printer

Abstract

To provide a technology that allows for the production of printed materials equivalent to those produced by cut printing, without cutting the sheet. [Solution] Printer 1 generates raster data corresponding to A4 size based on acquired image data and registers the generated raster data in the print management area 25. Printer 1 starts transporting A5 size cut paper with the transport mechanism 16 and uses the print engine 15 to print on the A5 size cut paper transported by the transport mechanism 16 based on the A5 size raster data included in the raster data registered in the print management area 25 that corresponds to one of the upper or lower halves of the A4 size in the longitudinal direction. Printer 1 also uses the print engine 15 to print on subsequent A5 size cut paper transported by the transport mechanism 16 based on the A5 size raster data included in the raster data registered in the print management area 25 that corresponds to the other of the upper or lower halves of the A4 size in the longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to printers.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, printers having a function of cutting sheets are known. For example, in Patent Document 1, there is an image forming apparatus provided with a cutter. When receiving a print job specifying A4 size and there is no A4-size sheet but an A3-size sheet, the A3-size sheet is conveyed and the printed sheet is cut to A4 size by the cutter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, in a printer having a function of cutting sheets, a cut printing configuration in which a sheet is printed in a predetermined standard size and then cut in half is known. On the other hand, when trying to obtain the same printed matter as cut printing using a printer that does not have a function of cutting sheets, after printing on a sheet of a predetermined standard size, the user has to manually cut the printed matter in half, which places a heavy burden on the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A printer developed to solve this problem comprises a printing engine and a transport mechanism capable of transporting a second cut sheet, which is a cut sheet of a second standard size that is half the size of a first standard size, in at least one of the longitudinal and transverse directions of the second cut sheet, wherein when the printer acquires image data, it generates source raster data, which is raster data corresponding to the first standard size, based on the image data, stores the generated source raster data in a memory area, starts transporting the second cut sheet using the transport mechanism, and includes raster data corresponding to the second standard size, which is included in the source raster data stored in the memory area, and the first standard The system is configured to print on a preceding sheet of paper, which is one of the second cut sheets transported by the transport mechanism, based on first division raster data, which is raster data corresponding to the first part, which is one of the upper and lower halves in the longitudinal direction of the shape size, using the printing engine, and to print on a succeeding sheet of paper, which is one of the second cut sheets transported by the transport mechanism and is the sheet that follows the preceding sheet, based on second division raster data, which is raster data corresponding to the second standard size, which is the other of the upper and lower halves in the longitudinal direction of the first standard size, contained in the division source raster data stored in the memory area, using the printing engine.

[0006] The printer disclosed herein generates a first standard-sized source raster data based on acquired image data, prints on a second standard-sized preceding sheet of paper based on the first divided raster data corresponding to one of the upper and lower halves of the source raster data, and similarly prints on a second standard-sized succeeding sheet of paper based on the second divided raster data corresponding to the other of the upper and lower halves of the source raster data. Therefore, the printer can, for example, print an image divided into an upper and lower half in the longitudinal direction on A5-sized cut sheets, based on A4-sized image data. As a result, even when using a printer that does not have a sheet-cutting function, printed materials equivalent to cut printing can be obtained without cutting the sheets.

[0007] The control method, computer program, and computer-readable storage medium for storing the above-mentioned printer functions are also novel and useful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The technology disclosed herein enables the creation of printed materials equivalent to those produced by cut printing, without cutting the sheet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the printing process. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing examples of image data and raster data. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print management area. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the printing process. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the printing process. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing examples of image data and raster data. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print management area. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the printing process. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing examples of image data and raster data. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the printing process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The first embodiment of the printer will be described in detail below, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 1 in this configuration includes a CPU 11 and a controller 10 which includes memory 12. The printer 1 also includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, a print engine 15, and a transport mechanism 16, all of which are electrically connected to the controller 10.

[0012] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program read from memory 12 and based on user input. Note that the controller 10 in Figure 1 is a general term for the hardware and software used to control printer 1, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually present in printer 1.

[0013] The memory 12 of the printer 1 in this configuration stores various programs and data, including the operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, a print program 22, split setting information 23, paper size information 24, and a print management area 25. The print program 22 is a program that works in cooperation with the OS 21 to cause the printer 1 to perform printing operations. Details of the programs and data will be described later. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. The buffer provided by the CPU 11 is also an example of memory.

[0014] The memory is not limited to ROM, RAM, HDD, etc., built into the printer 1; it may be any storage medium that the CPU 11 can read and write to. For example, external memory such as a USB memory stick or HDD connected to the printer 1, or memory or HDDs provided in devices connected to the printer 1 via the communication interface 14, are also examples of memory.

[0015] Also, a computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs in addition to the above examples. Also, non-transitory media are tangible media. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet or the like is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but is not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0016] The user IF 13 includes, for example, a touch panel. The touch panel includes hardware for displaying a screen for notifying a user of information and hardware for receiving an operation by the user. The user IF 13 may include a combination of a display and hardware buttons or the like.

[0017] The communication IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with an external device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"). The communication standards of the communication IF 14 are, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, etc. The printer 1 can receive image data transmitted from the PC 3 via the communication IF 14. The printer 1 may be provided with a plurality of communication IF 14 corresponding to a plurality of communication standards.

[0018] The printing engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image on a printing medium such as a sheet. The image forming method of the printing engine 15 is, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The printer 1 of this embodiment may be provided with a printing engine 15 capable of performing color printing using a plurality of colorants, or may be provided with a printing engine 15 that performs only monochromatic printing using a single colorant.

[0019] Furthermore, the printer 1 in this configuration includes a transport mechanism 16 which includes a paper feed tray 161 for storing sheets before printing, an output tray 162 for ejecting printed sheets, and a sheet transport path which is the path for sheets from the paper feed tray 161 through the printing engine 15 to the output tray 35. The printer 1 may also have multiple paper feed trays 161 and multiple output trays 162.

[0020] Note that there may be multiple paper sizes that can be stored in the paper tray 161. Also, there may be multiple types of paper that can be stored in the paper tray 161. Printer 1 can accept settings for the paper size stored in the paper tray 161, for example, through operations on the user interface 13. Printer 1 may also have a function to detect the size of the paper stored in the paper tray 161. Based on settings by user operations or detection results by the detection function, Printer 1 stores information indicating the size of the paper stored in the paper tray 161 as paper size information 24 in memory 12. If there are multiple paper trays 161, Printer 1 stores information indicating the size of the paper stored in each paper tray 161 in association with that paper tray 161.

[0021] For example, if A4-sized cut sheets are stored in the paper feed tray 161, the printer 1 can transport the A4-sized cut sheets in the longitudinal direction using the transport mechanism 16. Also, if A5-sized cut sheets are stored in the paper feed tray 161, the printer 1 can transport the A5-sized cut sheets in either the longitudinal or short direction, depending on the storage configuration. Furthermore, the printer 1 can also transport letter-sized cut sheets and half-letter-sized cut sheets.

[0022] A4 size and letter size are examples of the first standard size, and cut sheets of A4 size and letter size are examples of the first cut sheet. A5 size and half letter size are examples of the second standard size, and cut sheets of A5 size and half letter size are examples of the second cut sheet. In this specification, we will explain the combination of A4 size and A5 size, but the same treatment applies to the combination of letter size and half letter size.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 1 in this configuration is connected to the PC 3. The PC 3 comprises an editing application program (hereinafter referred to as "editing app") 31 and a printer driver 32. The printer driver 32 is a program that can accept various setting instructions for printing on the printer 1. The PC 3 can send image data based on data created or edited in the editing app 31 to the printer 1 via the printer driver 32. The PC 3 is an example of an external device.

[0024] Next, the procedure for the printing process performed by printer 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 2. This printing process is executed by the CPU 11 of printer 1 based on the printing program 22, triggered by the acquisition of image data representing the image to be printed. Printer 1 may acquire image data by receiving it from an external device such as PC 3, or by reading it from a USB memory connected to printer 1. If printer 1 is equipped with a scanner, it may also acquire image data by scanning the original document. Furthermore, if printer 1 can connect to the internet via the communication interface 14, it may also acquire image data by downloading it via the internet.

[0025] The following processes basically refer to CPU operations performed according to instructions written in the program. That is, processes such as "judgment," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" in the following explanation represent CPU operations. CPU operations include hardware control using OS APIs. In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted when explaining the operation of each program. That is, in the following explanation, a statement to the effect of "Program B controls hardware C" may also refer to "Program B controls hardware C using OS APIs." In addition, CPU operations performed according to instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated language. For example, it may be written as "performed by the CPU." Also, CPU operations performed according to instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated language such as "performed by Program A."

[0026] Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as "notification," "information," "notice," "reply," "response," and "answer" are used not only to mean the transmission of information to a person, but also to mean communication and exchange of information between devices or between components within a device. Note that the components within a device include software.

[0027] Furthermore, "acquisition" is used in a sense that does not necessarily require a request. That is, the process of the CPU receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "the CPU acquiring data." Also, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit sequence that can be read by a computer. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats will be treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Also, "request" and "instruct" are concepts that indicate that information indicating a request or instruction is being output to the other party. Information indicating a request or instruction may also be simply referred to as "request" or "instruction."

[0028] Furthermore, the process by which the CPU determines whether information A indicates event B is sometimes conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or not." Similarly, the process by which the CPU determines whether information A indicates event B or event C is sometimes conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or event C."

[0029] Furthermore, in this specification, setting items may be simply referred to as "settings." Similarly, setting values ​​may also be simply referred to as "settings." Setting values ​​may also be referred to as "parameters." Additionally, storing setting values ​​in memory or elsewhere may be simply referred to as "settings." Furthermore, the operation for setting or the input for setting may also be simply referred to as "settings."

[0030] When the CPU 11 acquires the image data to be printed, it allocates a print management area 25 in the memory 12, which is a memory area for writing raster data (S101). The print management area 25 is an example of a memory area. The print management area 25 is a memory area used by the print engine 15. For example, when the printer 1 generates raster data for one page based on A4-sized image data, it allocates a vertically oriented print management area 25 with a size corresponding to the short side of the A4 size in the main scanning direction and the long side of the A4 size in the sub-scanning direction. In this configuration, the CPU 11 allocates two print management areas 25, each large enough to write one page of raster data. Although not explicitly stated thereafter, the CPU 11 allocates the print management area 25 as needed.

[0031] The CPU 11 refers to the print settings associated with the acquired image data and determines whether the paper size in the print settings is A4 or Letter size, and whether the splitting setting information is turned on (S105). The printer driver 32 can send information indicating the print settings, including information indicating the paper size and information indicating the splitting setting, to the printer 1 in association with the image data to be printed to the printer 1. The information indicating the paper size included in the print settings is an example of the print paper size.

[0032] Specifically, the user can, for example, create editing data 51 indicating the image to be printed using the editing application 31 and instruct printer 1 to print. This activates the printer driver 32 corresponding to printer 1, and the editing application 31 passes the editing data to the printer driver 32. Figure 3(A) shows an example of editing data 51 indicating an A4-sized image.

[0033] Printer 1 is capable of split printing, printing half of an A4-sized image onto two A5-sized cut sheets of paper. If the user wants a split printout, they specify A4 size as the paper size and turn on the split setting in the printer driver 32. When the split setting is turned on, the printer driver 32 generates two image data 521 and 522 showing the same image, as shown in Figure 3(B), and sends them to Printer 1 along with the print setting information 511 which includes the information that the split setting is turned on. The print setting information 511 which includes the information that the split setting is turned on is an example of split information. Since Printer 1 transports A4-sized paper in the longitudinal direction, the printer driver 32 rotates the editing data 51 by 90 degrees, as shown in Figure 3(B). Note that the image rotation may be performed by Printer 1.

[0034] If the user wants a printout on a single A4-sized sheet of paper based on A4-sized image data, the user specifies A4 size as the paper size and sets the splitting setting to off in the printer driver 32. If the splitting setting is set to off, the printer driver 32 generates only one image data file. The printer driver 32 associates print setting information, including information where the splitting setting is not set to on, with image data equivalent to, for example, image data 521 or 522, and sends it to printer 1.

[0035] The printer driver 32 may accept user-defined paper size and division settings. The printer driver 32 may accept various user-defined settings when it receives editing data from the editing application 31, for example. Alternatively, the printer driver 32 may accept user-defined paper size and division settings in advance before receiving editing data from the editing application 31. Furthermore, the user may specify paper size and division settings to the printer driver 32 via a settings screen displayed during operation of the editing application 31. The editing application 31 may also have a function equivalent to that of the printer driver 32, for example, a function to send image data to printer 1. In this case, the editing application 31 may accept the user-defined paper size and division settings.

[0036] The CPU 11 can determine whether the splitting setting is set to "on" based on the print setting information associated with the acquired image data. If it determines that the paper size in the print setting is A4 or Letter and that the splitting setting is "on" (S105: YES), the CPU 11 first rasterizes the first image data to generate raster data for one page (S111). For example, if the CPU 11 receives A4-sized image data 521 as shown in Figure 3(B), it rasterizes the image data 521 to generate A4-sized raster data 531 as shown in Figure 3(C). Image data 521 is an example of the first image data. Raster data 531 is an example of the source raster data for splitting, and is an example of the first source raster data for splitting.

[0037] Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines the information indicating the paper size and the information indicating the image length included in the print instruction information, in association with the generated raster data 531 (S112). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets the paper size to A5L and the image length to half the size of the long side of A4. Note that A5L is the same as A5 size when the print orientation is landscape.

[0038] The CPU 11 then registers the print instruction information and the raster data 531 generated in S111 into the print management area 25, which was secured in S101 (S113). The print instruction information includes information indicating the paper size and information indicating the image length, which were determined in S112. The CPU 11 also registers various other information in the print management area 25, based on the print settings associated with the received image data, in addition to the paper size and image length.

[0039] As a result, the print management area 25 registers the print instruction information and raster data 531 as print management information for the first page, for example, as shown in Figure 4. Once the information for one page is registered in the print management area 25, the print engine 15 can start printing based on that information. Based on the paper size of the print instruction information, the print engine 15 transports an A5-sized cut sheet of paper in the shorter direction and prints the image length from the beginning of the raster data 531 in the sub-scanning direction. Since the image length included in the print instruction information is half the length of the A4 long side, the print engine 15 prints the image up to half the length of the A4 long side of the raster data 531 onto the A5-sized cut sheet of paper, as shown in Figure 3(D).

[0040] If the raster data 531 corresponds to a vertical A4 size image, its size in the main scanning direction is approximately equal to the length of an A5 size cut sheet. In other words, by transporting the A5 size cut sheet in the short-side direction, the printer 1 can use the A4 size raster data 531 directly to print on the A5 size cut sheet, simplifying the process. When printing by transporting the A5 size cut sheet in the long-side direction, the printer 1 simply needs to rotate the raster data 531.

[0041] In other words, the print engine 15 performs printing based on the raster data 531 registered in the print management area 25 that corresponds to the upper half in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the print engine 15 does not use the raster data 531 registered in the print management area 25 that corresponds to the lower half in the longitudinal direction for printing. In this case, the raster data corresponding to the upper half in the longitudinal direction is an example of the first division raster data, and the upper half is an example of the first part. The print engine 15 may also release the print management area 25, which contains information about the pages that have been printed.

[0042] If the split setting is enabled, the printer driver 32 sends two image data files showing the same image to the printer 1, as described above. As a result, after receiving image data 521, the printer 1 receives a second image data file 522 showing the same image. The second image data also has the same print setting information associated with it as the first. The printer driver 32 may either send the two image data files consecutively to indicate that they are the same image, or it may send them with information indicating that they are the same image. The printer 1 can recognize that it is the second image data file based on the information sent from the printer driver 32.

[0043] If the received image data is the second image data, the CPU 11 rasterizes the received image data to generate raster data for one page (S121). For example, the CPU 11 rasterizes the image data 522 shown in Figure 3(B) to generate A4-sized raster data 532 as shown in Figure 3(C). Image data 522 is an example of the second image data. Raster data 532 is an example of the source raster data for splitting, and is an example of the second source raster data for splitting. Since image data 522 is image data that shows the same image as image data 521, the raster data 532 generated in S121 is the same data as the raster data 531 generated in S111.

[0044] Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines information indicating the paper size and information indicating the image length included in the print instruction information, in association with the generated raster data 532 (S122). In S122, the CPU 11 sets the paper size to A5L, the image length to half the size of the A4 long side, and the offset in the sub-scanning direction to half the size of the A4 long side in the negative direction.

[0045] Then, the CPU 11 registers the print instruction information determined in S122 and the raster data 532 generated in S121 in the print management area 25 as information for the second page, following the information for the first page registered in S113 (S123). As a result, the print management area 25 registers the print instruction information and the raster data 532 as print management information for the second page, for example, as shown in Figure 4.

[0046] After the first page has finished printing, the print engine 15 starts printing the second page based on the information registered in the print management area 25. Similar to the first page, the print engine 15 transports the A5-sized cut sheet in the shorter direction and prints the image length in the sub-scanning direction based on the raster data 532. However, since the print instruction information for the second page includes an offset indicating a negative size, the print engine 15 moves the raster data 532 upward by half the length of the A4 length and starts printing from the next position. Furthermore, since the image length included in the print instruction information is half the length of the A4 length, the print engine 15 prints an image of half the length of the A4 length from the raster data 532 onto the A5-sized cut sheet, as shown in Figure 3(D).

[0047] In other words, in this case, the print engine 15 prints based on the raster data 532 registered in the print management area 25 that corresponds to the lower half in the longitudinal direction. The print engine 15 does not use the raster data 532 registered in the print management area 25 that corresponds to the upper half in the longitudinal direction for printing. In this case, the raster data corresponding to the lower half in the longitudinal direction is an example of second-part raster data, and the lower half is an example of the second part. An A5-sized cut sheet on which the upper half of the image is printed based on the raster data of the first page is an example of a preceding sheet, and an A5-sized cut sheet on which the lower half of the image is printed based on the raster data of the second page is an example of a succeeding sheet.

[0048] In this printing process, the upper half of the A4-sized image data is printed first as page 1, and the lower half is printed later as page 2. However, the printing order can be reversed, and the printing does not have to be continuous. When registering raster data based on one of the two image data files in the print management area 25, the CPU 11 should set the offset to 0. When registering raster data based on the other image data file in the print management area 25, the CPU 11 should set the offset to half the length of the A4 sheet in the negative direction.

[0049] On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the paper size in the print settings associated with the received image data is neither A4 nor Letter, or that the split setting is turned off (S105:NO), the CPU 11 will print on a single sheet of cut paper based on the image data for one page and its print settings (S141). If the printer driver 32 does not specify that the split setting is on, it will send the printer 1 the print setting information which does not include information indicating that the split setting is on, along with a single image file.

[0050] For example, if the paper size in the print settings is A4 and the splitting setting is off, the CPU 11 acquires a single image data corresponding to A4 size, similar to the image data 521 shown in Figure 3(B). The CPU 11 rasterizes the acquired image data to generate a single A4-sized raster data and registers that raster data in the print management area 25. This raster data is also an example of the source raster data for splitting.

[0051] Furthermore, the CPU 11 registers information in the print instruction data specifying the paper size as A4 and the image length as the length of the A4 sheet. As a result, the print engine 15 transports the A4 sheet of cut paper in the length direction and prints one page of image based on the raster data. The printer 1 can also perform normal printing, and since it performs normal printing when the split setting is turned off, convenience is enhanced.

[0052] After S123 or S141, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has acquired image data for the next page (S131). If there is a next page (S131: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S105 and similarly generates and registers raster data based on the image data of the next page. Once processing of all received image data is complete (S131: NO), the CPU 11 terminates the printing process.

[0053] In this embodiment, the printer driver 32 sends two image data files 521 and 522 showing the same image to the printer 1 when the splitting setting is set to ON. However, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 5, for example, the printer 1 may duplicate the received image data. In this case, the printer driver 32 adds information that the splitting setting is ON to the print settings and sends one image data file to the printer 1. In Figure 5, the same reference numerals are used for the same steps as in Figure 2, and their explanation is omitted.

[0054] If the CPU 11 of printer 1 determines that the paper size is A4 or letter size in the print settings associated with the acquired image data and that the splitting setting information is turned on (YES in S105), it duplicates the acquired image data (S106). As a result, printer 1 can acquire image data 521 and 522. The processing from S111 onwards is the same as in Figure 2. Even in this way, printer 1 can print the upper and lower halves of the image onto separate A5-sized cut sheets based on the acquired image data 521 and 522.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer driver 32 sends the image data to the printer 1, associating it with the print setting information 511 which includes the split setting information, when the split setting is set to "on". However, the information indicating that the split setting is "on" may also be sent as a command separately from the print setting. For example, the printer driver 32 may send a command that includes an instruction to turn on the split setting in association with the image data before sending the image data. In that case, the printer 1 may store the information indicating that the split setting is "on" as split setting information 23 (see Figure 1) in the memory 12 based on the received command. A command that includes an instruction to turn on the split setting is an example of split information.

[0056] As explained in detail above, the first form of printer 1 acquires two A4-sized image data representing the same image, generates two corresponding A4-sized raster data for each, and stores each in the print management area 25. The printer 1 also registers print instruction information in the print management area 25, associated with each raster data, with an offset of 0 or half the A4 length in the negative direction. As a result, the print engine 15 prints the upper half of the image and the lower half of the image onto A5-sized cut paper based on the two raster data representing the same image. This makes it possible to output printed materials equivalent to cut printing without cutting the sheet.

[0057] Next, a second embodiment of the printer will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Printer 1 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, but is capable of performing different processes than the first embodiment.

[0058] Even when using the second form of printer 1, the printer driver 32 may, as in the first form, accept user-defined paper size and division settings. The printer driver 32 may accept various user-defined settings when it receives editing data from the editing application 31. The printer driver 32 may also accept user-defined paper size and division settings in advance before it receives editing data from the editing application 31. Furthermore, the user may specify the paper size and division settings to the printer driver 32 via a settings screen displayed during operation of the editing application 31. The editing application 31 may also have a function equivalent to that of the printer driver 32, such as a function to send image data to printer 1. In this case, the editing application 31 may accept user-defined paper size and division settings.

[0059] The procedure for the printing process performed by the second form of printer 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 6. In Figure 6, the same steps as in the first form of printing are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 2, and their explanation is omitted.

[0060] In the second form of printing, the CPU 11 also allocates a print management area 25 in memory 12 (S101). In the second form, the CPU 11 may only allocate a print management area 25 for one page. Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether the paper size in the print settings for the received image data is A4 size or letter size, and whether the split setting information is turned on (S105).

[0061] In the second form as well, the printer driver 32 can accept the specification of a split setting as a print setting, associate the accepted split setting information with the image data, and send it to the printer 1. For example, as shown in Figure 7(A), when printing of edited data 61 generated by the editing application 31 is instructed and the specification of "split setting on" is accepted, the printer driver 32 associates the print setting information 611, which includes the information that "split setting on" is specified, with the image data 62 in one A4 size and sends it to the printer 1, as shown in Figure 7(B). The print setting information 611, which includes the information that "split setting on" is specified, is an example of split information.

[0062] If the CPU determines that the paper size in the print settings is A4 or Letter and that the splitting setting is turned on (S105:YES), the CPU 11 rasterizes the received image data and generates raster data (S201). For example, if the CPU 11 receives A4-sized image data 62 as shown in Figure 7(B), it rasterizes the image data 62 and generates A4-sized raster data 63 as shown in Figure 3(C). Raster data 63 is an example of the source raster data for splitting.

[0063] Furthermore, the CPU 11 adds information indicating that the splitting setting is ON to the print instruction information, associated with the generated raster data 63 (S202). Then, the CPU 11 registers the print instruction information and the raster data 63 in the print management area 25 (S203). In the print management area 25, for example, as shown in Figure 8, print instruction information including the paper size being A5L, the image length being half the size of the A4 long side, and the splitting setting being ON is registered, associated with the raster data 63.

[0064] The print engine 15 starts printing based on the raster data 63 once the raster data 63 has been registered in the print management area 25. In this embodiment, the print engine 15 performs different printing depending on whether the splitting setting information included in the print instruction information is on or off. Specifically, if the splitting setting information is on, the print engine 15 prints the upper half and the lower half of the A4-sized raster data 63 onto separate A5-sized cut sheets. The upper half of the raster data 63 is an example of raster data corresponding to the first part and is an example of the first split raster data. The lower half of the raster data 63 is an example of raster data corresponding to the second part and is an example of the second split raster data.

[0065] When the splitting setting is enabled, the print engine 15 transports a single A5-sized cut sheet in the shorter direction and prints an image of half the length of the A4 long side, starting from the beginning of the raster data 63 in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(D), the upper half of the image is printed on the A5-sized cut sheet. Furthermore, when the splitting setting is enabled, the print engine 15 does not release the print management area 25 containing the raster data 63 even after printing on a single cut sheet is complete.

[0066] The printing engine 15 then transports the next A5-sized cut sheet in the shorter direction and prints an image of half the length of the A4 long side, starting from the portion of the raster data 63 that has been printed on the first cut sheet, in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(D), the lower half of the image is printed on the second A5-sized cut sheet. After printing on the two cut sheets is complete, the printing engine 15 may release the print management area 25 containing the raster data 63. An example of a preceding sheet is an A5-sized cut sheet on which the upper half of the image is printed, and an example of a succeeding sheet is an A5-sized cut sheet on which the lower half of the image is printed.

[0067] If the splitting setting is enabled, the CPU 11 may leave other information in the print instruction information as it was in the original print settings. For example, the CPU 11 may set the paper size in the print instruction information to A4 size and the image length to the length of A4. In this case, the print engine 15, based on the fact that the splitting setting is stored as "on," determines the paper size to be half the size of A4 included in the print instruction information and transports A5 size cut paper in the short-side direction. Furthermore, the print engine 15 can print with the image length set to half the length of the image length included in the print instruction information.

[0068] On the other hand, if the CPU determines that the paper size in the print settings associated with the received image data is neither A4 nor Letter, or that the splitting setting is turned off (S105:NO), the CPU 11 rasterizes the image data (S211) to generate raster data. S211 is the same process as S201, and if A4-sized image data 62 is received, the CPU 11 generates A4-sized raster data 63.

[0069] Furthermore, the CPU 11 adds information indicating that the split setting is off to the print instruction information in association with the generated raster data 63 (S212). Note that the print engine 15 may determine that the split setting is off if the print instruction information does not include information on the split setting, in which case the CPU 11 may skip S212. Then, the CPU 11 registers the print instruction information and the raster data 63 in the print management area 25 (S213). In other words, the printer 1 in the second form generates raster data 63 based on the acquired image data 62 and stores the generated raster data 63 in the print management area 25, regardless of whether the split setting is on or off.

[0070] If the splitting setting is turned off, the print engine 15 will print based on the print instruction information without splitting the raster data. For example, if the splitting setting for the print instruction information associated with A4-sized raster data 63 is turned off, the print engine 15 will transport the A4-sized cut sheet of paper in the longitudinal direction and print an A4-sized image based on the raster data 63.

[0071] After S203 or S213, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has acquired image data for the next page (S131). If there is a next page (S131: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S105 and similarly generates raster data based on the image data of the next page. Once processing of all received image data is complete (S131: NO), the CPU 11 terminates the printing process.

[0072] As explained in detail above, the second form of printer 1 acquires one A4-sized image data 62, generates A4-sized raster data 63 based on the acquired image data 62, and registers the generated raster data 63 and the splitting setting information in the print management area 25. When the splitting setting is turned on, the print engine 15 prints the upper and lower halves of the raster data 63 onto A5-sized cut sheets, respectively. As a result, it is possible to output printed materials equivalent to cut printing without cutting the sheets.

[0073] Next, a third embodiment of the printer will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Printer 1 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, but is capable of performing different processes than the first embodiment.

[0074] Even when using the third form of printer 1, the printer driver 32 may, as in the first form, accept user-defined paper size and division settings. The printer driver 32 may accept various user-defined settings when it receives editing data from the editing application 31. The printer driver 32 may also accept user-defined paper size and division settings in advance before it receives editing data from the editing application 31. Furthermore, the user may specify the paper size and division settings to the printer driver 32 via a settings screen displayed during operation of the editing application 31. The editing application 31 may also have a function equivalent to that of the printer driver 32, such as a function to send image data to printer 1. In this case, the editing application 31 may accept user-defined paper size and division settings.

[0075] The procedure for the printing process performed by the third form of printer 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9. In Figure 9, the same steps as in the first form of printing are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 2, and their explanation is omitted.

[0076] In the third form of printing, the CPU 11 also allocates a print management area 25 in memory 12 (S101). In the third form of printing, the CPU 11 allocates a print management area 25 for two pages. Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether the paper size in the print settings for the received image data is A4 size or letter size, and whether the split setting information is turned on (S105).

[0077] In the third form as well, the printer driver 32 can accept the specification of a split setting as a print setting. For example, as shown in Figure 10(A), when printing of edited data 71 generated by the editing application 31 is instructed and the specification of "split setting on" is accepted, the printer driver 32 associates the print setting information 711, which includes the information that "split setting on" is specified, with the printer driver 32, as shown in Figure 10(B), and sends a single A4-sized image data 72 to the printer 1. The print setting information 711, which includes the information that "split setting on" is specified, is an example of split information.

[0078] If the CPU determines that the paper size in the print settings is A4 or Letter and that the splitting setting is turned on (S105:YES), the CPU 11 rasterizes the image data and generates raster data (S301). For example, when it receives A4-sized image data 72 as shown in Figure 10(B), the CPU 11 rasterizes the received image data 72 and generates A5-sized raster data 731 showing the upper half of the image and A5-sized raster data 732 showing the lower half of the image, as shown in Figure 10(C). Raster data 731 is an example of first-split raster data, and raster data 732 is an example of second-split raster data.

[0079] The CPU 11 may use a temporarily allocated memory area separate from the print management area 25 to generate A4-sized raster data, and then split the generated raster data into two raster data files. In this case, the A4-sized raster data is an example of the source raster data for splitting. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may directly generate two A5-sized raster data files 731 and 732 from the A4-sized image data 72. In this case, the two A5-sized raster data files 731 and 732 can also be considered an example of the source raster data for splitting.

[0080] Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines information indicating the paper size and information indicating the image length to be registered in the print instruction information (S302). In the third embodiment, the CPU 11 sets the paper size to A5L and the image length to half the size of the long side of A4.

[0081] Then, the CPU 11 registers the print instruction information determined in S302 and the raster data 731 generated in S301 into the print management area 25 of the first page, which was reserved in S101 (S303). The print management area 25 of the first page contains A5L-sized raster data 731, which represents the upper half of an A4-sized image. Furthermore, the CPU 11 registers the print instruction information determined in S302 and the raster data 732 generated in S301 into the print management area 25 of the second page, which was reserved in S101 (S304). The print management area 25 of the second page contains A5L-sized raster data 732, which represents the lower half of an A4-sized image.

[0082] Once the information for the first page is registered in the print management area 25, the print engine 15 transports the A5-sized cut sheet of paper in the shorter direction and prints the image based on the raster data 731. As a result, as shown in Figure 10(D), the upper half of the image is printed on the A5-sized cut sheet of paper. After printing the first page is complete, the print engine 15 may release the print management area 25 containing the information for the first page.

[0083] Furthermore, once the information for the second page is registered in the print management area 25, the print engine 15 transports the next A5-sized cut sheet in the shorter direction and prints the image based on the raster data 732. As a result, as shown in Figure 10(D), the lower half of the image is printed on the A5-sized cut sheet. The A5-sized cut sheet on which the image for the first page is printed is an example of a preceding sheet, and the A5-sized cut sheet on which the image for the second page is printed is an example of a succeeding sheet.

[0084] On the other hand, if the CPU determines that the paper size in the print settings associated with the received image data is neither A4 nor Letter, or that the splitting setting is turned off (S105:NO), the CPU 11 will print on a single sheet of cut paper based on the image data for one page and its print settings (S141).

[0085] After S304 or S141, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has acquired image data for the next page (S131). If there is a next page (S131: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S105 and similarly generates raster data based on the image data of the next page. Once processing of all received image data is complete (S131: NO), the CPU 11 terminates the printing process.

[0086] As described in detail above, the third form of printer 1 can acquire one A4-sized image data 72, generate two A5-sized raster data 731 and 732 based on the acquired image data 72, and register the generated raster data 731 and 732 in the print management area 25, respectively. The print engine 15 prints an image corresponding to the upper half of the A4-sized image data 72 onto an A5-sized cut sheet based on the raster data 731. Furthermore, the print engine 15 prints an image corresponding to the lower half of the A4-sized image data 72 onto an A5-sized cut sheet based on the raster data 732. As a result, it is possible to output printed materials equivalent to cut printing without cutting the sheets.

[0087] In the above configurations, we have described examples where print settings including splitting settings are passed from the printer driver 32. However, the printer 1 may decide whether or not to perform splitting. For example, the printer 1 in the second configuration may reserve a print management area 25 (S101) as shown in Figure 11, and then determine whether or not it is a situation where splitting is necessary (S401). If it determines that it is a situation where splitting is necessary (S401: YES), the CPU 11 may perform split printing by executing S201 to S203, and if it determines that it is not a situation where splitting is necessary (S401: NO), it may not perform split printing by executing S211 to S213. In this case, the printer driver 32 may simply send image data without accepting any specification for splitting settings.

[0088] For example, printer 1 may use paper size information 24 (see Figure 1) to determine whether or not it is necessary to split the printout. Paper size information 24 is information indicating the paper size set in each paper tray of printer 1, and is stored in memory 12, for example, based on user settings. Specifically, printer 1 may determine that it is necessary to split the printout if A4 size is specified as the paper size in the print settings, but A5 size is set in the paper tray designated as the paper source instead of A4 size. Conversely, printer 1 may determine that it is not necessary to split the printout if A4 size is specified as the paper size in the print settings, but A4 size is set in the paper tray designated as the paper source.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, printer 1 may be able to accept user instructions via user interface 13 to determine whether or not it is a situation where splitting is necessary. If printer 1 receives a splitting setting instruction from the user, it may store information indicating that the splitting setting is on in the splitting setting information 23 (see Figure 1) of memory 12. Then, during the printing process, CPU 11 may determine that it is a situation where splitting is necessary if information indicating that the splitting setting is on is stored in the splitting setting information 23.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, printer 1 may automatically determine that it is necessary to split a print job when it receives a print job from a designated PC or printer driver. In other words, there may be a specific PC or printer driver dedicated to split printing. In the first form of printer 1, the designated PC or printer driver may send two A4-sized image files. In the second or third form of printer 1, the designated PC or printer driver may send one A4-sized image file. In any form, printer 1 may determine that it is necessary to split a print job when it receives an A4-sized image file from that designated PC or printer driver. In this way, the user can automatically instruct split printing by sending image data using that designated PC or printer driver.

[0091] In this way, printer 1 can perform split printing if it determines that splitting is necessary, even if the print settings do not include information indicating that splitting is enabled. Furthermore, even with image data sent from a conventional printer driver that does not accept splitting settings, printer 1 can print on two A5-sized cut sheets based on a single A4-sized image data, depending on the situation. On the other hand, printer 1 can choose not to perform split printing if it determines that splitting is not necessary, even if the print settings include information indicating that splitting is enabled.

[0092] If printer 1 determines whether or not the print job should be split, and automatically splits and prints the print job if it determines that it should be split, it can save the user the trouble of individually configuring settings. On the other hand, if printer driver 32 or printer 1 accepts instructions for splitting settings, the user can choose whether or not to split and print each print job.

[0093] It should be noted that each embodiment is merely illustrative and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, printer 1 is not limited to a dedicated printer, but may be a multifunction printer, copier, fax machine, etc.

[0094] Furthermore, although the printer 1 in this embodiment is assumed to not have a sheet cutting function, the printer 1 may have a sheet cutting function. In that case, the printer 1 may be able to accept a choice between printing on an A4-sized sheet and cutting it, or printing on two A5-sized sheets, as an instruction to print on two A5-sized cut sheets based on an A4-sized image data.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transport mechanism 16 of the printer 1 is assumed to be capable of transporting A4-sized cut paper in the longitudinal direction but not in the short direction, but it is not limited to this. The printer 1 may also be capable of transporting cut paper of various sizes, and may be capable of split printing of image data of sizes other than A4 and letter size.

[0096] For example, printer 1 may be capable of accommodating A3-sized cut sheets in its paper feed tray 161 and transporting A3-sized cut sheets via its transport mechanism 16. For example, printer 1 may be capable of transporting A3-sized cut sheets in the longitudinal direction and A4-sized cut sheets in the short direction. Furthermore, it may be capable of performing processing for each form, with A3 size as an example of a first standard size and A4 size as an example of a second standard size. Alternatively, printer 1 may be capable of performing processing for each form, with A3 size as an example of a first standard size and A4 size as an example of a second standard size, but unable to accommodate or transport A3-sized cut sheets. In this case, if printer 1 acquires image data representing an A3-sized image, it may determine that it should be divided and print the divided image onto two A4-sized cut sheets. In this case, the step of printing on the first standard-sized cut sheet (S141) may be omitted in each flowchart.

[0097] Furthermore, printer 1 may also have EWS (Embedded Web Server) functionality. In that case, printer 1 may be able to receive split-screen setting information via the EWS from a PC browser or the like.

[0098] Furthermore, although each configuration was described as a procedure for transporting and printing A5-sized cut sheets in the short-side direction, printer 1 may also perform printing based on each divided raster data by transporting the A5-sized cut sheet in the long-side direction. In that case, printer 1 should rotate each divided raster data and register it in the print management area 25.

[0099] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in each form, the execution order of any multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistencies arise in the processing content.

[0100] Furthermore, the processing disclosed in each embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Also, the processing disclosed in each embodiment can be implemented in various forms, such as a recording medium or method that stores a program for executing the processing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1. Printer 3 PC 12 memory 14 Communication IF 15 Printing Engine 16 Conveying mechanism

Claims

1. Printing engine and A transport mechanism capable of transporting a second cut sheet, which is a cut sheet of a second standard size that is half the size of the first standard size, in at least one direction of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the second cut sheet, A printer equipped with, When the printer acquires image data, Based on the image data, the source raster data, which is raster data corresponding to the first standard size, is generated. The generated source raster data is stored in a memory area. The transport mechanism starts transporting the second cut sheet. Based on the first division raster data, which is included in the source raster data stored in the memory area and corresponds to the second standard size, and which corresponds to the first part, which is one of the upper and lower halves in the longitudinal direction of the first standard size, printing is performed on the preceding sheet, which is one of the second cut sheets transported by the transport mechanism, using the printing engine. Based on the second division raster data, which is included in the source raster data stored in the memory area and corresponds to the second standard size, and which corresponds to the second part, that is the other half of the upper and lower halves in the longitudinal direction of the first standard size, one of the second cut sheets transported by the transport mechanism, printing is performed on the subsequent sheet, which is a sheet that follows the preceding sheet, using the printing engine. A printer configured in such a way.

2. A printer as described in claim 1, The transport mechanism is also capable of transporting the first cut paper, which is the first standard-sized cut paper, in the longitudinal direction. When the printer acquires image data, The transport mechanism starts transporting the first cut sheet. It is also possible to perform printing on the first cut sheet, which is transported by the transport mechanism, using the printing engine based on the source raster data stored in the memory area. A printer configured in such a way.

3. A printer as described in claim 1, The combination of the first standard size and the second standard size includes at least one of the following: the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5; and the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter. A printer configured in such a way.

4. A printer as described in claim 3, Equipped with a communication interface, The communication interface allows reception of the image data transmitted from an external device, and the external device may transmit, as the image data, a first image data and a second image data showing the same image as the image shown in the first image data. When the printer acquires the first image data and the second image data from the external device, Using the first image data, a first source raster data, which is the source raster data for division based on the first image data, is generated. Using the second image data, a second source raster data, which is the source raster data for division based on the second image data, is generated. The generated first source raster data and the second source raster data are stored in the memory area. The transport mechanism starts transporting the second cut sheet. Based on the first division raster data, which is included in the first division source raster data stored in the memory area and corresponds to the second standard size, and which is the raster data corresponding to the first part of the first standard size, printing is performed on the preceding paper transported by the transport mechanism using the printing engine. Printing onto the subsequent paper transported by the transport mechanism is performed using the print engine based on the second division raster data, which is included in the second division source raster data stored in the memory area and corresponds to the second standard size, and is the raster data corresponding to the second part of the first standard size. A printer configured in such a way.

5. A printer as described in claim 3, When the printer acquires one image data, Based on the acquired image data, the source raster data for division is generated. The generated source raster data is stored in the memory area. The transport mechanism starts transporting the second cut sheet. Printing onto the preceding paper transported by the transport mechanism is performed using the print engine based on the first divided raster data, which is included in the source raster data based on one acquired image data stored in the memory area and corresponds to the second standard size, and is raster data corresponding to the first part of the first standard size. Printing onto the subsequent paper transported by the transport mechanism is performed using the print engine based on the second divided raster data, which is included in the source raster data based on one acquired image data stored in the memory area and corresponds to the second standard size, and is raster data corresponding to the second part of the first standard size. A printer configured in such a way.

6. A printer according to claim 5, When the printer acquires one image data, Based on the acquired image data, one source raster data is generated. The generated single source raster data is stored in the memory area. The transport mechanism starts transporting the second cut sheet. Based on the first divided raster data, which is a raster data corresponding to the second standard size and which is a raster data corresponding to the first part of the first standard size, stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the preceding paper transported by the transport mechanism using the printing engine. Printing onto the subsequent paper transported by the transport mechanism is performed using the print engine based on the second divided raster data, which is included in one of the source raster data stored in the memory area and corresponds to the second standard size, and is the raster data corresponding to the second part of the first standard size. A printer configured in such a way.

7. A printer according to claim 5, When the printer acquires one image data, The acquired image data is duplicated, Based on the acquired image data, two source raster data sets, the first source raster data set and the second source raster data set, are generated. The generated first source raster data and the second source raster data are stored in the memory area. The transport mechanism starts transporting the second cut sheet. Based on the first division raster data, which is included in the first division source raster data stored in the memory area and corresponds to the second standard size, and which is the raster data corresponding to the first part of the first standard size, printing is performed on the preceding paper transported by the transport mechanism using the printing engine. Printing onto the subsequent paper transported by the transport mechanism is performed using the print engine based on the second division raster data, which is included in the second division source raster data stored in the memory area and corresponds to the second standard size, and is the raster data corresponding to the second part of the first standard size. A printer configured in such a way.

8. A printer according to claim 5, When the printer acquires one image data, Based on the acquired image data, the original raster data corresponding to the first standard size is generated by generating the first segmented raster data, which is raster data corresponding to the first part of the first standard size, and the second segmented raster data, which is raster data corresponding to the second part of the first standard size. The generated first segmented raster data and the second segmented raster data are stored in the memory area. The transport mechanism starts transporting the second cut sheet. Based on the generated first segmented raster data, printing is performed on the preceding sheet of paper, which is transported by the transport mechanism, using the printing engine. Based on the generated second segmented raster data, printing is performed on the subsequent paper transported by the transport mechanism using the printing engine. A printer configured in such a way.

9. A printer as described in claim 3, When the printer acquires the image data, Whether or not a division is specified, the source raster data for the division is generated based on the image data. The generated source raster data is stored in the memory area. If no split is specified, The transport mechanism starts transporting the first cut sheet, which is the first cut sheet of a standard size. Based on the source raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the first cut sheet, which is transported by the transport mechanism, using the printing engine. If a split is specified, The transport mechanism starts transporting the second cut sheet. Based on the first divided raster data contained in the original divided raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the preceding paper transported by the transport mechanism using the printing engine. Based on the second division raster data contained in the source raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the subsequent paper transported by the transport mechanism using the print engine. A printer configured in such a way.

10. A printer according to claim 9, Equipped with a communication interface, The image data output by the printer driver corresponding to the printer can be received via the communication interface, the printer driver can accept a splitting specification, and when a splitting specification is accepted, it can associate splitting information indicating that splitting has been specified with the output image data. When the printer receives the image data output by the printer driver, Based on the aforementioned image data, the source raster data for division is generated. The generated source raster data is stored in the memory area. If the received image data is not associated with the segmentation information, The transport mechanism starts transporting the first cut sheet. Based on the source raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the first cut sheet, which is transported by the transport mechanism, using the printing engine. If the received image data is associated with the segmentation information, The transport mechanism starts transporting the second cut sheet. Based on the first divided raster data contained in the original divided raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the preceding paper transported by the transport mechanism using the printing engine. Based on the second division raster data contained in the source raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the subsequent paper transported by the transport mechanism using the print engine. A printer configured in such a way.

11. A printer as described in claim 3, When the printer acquires the image data, Determine whether or not the situation warrants division. Whether or not the situation warrants division, the source raster data for division is generated based on the image data. The generated source raster data is stored in the memory area. If it is determined that the situation does not warrant division, The transport mechanism starts transporting the first cut sheet, which is the first cut sheet of a standard size. Based on the source raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the first cut sheet, which is transported by the transport mechanism, using the printing engine. If it is determined that the situation warrants division, The transport mechanism starts transporting the second cut sheet. Based on the first divided raster data contained in the original divided raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the preceding paper transported by the transport mechanism using the printing engine. Based on the second division raster data contained in the source raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the subsequent paper transported by the transport mechanism using the print engine. A printer configured in such a way.

12. A printer according to claim 11, When the printer acquires the image data, When the first standard size is specified as the print paper size, and the paper size set in the tray designated as the paper feed destination is the second standard size, it is determined that the paper should be split. A printer configured in such a way.

13. A printer as described in claim 3, When the printer acquires the image data, Based on the aforementioned image data, the source raster data for division is generated. The source raster data is stored in the memory area. The transport mechanism starts transporting the second cut sheet in the shorter direction. Based on the first divided raster data contained in the source raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the preceding sheet of paper, which is transported in the shorter direction by the transport mechanism, using the printing engine. Based on the second division raster data contained in the source raster data stored in the memory area, printing is performed on the subsequent paper being transported in the shorter direction by the transport mechanism using the print engine. A printer configured in such a way.

Images