Printing apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a technology that can suppress the generation of blank sheets half the size of the sheet in a printing device that prints on a sheet and cuts the printed sheet. [Solution] When the controller 10 of the MFP1 performs cut printing, collate printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, if the total number of pages in the print job is odd and the number of copies is even, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print the image data of the last page from the image data of the last page, so that all images based on the image data of the last page, from the first copy to the last copy, are placed on the upper or lower half of the same side as any of the images based on the image data of the odd-numbered pages other than the last page, onto a first standard-sized sheet, which is then transported to the processing unit 18, where the processing unit 18 cuts it to a second standard size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a printing apparatus capable of cutting a printed sheet into a predetermined standard size.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus capable of printing an image on a sheet and cutting the printed sheet to a predetermined size by a processing unit. For example, even when there is no sheet of the standard size specified by the user in the tray of the printing apparatus, after printing is performed using a sheet of another standard size, the printed sheet is cut by the processing unit, so that the cut printed matter can be output to the printing apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The inventor of the present application has considered that, in a printing apparatus, there is room for improvement regarding blank paper of half the size of a sheet that accompanies the cutting of a printed sheet. For example, when printing is performed on a sheet and the printed sheet is cut to half its size, blank paper of half the size may be generated after cutting depending on the number of pieces of image data specified in the print job.

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide a technique that makes it possible to suppress the generation of blank paper of half the size of a sheet in a printing apparatus capable of performing printing on a sheet and cutting the printed sheet.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the printing apparatus described in the embodiment comprises a printing engine capable of printing on a sheet, a processing unit capable of processing a sheet of a first standard size to cut it to a second standard size which is half the size of the first standard size, and a controller, wherein 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. The controller, when performing cut printing on the acquired print job, uses the printing engine to print on the first standard-sized sheet, with the direction along the long side of the first standard-sized sheet being the vertical direction, so that the image based on the image data of a predetermined page from the image data included in the print job is placed in the upper half of the sheet, and the image based on the image data of the page following that page is placed in the lower half of the sheet. The print job is then transported to the processing unit, where it is cut to the second standard size, and the acquired print job is subjected to cut printing, multiple-part collation printing, and double-sided printing. In the case of the above, if the total number of pages in the print job is odd and the number of copies is even, the first cut printing is performed by using a printing engine to print the image data of the last page, from the image data of the last page, onto a first standard-sized sheet such that each image based on the image data of the last page, from the first copy to the last copy, is positioned on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any image based on the image data of any odd-numbered page other than the last page, then transporting the sheet to a processing unit and cutting it to a second standard size using the processing unit. If the total number of pages in the print job is even and the number of copies is even, the second cut printing is performed by using a printing engine to print the image data of the last page, from the image data of the last page, onto a first standard-sized sheet such that each image based on the image data of the last page, from the first copy to the last copy, is positioned on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any image based on the image data of any even-numbered page other than the last page, then transporting the sheet to a processing unit and cutting it to a second standard size using the processing unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the printing apparatus described in the embodiment comprises a printing engine capable of printing on a sheet, a processing unit capable of processing a sheet of a first standard size to cut it to a second standard size which is half the size of the first standard size, and a controller, wherein the combination of the first standard size and the second standard size includes at least one of the combination in which the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5, and the combination in which the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter, and the controller, when performing cut printing of the acquired print job, takes the direction along the long side of the first standard size sheet as the up and down direction, and arranges the image data included in the print job such that the image based on the image data of a predetermined page is placed in the upper half of the sheet and the image based on the image data of the page following that page is placed in the lower half of the sheet. The printing engine prints on a first standard-sized sheet, which is then transported to a processing unit, where it cuts the sheet to a second standard size. When performing cut printing, stack printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on the acquired print job, if the total number of pages in the print job is even and the number of copies is even, a third cut printing operation is performed. This operation involves printing a sheet in the required number of copies on a first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine, where the image data of the last page is arranged on the upper or lower half of the same side, and the image data of the page immediately preceding the last page is arranged on the upper or lower half of the reverse side. These sheets are then transported to a processing unit and cut to a second standard size. The third cut printing operation is also performed when the total number of pages in the print job is even and the number of copies is odd.

[0008] Furthermore, the printing apparatus described in the embodiment comprises a printing engine capable of printing on a sheet, a processing unit capable of processing a sheet of a first standard size to cut it to a second standard size which is half the size of the first standard size, and a controller, wherein the combination of the first standard size and the second standard size includes at least one of the combination in which the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5, and the combination in which the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter, and the controller When a print job is to be cut and printed, the printing engine prints onto the first standard-sized sheet, with the direction along the long side of the first standard-sized sheet being the vertical direction. The image data based on the image data of a predetermined page is placed in the upper half of the sheet, and the image data based on the image data of the following page is placed in the lower half of the sheet. The sheet is then transported to the processing unit, where it is cut to a second standard size. The acquired print job can then be cut, stacked, or double-sided. In the case where the total number of pages in a print job is odd and the number of copies is even, the image data included in the print job is processed by printing the image data of the last page onto a sheet of a first standard size using the printing engine, with the image data based on the last page's image data placed on the upper and lower halves of the same side, and no image data based on any other page's image data placed on the reverse side, for the number of copies, and then transporting the sheet to the processing unit, where it is cut to a second standard size using the processing unit, performing a fourth cut printing operation. If the total number of pages in a print job is odd and the number of copies is odd, the image data included in the print job is processed by printing the image data of the last page onto a sheet of a first standard size using the printing engine, with the image data based on the last page's image data placed on the upper and lower halves of the same side, and no image data based on any other page's image data placed on the reverse side, for one less than the number of copies, and one sheet on which the image data based on the last page's image data is placed on either the upper or lower half of the same side, and no image data based on any other page's image data placed on the reverse side, and then transporting the sheet to the processing unit.The system is characterized by performing a fifth cut printing step, which involves cutting the material to a second standard size using a processing unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the printing apparatus described in the embodiment, in a printing apparatus capable of printing on a sheet and cutting the printed sheet, it is possible to suppress the generation of blank paper half the size of the sheet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of the MFP configuration. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of an MFP (Multi-Functional Processor). [Figure 3] This is a flowchart that explains the steps of the process executed by the controller. [Figure 4] This is a diagram explaining the home screen. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the copy settings screen. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating print settings information. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart explaining the printing process. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart explaining the procedure for double-sided printing with multiple cuts and collation. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for the cut double-sided printing process of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for the cut double-sided printing process of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of double-sided printing results for 6 copies of a 5-page document with collation. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a conventional 5-page print job with collation, resulting in 6 copies cut and printed on both sides. [Figure 14]This is a diagram showing an example of the cut double-sided printing result for 7 collated copies with a total of 5 pages. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of the cut double-sided printing result for 7 collated copies with a total of 3 pages. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing an example of the cut double-sided printing result for 6 collated copies with a total of 6 pages. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing an example of the cut double-sided printing result for 7 collated copies with a total of 6 pages. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing an example of the cut double-sided printing result for 7 collated copies with a total of 4 pages. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of uncollated multi-copy cut double-sided printing processing. [Figure 20] This is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the cut double-sided printing processing according to the fourth aspect. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing an example of the cut double-sided printing result for 6 uncollated copies with a total of 5 pages. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing an example of a conventional cut double-sided printing result for 6 uncollated copies with a total of 5 pages. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing an example of the cut double-sided printing result for 7 uncollated copies with a total of 5 pages. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing an example of the cut double-sided printing result for 6 uncollated copies with a total of 4 pages. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing another example of the cut double-sided printing result for 7 uncollated copies with a total of 4 pages. [Figure 26] This is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of single-copy cut double-sided printing processing. [Figure 27] This is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of 2-in-1 double-sided printing processing. [Figure 28] This is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of sheet-by-sheet 2-in-1 double-sided printing processing. [Figure 29] This is a diagram showing respective examples of a single-copy cut double-sided printing result and a 2-in-1 double-sided printing result with a total of 5 pages. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The printing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below using MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 1 as an example. The MFP 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a controller 10, a user IF 13, a communication IF 14, a printing engine 15, a scanner 16, a FAX IF 17, and a processing unit 18, all of which are electrically connected to the controller 10. "IF" is an abbreviation for Interface. MFP 1 is an example of a printing apparatus.

[0012] The controller 10 includes a CPU 11 and memory 12. The CPU 11 executes various processes according to programs read from memory 12 and based on user operations. Note that the MFP1 may have multiple hardware components as the controller 10, depending on the function. Memory 12 stores various programs and data, including the operating system (hereinafter abbreviated as OS) 21, a print program 22, and print setting information 23. The print program 22 works in cooperation with the OS 21 to cause the MFP1 to perform various operations. Details about each program and data will be described later. Memory 12 is also used as a workspace when various processes are executed. The buffer provided by the CPU 11 is also an example of memory. The print setting information 23 includes information stored in volatile memory such as RAM and information stored in non-volatile memory such as NVRAM.

[0013] The memory 12 is not limited to ROM, RAM, NVRAM, HDD, etc., built into the MFP1, but may also be a 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 MFP1 via the communication IF 14, or memory or HDDs provided in a device connected to the MFP1 via the communication IF 14, are also examples of memory 12. A storage medium that a computer can read is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the examples above, non-transitory media also include storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the Internet are a type of computer-readable signal medium, but they are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0014] The User IF 13 is an interface between the user operating the MFP1 and the controller 10, and has, for example, a touch panel or physical operation keys. The Communication IF 14 is an interface for connecting the MFP1 to a network. The scanner 16 generates scan data (an example of image data) by reading a document. The MFP1 may also be capable of performing complex operations that combine multiple operations, such as combining the operation of generating scan data and the operation of printing. The FAX IF 17 can receive FAX data (an example of image data) via the network and perform FAX reception processing, which causes the print engine 15 to print this FAX data, or FAX transmission processing, which sends the scan data read by the scanner 16 to a predetermined address via the network.

[0015] The printing engine 15 includes a configuration for printing images onto a printing medium such as a sheet using an electrophotographic method. In the following description, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 2, the top and bottom in the figure are described as the vertical direction, and the left and right in the figure are described as the front-to-back direction, with the right being the front. In the MFP1, the paper feed trays 31, 32, and 33 for holding sheets before printing are located below the printing engine 15, and the paper output tray 30 for placing printed sheets is located above the printing engine 15.

[0016] The slide-in paper tray 31 is the main tray used in the MFP1. The MP tray 32 is a tray that can be opened and closed in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 2, and the user can set a sheet in the MP tray 32 by inserting the sheet into the open MP tray 32. The additional tray 33 is an additional tray added to the MFP1. The controller 10 can change the sheet size assignment settings for each tray via the user IF 13.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the printing engine 15 includes a photoreceptor drum 51, a charger 52, an exposure unit 53, a developing unit 54 including a developing roller and a toner storage section, a transfer roller 56, and a fuser 57. The charger 52, the developing unit 54, and the transfer roller 56 are arranged in this order along the circumferential direction of the photoreceptor drum 51 and in the rotational direction of the photoreceptor drum 51. In this embodiment, an MFP1 that performs monochrome printing is shown, but the MFP1 may also be configured to perform color printing. In this case, the printing engine 15 includes a photoreceptor drum 51, a charger 52, a developing unit 54, and a transfer roller 56 corresponding to each color.

[0018] When printing is performed by the MFP1, the photoreceptor drum 51 rotates clockwise in the figure around a rotation axis perpendicular to the paper plane in Figure 2. After the charger 52 charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51, the exposure unit 53 exposes it by irradiating it with laser light or the like, forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51. Furthermore, the developing roller of the developing unit 54 develops the electrostatic latent image using the toner stored in the toner storage section, forming a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51. The formed toner image is then transferred to a sheet that is transported in sync by the transfer roller 56. The toner image transferred to the sheet is then fixed to the sheet by the fuser 57.

[0019] The MFP1 has a plurality of transport rollers inside the housing 2, including a merging roller 41, a guide roller 42, a paper discharge roller 43, and a paper discharge roller 44, as a configuration for transporting sheets.

[0020] The MFP1 has a function for double-sided printing. When the MFP1 performs the process related to double-sided printing, it first drives the transport rollers to feed the sheet toward the printing engine 15. After an image is formed on the first side of the sheet by the printing engine 15, the sheet is guided to the guide roller 42. The controller 10 controls the rotation of the guide roller 42 to stop the sheet being transported or reverse the transport direction. The MFP1 transports the sheet with the reversed transport direction from back to front via a reversal path located below the printing engine 15, and guides it to the merging roller 41 located in front of the printing engine 15. As a result, after printing on the first side, the sheet is transported toward the printing engine 15 with the second side, opposite to the first side, facing upwards. Then, the MFP1 is able to print on the second side using the printing engine 15.

[0021] The MFP1 is equipped with a processing unit 18 downstream of the fuser 57 in the transport path, and in the cut printing described later, it can cut the printed sheet after printing. The processing unit 18 has, for example, a cutter with a rotating blade that moves along the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction (the depth direction in Figure 2) and a receiving blade. When the MFP1 cuts the sheet with the processing unit 18, it operates the flapper 36 to guide the sheet toward the paper discharge roller 44. Then, by stopping the sheet transport and driving the processing unit 18, the sheet in the transport path can be divided into front and back in the transport direction. Sheet cutting is one example of processing.

[0022] In cut printing, the processing unit 18 can process a sheet of a first standard size to cut it to a second standard size, which is half the size of the first standard size. Specifically, the combinations of first and second standard sizes that can be set in cut printing include 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". In addition, if the MFP1 is configured to transport A3 size sheets, the combinations that can be set in cut printing may also include the combination of the first standard size being "A3" and the second standard size being "A4".

[0023] When using A4-sized sheets for cut printing, the A4-sized sheet is transported in the longitudinal direction and cut at the center of the longitudinal direction by the processing unit 18, resulting in two A5-sized sheets, which are smaller than A4 size. The processing unit 18 may also be configured to cut by moving a blade that extends in the width direction of the sheet in the vertical direction.

[0024] Next, the operation of MFP1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart. The following processes represent the operations of CPU11 in accordance with the 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 the operations of CPU11. The operations performed by CPU11 also include hardware control using the OS API. 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 mean "Program B controls hardware C using the OS API." In addition, the operations of CPU11 in accordance with the instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated wording, such as "performed by controller 10."

[0025] Furthermore, "acquisition" is used in a sense that does not necessarily require a request. That is, the process of CPU 11 receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "CPU acquires 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."

[0026] Furthermore, the process by CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or not." Similarly, the process by CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or event C."

[0027] Next, the procedure for processing when MFP1 prints image data will be explained using Figure 3. The process shown in Figure 3 is executed by the controller 10 when MFP1 is started up. First, in step 10 (hereinafter, step will also be referred to as S), the controller 10 displays the home screen to the user IF 13. By displaying the home screen 60 shown in Figure 4 to the user IF 13, the controller 10 can receive user instructions for MFP1 through operations on this home screen 60.

[0028] In this embodiment, we will describe an example in which a standard A4 size sheet (hereinafter referred to as an A4 sheet) is assigned to the slide paper feed tray 31. Note that this sheet assignment is just one example, and the A4 sheet may also be assigned to the MP tray 32 or the expansion tray 33. Furthermore, the MFP1 may be configured to have an MP tray 32 but no expansion tray 33, or to have an expansion tray 33 but no MP tray 32.

[0029] The home screen 60 includes icons 61, 62, and 63 that display screens for receiving execution instructions for each function of the MFP1, and a settings icon 64 that displays a screen for receiving setting instructions for the MFP1. In this embodiment, the home screen 60 includes a FAX icon 61, a copy icon 62, and a scan icon 63 as icons for displaying screens for receiving execution instructions for each function of the MFP1. The FAX icon 61 is an icon that receives instructions when displaying a screen for receiving instructions to perform a FAX transmission process using the FAXIF 17 or a FAX reception process. The copy icon 62 is an icon that receives instructions when displaying a screen for receiving instructions to perform a copy process in which scanned data read by the scanner 16 is printed by the print engine 15. The scan icon 63 is an icon that receives instructions when displaying a screen for receiving instructions to perform a scan process in which scanned data is generated by having the scanner 16 read a document and the scanned data is saved to a specified memory. The settings icon 64 is used when displaying an unillustrated settings screen to the user interface 13 and accepting various setting changes for the MFP1.

[0030] In S11, the controller 10 determines whether or not it has received an operation on the setting icon 64. If the controller 10 determines that it has received an operation on the setting icon 64 (S11: YES), it proceeds to S12 and displays the setting screen to the user IF13. The setting screen is a screen that accepts operations to register or change various setting values ​​that can be set in advance for the MFP1. Through operations on the setting screen, the controller 10 can accept the selection of items to be set and the change of setting values ​​for the selected items. If the controller 10 determines that it has received a setting instruction through an operation on the setting screen, in S13 it stores the information corresponding to the received setting instruction in the memory 12. In addition, in S12, the controller may also accept operations to change the setting values ​​indicating whether cut printing, 2-in-1 printing, duplex printing, and collate printing are enabled or disabled, similar to the copy setting screen 70 described later. The controller 10 stores the settings related to the copy function in memory 12 via the copy settings screen 70 during the processes S15 to S17 described later. In S12, the controller stores the settings used for printing the print job received in S20 described later in memory 12. As will be described later, the settings included in the print job may be used for printing the print job rather than the settings stored in memory 12.

[0031] If the controller 10 determines that it has not received an operation on the setting icon 64 (S11: NO), it proceeds to S14 to determine whether it has received an operation on the copy icon 62, that is, whether it has received an operation to select the copy function. If the controller 10 determines that it has received an operation on the copy icon 62 (S14: YES), in S15 it displays the copy setting screen 70 shown in Figure 5 to the user IF13.

[0032] The copy settings screen 70 includes icons 71A to 71D for accepting settings for the number of copies, print quality, magnification, and color density used in executing the copy process, as well as icons 72, 73, and 76 for accepting execution instructions for optional settings such as cut printing, 2-in-1 printing, and duplex printing. The copy process includes processing options for processing the image to be printed. In this embodiment, the processing options include cut printing and 2-in-1 printing. 2-in-1 printing is a printing method in which scanned data of two originals read by the scanner 16 is printed on a single sheet. The number of originals printed on one sheet may be more than two, for example, four. This printing method is called 4-in-1 printing, but the user may be allowed to select either 2-in-1 printing or 4-in-1 printing.

[0033] The copy settings screen 70 also includes an icon 77 that accepts the selection between collated printing and stacked printing. Operating icon 77 displays a pull-down menu from which the user can choose between collated printing and stacked printing. In the example in Figure 5, collated printing is selected. Collated printing is a printing method that prints copies individually when multiple copies are specified, and is sometimes called sorted printing, collated printing, print one copy at a time, or print one copy at a time. Stacked printing, on the other hand, is a printing method that prints pages individually.

[0034] In S16, it is determined whether or not an operation on the start button 74 has been accepted. That is, if the controller 10 is currently accepting an operation on something other than the start button 74, S16:NO. The controller 10 can also accept operations on icons other than the cut print icon 72, 2-in-1 print icon 73, and start button 74 on the currently displayed copy settings screen 70, and accepts setting instructions according to the accepted operation. If an operation to close the currently displayed copy settings screen 70 is accepted without accepting an operation on the start button 74, the controller 10 proceeds to S10 and displays the home screen 60. On the home screen 60, if the controller 10 accepts an operation on the FAX icon 61 or the scan icon 63, it displays the setting screen corresponding to the operated icon on the user IF13.

[0035] If the controller 10 determines that it has received an instruction to execute a process related to the copy function by operating the start button 74 (S16: YES), in S17, it stores the currently specified settings for the copy function in the memory 12 as print setting information 23 (see Figure 1). The settings for the copy function include settings for cut printing, 2-in-1 printing, duplex printing, and collate printing / stack printing.

[0036] For example, if the cut print icon 72 is checked, the controller 10 sets the setting value of the item "Cut Print" to "Enabled" in the print settings information 23. If the cut print icon 72 is not checked, the controller 10 sets the setting value of the item "Cut Print" to "Disabled" in the print settings information 23.

[0037] If the 2-in-1 print icon 73 is checked, the controller 10 sets the value of the item "2-in-1 print" to "Enabled" in the print settings information 23. If the 2-in-1 print icon 73 is not checked, the controller 10 sets the value of the item "2-in-1 print" to "Disabled" in the print settings information 23.

[0038] If the double-sided printing icon 76 is checked, the controller 10 sets the setting value of the item "Double-sided printing" to "Enabled" in the print settings information 23. If the double-sided printing icon 76 is not checked, the controller 10 sets the setting value of the item "Double-sided printing" to "Disabled" in the print settings information 23.

[0039] If an operation is performed on the collate printing / stack printing selection icon 77 and collate printing is selected, the controller 10 sets the value of the item "Collate Printing" to "Enabled" in the print settings information 23. On the other hand, if stack printing is selected, the controller 10 sets the value of the item "Collate Printing" to "Disabled" in the print settings information 23. Therefore, if the value of the item "Collate Printing" in the print settings information 23 is "Disabled", the controller 10 performs stack printing.

[0040] When the "+" button on the copy specification icon 71A is operated, the controller 10 adds 1 to the number of copies displayed in the copy specification icon 71A. When the "-" button is operated, the controller 10 subtracts 1 from the number of copies displayed in the copy specification icon 71A. However, the controller 10 will not set the number of copies to less than 1. When the start button 74 is operated, the controller 10 sets the print quantity setting to the number of copies displayed in the copy specification icon 71A. Note that even if either collate printing or stack printing is selected by operating the collate printing / stack printing selection icon 77, neither collate printing nor stack printing will be executed unless a number of copies of 2 or more is specified using the copy specification icon 71A (see S31 in Figure 7 described later).

[0041] Figure 6 illustrates the settings for cut printing, 2-in-1 printing, duplex printing, and collate printing among the print settings information 23. In Figure 6, the setting for "Cut Printing" is set to "Enabled," while the setting for "2-in-1 Printing" is set to "Disabled." Furthermore, the setting for "Duplex Printing" is set to "Enabled," and the setting for "Collate Printing" is also set to "Enabled."

[0042] If the start button 74 is pressed on the copy settings screen 70, the controller 10, in S18, causes the scanner 16 to read the document and acquires image data, which is the scanned data. The controller 10 also generates a print job that includes the acquired image data, and in S19, executes the printing process using the print job containing the print settings information 23 stored in memory 12 and the acquired image data.

[0043] Figure 7 shows the detailed procedure for the printing process in S19. In Figure 7, the controller 10 determines whether the setting value for the item "double-sided printing" in the print setting information 23 is set to "enabled" (S28). If the setting value for double-sided printing is "enabled" (S28: YES), the controller 10 determines whether the setting value for the item "cut printing" is set to "enabled" (S30). If the setting value for cut printing is "enabled" (S30: YES), the controller 10 determines whether the setting value for the number of copies to print is a value that indicates that multiple copies are to be printed, specifically whether it is a value of 2 or more (S31).

[0044] In the determination in S31, if multiple copies are specified (S31:YES), the controller 10 determines whether the setting value of the item "Collate Printing" in the print setting information 23 is set to "Enabled" (S32). In this determination, if the setting value of Collate Printing is "Enabled" (S32:YES), the controller 10 executes the Collate Printing Multiple-Copies Cut Double-Sided Printing process (S33) and then terminates the printing process.

[0045] Figure 8 shows the detailed procedure for double-sided printing with multiple copies cut. The cases in which double-sided printing with multiple copies cut is performed are as follows: Case 1: When performing double-sided printing with collation and even-numbered cuts based on a print job that includes image data for odd-numbered pages, Case 2: When performing double-sided printing with collation and odd-numbered pages cut based on a print job that includes image data for odd-numbered pages, Case 3: When performing double-sided printing with collation and even-numbered cuts based on a print job that includes image data for even-numbered pages, Case 4: When performing double-sided printing with collation and odd-numbered cuts based on a print job that includes image data for even-numbered pages, Therefore, we will first explain the process of double-sided printing with multiple cuts using the collation method, based on the specific example shown in Figure 12(a), for Case 1, and then explain Cases 2 to 4, focusing on the differences from Case 1.

[0046] Assume that the user, on the copy settings screen 70 (see Figure 5), sets the number of copies to 6 using icon 71A, specifies cut printing using icon 72, specifies double-sided printing using icon 76, specifies collate printing using icon 77, and then operates the start button 74 to copy the original document. Figure 12(a) shows the image data P1 to P5 for 5 pages obtained by scanning the original document with scanner 16. The image data for 5 pages may be, for example, image data generated by scanning each of 5 A4 original documents one side at a time with scanner 16. The image data for 5 pages may be image data generated by scanning the original document both sides with scanner 16. The image data for 5 pages may be image data generated by scanning an original document other than A4, for example, an A5 original, with scanner 16.

[0047] The controller 10 initializes counter P, which counts the pages of image data P1 to P5 included in the print job, to "1", and initializes counter C, which counts the number of printed copies, to "0" (S40). Counters P and C may be configured as software counters that use a predetermined area (not shown) on memory 12 as a counter.

[0048] Next, the controller 10 determines whether Ptotal = 2 or not (S41). Ptotal indicates the total number of pages of image data included in the print job. However, it is assumed that Ptotal ≥ 2. Currently, the print job includes image data for 5 pages, P1 to P5, so Ptotal = 5. Therefore, in the determination in S41, it is determined to be "NO", so the controller 10 determines whether the value of counter P is either Ptotal-3 or Ptotal-2, either Ptotal-1 or Ptotal, or something else (S50). Currently, P = 1, so the controller 10 determines it to be "something else" and executes the cut double-sided printing process of the third mode.

[0049] Figure 11 shows the detailed procedure for the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment. In Figure 11, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+3] and stores it in memory 12 (S120). Here, D[P] represents the image data for page P. At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[4], and D[4] represents image data P4. Therefore, in S120, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from image data P4 and stores it in memory 12.

[0050] Next, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet from D[P+1] and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[2], and D[2] represents the image data P2. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet from the image data P2 and stores it in memory 12. Note that the third cut double-sided printing process includes processes that are common to the cut double-sided printing process of the first embodiment, which will be described later based on Figure 9. For this reason, the same step number is assigned to the common processes.

[0051] Next, the controller 10 prints the image data of the back of the sheet stored in the memory 12 onto the sheet using the printing engine 15 (S102). Then, the controller 10 performs a switchback transport of the printed sheet (S103). Switchback transport, as described above, involves transporting the sheet, whose transport direction has been reversed in order to print on both sides of the sheet, from back to front via a reversal path located below the printing engine 15, and guiding it to the merging roller 41 located in front of the printing engine 15.

[0052] Next, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[1], and D[1] represents the image data P1. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P1 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P+2] and stores it in memory 12 (S125). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[3], and D[3] represents the image data P3. Therefore, in S125, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P3 and stores it in memory 12.

[0053] Next, the controller 10 causes the print engine 15 to print the image data of the sheet front surface stored in the memory 12 onto the sheet (S106). As a result, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the image of the image data P4 is printed on the lower half of the back surface Sh1b of the first sheet Sh1, and the image of the image data P2 is printed on the upper half of the same back surface Sh1b. Then, the image of the image data P1 is printed on the upper half of the front surface Sh1f of the same sheet Sh1, and the image of the image data P3 is printed on the lower half of the same front surface Sh1f.

[0054] Further, the controller 10 conveys the sheet after double-sided printing to the processing unit 18 to cut the sheet (S107), and then terminates the cut double-sided printing process of the third aspect.

[0055] Returning to FIG. 8, the controller 10 updates the value of the counter P to P+4, and then returns the process to S41. In S41, since the determination is "NO", the controller 10 advances the process to S50 as described above, and determines the value of the counter P. Since P=5 at this point, P=Ptotal is satisfied. Therefore, the controller 10 advances the process to S60. In S60, it is determined whether or not C<Ctotal-1. Here, Ctotal indicates the total number of print copies. It is assumed that Ctotal≧2 is satisfied. At this point, since Ctotal=6 and C=0, C<Ctotal-1 holds (S60: YES). Therefore, the controller 10 advances the process to S61, and executes the cut double-sided printing process of the first aspect.

[0056] FIG. 9 shows the detailed procedure of the cut double-sided printing process of the first aspect. In FIG. 9, the controller 10 creates image data to be arranged on the lower half of the sheet back surface from D[2], and stores the created image data in the memory 12 (S100). D[2] indicates the image data P2. Accordingly, in S100, the controller 10 creates image data to be arranged on the lower half of the sheet back surface from the image data P2, and stores the created image data in the memory 12.

[0057] Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+1] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[6], and D[6] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P5. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12. The controller 10 does not print on the part of the sheet corresponding to the image data representing a white image.

[0058] The processes in S102 and S103 that follow have been described above, so they will not be explained again here. The controller 10 then creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[5], and D[5] represents the image data P5. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P5 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[1] and stores it in memory 12 (S105). D[1] represents the image data P1. Therefore, in S105, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P1 and stores it in memory 12.

[0059] The subsequent processes S106 and S107 have been described above and will not be explained again here. Then, the controller 10 finishes the cut double-sided printing process of the first embodiment. When the process of S106 is completed, as shown in Figure 12(b), the lower half of the back side Sh2b of the second sheet Sh2 has the image data P2 printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh2b is blank with no image printed on it. Then, the upper half of the front side Sh2f of the same sheet Sh2 has the image data P5 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh2f has the image data P1 printed on it.

[0060] Returning to Figure 8, the controller 10 updates the value of counter P to "3" (S62), and then increments the value of counter C by "1" (S53). The controller 10 then determines whether C = Ctotal (S54). Currently, C = 1 and Ctotal = 6, so in S54 the controller 10 determines "NO" and returns to processing S41.

[0061] The controller 10 proceeds the process from S41 to S50. At this time, since P=3, P=Ptotal-2 holds true. Therefore, the controller 10 proceeds the process from S50 to S51 and executes the cut double-sided printing process of the third mode.

[0062] In the third embodiment of the cut double-sided printing process, the controller 10 first creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+3] and stores it in memory 12 (S120). Now, since P=3, it becomes D[6], and D[6] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P5. Therefore, in S120, the controller 10 creates image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12.

[0063] Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+1] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=3, so it becomes D[4], and D[4] represents image data P4. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data from image data P4 to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12.

[0064] After executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=3, so it becomes D[3], and D[3] represents the image data P3. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P3 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P+2] and stores it in memory 12 (S125). At this time, P=3, so it becomes D[5], and D[5] represents the image data P5. Therefore, in S125, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P5 and stores it in memory 12.

[0065] After executing the processes S106 and S107, the controller 10 terminates the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment. When the process S106 is completed, as shown in Figure 12(b), the lower half of the back side Sh3b of the third sheet Sh3 will be blank, with no image printed on it, while the upper half of the same back side Sh3b will have the image data P4 printed on it. Then, the upper half of the front side Sh3f of the same sheet Sh3 will have the image data P3 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh3f will have the image data P5 printed on it.

[0066] Returning to Figure 8, the controller 10 updates the value of counter P to "1" (S52), and then increments the value of counter C by "1" (S53). Then, the controller 10 determines whether C = Ctotal or not (S54). As the S52 process returns the value of counter P to its initial value, the subsequent processing will simply repeat the process described above. As shown in Figure 12(b), the print state of the fourth sheet onwards, from Sh4 to Sh9, is a repetition of the print state of the first sheet, Sh1, to the third sheet, Sh3, which clearly illustrates this. Therefore, the explanation of the subsequent processing will be omitted.

[0067] Figure 13 shows the print result of printing the same five pages of image data P1-P5 as in Figure 12(a) using a conventional double-sided printing process with collation and multiple cuts. As can be seen in Figure 13, the lower halves of the second sheet Sh2, the fourth sheet Sh4, the sixth sheet Sh6, the eighth sheet Sh8, the tenth sheet Sh10, and the twelfth sheet Sh12 become blank on both sides after cutting. In contrast, the print result in Figure 12(b) does not include any blank pages on both sides after cutting. Thus, with the MFP1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of blank pages the size of half a sheet in the double-sided printing process with collation and multiple cuts.

[0068] Thus, when the controller 10 performs cut printing, collated printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, and the total number of pages in the print job is odd and the number of copies is even, that is, in Case 1, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print the image data of the last page from the image data of the last page included in the print job onto a first standard-sized sheet so that all images based on the image data of the last page, from the first copy to the last copy, are placed on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of the odd-numbered pages other than the last page, and then transports the sheet to the processing unit 18, where the processing unit 18 cuts it to a second standard size, performing a first cut printing. More specifically, in the collated 6-copy cut double-sided printing result in Figure 12(b), all of the image data P5 of the last page from the first copy to the sixth copy are placed on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data P1 or P3 of the odd-numbered pages other than the last page. As a result, in the MFP1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of blank pages half the size of the sheet during double-sided printing with multiple cuts and collation.

[0069] Below, we will explain each of Cases 2 through 4, focusing on the differences from Case 1. First, for Case 2, we will explain using the example of printing 7 copies of a print job used in Case 1, that is, a print job containing 5 pages of image data (P1-P5), with collation and double-sided printing.

[0070] In Case 2, the process is the same as in Case 1 up to the 6th even-numbered section. When processing proceeds to the final 7th section, the controller 10 makes the decision in S54 with C=6 in Figure 8. The controller 10 determines "NO" in S54 and proceeds to S50 via S41. The controller 10 determines "other" in S50 and executes the third mode of cut double-sided printing process in S70. This completes the cut double-sided printing of the 10th sheet Sh10 shown in Figure 14. Then, the controller 10 makes the decision in S50 again and proceeds to S60. The controller 10 determines "NO" in S60 and executes the second mode of cut double-sided printing process (S65).

[0071] Figure 10 shows the detailed procedure for the cut double-sided printing process of the second embodiment. In Figure 10, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet using image data representing a white image and stores it in the memory 12 (S110).

[0072] Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+1] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[6], and D[6] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P5. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12.

[0073] The subsequent processes S102 and S103 have been described above, so they will not be explained again here. The controller 10 then creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[5], and D[5] represents the image data P5. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P5 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface using image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12 (S115).

[0074] The subsequent processes S106 and S107 have been described above and will not be explained again here. Then, the controller 10 finishes the cut double-sided printing process of the second mode. When the process of S106 is completed, as shown in Figure 14, the lower half of the back side Sh11b of the 11th sheet Sh11 will be blank as no image is printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh11b will also be blank as no image is printed on it. Then, the upper half of the front side Sh11f of the same sheet Sh11 will have the image data P5 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh11f will be blank as no image is printed on it.

[0075] Thus, in Case 2, the bottom half of the last sheet becomes blank on both sides after cutting. While the blank on both sides of the last sheet after cutting is unavoidable, it can be easily removed because it only appears on the last sheet. In contrast, removing the blank on both sides of the last sheet after cutting, as shown in Figure 13, is time-consuming.

[0076] Thus, when the controller 10 performs cut printing, collated printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, and the total number of pages in the print job is 5 and the number of copies is 7, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print the image data of the last page from the image data of the last page included in the print job onto a first standard-sized sheet so that all images based on the image data of the last page, from the first copy to the copy immediately preceding the last copy, are placed on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of the odd-numbered pages other than the last page. The sheet is then transported to the processing unit 18, and the processing unit 18 cuts it to a second standard size, performing a first cut printing. More specifically, in the collated 7-copy cut double-sided printing result in Figure 14, all of the image data P5 of the last page, from the first copy to the sixth copy (one copy before the last 7 copies), are placed on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data P1 or P3 of the odd-numbered pages other than the last page. As a result, in the MFP1 of this embodiment, in the double-sided printing process with collation and multiple cuts, it is possible to suppress the generation of blank sheets half the size of the sheet up to the section immediately preceding the final section.

[0077] Next, we will explain Case 2 using the example of printing seven copies of a print job containing image data P1-P3 for three pages, as shown in Figure 15(a), with collation and double-sided printing. In this Case 2 example, the arrangement of image data P1-P3 on one sheet is determined, and based on that arrangement, double-sided printing of one sheet is performed. This process is repeated seven times to complete the multiple copies of double-sided printing with collation. Therefore, we will explain the process of double-sided printing of one sheet.

[0078] First, the controller 10 initializes counter P to "1" and counter C to "0" (S40). Since Ptotal = 3, the controller 10 determines "NO" in S41 and proceeds to S50. At this time, P = 1, so P = Ptotal - 2, and the controller 10 executes the cut double-sided printing process of the third mode in S51. In Figure 11, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+3] and stores it in memory 12 (S120). At this time, P = 1, so it becomes D[4], and D[4] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P3. Therefore, in S120, the controller 10 creates image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12. Next, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet from D[P+1] and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=1, so D[2] is obtained, and D[2] represents the image data P2. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data from the image data P2 to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12.

[0079] After executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[1], and D[1] represents the image data P1. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P1 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P+2] and stores it in memory 12 (S125). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[3], and D[3] represents the image data P3. Therefore, in S125, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P3 and stores it in memory 12.

[0080] After executing the processes S106 and S107, the controller 10 terminates the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment. When the process S106 is completed, as shown in Figure 15(b), the lower half of the back side Sh1b of the first sheet Sh1 will be blank, with no image printed on it, while the upper half of the same back side Sh1b will have the image data P2 printed on it. Then, the upper half of the front side Sh1f of the same sheet Sh1 will have the image data P1 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh1f will have the image data P3 printed on it.

[0081] Thus, when the controller 10 performs cut printing, collated printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, and the total number of pages in the print job is 3 and the number of copies is 7, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print the image data of the last page from the image data of the last page included in the print job onto a first standard-sized sheet so that all images based on the image data of the last page, from the first copy to the last copy, are placed on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of the odd-numbered pages other than the last page. The sheet is then transported to the processing unit 18, and the processing unit 18 cuts it to a second standard size, performing a first cut printing. More specifically, in the collated 7-copy cut double-sided printing result shown in Figure 15(b), all of the image data P3 of the last page, from the first copy to the seventh copy, are placed on the lower half of the same surface as the images based on the image data P1 of the odd-numbered pages other than the last page. As a result, in the MFP1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of blank pages half the size of the sheet until the final cut in the double-sided printing process with collation.

[0082] Next, we will explain Case 3 using the example of printing six copies of a collated, cut-side double-sided print job based on a print job containing six pages of image data P1-P6 as shown in Figure 16(a). In this Case 3 example, the arrangement of image data P1-P4 on the sheet is the same as in Case 2, and only the arrangement of image data P5 and P6 is different. Therefore, we will only explain the control process for arranging image data P5 and P6. Also, even if the number of copies is different, the positions of image data P5 and P6 on the sheet are the same, so we will explain the control process for arranging image data P5 and P6 for the first copy.

[0083] The control processing for the single set of image data P4 returns from S71 to S41 and terminates. The controller 10 determines "NO" in S41, and advances the processing to S50. At this time, since P=5 and Ptotal=6, P=Ptotal-1 holds. Therefore, the controller 10 advances the processing from S50 to S60. At this time, since C=1 and Ctotal=6, C<Ctotal-1 is satisfied. For this reason, the controller 10 executes the cut duplex printing processing of the first aspect (S61). In FIG. 9, the controller 10 creates image data to be arranged on the lower half of the sheet back surface from D[2], and stores the image data in the memory 12 (S100). Then, the controller 10 creates image data to be arranged on the upper half of the sheet back surface from D[P+1], and stores the image data in the memory 12 (S101). At this time, since P=5, D[P+1]=D[6]. Therefore, the controller 10 creates image data to be arranged on the lower half of the sheet back surface from the image data P2, and stores the image data in the memory 12 (S100). Further, the controller 10 creates image data to be arranged on the upper half of the sheet back surface from the image data P6, and stores the image data in the memory 12 (S101). Then, the controller 10 executes the processing of S102 and S103. After that, the controller 10 creates image data to be arranged on the upper half of the sheet front surface from D[P], and stores the image data in the memory 12 (S104). At this time, since P=5, D[P]=D[5]. Further, the controller 10 creates image data to be arranged on the lower half of the sheet front surface from D[1], and stores the image data in the memory 12 (S105). Therefore, the controller 10 creates image data to be arranged on the upper half of the sheet front surface from the image data P5 and stores the image data in the memory 12 (S104), and also creates image data to be arranged on the lower half of the sheet front surface from the image data P1 and stores the image data in the memory 12 (S105). Then, the controller 10 executes the respective processing of S106 and S107. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the image of the image data P2 is printed on the lower half of the back surface Sh2b of the second sheet Sh2, and the image of the image data P6 is printed on the upper half of the same back surface Sh2b.Then, the upper half of the surface Sh2f of the same sheet Sh2 has the image data P5 printed on it, and the lower half of the surface Sh2f has the image data P1 printed on it.

[0084] Thus, when the controller 10 performs cut printing, collated printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, and the total number of pages and copies of the print job are even, that is, in case 3, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print the image data of the last page, from the image data of the last page, onto a first standard-sized sheet such that all images based on the image data of the last page, from the first copy to the last copy, are placed on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any image based on the image data of any even-numbered page other than the last page. The sheet is then transported to the processing unit 18, and the processing unit 18 performs a second cut printing, cutting it to a second standard size. More specifically, in the collated 6-copy cut double-sided printing result in Figure 16(b), all images based on the image data P6 of the last page, from the first copy to the sixth copy, are placed on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any image based on the image data P2 or P4 of any even-numbered page other than the last page. As a result, in the MFP1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of blank pages half the size of the sheet until the final cut in the double-sided printing process with collation.

[0085] Next, regarding Case 4, we will explain using the example of printing seven copies of a print job that includes six pages of image data (P1-P6) as shown in Figure 16(a), similar to Case 3, with collation and double-sided printing.

[0086] In Case 4, up to the 6th of the even-numbered sections, there is no difference from Case 3. When the process proceeds to the final 7th section, C=6 and the determination of S54 is made. The controller 10 determines "NO" in S54, and advances the process from S54 through S41 to S50. At this time, since P=1, the controller 10 determines "Other" in S50, and executes the third-mode cut duplex printing process of S70. Thereby, the cut duplex printing of the 10th sheet Sh10 shown in FIG. 17 is completed. Then, the controller 10 passes through S70, S71 and S41, and executes the determination of S50 again. At this time, since P=5, Ptotal=6, and P=Ptotal-1, the controller 10 advances the process from S50 to S60. At this time, since C=6 and Ctotal=7, C<Ctotal-1 does not hold. Therefore, the controller 10 determines "NO" in S60, and executes the second-mode cut duplex printing process (S65).

[0087] In Figure 10, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet using image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12 (S110). Then, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet from D[P+1] and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[6], and D[6] represents image data P6. Therefore, the controller 10 creates image data from image data P6 and stores it in memory 12. After executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the front of the sheet from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=5, so the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the front of the sheet from image data P5 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the front of the sheet using image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12 (S115). The controller 10 then executes processes S106 and S107. As a result, as shown in Figure 17, the lower half of the back side Sh11b of the 11th sheet Sh11 is blank, with no image printed on it, while the upper half of the same back side Sh11b is printed with the image data P6. The upper half of the front side Sh11f of the same sheet Sh11 is printed with the image data P5, while the lower half of the same front side Sh11f is blank, with no image printed on it.

[0088] Thus, when the controller 10 performs cut printing, collated printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, and the total number of pages in the print job is 6 and the number of copies is 7, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print the image data of the last page from the image data of the last page onto a first standard-sized sheet, such that all images based on the image data of the last page, from the first copy to the copy immediately preceding the last copy, are placed on the upper or lower half of the same surface as either the image based on the image data of any of the even-numbered pages other than the last page, and then transports the sheet to the processing unit 18, where the processing unit 18 cuts it to a second standard size, performing a second cut printing. More specifically, in the collated 7-copy cut double-sided printing result shown in Figure 17, all images based on the image data P6 of the last page, from the first copy to the copy immediately preceding the last copy, are placed on the upper or lower half of the same surface as either the image based on the image data P2 or P4 of any of the even-numbered pages other than the last page. As a result, in the MFP1 of this embodiment, in the double-sided printing process with collation and multiple cuts, it is possible to suppress the generation of blank sheets the size of half a sheet up to the second-to-last cut.

[0089] Next, we will explain the same Case 4 using an example where seven copies are printed on both sides with collation based on a print job containing image data P1-P4 for four pages, as shown in Figure 18(a). In this Case 4 example, the arrangement of image data P1-P4 on one sheet is determined, and based on that arrangement, one sheet is cut and printed on both sides. This process is repeated seven times to complete the multiple cut and double-sided printing process with collation. Therefore, we will explain the process of cutting and printing one sheet on both sides.

[0090] First, the controller 10 initializes counter P to "1" and counter C to "0" (S40). Since Ptotal = 4, the controller 10 determines "NO" in S41 and proceeds to S50. At this time, P = 1, so P = Ptotal - 3, and the controller 10 executes the cut double-sided printing process of the third mode in S51. In Figure 11, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+3] and stores it in memory 12 (S120). At this time, P = 1, so it becomes D[4], and D[4] represents image data P4. Therefore, in S120, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from image data P4 and stores it in memory 12. Next, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet from D[P+1] and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=1, so D[2] is obtained, and D[2] represents the image data P2. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data from the image data P2 to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12.

[0091] After executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[1], and D[1] represents the image data P1. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P1 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P+2] and stores it in memory 12 (S125). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[3], and D[3] represents the image data P3. Therefore, in S125, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P3 and stores it in memory 12.

[0092] After executing the processes S106 and S107, the controller 10 terminates the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment. When the process S106 is completed, as shown in Figure 18(b), the lower half of the back side Sh1b of the first sheet Sh1 has the image data P4 printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh1b has the image data P2 printed on it. Then, the upper half of the front side Sh1f of the same sheet Sh1 has the image data P1 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh1f has the image data P3 printed on it.

[0093] Thus, when the controller 10 performs cut printing, collated printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, and the total number of pages in the print job is 4 and the number of copies is 7, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print the image data of the last page from the image data of the last page included in the print job onto a first standard-sized sheet so that all images based on the image data of the last page, from the first copy to the last copy, are placed on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of the even-numbered pages other than the last page. The sheet is then transported to the processing unit 18, and the processing unit 18 cuts it to a second standard size, performing a first cut printing. More specifically, in the collated 7-copy cut double-sided printing result shown in Figure 18(b), all of the image data P4 of the last page, from the first copy to the seventh copy, are placed on the lower half of the same surface as the images based on the image data P2 of the even-numbered pages other than the last page. As a result, in the MFP1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of blank pages half the size of the sheet until the final cut in the double-sided printing process with collation.

[0094] Returning to Figure 7, if the collation printing setting is "disabled" in the S32 decision (S32: NO), the controller 10 performs a non-collation multi-cut double-sided printing process (S34) and then terminates the printing process. Note that non-collation means the same as stack printing.

[0095] Figure 19 shows the detailed procedure for the collation-free, multi-part cut-double-sided printing process. The cases in which cut printing is performed using the collation-free, multi-part cut-double-sided printing process are as follows: Case 11: When performing double-sided printing with even-numbered copies cut without collation, based on a print job that includes image data for odd-numbered pages, Case 12: When performing double-sided printing with no collation and odd-numbered pages cut, based on a print job that includes image data for odd-numbered pages, Case 13: When performing double-sided printing with even-numbered pages cut without collation, based on a print job that includes image data for even-numbered pages, Case 14: When performing double-sided printing with no collation and odd-numbered copies cut, based on a print job that includes image data for even-numbered pages, Therefore, first, regarding Case 11, we will explain the process of double-sided printing with multiple cuts without collation based on the specific example shown in Figure 21(a), and then we will explain Cases 12 to 14, focusing on the differences from Case 11.

[0096] Assume that the user, on the copy settings screen 70 (see Figure 5), sets the number of copies to 6 using icon 71A, specifies cut printing using icon 72, specifies double-sided printing using icon 76, specifies stack printing using icon 77, and then operates the start button 74 to process the copy of the original document. Figure 21(a) shows the image data P1 to P5 for 5 pages obtained by scanning the original document with scanner 16. The image data for 5 pages may be, for example, image data generated by scanning each of 5 A4 originals with scanner 16 on one side. The image data for 5 pages may be image data generated by scanning the original document with scanner 16 on both sides. The image data for 5 pages may be image data generated by scanning an original document other than A4, for example, an A5 original, with scanner 16.

[0097] In Figure 19, the controller 10 initializes counter P, which counts the pages of image data P1 to P5 included in the print job, to "1", and initializes counter C, which counts the number of printed copies, to "0" (S200). Counters P and C may be configured, for example, as software counters that use a predetermined area (not shown) on memory 12 as counters.

[0098] Next, the controller 10 determines whether the value of counter C is Ctotal-1, Ctotal-2, or something else (S201). As mentioned above, Ctotal represents the total number of copies to be printed. Since Ctotal=6 and C=0, the controller 10 determines in S201 that it is "something else" and executes the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode (S220).

[0099] Figure 20 shows the detailed procedure for the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth embodiment. In Figure 20, processes similar to those in Figure 9 are given the same step numbers, and their explanations are omitted as appropriate. In Figure 20, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+1] and stores it in memory 12 (S130). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[2], and D[2] represents the image data P2. Therefore, in S130, the controller 10 creates image data from the image data P2 and stores it in memory 12.

[0100] Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+1] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, since P=1, the controller 10 creates image data from image data P2 and stores it in memory 12.

[0101] Then, after executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[1], and D[1] represents the image data P1. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P1 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S135). Therefore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P1 and stores it in memory 12.

[0102] After executing the processes S106 and S107, the controller 10 terminates the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth embodiment. When the process S106 is completed, as shown in Figure 21(b), the image of image data P2 is printed on the lower half of the back side Sh1b of the first sheet Sh1, and the image of image data P2 is printed on the upper half of the same back side Sh1b. Then, the image of image data P1 is printed on the upper half of the front side Sh1f of the same sheet Sh1, and the image of image data P1 is printed on the lower half of the same front side Sh1f.

[0103] Returning to Figure 19, the controller 10 increments the value of counter C by "2" (S221) and then returns to processing S201. At this time, C=2, so the controller 10 determines "otherwise" in S201 and executes the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode again (S220). When processing S106 during the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode is completed, as shown in Figure 21(b), the image data P2 is printed on the lower half of the back side Sh2b of the second sheet Sh2, and the image data P2 is printed on the upper half of the same back side Sh2b. Then, the image data P1 is printed on the upper half of the front side Sh2f of the same sheet Sh2, and the image data P1 is printed on the lower half of the same front side Sh2f.

[0104] Then, the controller 10 increments the value of counter C by "2" (S221) and then returns to processing S201. At this time, C=4 and C=Ctotal-2, so the controller 10 proceeds from processing S201 to S210. In S210, the controller 10 determines whether the value of counter P is either Ptotal-1 or Ptotal, or something else. Currently, Ptotal=5 and P=1, so in S210 the controller 10 determines it is "something else" and executes the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode (S213). When the processing in S106 during the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode is completed, as shown in Figure 21(b), the image data P2 is printed on the lower half of the back side Sh3b of the third sheet Sh3, and the image data P2 is printed on the upper half of the same back side Sh3b. Then, the image data P1 is printed on the upper half of the surface Sh3f of the same sheet Sh3, and the image data P1 is printed on the lower half of the surface Sh3f of the same sheet.

[0105] Then, the controller 10 resets the value of counter C to "0" and increments the value of counter P by "2" (S214), and then returns to processing S201. At this time, since C=0, the controller 10 determines "otherwise" in S201 and proceeds to processing from S201 to S220, executing the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode.

[0106] In Figure 20, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+1] and stores it in memory 12 (S130). At this time, P=3, so it becomes D[4], and D[4] represents image data P4. Therefore, in S130, the controller 10 creates image data from image data P4 and stores it in memory 12.

[0107] Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+1] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, since P=3, the controller 10 creates image data from image data P4 and stores it in memory 12.

[0108] Then, after executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=3, so it becomes D[3], and D[3] represents the image data P3. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P3 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S135). Therefore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P3 and stores it in memory 12.

[0109] After executing the processes S106 and S107, the controller 10 terminates the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth embodiment. When the process S106 is completed, as shown in Figure 21(b), the lower half of the back side Sh4b of the fourth sheet Sh4 has the image data P4 printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh4b has the image data P2 printed on it. Then, the upper half of the front side Sh4f of the same sheet Sh4 has the image data P3 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh4f has the image data P3 printed on it.

[0110] Returning to Figure 19, the controller 10 increments the value of counter C by "2" (S221) and then returns to processing S201. At this time, C=2, so the controller 10 determines "otherwise" in S201 and executes the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode again (S220). When processing S106 during the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode is completed, as shown in Figure 21(b), the lower half of the back side Sh5b of the fifth sheet Sh5 has the image data P4 printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh5b has the image data P4 printed on it. Then, the upper half of the front side Sh5f of the same sheet Sh5 has the image data P3 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh5f has the image data P3 printed on it.

[0111] Then, the controller 10 increments the value of counter C by "2" (S221) and then returns to processing S201. At this time, C=4 and C=Ctotal-2, so the controller 10 proceeds from processing S201 to S210. In S210, the controller 10 determines whether the value of counter P is either Ptotal-1 or Ptotal, or something else. Currently, Ptotal=5 and P=3, so in S210 the controller 10 determines it is "something else" and executes the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode (S213). When processing S106 during the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode is completed, as shown in Figure 21(b), the image data P4 is printed on the lower half of the back side Sh6b of the sixth sheet Sh6, and the image data P4 is printed on the upper half of the same back side Sh6b. Then, the image data P3 is printed on the upper half of the surface Sh6f of the same sheet Sh6, and the image data P3 is printed on the lower half of the surface Sh6f of the same sheet.

[0112] Then, the controller 10 resets the value of counter C to "0" and increments the value of counter P by "2" (S214), and then returns to processing S201. At this time, since C=0, the controller 10 determines "otherwise" in S201 and proceeds to processing from S201 to S220, executing the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode.

[0113] In Figure 20, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+1] and stores it in memory 12 (S130). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[6], and D[6] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P5. Therefore, in S130, the controller 10 creates image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12.

[0114] Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+1] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, since P=5, the controller 10 creates image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12.

[0115] Then, after executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[5], and D[5] represents the image data P5. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P5 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S135). Therefore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P5 and stores it in memory 12.

[0116] After executing the processes S106 and S107, the controller 10 terminates the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth embodiment. When the process S106 is completed, as shown in Figure 21(b), the lower half of the back side Sh7b of the seventh sheet Sh7 will be blank, with no image printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh7b will also be blank, with no image printed on it. Then, the upper half of the front side Sh7f of the same sheet Sh7 will have the image data P5 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh7f will also have the image data P5 printed on it.

[0117] Returning to Figure 19, the controller 10 increments the value of counter C by "2" (S221) and then returns to processing S201. At this time, C=2, so the controller 10 determines "otherwise" in S201 and executes the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode again (S220). When the processing in S106 during the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth mode is completed, as shown in Figure 21(b), the lower half of the back side Sh8b of the eighth sheet Sh8 will be blank as no image is printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh8b will also be blank as no image is printed on it. Then, the image data P5 will be printed on the upper half of the front side Sh8f of the same sheet Sh8, and the image data P5 will be printed on the lower half of the same front side Sh8f.

[0118] Then, the controller 10 increments the value of counter C by "2" (S221) and then returns to processing S201. At this time, C=4 and C=Ctotal-2, so the controller 10 proceeds from S201 to S210. In S210, the controller 10 determines whether the value of counter P is either Ptotal-1 or Ptotal, or something else. Now Ptotal=5 and P=5, so in S210 the controller 10 determines that P=Ptotal and proceeds from S210 to S211. In S211, the controller 10 executes the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth aspect. When the processing in S106 during the cut double-sided printing process of the fourth aspect is completed, as shown in Figure 21(b), the lower half of the back side Sh9b of the ninth sheet Sh9 will be blank with no image printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh9b will also be blank with no image printed on it. Then, the image data P5 is printed on the upper half of the surface Sh9f of the same sheet Sh9, and the image data P5 is printed on the lower half of the surface Sh9f of the same sheet.

[0119] Then, the controller 10 increments the value of counter C by "2" (S212) and then terminates the non-collation, multi-cut, double-sided printing process.

[0120] Figure 22 shows the print result of printing the same five pages of image data P1-P5 as in Figure 21(a) using a conventional non-collating, multi-cut, double-sided printing process. As can be seen in Figure 22, the lower halves of sheets Sh7-Sh12 (sheets 7-12) become blank on both sides after cutting. In contrast, the print result in Figure 21(b) does not include any blank pages on both sides after cutting. Thus, with the MFP1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of blank pages the size of half a sheet even with a non-collating, multi-cut, double-sided printing process.

[0121] Thus, when the controller 10 performs cut printing, stack printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, and the total number of pages in the print job is odd and the number of copies is even, that is, in case 11, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print sheets of a first standard size for the number of copies, in which the image based on the image data of the last page is placed on the upper and lower halves of the same side, and no image based on the image data of any page is placed on the reverse side, and then transports these sheets to the processing unit 18, where the processing unit 18 cuts them to a second standard size, performing a fourth cut printing. More specifically, in the result of 6-copy cut double-sided printing without collation shown in Figure 21(a), the image based on the image data P5 of the last page is placed on the upper and lower halves of the same side, and sheets of which no image based on the image data of any page is placed on the reverse side are printed for the number of copies.

[0122] The following will explain each of Cases 12 to 14, focusing on the differences from Case 11. First, for Case 12, we will explain using the example of printing 7 copies of a print job, including image data for 5 pages (P1-P5), on both sides without collation.

[0123] In Case 12, the process is the same as in Case 11 up to the 6th even-numbered section. When processing proceeds to the final 7th section, C=6, leading to the decision in S201. Controller 10 determines in S201 that C=Ctotal-1 and proceeds from S201 to S202. At this time, Ptotal=5 and P=1, so Controller 10 determines "otherwise" in S202 and executes the cut double-sided printing process of the third mode (S205). In Figure 11, Controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+3] and stores it in memory 12 (S120). Now, P=1, so it becomes D[4], and D[4] represents image data P4. Therefore, in S120, Controller 10 creates image data from image data P4 and stores it in memory 12. Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+1] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[2], and D[2] represents the image data P2. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data from the image data P2 to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12. Then, after executing the processes in S103 and S104, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P] to be placed on the upper half of the front of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[2], and D[2] represents the image data P2. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data from the image data P2 to be placed on the upper half of the front of the sheet and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+2] to be placed on the lower half of the front of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S125). At this time, P=1, so D[3] is obtained, and D[3] represents the image data P3. Therefore, in S125, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P3 and stores it in memory 12.

[0124] After executing the processes S106 and S107, the controller 10 terminates the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment. When the process S106 is completed, as shown in Figure 22, the lower half of the back side Sh4b of the fourth sheet Sh4 has the image data P4 printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh4b has the image data P2 printed on it. Then, the upper half of the front side Sh4f of the same sheet Sh4 has the image data P1 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh4f has the image data P3 printed on it.

[0125] Returning to Figure 19, the controller 10 updates counter C to "1" and increments counter P by "2" (S206), then returns to processing S201. At this point, Ctotal = 7 and C = 1, so the controller 10 determines "otherwise" in S201 and proceeds to processing from S201 to S220. The subsequent processing is the same as in case 11, so the explanation is omitted. However, the bottom half of the last sheet, that is, the 11th sheet Sh11, becomes blank on both sides after cutting.

[0126] Thus, when the controller 10 performs cut printing, stack printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, and the total number of pages in the print job is odd and the number of copies is odd, that is, in case 12, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print the following onto a first standard-sized sheet: one less sheet than the number of copies, in which the image based on the image data of the last page is placed on the upper and lower halves of the same side, and no image based on the image data of any page is placed on the reverse side; and one sheet in which the image based on the image data of the last page is placed on either the upper or lower halves of the same side, and no image based on the image data of any page is placed on the reverse side; and the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print these onto a first standard-sized sheet, which is then transported to the processing unit 18, and the processing unit 18 cuts it to a second standard size, performing a fifth cut printing. More specifically, in the double-sided printing result of 7 copies without collation shown in Figure 23, the images based on the image data P5 of the last page are placed on the upper and lower halves of the same side, and on the reverse side, sheets Sh8 to Sh10 have no images based on image data from any page, one less than the number of copies. Additionally, one sheet Sh11 has an image based on the image data P5 of the last page placed on either the upper or lower half of the same side, and on the reverse side, no images based on image data from any page are printed using the printing engine 15 on a first standard-sized sheet.

[0127] Figure 24(b) shows the print results for Case 13, which involves printing six copies of a print job containing image data P1-P4 for four pages, as shown in Figure 24(a), with no collation and double-sided printing. As can be seen by comparing Figure 24(b) with Figure 21(b), the arrangement of image data P1-P4 on the sheet is the same in this Case 13 example as in Case 11. In other words, Case 13 is equivalent to Case 11 with the control process for placing image data P5 omitted. Therefore, no further explanation of Case 13 is necessary.

[0128] Thus, when the controller 10 performs cut printing, stack printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, and the total number of pages in the print job is even and the number of copies is even, that is, in case 13, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print sheets of a first standard size for the number of copies, in which the image data of the last page in the print job has an image based on the image data of the last page placed on the upper or lower half of the same side, and an image based on the image data of the page immediately preceding the last page placed on the upper or lower half of the reverse side, and transports these sheets to the processing unit 18, where the processing unit 18 cuts them to a second standard size, performing a third cut printing. More specifically, in the double-sided printing result of 6 copies without collation shown in Figure 24(b), sheets Sh4 to Sh6 are printed on a first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine 15, with the image based on the image data P4 of the last page placed on the upper or lower half of the same side, and the image based on the image data P3 of the page immediately preceding the last page placed on the upper or lower half of the reverse side.

[0129] Figure 25 shows the print results for Case 14, which involves printing seven copies of a print job containing image data P1-P4 for four pages, as shown in Figure 24(a), on both sides without collation. As can be seen by comparing Figure 25 with Figure 23, the arrangement of image data P1-P4 on the sheet is the same in this Case 14 example as in Case 12. In other words, Case 14 is equivalent to Case 12 with the control process for placing image data P5 omitted. Therefore, no further explanation of Case 14 is necessary.

[0130] Thus, when the controller 10 performs cut printing, stack printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, and the total number of pages in the print job is even and the number of copies is odd, that is, in case 14, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print sheets of a first standard size for the number of copies, in which the image based on the image data of the last page is placed on the upper or lower half of the same side, and the image based on the image data of the page immediately preceding the last page is placed on the upper or lower half of the reverse side, and then transports these sheets to the processing unit 18, where the processing unit 18 cuts them to a second standard size, performing a third cut printing. More specifically, in the result of 7-copy cut double-sided printing without collation shown in Figure 25, sheets Sh5 to Sh7, in which the image based on the image data P4 of the last page is placed on the upper or lower half of the same side, and the image based on the image data P3 of the page immediately preceding the last page is placed on the upper or lower half of the reverse side, are printed on sheets of a first standard size for the number of copies using the printing engine 15.

[0131] Returning to Figure 7, in the determination in S31, if multiple copies are not specified (S31: NO), that is, if single copies are specified, the controller 10 performs single-copy cut double-sided printing (S35) and then terminates the printing process.

[0132] Figure 26 shows the detailed procedure for single-copy cut double-sided printing. The following explanation will follow a specific example shown in Figure 29(a).

[0133] In Figure 26, the controller 10 sets the counter P to "1" (S300). Then, the controller 10 executes the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment (S301).

[0134] Figure 11 shows the detailed procedure for the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment. In Figure 11, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+3] and stores it in memory 12 (S120). Now, since P=1, it becomes D[4], and D[4] represents the image data P4. Therefore, in S120, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from the image data P4 and stores it in memory 12.

[0135] Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+1] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[2], and D[2] represents the image data P2. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data from the image data P2 to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12.

[0136] Next, after executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[1], and D[1] represents the image data P1. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P1 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P+2] and stores it in memory 12 (S125). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[3], and D[3] represents the image data P3. Therefore, in S125, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P3 and stores it in memory 12.

[0137] Then, the controller 10 executes the process in S106. As a result, as shown in Figure 29(b), the image data P4 is printed on the lower half of the back side Sh1b of the first sheet Sh1, and the image data P2 is printed on the upper half of the same back side Sh1b. Then, the image data P1 is printed on the upper half of the front side Sh1f of the same sheet Sh1, and the image data P3 is printed on the lower half of the same front side Sh1f.

[0138] Furthermore, the controller 10 transports the double-sided printed sheet to the processing unit 18 for cutting (S107), and then terminates the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment.

[0139] Returning to Figure 26, the controller 10 determines whether the last page has been printed or not (S302). In the example of Figure 29(a), there are 5 pages of image data, so the controller 10 determines "NO" in S302, adds "4" to the value of counter P, and then returns to processing S301. The controller 10 then performs the cut double-sided printing process of the third mode again (S301).

[0140] In Figure 11, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+3] and stores it in memory 12 (S120). Now, since P=5, it becomes D[8], and D[8] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P5. Therefore, in S120, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet using image data that represents a white image and stores it in memory 12.

[0141] Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+1] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[6], and D[6] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P5. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet using image data that represents a white image and stores it in memory 12.

[0142] Next, after executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[5], and D[5] represents the image data P5. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P5 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P+2] and stores it in memory 12 (S125). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[7], and D[7] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P5. Therefore, in S125, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface using image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12.

[0143] Then, the controller 10 executes the process in S106. As a result, as shown in Figure 29(b), the lower half of the back side Sh2b of the second sheet Sh2 will be blank as no image is printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh2b will also be blank as no image is printed on it. The upper half of the front side Sh2f of the same sheet Sh2 will have the image data P5 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh2f will be blank as no image is printed on it.

[0144] Furthermore, the controller 10 transports the double-sided printed sheet to the processing unit 18 for cutting (S107), and then terminates the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment.

[0145] Returning to Figure 26, the controller 10 determines whether the last page has been printed or not (S302). In the example of Figure 29(a), there are 5 pages of image data, and all have been printed, so the controller 10 determines "YES" in S302 and terminates the single-copy cut double-sided printing process.

[0146] Returning to Figure 7, if the cut printing setting is "disabled" in the S30 decision (S30: NO), the controller 10 determines whether the setting value for the item "2-in-1 printing" in the print setting information 23 is set to "enabled" (S36). If the 2-in-1 printing setting is "enabled" in this decision (S36: YES), the controller 10 executes the 2-in-1 duplex printing process (S37) and then terminates the printing process. On the other hand, if the 2-in-1 printing setting is "disabled" in this decision (S36: NO), the controller 10 executes the normal duplex printing process (S38) and then terminates the printing process.

[0147] Figure 27 shows the detailed procedure for 2-in-1 double-sided printing. The following explanation of this 2-in-1 double-sided printing process follows the specific example shown in Figure 29(a). Note that in the 2-in-1 double-sided printing process in Figure 27, processes similar to those in the single-part cut double-sided printing process in Figure 26 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0148] In Figure 27, the controller 10 initializes the counter P (S300) and then executes a 2-in-1 double-sided printing process for each sheet (S311). Figure 28 shows the detailed procedure for the 2-in-1 double-sided printing process for each sheet. In Figure 28, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+3] and stores it in memory 12 (S120). Since P=1, D[4] is obtained, and D[4] represents the image data P4. Therefore, in S120, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from the image data P4 and stores it in memory 12.

[0149] Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+2] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S141). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[3], and D[3] represents the image data P3. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data from the image data P3 to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12.

[0150] Next, after executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[1], and D[1] represents the image data P1. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P1 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P+2] and stores it in memory 12 (S125). At this time, P=1, so it becomes D[3], and D[3] represents the image data P3. Therefore, in S125, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from the image data P3 and stores it in memory 12.

[0151] Then, after executing the process in S106, the controller 10 finishes the 2-in-1 double-sided printing process for each sheet. As a result, as shown in Figure 29(c), the lower half of the back side Sh1b of the first sheet Sh1 has the image data P4 printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh1b has the image data P3 printed on it. Then, the upper half of the front side Sh1f of the same sheet Sh1 has the image data P1 printed on it, and the lower half of the same front side Sh1f has the image data P2 printed on it.

[0152] Returning to Figure 27, the controller 10 determines whether the last page has been printed or not (S302). In the example of Figure 29(a), there are 5 pages of image data, so the controller 10 determines "NO" in S302, adds "4" to the value of counter P, and then returns to processing in S311. In S311, the controller 10 performs the cut double-sided printing process of the third embodiment again.

[0153] In Figure 28, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet from D[P+3] and stores it in memory 12 (S120). Now, since P=5, it becomes D[8], and D[8] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P5. Therefore, in S120, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the back of the sheet using image data that represents a white image and stores it in memory 12.

[0154] Next, the controller 10 creates image data from D[P+2] to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet and stores it in memory 12 (S101). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[7], and D[7] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P5. Therefore, in S101, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the back of the sheet using image data that represents a white image and stores it in memory 12.

[0155] Next, after executing the processes in S102 and S103, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from D[P] and stores it in memory 12 (S104). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[5], and D[5] represents the image data P5. Therefore, in S104, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the upper half of the sheet surface from the image data P5 and stores it in memory 12. Furthermore, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface from D[P+1] and stores it in memory 12 (S145). At this time, P=5, so it becomes D[6], and D[6] does not represent any of the image data P1 to P5. Therefore, in S125, the controller 10 creates image data to be placed on the lower half of the sheet surface using image data representing a white image and stores it in memory 12.

[0156] Then, after executing the process in S106, the controller 10 terminates the 2-in-1 double-sided printing process for each sheet. As a result, as shown in Figure 29(c), the lower half of the back side Sh2b of the second sheet Sh2 will be blank as no image is printed on it, and the upper half of the same back side Sh2b will also be blank as no image is printed on it. On the upper half of the front side Sh2f of the same sheet Sh2, the image data P5 will be printed, and the lower half of the same front side Sh2f will be blank as no image is printed on it.

[0157] Returning to Figure 27, the controller 10 determines whether the last page has been printed or not (S302). In the example in Figure 29(a), there are five pages of image data, and all have been printed, so the controller 10 determines "YES" in S302 and terminates the 2-in-1 double-sided printing process.

[0158] The controller 10 can also execute the 2-in-1 printing process for multiple copies. In this case, the controller 10 simply needs to repeat the 2-in-1 printing process a number of times corresponding to the number of copies.

[0159] Thus, when the controller 10 performs 2-in-1 printing of multiple copies without cutting and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, if the total number of pages in the print job is an odd number of 5 or more, the controller 10 uses the printing engine 15 to print the image data of the last page from the image data of the last page included in the print job onto a first standard-sized sheet, ensuring that all images based on the image data of the last page, from the first copy to the last copy, are not placed on the same surface or on the same sheet as images based on the image data of any other page, and then transports the sheet to perform 2-in-1 printing without cutting by the processing unit 18.

[0160] Returning to Figure 7, if the setting value for double-sided printing is "invalid" in the decision made in S28 (S28: NO), the controller 10 executes single-sided printing (S29) and then terminates the printing process. Note that there are various printing methods for single-sided printing, such as cut printing, 2-in-1 printing, and multiple-copy printing with / without collation. However, since these do not have any particular features in this embodiment, the explanation of various printing processes in single-sided printing will be omitted.

[0161] Returning to Figure 3, if MFP1 receives a print job from PC3 specifying the image data to be printed (S20: YES), it proceeds to S21 and acquires the image data and print setting information included in the print job. That is, when MFP1 has received a print job specification from PC3, it acquires the setting values ​​indicating whether cut printing, 2-in-1 printing, duplex printing, and collate printing are enabled or disabled, based on the print setting information included in the print job. If all or part of the information regarding cut printing, 2-in-1 printing, duplex printing, and collate printing cannot be determined solely from the print setting information included in the print job, the controller 10 acquires the necessary setting values ​​from memory 12, among the setting values ​​indicating whether cut printing, 2-in-1 printing, duplex printing, and collate printing are enabled or disabled, which are used for printing the print job.

[0162] In S19, the controller 10 executes the print process using the image data and print setting information included in the print job. The result of the print process is the same as the result of the copy process, which has already been described. For example, if the image data included in the print job received from PC3 is image data for 5 pages, as shown in Figure 12(a), then in Case 1, the image will be printed as shown in Figure 12(b). Note that if a print job is received from a PC other than PC3, or from an external device other than a PC, such as a smartphone or tablet, the process from S20:YES onwards may also be executed. Furthermore, if setting values ​​and image data are received from a portable memory connected to the communication IF14, such as a USB memory or memory card, the process from S20:YES onwards may be executed using the setting values ​​included in the print job. In this case, the process from S20:YES onwards may be executed using the setting values ​​stored in memory 12 instead of the setting values ​​included in the print job.

[0163] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0164] In the above embodiment, an MFP was used as an example of a printing device, but this is just one example; the printing device may also be a scanner 16 or a printer that does not have a FAXIF 17. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0165] 1…MFP, 10…Controller, 13…User Interface, 15…Printing Engine, 18…Processing Unit.

Claims

1. A printing engine capable of printing on sheets, A processing unit capable of cutting a first standard-sized sheet to a second standard-sized sheet that is half the size of the first standard-sized sheet, Controller and A printing apparatus comprising, 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. The aforementioned controller, When performing cut printing on the acquired print job, With the direction along the long side of the first standard-sized sheet as the up and down direction, the image data included in the print job is printed on the first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine such that the image based on the image data of a predetermined page is placed in the upper half of the sheet, and the image based on the image data of the page following that page is placed in the lower half of the sheet, and the sheet is then transported to the processing unit, and the processing unit cuts it to the second standard size. When performing cut printing, multiple copy collation printing, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is odd and the number of copies is even, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, Using the printing engine, print each image based on the image data of the last page, from the first to the last copy, onto the first standard-sized sheet such that each image is positioned on the same upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of the odd-numbered pages other than the last page, then transport the sheet to the processing unit, and cut it to the second standard size using the processing unit, thus performing a first cut printing. When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is even and the number of copies is even, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, The printing engine is used to print images based on the image data of the last page, from the first to the last copy, so that each image is positioned on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of any even-numbered page other than the last page, onto the first standard-sized sheet, which is then transported to the processing unit, and the processing unit is used to cut it to the second standard size, thus performing a second cut printing. A printing apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned controller, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is 5 pages and the number of copies is 6, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, Among the images based on the image data of the last page mentioned above, The image based on the image data from the last page of Part 1 is placed on the upper half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the first page of Part 2. The image based on the image data from the last page of Part 2 is placed on the lower half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the third page of Part 2. The image based on the image data from the last page of Part 3 is placed on the upper half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the first page of Part 4. The image based on the image data from the last page of the fourth part is placed on the lower half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the third page of the fourth part. The image based on the image data from the last page of Part 5 is placed on the upper half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the first page of Part 6. The first cut printing is performed such that the image based on the image data of the last page of the sixth copy is placed on the lower half of the same surface as the image based on the image data of the third page of the sixth copy. The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned controller, If you want to perform 2-in-1 printing of multiple copies without cutting, and double-sided printing on the acquired print job, If the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is an odd number of 5 or more pages, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, The image based on the image data of the last page is printed on the first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine, and the sheet is transported without cutting by the processing unit, so that each image from the first to the last copy is not placed on the same surface or on the same sheet as any image based on the image data of any page other than the last page. The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned controller, When performing cut printing, collate printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on the acquired print job, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is 5 pages and the number of copies is 7, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, The first cut printing is performed by using the printing engine to print all images based on the image data of the last page, from the first part to the part immediately preceding the last part, onto the first standard-sized sheet, such that each image is positioned on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of any odd-numbered page other than the last page, then transporting the sheet to the processing unit, and cutting it to the second standard size using the processing unit. When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is 4 pages and the number of copies is 7, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, The printing engine prints images based on the image data of the last page, from the first to the last copy, onto the first standard-sized sheet such that each image is positioned on the same upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of the even-numbered pages other than the last page, then transports the sheet to the processing unit, and performs the second cut printing by cutting it to the second standard size using the processing unit. The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned controller, When performing cut printing, collate printing of multiple copies, and double-sided printing on the acquired print job, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is 3 pages and the number of copies is 7, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, The first cut printing is performed by using the printing engine to print images based on the image data of the last page, such that all images from the first to the last copy are positioned on the same upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of the odd-numbered pages other than the last page, then transporting the sheet to the processing unit, and cutting it to a second standard size using the processing unit. When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is 6 pages and the number of copies is 7, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, The printing engine prints each image based on the image data of the last page, from the first part to the part immediately preceding the last part, onto the first standard-sized sheet such that each image is positioned on the same upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of any even-numbered page other than the last page, then transports the sheet to the processing unit, and performs the second cut printing by cutting it to the second standard size using the processing unit. The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The aforementioned controller, When performing cut printing, multi-copy stack printing, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is even and the number of copies is even, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, A sheet is printed in the specified number of copies on the first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine, with an image based on the image data of the last page arranged on the upper or lower half of the same side, and an image based on the image data of the page immediately preceding the last page arranged on the upper or lower half of the reverse side. This sheet is then transported to the processing unit, where it is cut to the second standard size using the processing unit, thus performing a third cut printing operation. Even when the total number of pages in the print job is even and the number of copies is odd, the third cut printing method is performed. The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

7. The aforementioned controller, When performing cut printing, multi-copy stack printing, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is odd and the number of copies is even, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, A fourth cut printing process is performed, in which an image based on the image data of the last page is arranged on the upper and lower halves of the same side, and no image based on the image data of any page is arranged on the reverse side, for the specified number of copies, on the first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine, and then transported to the processing unit, where it is cut to the second standard size using the processing unit. When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is odd and the number of copies is odd, A fifth cut printing operation is performed, in which, using the printing engine, one less sheet than the number of copies is printed, in which the image based on the image data of the last page is placed on the upper and lower halves of the same side, and no image based on the image data of any page is placed on the reverse side, and one sheet in which the image based on the image data of the last page is placed on either the upper or lower half of the same side, and no image based on the image data of any page is placed on the reverse side, and these sheets are printed on the first standard-sized sheet, transported to the processing unit, and cut to the second standard size using the processing unit. The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

8. A printing engine capable of printing on sheets, A processing unit capable of cutting a first standard-sized sheet to a second standard-sized sheet that is half the size of the first standard-sized sheet, Controller and A printing apparatus comprising, 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. The aforementioned controller, When performing cut printing on the acquired print job, With the direction along the long side of the first standard-sized sheet as the up and down direction, the image data included in the print job is printed on the first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine such that the image based on the image data of a predetermined page is placed in the upper half of the sheet, and the image based on the image data of the page following that page is placed in the lower half of the sheet, and the sheet is then transported to the processing unit, and the processing unit cuts it to the second standard size. When performing cut printing, multiple copy collation printing, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is odd and the number of copies is odd, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, Using the printing engine, print each image based on the image data of the last page, from the first part to the part immediately preceding the last part, onto the first standard-sized sheet such that each image is positioned on the same upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of any odd-numbered page other than the last page, then transport the sheet to the processing unit, and perform a first cut printing operation in which the sheet is cut to the second standard size using the processing unit. When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is even and the number of copies is odd, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, The printing engine is used to print images based on the image data of the last page, from the first to the last copy, so that each image is positioned on the upper or lower half of the same surface as any of the images based on the image data of any even-numbered page other than the last page, onto the first standard-sized sheet, which is then transported to the processing unit, and the processing unit is used to cut it to the second standard size, thus performing a second cut printing. A printing apparatus characterized by the following features.

9. The aforementioned controller, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is 5 pages and the number of copies is 7, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, Among the images based on the image data of the last page mentioned above, The image based on the image data from the last page of Part 1 is placed on the upper half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the first page of Part 2. The image based on the image data from the last page of Part 2 is placed on the lower half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the third page of Part 2. The image based on the image data from the last page of Part 3 is placed on the upper half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the first page of Part 4. The image based on the image data from the last page of the fourth part is placed on the lower half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the third page of the fourth part. The image based on the image data from the last page of Part 5 is placed on the upper half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the first page of Part 6. The image based on the image data from the last page of the sixth part is placed on the lower half of the same surface as the image based on the image data from the third page of the sixth part. Perform the first cut printing so that the image based on the image data of the last page of the seventh copy is not placed on the same sheet as any image based on the image data of any page other than the last page. The printing apparatus according to feature 8.

10. A printing engine capable of printing on sheets, A processing unit capable of cutting a first standard-sized sheet to a second standard-sized sheet that is half the size of the first standard-sized sheet, Controller and A printing apparatus comprising, 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. The aforementioned controller, When performing cut printing on the acquired print job, With the direction along the long side of the first standard-sized sheet as the up and down direction, the image data included in the print job is printed on the first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine such that the image based on the image data of a predetermined page is placed in the upper half of the sheet, and the image based on the image data of the page following that page is placed in the lower half of the sheet, and the sheet is then transported to the processing unit, and the processing unit cuts it to the second standard size. When performing cut printing, multi-copy stack printing, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is even and the number of copies is even, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, A sheet is printed in the specified number of copies on the first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine, with an image based on the image data of the last page arranged on the upper or lower half of the same side, and an image based on the image data of the page immediately preceding the last page arranged on the upper or lower half of the reverse side. This sheet is then transported to the processing unit, where it is cut to the second standard size using the processing unit, thus performing a third cut printing operation. Even when the total number of pages in the print job is even and the number of copies is odd, the third cut printing method is performed. A printing apparatus characterized by the following features.

11. The aforementioned controller, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is 4 pages and the number of copies is 6, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, Among the images based on the image data of the last page mentioned above, The image based on the image data of the last page of Part 1 and the image based on the image data of the last page of Part 2 are placed on the upper and lower halves of the sheet two pages before the last, respectively, and on the upper and lower halves of the reverse side of that sheet, the image based on the image data of the page immediately before the last page of Part 1 and the image based on the image data of the page immediately before the last page of Part 2 are placed, respectively. Images based on the image data of the last page of the third part and images based on the image data of the last page of the fourth part are placed on the upper and lower halves of the second-to-last sheet, respectively, and on the upper and lower halves of the reverse side of that sheet, images based on the image data of the page immediately preceding the last page of the third part and images based on the image data of the page immediately preceding the last page of the fourth part are placed, respectively. The third cut printing is performed such that the image based on the image data of the last page of the fifth copy and the image based on the image data of the last page of the sixth copy are placed on the upper and lower halves of the last sheet, respectively, and the image based on the image data of the page immediately preceding the last page of the fifth copy and the image based on the image data of the page immediately preceding the last page of the sixth copy are placed on the upper and lower halves of the reverse side of the last sheet, respectively. The printing apparatus according to feature 10.

12. A printing engine capable of printing on sheets, A processing unit capable of cutting a first standard-sized sheet to a second standard-sized sheet that is half the size of the first standard-sized sheet, Controller and A printing apparatus comprising, 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. The aforementioned controller, When performing cut printing on the acquired print job, With the direction along the long side of the first standard-sized sheet as the up and down direction, the image data included in the print job is printed on the first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine such that the image based on the image data of a predetermined page is placed in the upper half of the sheet, and the image based on the image data of the page following that page is placed in the lower half of the sheet, and the sheet is then transported to the processing unit, and the processing unit cuts it to the second standard size. When performing cut printing, multi-copy stack printing, and double-sided printing on an acquired print job, When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is odd and the number of copies is even, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, A fourth cut printing process is performed, in which an image based on the image data of the last page is arranged on the upper and lower halves of the same side, and no image based on the image data of any page is arranged on the reverse side, for the specified number of copies, on the first standard-sized sheet using the printing engine, and then transported to the processing unit, where it is cut to the second standard size using the processing unit. When the total number of pages in the aforementioned print job is odd and the number of copies is odd, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, A fifth cut printing process is performed, in which a sheet is printed using the printing engine to create a first standard-sized sheet, on which an image based on the image data of the last page is placed on the upper and lower halves of the same side, and no image based on the image data of any page is placed on the reverse side, one less than the number of copies, and on which a sheet is printed using the printing engine to create an image based on the image data of the last page on either the upper or lower halves of the same side, and no image based on the image data of any page is placed on the reverse side, and on which a first standard-sized sheet is printed using the printing engine, transported to the processing unit, and cut to the second standard size using the processing unit. A printing apparatus characterized by the following features.

13. The aforementioned controller, When the total number of pages in a print job is 5 and the number of copies is 6, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, Among the images based on the image data on the last page, The image based on the image data from the last page of Part 1 and the image based on the image data from the last page of Part 2 are placed on the upper and lower halves of the second-to-last sheet, respectively, and no images based on image data from any page are placed on the reverse side. The image based on the image data from the last page of the third part, and the image based on the image data from the last page of the fourth part, are placed on the upper and lower halves of the second-to-last sheet, respectively, while no images based on image data from any page are placed on the reverse side. The image based on the image data of the last page of the fifth copy and the image based on the image data of the last page of the sixth copy are placed on the upper and lower halves of the last sheet, respectively, and no image based on the image data of any page is placed on the reverse side, as described in the fourth cut printing procedure. When the total number of pages in a print job is 5 and the number of copies is 7, Of the image data included in the aforementioned print job, the image data of the last page, Among the images based on the image data on the last page, The image based on the image data from the last page of Part 1 and the image based on the image data from the last page of Part 2 are placed on the upper and lower halves of the second-to-last sheet, respectively, and no images based on image data from any page are placed on the reverse side. The image based on the image data from the last page of the third part, and the image based on the image data from the last page of the fourth part, are placed on the upper and lower halves of the second-to-last sheet, respectively, while no images based on image data from any page are placed on the reverse side. The image based on the image data from the last page of the fifth part, and the image based on the image data from the last page of the sixth part, are placed on the upper and lower halves of the last sheet, respectively, while no images based on image data from any page are placed on the reverse side. Perform the cut printing described in the fifth step so that the image based on the image data of the last page of the seventh copy is not placed on the same sheet as any image based on the image data of any page other than the last page. The printing apparatus according to feature 12.

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