the control unit 100 creates combined image data by combining the image data in the width direction by the N-up number determined in S26 or S27 (step S28).

[0108] Next, the control unit 100 uses the combined image data created in S28 to perform printing in accordance with the specified output print length (step S29). Note that the process in step S29 is the same as the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0109] Through the series of processes described above, the control unit 100 can perform repeated printing with N-up specified.

[0110] <Modification 2> In the image forming apparatus U according to this disclosure, the print job may be configured to allow specifying the number of copies to be printed, which defines the number of times the output print length will be printed, along with the output print length.

[0111] Figure 12 shows an example of an operation screen M for specifying the job details of a print job in an image forming apparatus U according to Modification 2.

[0112] The operation screen M shown in Figure 12 displays items similar to the operation screen M shown in Figure 6, such as an item for specifying the "output print length" (text box M1) and an item for specifying the "processing method for the end of the print" (pull-down menu M2). Furthermore, the operation screen M shown in Figure 12 also displays an item for specifying the number of copies to print (text box M5).

[0113] In the modified image forming apparatus U, the user can specify the number of times to print the desired number of copies by entering the desired number of copies in the text box M5. The modified image forming apparatus U is useful, for example, in an image forming apparatus equipped with a function to automatically replace the roll paper P.

[0114] <Variation 3> In configuring the image forming apparatus U according to this disclosure, the operation display unit that issues execution commands for print jobs may be mounted on an external terminal device (for example, a computer used by the user).

[0115] In other words, the functions of the control unit shown in the above embodiment may be realized in an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus that performs printing and an external terminal device that receives execution commands for print jobs. This allows the user to use the external terminal device to issue execution commands to the image forming apparatus U for print jobs related to repeated printing of the original image, specifying the output print length and the like.

[0116] <Modification 4> When implementing the image forming apparatus U according to this disclosure, the control for printing the output print length may be performed based on the transport length information of the roll paper P. The transport length information of the roll paper P may be detected from the image read by the inline scanner 70, or it may be calculated from the rotation speed of the motor that drives the transport rollers of the paper transport unit 50.

[0117] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit 100 in the image forming apparatus U according to this modified example.

[0118] First, the control unit 100 obtains data for the specified output print length from the print data (step S31). Then, the control unit 100 instructs the image forming unit 40 to start repeated printing of the original image (step S32). Next, the control unit 100 obtains information regarding the transport length of the roll paper P from the paper transport unit 50 (step S33). Finally, the control unit 100 determines whether the transport length of the roll paper P has reached the specified output print length (step S34).

[0119] The control unit 100 then repeatedly performs the processes in S33 and S34 and waits until the transport length of the roll paper P reaches the specified output print length (step S34: NO). When the transport length of the roll paper P reaches the specified output print length (step S34: YES), the control unit 100 terminates the printing operation (step S35).

[0120] Even with the processing described above, the control unit 100 can control the image forming apparatus U to repeatedly print the original image for a specified output print length. However, in the image forming apparatus U according to this modified example, there is a risk that processing at the end of printing may not be properly performed. From this viewpoint, the image forming apparatus U according to the above embodiment is useful.

[0121] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. [Industrial applicability]

[0122] According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when repeatedly printing an image on a roll of paper, the user can specify a desired output print length and perform the printing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] U Image forming apparatus 1 Image forming unit 2 Paper feed unit 3. Winding Unit 10 Image reading unit 20 Operation display section 21 Display section 22 Control section 30 Image Processing Unit 40 Image forming unit 50 Paper transport section 60 Fixing section 60A Upper fixing section 60B Lower fixing section 70 Inline Scanners 81 Communications Department 82 Memory section 100 Control Unit 101 Job Reception Department 102 Adjustment section 103 Printing Control Unit P Roll Paper

Claims

1. A roll-to-roll image forming apparatus, A control unit is configured to receive execution commands for print jobs involving repeated printing of an original image with a specified output print length. When it receives such an execution command, it executes printing of the original image on the transported roll paper a number of times corresponding to the specified output print length. An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

2. The control unit sets the number of times to repeatedly print the original image in the print job based on the vertical size of the original image in the paper transport direction and the specified output print length, and then executes the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit allows specifying how to process the end of a print job when the specified output print length does not match the reference print length obtained by repeatedly printing the original image an integer number of times (where the integer number of times is the output print length divided by the vertical size of the image). The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. One of the specified methods for processing the end of the print section includes a first embodiment in which the number of repetitions is set to a value calculated by rounding up the output print length by the vertical size of the image and dividing by that value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

5. A second embodiment includes a method for processing the print termination that can be specified, in which the number of repetitions is set to a value calculated by truncating and dividing the output print length by the vertical size of the image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

6. A third embodiment includes a method for processing the print end that can be specified, in which the number of repetitions is set to a value calculated by rounding up the output print length and dividing by the vertical size of the image, the difference between the output print length and the reference print length is calculated, and the image data of the final page is modified to an image in which the leading edge side in the paper transport direction of the original image is trimmed by the difference. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The control unit is configured to be able to specify, in the print job, the number of copies to print, which defines the number of times the print job of the output print length will be performed, along with the output print length. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The control unit performs the printing on the roll of paper for a specified output print length based on the transport length of the transported roll of paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The control unit is configured to allow specifying that, in the print job, the original image should be processed N-up in the width direction of the roll paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

10. When the N-up specification is given in the print job, the control unit calculates the number of printable N-ups based on the width of the original image and the width of the roll paper, generates combined image data by combining the N-up number of original images in the width direction, and performs the print using the combined image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The control unit allows specifying, in the print job, the N-up function, how to handle the edges of the print width when the paper width size does not match the reference print width when the original image is combined an integer number of times in the paper width direction (where the integer number of times is the value obtained by dividing the paper width size by the horizontal size of the image). The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. A fourth embodiment includes a method for processing the print width edges that can be specified, in which the N-up number is set to a value calculated by truncating the paper width size by the image width size. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. A fifth embodiment includes a method for processing the specified print width edges, in which the N-up number is set to a value calculated by rounding up the paper width size and dividing by the image width size, the difference between the paper width size and the reference print width is calculated, and the image data at the outermost edge is modified to an image obtained by trimming the original image by the difference in the paper width direction, thereby generating the combined image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

14. Includes an operation display unit for specifying the job details of the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

15. An external terminal device that issues the execution command for the print job, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, An image forming system comprising the following features.

16. A control method for a roll-to-roll type image forming apparatus, The system is configured to accept execution commands for print jobs involving repeated printing of an original image with a specified output print length. Upon receiving such execution commands, the system prints the original image on the transported roll paper a number of times corresponding to the specified output print length. A control method for an image forming apparatus.

17. A control program for a roll-to-roll type image forming apparatus, The system is configured to accept execution commands for print jobs involving repeated printing of an original image with a specified output print length. Upon receiving such execution commands, the system prints the original image on the transported roll paper a number of times corresponding to the specified output print length. Control program for an image forming apparatus.

Images