Print control system, method for controlling the print control system, and program

Abstract

This allows for a more suitable presentation of the cutting position when printing borderless on three sides. [Solution] The CPU 124 sets the output paper size. The CPU 124 controls the printing process so that no margin is left on the first side, which is one of the two sides of the rectangular image that are parallel to the transport direction and are larger than the set output paper size. The CPU 124 controls the cutter mounted on the printer 2 to cut the second and third sides of the paper on which the rectangular image is printed, which are the two sides perpendicular to the transport direction, to match the set output paper size. The CPU 124 controls the second side of the paper to be cut by the cutter to print a mark indicating the cut position of the fourth side of the rectangular image, which is different from the first to third sides, on the second side of the paper, which is divided into a first side of the paper on which the rectangular image is printed and which does not include the second and third sides of the rectangular image, and a second side of the paper which includes the second or third side of the rectangular image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a print control system, a control method for a print control system, a program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, borderless printing is known as a method for obtaining a borderless content image without requiring cutting. Among these, large-format printers generally perform borderless printing on roll paper, so both the printer driver and the printer hold a list of roll paper widths that support borderless printing, and appropriately transfer print data. This makes it possible to obtain a content image with no borders on the top, bottom, left, and right sides. In the present disclosure, printing with no borders on the top, bottom, left, and right sides in this manner is referred to as four-side borderless printing.

[0003] In recent years, technologies have also been proposed that enable free borderless printing without being restricted by roll paper width, in addition to borderless printing on roll paper of a predetermined width. In such technologies, a roll paper larger than the print data is installed in the printer to perform borderless printing, so that an output with no borders on the top, bottom and left sides or top, bottom and right sides, and a margin left on either the right or left side is obtained. By applying such control, the user can obtain a borderless content image even for an output of a size different from the width of the roll paper they own, by simply cutting the one side with the margin. In the present disclosure, borderless printing that has no borders on the top, bottom and left sides or top, bottom and right sides in this manner is referred to as three-side borderless printing.

[0004] As a conventional technique for when a user cuts a margin, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of arranging cut marks (such as registration marks) around a content image to indicate the cutting position. Further, as a technique related to three-side borderless printing, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique related to switching between four-side borderless printing and three-side borderless printing.

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-15641 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-140396 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] When printing borderless on three sides, the content image can be obtained by cutting off one side of the output that has a border, but it can be difficult to determine where to cut. On the other hand, if a cut line is added to the output, the cut line may remain inside the content image, resulting in an unsightly appearance. For these reasons, there is a need for a method to indicate the cut position so that no cut line remains on the content image when printing borderless on three sides.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a more suitable method for presenting the cut position when printing borderless on three sides. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The print control system according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: setting means for setting the output paper size; print control means for controlling the printing of a rectangular image on the paper such that no margin is left on one of the two sides of the paper parallel to the transport direction, the side corresponding to the first side of the rectangular image; cut control means for controlling the cutting of the paper on which the rectangular image has been printed by the print control means, at two cut positions corresponding to the second and third sides of the rectangular image which are perpendicular to the transport direction, and which match the output paper size set by the setting means; and control means for controlling the printing of a mark indicating a cut position corresponding to a fourth side of the rectangular image which is different from the first to third sides, on the second paper portion of the paper to be cut by the cut means, which consists of a first paper portion on which the rectangular image is printed and which does not include the second and third sides, and a second paper portion which includes a portion of the second or third side of the rectangular image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to present a more suitable cutting position when printing borderless on three sides. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of the configuration of a computer device. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of a print control device. [Figure 3] This is an example of a borderless settings dialog box. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of a print settings screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the output result of borderless printing. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of printer driver processing. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of printer processing. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of an output product. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of the result of printing a mark and a guide on an output product. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of a message dialog. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of a borderless setting dialog. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a printer driver. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a printer. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of an output product. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of an output product in a case where a strip is not separated. [Description of Embodiments]

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention according to the appended claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solving means of the present invention. Note that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0012] With reference to Figure 1, an example of the configuration of a computer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a printing system configured of a host computer (hereinafter also referred to as a host) 1, which is a representative example of the present invention, and an inkjet printer (hereinafter also referred to as a printer) 2. As shown in Figure 1, the host 1 and the printer 2 are connected to each other via a predetermined bidirectional interface 3 (for example, USB, TCP / IP, etc.). Note that as the host 1, for example, a personal computer (PC) or the like can be applied.

[0013] Host 1 includes a main board 100 containing a CPU 101 and the like, a keyboard (KB) 105, a display (DISPLAY) 107 such as an LCD, and an external storage device 109 such as a hard disk (HDD) or a flexible disk (FDD). The main board 100 further includes a RAM 102, a ROM 103, a keyboard controller (KBC) 104, a display controller (DISPC) 106, a disk controller (DKC) 108, and a printer controller (PRTC) 110. The CPU 101 comprehensively controls the above components connected to the system bus 111, and executes various programs. The keyboard controller (KBC) 104 controls inputs from the keyboard 105 and a pointing device (not shown). The keyboard controller 104 is also referred to as an operation unit or an input unit. The display controller (DISPC) 106 controls display on the display 107. The RAM 102 functions as the main memory or work area of the CPU 101. The ROM 103 stores an operating system, programs for executing respective functions including the printer driver according to the present embodiment (details will be described later), a boot program, various applications, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter also referred to as a printer driver), and the like. The disk controller (DKC) 108 controls access to the external storage device 109 such as a hard disk or a flexible disk (registered trademark). The printer controller (PRTC) 110 is connected to the printer 2 via the bidirectional interface 3, and controls communication processing of data and commands with the printer 2.

[0014] The printer 2 includes a controller 121, a printer engine 122, an operation panel 12, and a non-volatile storage device 133, and is connected to the host 1 via the bidirectional interface 3. The non-volatile storage device 133 includes a hard disk (HDD) 128 or an EEPROM 129. The non-volatile storage device may also be referred to as a non-volatile memory in some cases. The controller 121 includes a CPU 124, ROM 125, RAM 126, interface controller (I / FC) 123, disk controller (DKC) 127, panel interface (I / FP) 130, and engine interface (I / FE) 132. The CPU 124 executes various programs. The ROM 125 receives print image data and commands from the host 1 and stores programs and various data that control the printer engine 122 to achieve optimal recording. The RAM 126 is used as a work area to temporarily store various data and programs. The interface controller (I / FC) 123 is connected to host 1 via the bidirectional interface 3 and controls the communication processing of data and commands between it and host 1. The hard disk drive (HDD) 128 stores large amounts of data, including data from the host 1 and related information. The EEPROM 129 stores information specific to the recording device used during recording operations. The disk controller (DKC) 127 controls access to the non-volatile storage device 133. The panel interface (I / FP) 130 controls the display on the operation panel 12 and the input from the operation panel 12. The engine interface (I / FE) 132 controls the printer engine 122, which directly controls the hardware to achieve optimal recording. In this embodiment, the printer engine 122 uses an inkjet recording method, but it is also possible to use a printer engine that follows an electrophotographic method or an offset printing press.

[0015] Referring to Figure 2, an example of the functional configuration of a print control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In this embodiment, the host 1 has a printer driver 201, and the printer driver 201 has several functional units.

[0016] The user interface unit 202 is a function that provides the user with a means to input the printer driver's print settings. The printer driver 201 displays the print settings screen on DISPLAY 107 based on a command from the operating system to display the print settings screen. The user interface unit 202 internally stores information about the functions of printer 2 and displays the print settings screen based on that information.

[0017] The print data generation unit 203 is a function that generates print data to be sent to the printer 2 as a print job. The print data generation unit 203 converts the document prepared by the user into a data format that the printer 2 can interpret, according to the print settings set using the user interface unit 202, and also generates control commands for printer control. The print data transmission unit 204 transmits the print data generated by the print data generation unit 203 to the printer 2. Furthermore, the printer driver 201 according to this embodiment has, in addition to general print control means, borderless printing and three-sided borderless printing functions as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. Details of Figures 3 and 4 will be described separately.

[0018] On the other hand, printer 2 comprises a controller 121 and a printer engine 122. The controller 121 includes a print data receiving unit 209. The print data receiving unit 209 receives print data transmitted from the print data transmission unit 204.

[0019] Figure 5 shows examples of output results for four-sided borderless printing and three-sided borderless printing. The arrows in the figure indicate the transport direction, and during printing, the material is transported in the direction of the arrow. Figure 5(a) shows the case of borderless printing on all four sides, for example, when printing on a 24-inch wide (609.6 mm) roll of paper, enlarged to the full width of the roll, and performing borderless printing on all four sides. Figure 5(b) shows the actual output obtained in Figure 5(a). Figure 5(c) shows the case of borderless printing on three sides, for example, when printing on three sides of an A2 size (420.0 mm x 594.0 mm) output on a 24-inch wide (609.6 mm) roll of paper. Figure 5(d) is a diagram of the actual output obtained in Figure 5(c).

[0020] First, let's explain the output result of borderless printing on all four sides shown in Figure 5(a). Roll paper 510 refers to roll paper, and in this example, it is assumed to be a 24-inch roll of paper. Cut positions 515, 516, and 517 indicate the positions where the printer 2 cuts the paper, respectively. When the roll paper is transported to a predetermined position during printing, the printer 2 sequentially cuts it using a cutter equipped in the printer 2. Reference numeral 514 indicates the content image, and the print data that the user instructed to print is actually printed. On the other hand, reference numerals 511 and 513 indicate the scraps cut for borderless printing, and in this embodiment, they are referred to as strips. Specifically, reference numeral 511 corresponds to the leading strip, and reference numeral 513 corresponds to the trailing strip. Figure 5(b) shows the leading strip 511, the output 512 containing the content image, and the trailing strip 513, which have been separated by the printer 2.

[0021] Next, the output result of the three-sided borderless printing shown in Figure 5(c) will be explained. Roll paper 510 refers to roll paper as in Figure 5(a), and in this example, it is assumed to be a 24-inch roll paper. Cut positions 525, 526, and 527 indicate the positions where the printer 2 cuts, and when the roll paper is transported to the predetermined position during printing, it is sequentially cut by the cutter equipped in the printer 2. Reference numeral 524 indicates the content image (rectangular image), and the print data that the user instructed to print is actually printed. On the other hand, reference numerals 521 and 523 indicate the scraps cut for borderless printing, with reference numeral 521 corresponding to the leading edge and reference numeral 523 corresponding to the trailing edge. Figure 5(d) shows the leading strip 521, the output object 522 containing the content image, and the trailing strip 523, which have been separated by the printer 2.

[0022] As shown in Figures 5(b) and 5(d), by cutting the strip while including the edges of the content image, it is possible to make the cut edges borderless. On the other hand, the left edge of the print extends slightly beyond the surface of the roll paper, resulting in a borderless print. In this case, the ink that extends beyond the surface of the roll paper is absorbed by a borderless slot equipped on the platen of printer 2.

[0023] The user can obtain the content image 529 shown in Figure 5(e) by cutting the output 522 containing the content image at the cut position 528 using a ruler and cutter, or using a dedicated cutting machine. However, a challenge in this case is that the location of this cut position 528 is difficult to determine. The details of this embodiment will be described below.

[0024] <First Embodiment> (When setting up print settings) Figure 3 shows an example of a borderless printing settings dialog box for switching between four-sided borderless printing and three-sided borderless printing in the first embodiment of this disclosure. The 3-sided borderless checkbox 301 is a checkbox that allows the user to specify whether to perform 3-sided borderless printing or 4-sided borderless printing. Specifically, by checking the 3-sided borderless checkbox 301, it becomes possible to select an output paper size smaller than the set roll paper width, and as a result, 3-sided borderless printing is performed. The cut mark printing dropdown list 302 is a dropdown list that allows the user to select whether or not to print cut marks. The cut mark printing dropdown list 302 allows the user to select either "Yes" or "No". Details of the process will be described later.

[0025] Figure 4 shows an example of the print settings screen in this embodiment. The screen shown in Figure 4 is one of the user interface units 202 provided by the printer driver 201. This screen is launched by the application or OS when printing print data created by the user, and allows the user to configure print settings to obtain the desired output. Paper size 401 is an input area for receiving the paper size specification for print data created by the user. In the example shown in Figure 4, A2 (420.0 mm × 594.0 mm) is selected.

[0026] When a user wants to print without borders, they check the "Borderless Printing" checkbox 402. Once this checkbox is checked, the "Borderless Printing Method" radio button 404 and the "Borderless Settings" button 403 become active, allowing the user to select their desired borderless printing method. The "Fit to output paper size" setting enables borderless printing to match the output paper size selected via the "Output Paper Size" dropdown list 405. The "Print image at actual size" setting enables borderless printing without scaling the original paper. The "Scale to fit roll paper width" setting enables borderless printing to match the roll paper width selected via the "Roll Paper Width" dropdown list 407. The "Rotate 90 degrees" checkbox 406 is a setting that rotates the image by 90 degrees before printing if checked by the user. This setting is used, for example, when rotating the image by 90 degrees can save paper.

[0027] (when printing) The user can specify the desired settings using the user interface unit 202 shown in Figure 4, and then instruct the application to print. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of processes S600 related to borderless printing by the printer driver 201 when printing is performed by the application. Each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 6 is realized by the CPU 101 of the host computer 1 loading programs stored in memory areas such as ROM 103 and external storage device 109 into RAM 102 and executing them. In explaining each process shown in Figure 6, although the actual entity responsible for each process is the CPU 101 as described above, for convenience, various explanations will be given here assuming that the printer driver 201, which is started when the CPU 101 executes the above program, is the entity responsible for the process.

[0028] When a user issues a print command to an application, in S601, the printer driver 201 creates image data by rasterizing the data to be printed based on the drawing command from the application. While it is assumed here that rasterization is performed by the printer driver 2, the printer 2 may perform rasterization of the data to be printed depending on its capabilities.

[0029] In S602, the printer driver 201 determines whether or not borderless printing on three sides is specified in the print settings. As a specific example, the printer driver 201 may determine whether or not borderless printing on three sides is specified by checking the status of the borderless printing on three sides checkbox 301, as illustrated in Figure 3. If the printer driver 201 determines in S602 that borderless printing on three sides is specified in the print settings, it proceeds to S603; otherwise, it proceeds to S605.

[0030] In S603, the printer driver 201 determines whether or not cut mark printing is enabled in the print settings. As a specific example, the printer driver 201 may determine whether or not cut mark printing is enabled by checking the setting specified via the cut mark printing dropdown list 302, as illustrated in Figure 3. If the printer driver 201 determines in S603 that cut mark printing is set to "yes", it proceeds to S604; otherwise (if it is set to "no"), it proceeds to S605.

[0031] In the S604, the printer driver 201 adds a print command to the print data that adds cut marks.

[0032] In the S605, the printer driver 201 generates a print job from the image data generated by rasterizing the data to be printed in the S601, and from the print command. In S606, the printer driver 201 sends the print job generated in S605 to the printer. Then, the printer driver 201 completes the series of processes S600 shown in Figure 6.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the process makes it possible to generate a print job with or without cut marks when performing borderless printing on three sides. In the example shown in Figure 6, the process is branched depending on whether or not the cut mark command is present, but the cut mark command (e.g., ON, OFF, etc.) may be added regardless of whether or not the cut mark is present.

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of processes S700 performed by printer 2 when it receives print data from printer driver 201. Each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is realized by the CPU 124 of printer 2 loading programs stored in memory areas such as ROM 125 and non-volatile memory device 133 into RAM 126 and executing them.

[0035] In the S701, CPU124 receives print jobs from the printer driver via I / FC123. In S702, CPU124 determines whether the print job received in S701 is set to print with three-sided borderless printing. If CPU124 determines in S702 that the print job is set to print with three-sided borderless printing, it proceeds to S703; otherwise, it proceeds to S705.

[0036] In S703, CPU124 determines whether or not a command with cut marks has been assigned to the print job. If CPU124 determines in S703 that a command with cut marks has been assigned to the print job, it proceeds to S704; otherwise, it proceeds to S705.

[0037] In the S704, CPU124 controls the printing of cut marks on strips of paper. The position where the cut marks are printed is controlled to be the same as the width of the output paper size of the print job. For example, if the output paper size is A2 (420.0mm x 594.0mm), CPU124 controls the printing process so that the center of the cut marks is located 420.0mm from the left edge of the roll paper.

[0038] In S705, CPU124 executes the printing of the print job. At this time, if cut marks have been set in S704, CPU124 controls the printing so that the cut marks are printed at the set positions. Then, CPU124 cuts the printed material in S705 using a cutter installed in printer 2 and ejects the printed material with the content image to a predetermined output destination. After that, CPU124 completes the series of processes S700 shown in Figure 7.

[0039] By applying the control shown in Figure 7, it becomes possible to switch processing using the cut mark command during three-sided borderless printing, and to print the cut mark on the strip that is separated from the content image when a cut mark is present. Furthermore, by applying this control, it becomes possible to indicate the cut position without defacementing the content image.

[0040] Figure 8(a) shows an example of output after the processing described with reference to Figures 6 and 7 has been performed. Figure 8(b) shows an example of output after cutting at cutting positions 525, 526, and 527 by the cutter mounted on the printer 2. The reference numerals 510, 521 to 527 shown in the figures are the same as those described in Figure 5, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0041] Reference numeral 801 indicates the cut mark printed in process S704 of Figure 7. Here, the trailing strip 523, which does not have a cut mark printed on it, can be made smaller than the leading strip 521, which does have a cut mark printed on it. The user can easily cut at the correct position by placing the leading strip 521 with the cut mark printed on it and the output object 522 containing the content image against the stopper of a dedicated cutting machine, using the cut mark as a guide. In this embodiment, the cut mark is shown as a triangular mark, but this is merely an example, and the appearance of the cut mark is not particularly limited as long as it can indicate the cutting position. As a specific example, the cut mark may be shown as a line or an arrow.

[0042] Figure 9 is a magnified view of the tip strip 521 and the output 522 containing the content image. Reference numeral 901 indicates the method of using the cut mark. Markers 902 and 903 indicate that the tip strip 521 and the output 522 containing the content image are a pair. In this embodiment, marks 902 and 903 are shown as stars, but this is merely an example, and the appearance is not particularly limited as long as the marks indicate that the tip strip 521 and the output 522 containing the content image are a pair. Furthermore, it is desirable that marks 902 and 903 do not overlap with other print jobs or other pages. As a specific example, numerical values ​​may be presented as marks 902 and 903.

[0043] Furthermore, the instructions for use 901 and the marker 902 are printed in process S704 of Figure 7, and the marker 903 is printed together with the cut mark and content image in process 705 of Figure 7. By applying this control, if the cut mark is not printed, the marker and explanatory text will not be printed either, and if the cut mark is printed, the marker and explanatory text will be printed. Although not shown in the diagram, if printing of the instructions for use and the marker is unnecessary, a separate option for whether or not to print the instructions for use may be provided in the borderless printing settings dialog of Figure 3. In that case, for example, in the processing of printer 2 shown in Figure 7, a process can be executed to switch whether or not to print the instructions for use and the marker by referring to the command for whether or not to print the instructions for use. Furthermore, while the example shown in Figure 9 focuses on the strip 521 at the tip, it is possible to similarly print instructions for use and markings on the strip at the rear end as well.

[0044] In this way, printing instructions on how to use the strips informs users of how to use the cut marks printed on them and prevents accidental disposal. Furthermore, the printed marks make it easier to associate the strips with the content images, even when cutting is performed after multiple outputs have been printed.

[0045] Figure 10 shows an example of a message dialog to inform the user that cut marks will be printed on the paper strips. The message dialog shown in Figure 10 is displayed, for example, when "Yes" is selected in the cut mark printing dropdown list 302 shown in Figure 3 in the printer driver 201. It is also possible for the printer 2 to display the message dialog shown in Figure 10 on the panel when executing process S704 shown in Figure 7. Displaying such a message dialog makes it possible to inform the user that cut marks will be printed. It is also expected to have the effect of preventing accidental discarding of paper strips with cut marks printed on them.

[0046] <Second Embodiment> (When setting up print settings) Normally, when a cutting machine is used, the cutting position can be determined by placing a strip of paper with cut marks printed on it against the content image at the cutting machine's stopper, so one strip of paper is sufficient. On the other hand, when cutting is performed using a ruler and a cutter, two indicators (e.g., cut marks) are needed to determine the cutting position, so two strips of paper with cut marks printed on them are required. Thus, the number of strips required differs depending on the cutting method applied. In this embodiment, an example of a method for switching the process according to the position where the cut marks are printed and the selection of the cutting method will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the explanation will focus on the parts that differ from the first embodiment described above, and detailed explanations of parts that are substantially the same as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0047] Figures 11(a) and 11(b) show the results of changing the selection in the cut mark printing dropdown list in the three-sided borderless printing settings dialog box shown in Figure 3, respectively. In the cut mark printing dropdown list 1101, you can select where to print the cut marks from "None," "Front," and "Front and Rear." In addition, in the cutting method dropdown list 1102, you can select the cutting method from "No cutting," "Cutter & Ruler," and "Cutting machine."

[0048] (when printing) Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the printer driver 201's processing S1200 during printing in this embodiment. Each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 12 is realized by the host computer 1's CPU 101 loading programs stored in memory areas such as ROM 103 and external storage device 109 into RAM 102 and executing them. In explaining each process shown in Figure 12, although the actual entity responsible for each process is the CPU 101 as described above, for convenience, various explanations will be given assuming that the printer driver 201, which is started when the CPU 101 executes the above program, is the entity responsible for the processing. Furthermore, detailed explanations of processes S601, S602, S605, and S606 in the figure are omitted because they are substantially the same as the processes with similar reference numerals in the example shown in Figure 6.

[0049] First, once processing up to S602 is complete, the printer driver 201 checks the cut mark position (cutting method) setting in S1203. Specifically, the printer driver 201 checks the settings of the cut mark printing dropdown list 1101 and the cutting method dropdown list 1102, as explained with reference to Figures 11(a) and 11(b). If the printer driver 201 determines in S1203 that the cut mark position (cutting method) setting is "none (no cutting)", it proceeds to S605. On the other hand, if the printer driver 201 determines that the cut mark position (cutting method) setting is "front (cutter)" or "front and rear (cutter & ruler)", it proceeds to S1204.

[0050] In the S1204, the printer driver 201 assigns commands corresponding to each cut mark printing (cutting method). Then, once the printer driver 201 has completed the processes S605 and S606, it terminates the series of processes S1200 shown in Figure 12.

[0051] By applying the above-described controls, it becomes possible to reflect the cutting method and cut mark printing position selected by the user in the print job commands. In the example shown in Figure 12, the process is branched based on the cut mark printing (cutting method), and if the cut mark position (cutting method) setting is "none (no cutting)", no commands are assigned to the print job. However, the control is not necessarily limited to this. As a specific example, even if the cut mark position (cutting method) setting is "none (no cutting)", a command indicating that the cut mark position (cutting method) setting is "none (no cutting)" may be assigned to the print job.

[0052] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process S1300 of the printer 2 in this embodiment. Each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 13 is realized by the CPU 124 of the printer 2 loading programs stored in memory areas such as ROM 125 and non-volatile memory device 133 into RAM 126 and executing them. Furthermore, detailed explanations of processes 701 and S702 in the figure are omitted because they are substantially the same as the processes with similar reference numerals in the example shown in Figure 7.

[0053] Once processing up to S702 is complete, CPU124 checks the cut mark position (cutting method) command included in the print job in S1303. If CPU 124 determines in S1303 that the cut mark position (cutting method) is "none (no cutting)", it proceeds to S1304. In this case, CPU 124 prints the print job in S1304 and then terminates the series of processes S1300 shown in Figure 13. Furthermore, if CPU 124 determines in S1303 that the cut mark position (cutting method) is "tip (cutting machine)", it proceeds to S1305. In this case, CPU 124 prints the cut mark on the strip in S1305. Then, CPU 124 prints the print job in S1306 and then terminates the series of processes S1300 shown in Figure 13. Furthermore, if CPU 124 determines in S1303 that the cut mark position (cutting method) is at the "front / rear end (cutter & ruler)", it proceeds to S1307. In this case, CPU 124 prints a cut mark on the front strip in S1307. Next, CPU 124 prints the print job in S1308. Then, in S1309, CPU 124 prints a cut mark on the rear strip and then terminates the series of processes S1300 shown in Figure 13. Here, the printing position of the cut marks printed in S1305, S1307, and S1309 is the same as the width of the output paper size of the print job, similar to the process in S704 shown in Figure 7.

[0054] By applying the above control, it becomes possible to print cut marks according to the set cut mark position (cutting method). Furthermore, since it is possible to print cut marks on the bottom strip only when necessary, it is expected to save ink and paper. In addition, the position where the cut marks are printed is automatically determined by the user's simple operation of selecting the cutting method. Moreover, it is possible to indicate the cut position without defacementing the content image.

[0055] Figure 14(a) shows an example of output after the processing according to this embodiment is performed. Figure 14(b) shows an example of output after the output shown in Figure 14(a) has been cut at cutting positions 525, 526, and 527 by a cutter mounted on the printer 2. The reference numerals 510, 521-527, and 801 shown in the figures are substantially the same as the components shown with the same reference numerals in Figures 5 and 8, respectively, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0056] The cut mark denoted by reference numeral 1401 shows an example of a cut mark printed in the process S704 shown in Figure 13 in this embodiment. When cutting using a cutter and ruler, the user can determine the cutting position using two cut marks: one at the front strip 521 and another at the rear strip 523. This makes it possible to cut out the content image 524 from the output object 522 containing the content image at the appropriate position.

[0057] Figure 15 shows an example based on the example shown in Figure 14(b), where the strips are not completely separated into strips by the printer 2. In the first and second embodiments described above, the strips with cut marks printed on them are shown separated, but it is not necessary for each strip to be separated. In the case of relatively large printed materials, it may be difficult to align them with the cutting machine, or it may be difficult to align the strips with the content image when cutting using a cutter and ruler. In such cases, it is possible to leave the leading and trailing ends of the strips intact by controlling the printer 2. The cutting flow by printer 2 is not shown in the diagram, but it can be achieved by cutting with the cutter provided by printer 2 from the cutting start position (left edge in this example) to at least the output paper size position, and then returning the cutter to the cutting position. The amount to be cut and the amount not to be cut may also be adjustable. However, considering the separation of the content image, it is desirable that the cutting be done to a size greater than the output paper size.

[0058] Furthermore, the various controls described above, which are performed by CPU101 and CPU124, may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or multiple pieces of hardware (for example, multiple processors or circuits) may share the processing to control the entire device. Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Moreover, each of the embodiments described above is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is possible to combine each embodiment as appropriate. Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments explained the application of the present invention to a printing system as illustrated in Figure 1, the invention is not limited to this example. For example, any device or system capable of outputting and cutting printed materials can be applied. Also, the device shown as host computer 1 is not particularly limited as long as it can cooperate with a device equivalent to printer 2. For example, host computer 1 is not limited to a personal computer; a PDA, mobile phone terminal, etc., may also be used.

[0059] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by performing the following process: supplying software (programs) that realize the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program code. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

[0060] Furthermore, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, programs, and storage media. (Configuration 1) A print control system characterized by comprising: setting means for setting the output paper size; printing control means for controlling the printing of a rectangular image larger than or equal to the output paper size set by the setting means, such that no margin is left on one of the two sides of the paper parallel to the transport direction, the side corresponding to the first side of the rectangular image; cutting control means for controlling the cutting of the paper on which the rectangular image has been printed by the control of the printing control means, at two cut positions corresponding to the second and third sides of the rectangular image which are perpendicular to the transport direction, and which match the output paper size set by the setting means; and a control means for controlling the printing of a mark indicating a cut position corresponding to a fourth side of the rectangular image which is different from the first to third sides, on the second paper portion of the paper to be cut by the cutting means, which consists of a first paper portion on which the rectangular image is printed and which does not include the second and third sides, and a second paper portion which includes a portion of the second or third side of the rectangular image. (Configuration 2) The printing control system according to Configuration 1, wherein the second portion of the paper includes the second edge of the rectangular image that is downstream in the transport direction from the third edge, and the control means controls the third portion of the paper that is cut by the cutting means so that the mark is not printed on the third portion of the paper that includes the third edge. (Configuration 3) The printing control system according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the control means controls the paper to be cut by the cutting means to print the mark on both the second portion of the paper that includes the second edge which is downstream in the transport direction from the third edge of the rectangular image, and the third portion of the paper that includes the third edge. (Configuration 4) The print control system according to Configuration 1, further comprising an input means for receiving user input indicating how to cut the cut position corresponding to the fourth edge that is not cut by the cutting means, wherein the control means controls whether to print the mark on both or on only one of the second portion of the paper cut by the cutting means, which includes the second edge that is downstream in the transport direction from the third edge of the rectangular image, and the third portion of the paper that includes the third edge. (Configuration 5) The printing control system according to Configuration 4, characterized in that the input means can input any of a plurality of options as the cutting method, including cutting with a cutting machine and cutting with a ruler and cutter. (Configuration 6) The print control system according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the cut control means controls the cutting so that the first paper portion and the second paper portion are not completely separated but partially separated. (Configuration 7) The print control system according to Configuration 1, further characterized in that the print control means controls the second paper portion to print a guide indicating how to use the second paper portion on which the mark is printed. (Configuration 8) The print control system according to Configuration 7, characterized in that the guide includes a prompt not to discard the second portion of the paper until the fourth edge is cut. (Configuration 9) The print control system according to Configuration 1, further comprising a display control means for controlling the display means of the print control system to display a guide indicating how to use the second portion of the paper on which the mark is printed. (Configuration 10) The print control system according to Configuration 9, characterized in that the guide includes a prompt not to discard the second portion of the paper until the fourth edge is cut. (Configuration 11) The printing control system according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the control means controls the first to third sides so as not to print marks indicating the cut position. (Configuration 12) The printing control system according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the mark is at least one of the following: a triangular mark whose vertex indicates the cut position, or a solid or dashed line indicating the cut position. (Configuration 13) The printing control system according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the information processing device that transmits a print job to a printing device having a cutting means has the setting means, the printing control means, the cutting control means, and the control means. (Configuration 14) The printing control system according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the printing apparatus having the cutting means and the printing means for printing using recording material has the setting means, the printing control means, the cutting control means, and the control means. (Method 1) A method for controlling a print control system, comprising: a setting step of setting the output paper size; a print control step of controlling the paper to print a rectangular image larger than or equal to the output paper size set in the setting step, such that no margin is left on one of the two sides of the paper parallel to the transport direction, the side corresponding to the first side of the rectangular image; a cut control step of controlling the paper on which the rectangular image has been printed by the control in the print control step to cut two cut positions on the paper, corresponding to the second and third sides which are the two sides of the rectangular image perpendicular to the transport direction, and matching the output paper size set in the setting step; and a control step of controlling the paper to be cut by the cut means to print a mark indicating a cut position corresponding to a fourth side of the rectangular image that is different from the first to third sides, on the second paper portion, which is a first paper portion on which the rectangular image is printed and does not include the second and third sides; and a second paper portion which includes a portion of the second or third side of the rectangular image. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a print control system described in any one of the configurations 1 to 14. (Storage medium 1) A computer-readable storage medium containing a program for causing the computer to function as one of the means of the print control system described in any one of items 1 to 14. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1 host 2 Printer 121 Controller 122 Printer Engine 124 CPU

Claims

1. A setting means for setting the output paper size, A print control means controls the printing of a rectangular image, larger than or equal to the output paper size set by the setting means, on the paper such that no margin is left on one of the two sides of the paper parallel to the transport direction, the side corresponding to the first side of the rectangular image. A cutting control means controls the cutting means to cut two cut positions on the paper on which the rectangular image has been printed by the control of the printing control means, which correspond to the second and third sides of the rectangular image that are perpendicular to the transport direction, and which match the output paper size set by the setting means. A control means controls the printing of a mark indicating a cut position corresponding to a fourth side of the rectangular image that is different from the first to third sides of the rectangular image on the second portion of the paper to be cut by the cutting means, which comprises a first portion of the paper on which the rectangular image is printed and which does not include the second side and the third side, and a second portion of the paper on which the rectangular image includes the second side or the third side. A printing control system characterized by having the following features.

2. The second portion of the paper includes the second edge of the rectangular image that is downstream in the transport direction from the third edge, The printing control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the third portion of the paper, including the third edge, that is cut by the cutting means, so that the mark is not printed on that portion.

3. The printing control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the paper to be cut by the cutting means to print the mark on both the second portion of the paper including the second edge which is downstream in the transport direction from the third edge of the rectangular image, and the third portion of the paper including the third edge.

4. The system further includes an input means for receiving user input indicating a cutting method for how to cut the cut position corresponding to the fourth side that is not cut by the cutting means, The printing control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls whether the mark is printed on both or on only one of the second portion of the paper cut by the cutting means, which includes the second edge of the rectangular image that is downstream in the transport direction from the third edge, and the third portion of the paper that includes the third edge, depending on the cutting method input by the input means.

5. The printing control system according to claim 4, characterized in that the input means can input any of a plurality of options as the cutting method, including cutting with a cutting machine and cutting with a ruler and cutter.

6. The printing control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cut control means controls the cutting so that the first paper portion and the second paper portion are not completely separated but partially separated.

7. The print control means further controls the second paper portion to print a guide indicating how to use the second paper portion on which the mark is printed, as described in claim 1.

8. The print control system according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide includes instructions prompting the user not to discard the second portion of the paper until the fourth edge is cut.

9. The print control system according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means for controlling the display means of the print control system to display a guide indicating how to use the second portion of the paper on which the mark is printed.

10. The print control system according to claim 9, characterized in that the guide includes instructions prompting the user not to discard the second portion of the paper until the fourth edge is cut.

11. The printing control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the first to third sides so as not to print marks indicating the cut position.

12. The printing control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mark is at least one of a triangular mark whose vertex indicates the cut position, or a solid or dashed line indicating the cut position.

13. The print control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information processing device that transmits a print job to a printing device having a cutting means has the setting means, the print control means, the cut control means, and the control means.

14. The printing control system according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus having the cutting means and the printing means for performing printing using recording material is characterized in that it has the setting means, the printing control means, the cutting control means, and the control means.

15. A method for controlling a print control system, A setting step to set the output paper size, A print control step that controls the printing of a rectangular image larger than or equal to the output paper size set in the setting step, such that no margin is left on one of the two sides of the paper parallel to the transport direction, the side corresponding to the first side of the rectangular image. A cut control step controls the cutting means to cut two cut positions on the paper on which the rectangular image has been printed by the control in the print control step, corresponding to the second and third sides of the rectangular image which are perpendicular to the transport direction, and which match the output paper size set in the setting step. A control step of controlling the cutting means to print a mark indicating a cut position corresponding to a fourth side of the rectangular image that is different from the first to third sides of the rectangular image on the second portion of the paper, among the first portion of the paper on which the rectangular image is printed and which does not include the second side and the third side, of the paper to be cut by the cutting means, A method for controlling a printing control system, characterized by including the following:

16. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a print control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a print control system described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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