Image recording device, image recording system, and image recording program

Abstract

To reduce a region to be wasted of a roll medium.SOLUTION: When the width of a sheet P stored in a RAM is X0, the maximum length about the width direction of the sheet P of a plurality of images A constituting a plurality of copies, a plurality of images B constituting a plurality of pages or one image C based on image data is X, an image recording apparatus executes calculation processing of calculating the maximum n (the natural number of n≥1) satisfying the relation of nX≤X0. Then, the image recording apparatus executes juxtaposition recording processing of controlling a recording unit such that two or more and n or less of a plurality of divided images C1, C2, ..., Cn obtained by dividing the two or more and n or less of the plurality of images A or the plurality of images B or the image C into plural pieces by a division line along the width direction of the sheet P are recorded in a manner of being arranged in parallel to each other in the width direction of the sheet P when n calculated in the calculation processing is equal to or greater than 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image recording device, an image recording system, and an image recording program for recording an image on a roll medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printer (image recording device) that records an image on roll paper (roll medium) in which a long piece of paper is wound in a roll shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-160880 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, when recording an image on roll paper, it is possible to record a longer image in the longitudinal direction of the paper compared to when recording an image on standard cut paper such as A or B. On the other hand, when recording an image on roll paper, if the length in the width direction of the paper is short, that is, less than half the width of the roll paper, a large area of ​​the roll paper will be wasted (area where no image is recorded).

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording device, an image recording system, and an image recording program that can reduce the wasted area of ​​a roll medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image recording device of the present invention is an image recording device that records images on a roll medium, and includes a first storage unit that stores the width of the roll medium on which the image is to be recorded, a recording unit that records the image based on image data, and a control unit. The control unit executes a calculation process to calculate the largest n (a natural number in the range of n≧1) that satisfies the relationship nX≦X0, where X0 is the width of the roll medium stored in the first storage unit and X is the maximum length in the width direction of the roll medium of multiple first images or one second image based on the image data that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the roll medium and separated by planned cutting lines along the width direction of the roll medium, and a juxtaposition recording process to control the recording unit when the n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or greater, so that two to n of the multiple first images, or two to n of multiple divided second images obtained by dividing the second images by dividing lines along the width direction of the roll medium, are recorded side by side in the width direction of the roll medium.

[0007] The image recording system of the present invention is an image recording system for recording images on a roll medium, and includes a first storage unit that stores the width of the roll medium on which the images are recorded, a recording unit that records the images based on image data, and a control unit. The control unit executes a calculation process to calculate the largest n (a natural number in the range of n≧1) that satisfies the relationship nX≦X0, where X0 is the width of the roll medium stored in the first storage unit and X is the maximum length in the width direction of the roll medium of multiple first images or one second image based on the image data that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the roll medium and separated by planned cutting lines along the width direction of the roll medium, and a juxtaposition recording process to control the recording unit when the n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or greater, so that two to n of the multiple first images, or two to n of multiple divided second images obtained by dividing the second images by dividing lines along the width direction of the roll medium, are recorded side by side in the width direction of the roll medium.

[0008] The image recording program of the present invention is an image recording program for recording images on a roll medium, and is an image recording system including a first memory unit that stores the width of the roll medium on which an image is to be recorded, a recording unit that records an image based on image data, and a control unit. The image recording program causes the control unit to execute a calculation process to calculate the largest n (a natural number where n is greater than or equal to 1) that satisfies the relationship nX≦X0, where X0 is the width of the roll medium stored in the first memory unit and X is the maximum length in the width direction of the roll medium of multiple first images or one second image based on the image data that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the roll medium and separated by planned cutting lines along the width direction of the roll medium; and a juxtaposition recording process to control the recording unit, when n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or greater, so that two to n of the multiple first images, or two to n of the multiple divided second images formed by dividing the second images by dividing lines along the width direction of the roll medium, are recorded side by side in the width direction of the roll medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The image recording device, image recording system, and image recording program of the present invention can record multiple first images or multiple divided second images based on image data in a line in the width direction of the roll medium. Therefore, even if the length of the first images or second images in the width direction of the roll medium is short, it is possible to reduce wasted areas of the roll medium (areas where no images are recorded). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating three patterns of an image recorded on paper, where (a) shows a first pattern, (b) shows a second pattern, and (c) shows a third pattern. [Figure 4]1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining division processing, in which (a) shows an image before division processing, and (b) shows an image after division processing. [Figure 5] (a) shows a juxtaposed image of an image of a first pattern, (b) shows a juxtaposed image of an image of a second pattern, and (c) shows a juxtaposed image of an image of a third pattern. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing screens displayed on a display, in which FIG. 10A is a side-by-side recording process setting screen, and FIG. 10B is a notification screen. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit of the printer shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart of the juxtaposed recording process shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating side-by-side images of data generated in a side-by-side recording process, where (a) shows a side-by-side image of the first data generated, (b) shows a side-by-side image of the second data generated, and (c) shows a side-by-side image of the third data generated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A printer 1 (image recording device of the present invention) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. The up-down, front-rear, and left-right directions shown in Fig. 1 are the up-down, front-rear, and left-right directions of the printer 1.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 mainly includes a housing 2, a feed tray 3, a feed roller 4, a conveyance mechanism 5, a cutter 6, a recording unit 7, a paper discharge tray 8, and a control unit 10.

[0013] The feed tray 3 is disposed below the recording unit 7 within the housing 2. The feed tray 3 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 2 in the front-to-rear direction through an opening 2a formed in the front wall of the housing 2. The feed tray 3 can accommodate a roll R. The feed tray 3 has a roll support portion 3a that supports the roll R. The feed tray 3 may also be able to accommodate cut paper in addition to the roll R. The roll R is a long piece of paper P wound in a roll shape around the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical core Rc.

[0014] The feed roller 4 feeds paper P (corresponding to the "roll medium" of the present invention) unwound from the roll R supported by the roll support portion 3a from the feed tray 3. The feed roller 4 is rotated by the drive of a feed motor 4a (see FIG. 2). When the feed motor 4a is driven under the control of the control portion 10, the feed roller 4 rotates, and a conveying force is applied from the front to the rear to the paper P in contact with the feed roller 4. This causes the paper P to be fed out of the feed tray 3. The rear wall 3b provided at the rear end of the feed tray 3 is inclined so that the upper end is located further rearward than the lower end. Therefore, the paper P fed out of the feed tray 3 is directed diagonally upward.

[0015] The transport mechanism 5 transports the paper P in the transport direction. The transport mechanism 5 includes an intermediate roller pair 11, a transport roller pair 12, a paper discharge roller pair 13, and a guide member .

[0016] The intermediate roller pair 11 is composed of a drive roller that rotates when driven by an intermediate motor 11a (see FIG. 2) and a driven roller that rotates along with the drive roller. When the intermediate motor 11a is driven under the control of the control unit 10, the intermediate roller pair 11 rotates while sandwiching the paper P, thereby transporting the paper P. The intermediate roller pair 11 is located above the rear end of the feed tray 3. The intermediate roller pair 11 sandwiches and transports the paper P upward, as the paper P is sent out from the feed tray 3 by the feed roller 4 and heads diagonally upward. The guide member 14 is located above the intermediate roller pair 11. The guide member 14 guides the paper P, which is transported upward by the intermediate roller pair 11, forward.

[0017] The conveying roller pair 12 is composed of a drive roller that rotates when driven by a conveying motor 12a (see FIG. 2), and a driven roller that rotates along with the drive roller. The paper discharge roller pair 13 is composed of a drive roller that rotates when driven by a paper discharge motor 13a (see FIG. 2), and a driven roller that rotates along with the drive roller. When the conveying motor 12a and the paper discharge motor 13a are driven under the control of the control unit 10, the conveying roller pair 12 and the paper discharge roller pair 13 rotate while sandwiching the paper P to convey the paper P. The conveying roller pair 12 is located behind the recording unit 7, and the paper discharge roller pair 13 is located in front of the recording unit 7. The conveying roller pair 12 sandwiches the paper P guided forward by a guide member 14 and conveys it forward. The paper discharge roller pair 13 sandwiches the paper P conveyed forward by the conveying roller pair 12 and conveys it to the paper discharge tray 8.

[0018] The cutter 6 is located between the rear end of the feed tray 3 and the pair of intermediate rollers 11. The cutter 6 is composed of, for example, a disk-shaped rotary blade and a driven blade. The rotary blade of the cutter 6 is rotated by the driving of a cutting motor 6a (see FIG. 2), and the cutter 6 moves back and forth in the left-right direction. The paper P unwound from the roll R and transported is cut in the width direction by the cutter 6 when the cutting motor 6a is driven under the control of the control unit 10.

[0019] The recording unit 7 records an image based on image data. The recording unit 7 records an image on paper P that is fed by the feed roller 4, sent out from the feed tray 3, and transported by the transport mechanism 5. The recording unit 7 has a head 7a that includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown) formed on its underside and a driver IC (not shown). When the driver IC is driven under the control of the control unit 10, ink is ejected from the nozzles, and an image is recorded on the paper P when the paper P transported by the transport mechanism 5 passes an image recording position facing the underside of the head 7a. The head 7a may be either a line type that ejects ink from nozzles while remaining fixed in position, or a serial type that ejects ink from nozzles while moving left and right.

[0020] The paper output tray 8 is located in front of the recording unit 7 inside the housing 2 and above the feed tray 3. The paper output tray 8 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 2 in the front-to-rear direction through an opening 2b formed in the front wall of the housing 2. The paper P on which an image has been recorded by the recording unit 7 is received in the paper output tray 8.

[0021] The control unit 10 controls the entire printer 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 10 is electrically connected to the feed motor 4a, intermediate motor 11a, transport motor 12a, paper discharge motor 13a, cutting motor 6a, recording unit 7, display 9, etc.

[0022] The display 9 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 2. The display 9 is a touch panel type. The display 9 displays various information related to the printer 1 to notify the user, and corresponds to the "notification unit" of the present invention. The display 9 also receives inputs from the user's operations, and corresponds to the "reception unit" of the present invention.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 24, etc. The ROM 22 stores programs executed by the CPU 21 and the ASIC 24, various fixed data, etc. The RAM 23 temporarily stores data required when executing the programs. These components work together to control the operations of the feed motor 4a, intermediate motor 11a, conveyance motor 12a, discharge motor 13a, cutting motor 6a, recording unit 7, display 9, etc.

[0024] In this embodiment, the RAM 23 stores the width of the paper P on which an image is to be recorded. In other words, the RAM 23 corresponds to the "first storage unit" of the present invention. The width of the paper P is input, for example, by the user. Alternatively, the printer 1 may have a sensor that detects the width of the paper P, and the width of the paper P detected by the sensor may be stored in the RAM 23.

[0025] The RAM 23 also stores original image data (corresponding to "image data" of the present invention) input from an external device. That is, the RAM 23 corresponds to the "second storage unit" of the present invention. Note that, as well as a PC (Personal Computer) 50 (see FIG. 2) connected to the printer 1 as described below, possible external devices include a USB memory connected to a USB interface (not shown), a smartphone connected via a wireless LAN module (not shown), etc. Furthermore, when a juxtaposed recording process described below is executed, the RAM 23 stores juxtaposed image data related to the juxtaposed images.

[0026] 2 shows one CPU 21 and one ASIC 25, the control unit 10 may include only one CPU 21, which performs all the necessary processing, or may include multiple CPUs 21, which share the necessary processing among them. Also, the control unit 10 may include only one ASIC 25, which performs all the necessary processing, or may include multiple ASICs 25, which share the necessary processing among them.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, the printer 1 is provided with a PC interface 15 for connecting to a PC 50 via a wired or wireless connection. The printer 1 and the PC 50 connected to the printer 1 constitute an image recording system 100. The image recording system 100 may include multiple PCs 50. The PC 50 has a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 54. An OS (Operating System) and a printer driver are installed on the HDD 54. The CPU 51 executes the printer driver to control the operation of the printer 1.

[0028] Here, three patterns of images to be recorded on paper P unwound from the roll R will be described as examples. First, the first pattern will be described with reference to FIG. 3(a). The first pattern is a plurality of images A that make up multiple parts. Image A corresponds to the "first image" of the present invention. The plurality of images A are arranged along the longitudinal direction of paper P and are separated by planned cutting lines L1 that run along the width direction of paper P (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). Image A is composed of an image area 31 where text, pictures, etc. are arranged, and a margin area 32 that is provided around image area 31.

[0029] Next, the second pattern will be described with reference to FIG. 3(b). The second pattern is a plurality of images B constituting a plurality of pages. The images B correspond to the "first image" of the present invention. Here, the plurality of images B includes four images: images B1, B2, B3, and B4. The plurality of images B are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the paper P and are separated by a planned cutting line L1 along the width direction of the paper P (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). Like image A, each image B is composed of an image area 31 in which text, pictures, etc. are placed, and a margin area 32 provided around the image area 31. Each image B is recorded on the paper P to form a single printed sheet.

[0030] In this example, the multiple images B are different in size. Image B2 has the largest length in the width direction of the paper P (hereinafter simply referred to as "width") of the images. The multiple images B may also be the same size.

[0031] Finally, the third pattern will be described with reference to FIG. 3(c). The third pattern is one image C. Image C corresponds to the "second image" of the present invention. Like image A, image C is composed of an image area 31 in which text, pictures, etc. are arranged, and a margin area 32 provided around the image area 31. Image C is recorded on paper P to become a single printed matter. Here, in FIG. 3(c), the edge of image C on one side (left side) in the longitudinal direction of paper P is referred to as the "leading edge," and the edge of image C on the other side (right side) in the longitudinal direction of paper P is referred to as the "trailing edge."

[0032] Next, specific processing performed by the control unit 10 of the printer 1 will be described with further reference to FIGS.

[0033] The control unit 10 executes a calculation process based on the width of the roll paper Rp stored in RAM 23 and the original image data. In this calculation process, when the width of the roll paper Rp is X0 and the maximum length (maximum width) of the paper P in the width direction in the image based on the original image data is X, the largest n (a natural number where n≧1) that satisfies the relationship nX≦X0 is calculated. If the image based on the original image data is a first pattern (multiple images A constituting multiple copies (see FIG. 3(a))), the width of image A is set to X. If the image based on the original image data is a second pattern (multiple images B constituting multiple pages (see FIG. 3(b))), the width of the image with the largest width among the multiple images B (image B in the example of FIG. 3(b)) is set to X. If the image based on the original image data is a third pattern (one image C (see FIG. 3(c))), the width of image C is set to X.

[0034] 3(a) to 3(c), the width of image area 31 of image A, image B2, and image C (the length in the width direction of paper P) is defined as X1, and the widths of margin areas 32 (the lengths in the width direction of paper P) provided on both sides of image area 31 in the width direction of paper P, respectively, are defined as M1 and M2. In this case, in the calculation process, the maximum n (a natural number where n≧1) that satisfies the relationship n(X1+M1+M2)≦X0 is calculated. n is the maximum juxtaposition number, which is the maximum number of images A, B, or divided images Cd (described later) that can be arranged in the width direction of paper P.

[0035] When the calculated n is 2 or greater, the control unit 10 executes a division process that divides one image C into n divided images C1, C2, ..., Cn. In the following description, the n divided images C1, C2, ..., Cn may be referred to as "divided images Cd" without distinction. More specifically, in the division process, as shown in FIG. 4(b), one image C is divided into n divided images C1, C2, ..., Cn by a partition line L2 that runs along the width direction of the paper P. In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), n=3.

[0036] 4(b), the control unit 10 executes margin insertion processing to place n-1 margin areas 33 between adjacent divided images Cd among the n divided images C1, C2, ..., Cn obtained in the division processing. That is, of two adjacent divided images Cd, the margin areas 33 are placed between the rear end of one divided image Cd and the front end of the other divided image Cd.

[0037] In the division process, the control unit 10 divides the image C so that one image C in a state in which n-1 margin areas 33 have been inserted in the margin insertion process is divided into n equal parts in the longitudinal direction of the paper P. In other words, the multiple divided images Cd have the same length in the longitudinal direction of the paper P.

[0038] 4(a), the length of the image area 31 in the image C before the overlap areas 33 are inserted in the longitudinal direction of the paper P is defined as Y, and the widths of the margin areas 32 (the lengths in the longitudinal direction of the paper P) provided on both sides of the image area 31 in the longitudinal direction of the paper P are defined as M3 and M4. Also, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the length of the overlap area 33 in the longitudinal direction of the paper P is defined as G. In this case, the length in the longitudinal direction of the paper P of the image C into which n-1 overlap areas 33 have been inserted by the overlap insertion process is Y+M3+M4+G(n-1). Therefore, the length Y0 in the longitudinal direction of the paper P of each divided image Cd obtained by dividing one image C into n pieces in the division process is (Y+M3+M4+G(n-1)) / n.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4(b), the length in the longitudinal direction of the paper P of the image area 31 of the divided image C1 located at the leading edge (left side in the figure) among the multiple divided images is defined as Y1. In this case, Y0 = M3 + Y1. That is, Y1 = {(1-n)M3 + Y + M4 + G(n-1)} / n.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in divided image C2 in FIG. 4(b), the length in the longitudinal direction of paper P of image area 31 in divided image Ck (a natural number 2≦k≦n-1) excluding divided image C1 located at the leading edge (left side in the figure) and divided image Cn located at the trailing edge (right side in the figure) of the multiple divided images is defined as Yk. In this case, Y0 = G + Yk. That is, Yk = (M3 + Y + M4 - G) / n.

[0041] Furthermore, let Yn be the length in the longitudinal direction of the paper P of the image area 31 of the divided image Cn located at the rearmost side (right side in the figure) among the multiple divided images, such as divided image C3 shown in Figure 4(b). In this case, Y0 = G + Yn + M4. That is, Yn = {M3 + Y + (1-n) M4 - G} / n.

[0042] When the image based on the original image data is a first pattern (plurality of images A constituting multiple copies (see FIG. 3(a))), and n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or greater, the control unit 10 executes a juxtaposition recording process that controls the recording unit 7 so that 2 to n of the plurality of images A are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P. That is, in the juxtaposition recording process, as shown in FIG. 5(a), 2 to n images A that are identical to one another are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P.

[0043] When the image based on the original image data is a second pattern (multiple images B constituting multiple pages (see FIG. 3(b))), the control unit 10 executes a juxtaposition recording process that controls the recording unit 7 so that, when n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or more, 2 to n of the multiple images B are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P. That is, in the juxtaposition recording process, as shown in FIG. 5(b), 2 to n images B, each of which is adjacent to another in the width direction of the paper P and belongs to a different page, are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 5(b), n = 3, and the multiple images B include four images: images B1, B2, B3, and B4. In this case, the three images B1, B2, and B3 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P. The fourth image B4 is arranged on the other side of image B1 in the longitudinal direction of the paper P.

[0045] When the image based on the original image data is a third pattern (one image C (see FIG. 3(c))), the control unit 10 executes a juxtaposition recording process that controls the recording unit 7 so that, when n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or more, 2 to n of the multiple divided images Cd are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P. That is, in the juxtaposition recording process, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the n divided images C1, C2, ..., Cn divided in the division process are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P. At this time, each overlap area 33 is arranged on the leading edge side of each divided image C2, ..., Cn except for divided image C1.

[0046] When executing the juxtaposed recording process, the control unit 10 stores in the RAM 23 juxtaposed image data relating to a juxtaposed image in which two or more images (image A, image B, or divided image Cd) are arranged in the width direction of the paper P. Then, the control unit 10 executes the juxtaposed recording process based on the juxtaposed image data stored in the RAM 23.

[0047] In the juxtaposed recording process, the control unit 10 controls the recording unit 7 to record a boundary line L3 at the boundary between two or more images (image A, image B, or divided image Cd) arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P. The boundary line L3 is indicated by a thick line in Figures 5(a) to 5(c).

[0048] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(c), when two or more images arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P have the same length in the longitudinal direction of the paper P, the boundary line L3 recorded in the juxtaposed recording process is only the boundary line of each image that runs along the longitudinal direction of the paper P. Also, as shown in Figure 5(b), when two or more images arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P have different lengths in the longitudinal direction of the paper P, the boundary line L3 is recorded in the juxtaposed recording process not only on the boundary line of each image that runs along the longitudinal direction of the paper P, but also on the boundary line of each image that runs along the width direction of the paper P. Specifically, of the two or more images arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P, the boundary line L3 is recorded on the boundary line of each image that runs along the width direction of the paper P (images B2 and B3 in the example shown in Figure 5(b)), excluding the image that has the longest length in the longitudinal direction of the paper P.

[0049] A mode for determining whether or not to execute the above-described parallel recording process can be set in the printer 1. When the user operates the touch panel display 9 to accept an input for setting the parallel recording process mode, the control unit 10 displays a parallel recording process setting screen 41 on the display 9 as shown in FIG.

[0050] Three setting buttons 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed on the side-by-side recording processing setting screen 41. The setting button 41a is for setting a mode in which side-by-side recording processing is performed when side-by-side recording processing is executable. The setting button 41b is for setting a mode in which side-by-side recording processing is not performed even when side-by-side recording processing is executable. The setting button 41c is for setting a mode in which confirmation is performed before recording when side-by-side recording processing is executable. The user can set the side-by-side recording processing mode by touching any of the setting buttons 41a, 41b, and 41c.

[0051] When the value of n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or more, the control unit 10 executes a notification process to control the display 9 so as to display a notification screen 42 that displays information that a side-by-side recording process is possible, in which two or more images (image A, image B, or divided image Cd) are recorded side-by-side in the width direction of the paper P, as shown in Fig. 6(b). The notification screen 42 displays an input button 42a for inputting an instruction to execute the side-by-side recording process, and an input button 42b for inputting a refusal to execute the side-by-side recording process.

[0052] When the user touches the input button 42a on the notification screen 42 displayed on the touch panel display 9 and the display 9 receives an input to perform a side-by-side recording process in which two or more images (image A, image B or divided image Cd) are recorded side-by-side in the width direction of the paper P, the control unit 10 performs the side-by-side recording process.

[0053] The control unit 10 executes a capacity determination process to determine whether there is free space in the RAM 23. In the capacity determination process, the control unit 10 secures a capacity for storing juxtaposed image data related to the juxtaposed images, and then determines whether there is free space in the capacity.

[0054] When the control unit 10 determines in the capacity determination process that there is no free space in the RAM 23, it executes a stored data determination process to determine whether the original image data stored in the RAM 23 contains at least one page of image.

[0055] The control unit 10 executes the parallel recording process when it determines in the stored data determination process that at least one page of images is included, and does not execute the parallel recording process when it determines that at least one page of images is not included.

[0056] Next, the operation of the printer 1 when recording an image on paper P will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Here, we will describe a case where direct printing is performed to record an image without using a printer driver installed on the PC 50 (see FIG. 2). That is, the printer 1 records an image based on a recording command input directly to the printer 1 or input from an external device such as a smartphone, and original image data input from an external device such as a USB memory or smartphone. The recording command includes information regarding the number of copies to be printed.

[0057] 7, the control unit 10 first determines whether reception of the original image data has started (S1). The determination in S1 is repeated until it is determined that reception of the original image data has started. If it is determined that reception of the original image data has started (S1: YES), the control unit 10 then determines whether there is free space in the RAM 23 that stores the original image data (S2: capacity determination process).

[0058] If it is determined that there is free space in the RAM 23 (S2: YES), the control unit 10 determines whether reception of the original image data has been completed (S3). If it is determined that reception of the original image data has not been completed (S3: NO), the process returns to S2. If it is determined that reception of the original image data has been completed (S3: YES), the process proceeds to S6, which will be described later.

[0059] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no free space in the RAM 23 (S2: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether or not the original image data stored in the RAM 23 contains at least one page of image (S4: stored data determination process).If it is determined that one page of image is not contained (S4: NO), the control unit 10 does not execute the parallel recording process, but executes the normal recording process (S5).

[0060] Next, the control unit 10 calculates n, which is the maximum number of images A (see FIG. 3(a)), image B (see FIG. 3(b)), or divided image Cd (see FIG. 3(c)) that can be arranged in the width direction of the paper P (S6: calculation process). Then, the control unit 10 determines whether n calculated in S6 is 2 or greater (S7). If it is determined that n is not 2 or greater (S7: NO), the control unit 10 proceeds to S5 described above and executes the normal recording process. On the other hand, if it is determined that n is 2 or greater (S7: YES), the control unit 10 displays on the display 9 a notification screen 42 (see FIG. 6(b)) that notifies the user that the juxtaposed recording process is possible (S8: notification process).

[0061] Thereafter, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the input button 42b (see FIG. 6(b)) displayed on the notification screen 42, which is used to input a refusal to execute the side-by-side recording process, has been touched (S9). If it is determined that the input button 42b has been touched (S9: YES), the process proceeds to S5 described above, where the normal recording process is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the input button 42b has not been touched (S9: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether or not the input button 42a (see FIG. 6(b)) displayed on the notification screen 42, which is used to input an instruction to execute the side-by-side recording process, has been touched (S10). If it is determined that the input button 42a has not been touched (S10: NO), the process returns to S9 described above. Then, if it is determined that the input button 42a has been touched (S10: YES), the process executes the side-by-side recording process flow shown in FIG. 8 (S11).

[0062] Next, the flow of the parallel recording process will be described with reference to Fig. 8. First, the control unit 10 determines whether the images based on the original image data stored in the RAM 23 are a plurality of images B constituting a plurality of pages (second pattern: see Fig. 3(b)) (S21). If it is determined that the images are not a plurality of images B constituting a plurality of pages (S21: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether the images to be recorded are a plurality of images A constituting a plurality of copies (first pattern: see Fig. 3(a)) based on the recording command input by the user (S22).

[0063] If it is determined that the image to be recorded is not a plurality of images A constituting a plurality of copies (S22: NO), the process proceeds to S26, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the image to be recorded is a plurality of images A constituting a plurality of copies (S22: YES), the control unit 10 generates juxtaposition image data for a juxtaposition image in which the plurality of images A are arranged in the width direction, and stores the data in RAM 23 (S23).

[0064] Figure 9(a) shows an example where there are six images A and the maximum number of juxtaposed images is four. In this case, in the juxtaposed images, four images A lined up in the width direction of the paper P are arranged at the end on one side in the longitudinal direction of the paper P (left side in Figure 9(a)). The four images A lined up in the width direction of the paper P are arranged close to the end on one side in the width direction of the paper P (lower side in Figure 9(a)).

[0065] Then, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the paper P, the other of the four images A lined up in the width direction of the paper P (on the right in FIG. 9(a)) are the remaining two images A lined up in the width direction of the paper P. That is, in the juxtaposed images shown in FIG. 9(a), the number of images (number of images lined up in a row) in the last row (the row located furthest to the other side (right side in the figure) in the longitudinal direction of the paper P) is two. The two images A lined up in the width direction of the paper P are lined up close to one end of the paper P in the width direction (lower in FIG. 9(a)).

[0066] Furthermore, if it is determined in S21 that the images B are multiple images that make up multiple pages (S21: YES), the control unit 10 generates data for a juxtaposed image in which the images B are arranged in the width direction, and stores the data in RAM 23 (S24).

[0067] Here, the maximum number of images to be juxtaposed is four, and an example in which two copies of a set of three images, images B1, B2, and B3, are printed is shown in Figure 9(b). In this case, in the juxtaposed images, four images B are lined up in the width direction of the paper P at the edge on one side of the longitudinal direction of the paper P (left side in Figure 9(b)). More specifically, image B1, image B2, image B3, and image B1 are lined up in this order from one side of the width direction of the paper P (lower side in Figure 9(b)). These four images B are arranged close to the edge on one side of the width direction of the paper P (lower side in Figure 9(b)).

[0068] Then, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the paper P, the remaining two images B are lined up in the width direction of the paper P on the other side (on the right in FIG. 9(b)) of the four images B lined up in the width direction of the paper P. That is, in the juxtaposed images shown in FIG. 9(b), the number of images (number of images lined up) in the last row (the row located furthest to the other side (right in the figure) in the longitudinal direction of the paper P) is two. More specifically, image B2 and image B3 are lined up in this order from one side in the width direction of the paper P (lower in FIG. 9(b)). The two images B lined up in the width direction of the paper P are arranged close to the edge of one side in the width direction of the paper P (lower in FIG. 9(b)).

[0069] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the number of juxtapositions in the final column in the juxtaposition image according to the juxtaposition image data generated in S23 or S24 is less than n (S25). If it is determined that the number of juxtapositions in the final column is n (S25: NO), the process proceeds to S28, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of juxtapositions in the final column is less than n (S25: YES), the control unit 10 executes a division process to divide one image C into n divided images Cd (S26).

[0070] In this embodiment, the n used in the division process of S26 is the n calculated in S6. However, when S26 is executed after S24, n may be calculated again based on the width X of the image C to be divided.

[0071] In the division process, as described above, the image C is divided so that one image C in a state in which n-1 overlap regions 33 have been inserted in the overlap insertion process is divided into n equal parts in the longitudinal direction of the paper P. Thereafter, the control unit 10 generates data of a juxtaposed image in which a plurality of divided images Cd are arranged in the width direction, and stores the data in the RAM 23 (S27).

[0072] Fig. 9(c) shows an example in which division processing is performed on images B2 and B3, which are arranged side by side in the width direction of paper P in Fig. 9(b), and multiple divided images Cd are arranged in the width direction. Images B2 and B3 are each divided into four divided images C1, C2, C3, and C4.

[0073] In the juxtaposed images, divided images C1, C2, C3, and C4 obtained by dividing image B2 are arranged in the width direction of paper P on the other side (right side in FIG. 9(c)) of the four images B arranged in the width direction of paper P with respect to the longitudinal direction of paper P. These four divided images Cd are arranged close to one end of paper P in the width direction (lower side in FIG. 9(c)).

[0074] Then, in the longitudinal direction of the paper P, the divided images C1, C2, C3, C4 obtained by dividing image B2 are arranged on the other side (right side in FIG. 9(c)) of the divided images C1, C2, C3, C4 obtained by dividing image B3, and these divided images C1, C2, C3, C4 are arranged in the width direction of the paper P. These four divided images Cd are arranged close to one end of the paper P in the width direction (lower side in FIG. 9(c)).

[0075] Similarly, the two images A arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P in FIG. 9(a) can each be divided into a plurality of divided images and arranged in the width direction of the paper P.

[0076] In addition, if side-by-side image data for side-by-side images such as those shown in Figures 9(a) and (b) is generated in S23 and S24 and stored in RAM 23, side-by-side image data for side-by-side images such as those shown in Figure 9(c) is generated in S27 and the side-by-side image data stored in RAM 23 is overwritten.

[0077] Finally, the control unit 10 controls the recording unit 7 based on the juxtaposed image data stored in the RAM 23 to record the juxtaposed image on the paper P (S28). The paper P on which the juxtaposed image is recorded in S28 is the paper P cut by the cutter 6 along the cutting line L4 shown in FIG. 9(c). The user can cut the juxtaposed image recorded on the paper P along the boundary line L3 (see FIG. 5). After the image C is divided into multiple divided images Cd and recorded, the user can paste the multiple divided images Cd together at the overlap area 33 to form a single printed sheet.

[0078] As described above, the printer 1 of this embodiment is a printer 1 that records an image on paper P unwound from a roll R, and includes a RAM 23 that stores the width of the paper P, a recording unit 7 that records an image based on image data, and a control unit 10. The control unit 10 executes a calculation process to calculate the maximum n (a natural number where n≧1) that satisfies the relationship nX≦X0, where X0 is the width of the paper P stored in the RAM 23 and X is the maximum length in the width direction of the paper P of a plurality of images A or a plurality of images B, or a single image C, that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the paper P and separated by planned cutting lines L1 along the width direction of the paper P based on the image data; and a juxtaposition recording process to control the recording unit 7, when the n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or greater, so that two to n of the plurality of images A or the plurality of images B, or two to n of the plurality of divided images Cd formed by dividing image C by dividing lines L2 along the width direction of the paper P, are recorded side by side in the width direction of the paper P.

[0079] With the above-described configuration, it is possible to record a plurality of images A, a plurality of images B, or a plurality of divided images Cd based on image data, aligned in the width direction of the paper P. Therefore, even if the length of the image A, image B, or image C in the width direction of the paper P is short, it is possible to reduce the wasted area of ​​the paper P (area where no image is recorded).

[0080] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of the above-described embodiment, when recording a plurality of images A that make up multiple copies, the control unit 10 controls the recording unit 7 in the juxtaposed recording process so that two to n identical images A are recorded side by side in the width direction of the paper P. Therefore, when recording multiple copies of the image A, it is possible to reduce the amount of wasted area on the paper P.

[0081] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of the above-described embodiment, when recording a plurality of images B that make up a plurality of pages, the control unit 10 controls the recording unit 7 in the juxtaposed recording process so that two to n images C, each of which relates to a different page and adjacent to each other in the width direction of the paper P, are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P. Therefore, when a plurality of images B make up a plurality of pages, it is possible to reduce the amount of wasted area on the paper P.

[0082] Additionally, in the printer 1 of the above-described embodiment, the control unit 10 further executes a division process that divides one image C into n divided images Cd at partition lines L2 along the width direction of the paper P. Then, in the juxtaposed recording process, the control unit 10 controls the recording unit 7 so that the n divided images Cd obtained in the division process are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P. Therefore, when one image C is recorded, it is possible to reduce the amount of wasted area on the paper P.

[0083] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of the above-described embodiment, the control unit 10 further executes an overlap insertion process in which n-1 overlap areas 33 are placed between adjacent divided images Cd among the n divided images Cd obtained in the division process. Then, in the juxtaposed recording process, the control unit 10 controls the recording unit 7 so that each overlap area 33 is placed on either end of the divided image Cd in the longitudinal direction of the paper P. Therefore, the multiple divided images Cd that have been divided and recorded can be pasted together at the overlap areas 33 to form a single printed sheet.

[0084] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of the above-described embodiment, the control unit 10 divides the image C in the division process so that one image C, into which n-1 overlap areas 33 have been inserted in the overlap insertion process, is divided into n equal parts in the longitudinal direction of the paper P. If the n divided images Cd have different lengths in the longitudinal direction of the paper P, when the n divided images Cd are lined up and recorded in the width direction of the paper P, a wasted area will be created in the area adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the paper P to the divided images Cd other than the longest divided image Cd. In this configuration, the n divided images Cd have the same length in the longitudinal direction of the paper P, so the wasted area on the paper P can be further reduced.

[0085] Additionally, in the printer 1 of the above-described embodiment, in the juxtaposed recording process, a boundary line L3 is recorded at the boundary between two or more images A, B, or divided images Cd arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P. This improves the workability when separating the images recorded on the paper P at the boundary line.

[0086] The printer 1 of the above-described embodiment is also equipped with a touch panel display 9. When the n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or greater, the control unit 10 executes a notification process to display on the display 9 a notification screen 42 that displays information that two or more images A, B, or divided images Cd can be recorded side by side in the width direction of the paper P, and executes a side-by-side recording process when the control unit 10 receives an input on the display 9 to record two or more images A, B, or divided images Cd side by side in the width direction of the paper P. Therefore, the user can select whether or not to execute the side-by-side recording process.

[0087] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of the above-described embodiment, original image data input from an external device is stored in the RAM 23. The control unit 10 executes a capacity determination process to determine whether the RAM 23 has free space, and a stored data determination process to determine whether the original image data stored in the RAM 23 contains at least one page of image data if the capacity determination process determines that the RAM 23 has free space. The control unit 10 then executes a side-by-side recording process if the stored data determination process determines that at least one page of image data is contained, and does not execute the side-by-side recording process if the stored data determination process determines that at least one page of image data is not contained. Therefore, whether or not to execute the side-by-side recording process can be determined depending on the capacity of the RAM 23.

[0088] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations should not be considered to be limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above description of the embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the case of performing direct printing has been described, but printing may also be performed using a printer driver installed in the PC 50. In this case, the PC 50 connected to the printer 1 may generate juxtaposed image data and transmit the generated juxtaposed image data to the printer 1.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when multiple copies of a set of multiple images constituting multiple pages are recorded (for example, the example shown in FIG. 9(b)), the pages included in each copy are separated and arranged in the width direction of the paper P. However, this is not limited to this. In other words, the pages included in each copy may not be separated, and a set of multiple images constituting one copy may be arranged in the width direction of the paper P.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the overlap area 33 is arranged at the leading edge of each of the divided images C2, ..., Cn, excluding the divided image C1, among the n divided images C1, C2, ..., Cn arranged in the width direction of the paper P by the juxtaposed recording process. However, this is not limited to this. The overlap area 33 may be arranged at the trailing edge of the divided image Cd as long as it can join two adjacent divided images Cd. Furthermore, the overlap area 33 does not have to be provided.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the multiple divided images Cd have the same length in the longitudinal direction of the paper P, but this is not limiting. In other words, the multiple divided images Cd may have different lengths in the longitudinal direction of the paper P.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a boundary line L3 is recorded at the boundary between two or more images A, images B, or divided images Cd arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper P in the parallel recording process, but the boundary line L3 does not have to be recorded.

[0094] Additionally, in the above-described embodiment, a touch panel display 9 is provided, and when the side-by-side recording process is possible, information to that effect is displayed on the display 9, and the user can operate the display 9 to input an instruction as to whether or not to execute the side-by-side recording process. However, this is not limited to this. That is, the notification that the side-by-side recording process is possible may be made by a notification means other than the display 9, such as a speaker. Furthermore, the user's input of an instruction as to whether or not to execute the side-by-side recording process may be received by a receiving unit other than the display 9, such as a physical button.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a capacity determination process is executed to determine whether there is free space in the RAM 23, but this is not limiting. For example, if the printer 1 is provided with a memory unit with a sufficiently large capacity for storing the original image data, or if the juxtaposed image data is generated by the PC 50, the capacity determination process does not need to be executed.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the width of the paper P on which the image is to be recorded and the original image data are both stored in the RAM 23, but this is not limiting. The width of the paper P on which the image is to be recorded and the original image data may be stored in separate storage units.

[0097] The present invention can be applied to all image recording devices that record images on paper (roll paper) unwound from a roll R. That is, for example, the present invention can be applied not only to inkjet printers, but also to laser-type electrophotographic printers in which an electrostatic latent image is formed by exposing a photosensitive member to a laser, or to LED-type electrophotographic printers in which an electrostatic latent image is formed by exposing a photosensitive member to an LED. Furthermore, the recording medium is not limited to paper, and can be sheet-like material such as cloth. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Printer (image recording device) 7 Recording section 9 Display (notification section, reception section) 10 Control Unit 23 RAM (1st memory section, 2nd memory section) 100 Image Recording System P Paper (roll media)

Claims

1. An image recording device that records an image on a roll medium, a first storage unit that stores the width of the roll medium on which an image is to be recorded; a recording unit that records an image based on image data; a control unit; and The control unit The width of the roll medium stored in the first storage unit is X 0 When the maximum length in the width direction of the roll medium of a plurality of first images or one second image based on the image data arranged along the longitudinal direction of the roll medium and divided by planned cutting lines along the width direction of the roll medium is X, nX≦X 0 A calculation process for calculating the largest n (n≧1) that satisfies the relationship: and executing a juxtaposition recording process that controls the recording unit so that, when n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or more, 2 to n of the plurality of first images, or 2 to n of a plurality of divided second images obtained by dividing the second image by a dividing line along the width direction of the roll medium, are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium, An image recording device characterized in that, when recording multiple first images that constitute multiple pages, the control unit controls the recording unit in the parallel recording process so that two or more but not more than n first images relating to different pages are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium.

2. An image recording device that records an image on a roll medium, a first storage unit that stores the width of the roll medium on which an image is to be recorded; a recording unit that records an image based on image data; a control unit; and The control unit The width of the roll medium stored in the first storage unit is X 0 When the maximum length in the width direction of the roll medium of a plurality of first images or one second image based on the image data arranged along the longitudinal direction of the roll medium and divided by planned cutting lines along the width direction of the roll medium is X, nX≦X 0 A calculation process for calculating the largest n (n≧1) that satisfies the relationship: a juxtaposition recording process that controls the recording unit so that, when n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or more, 2 to n of the plurality of first images, or 2 to n of the plurality of divided second images obtained by dividing the second image by a dividing line along the width direction of the roll medium, are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium; a division process for dividing the one second image into n divided second images at the dividing lines along the width direction of the roll medium; In the juxtaposed recording process, the recording unit is controlled so that the n divided second images obtained by the division process are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium; The control unit further performing an overlap insertion process of arranging n−1 overlap regions between adjacent divided second images among the n divided second images obtained by the division process; An image recording device characterized in that, in the juxtaposed recording process, the recording unit is controlled so that each of the overlap areas is positioned at either end of the longitudinal direction of the roll medium in the divided second image.

3. The image recording device described in claim 2, characterized in that, in the division process, the control unit divides the second image so that the one second image in a state in which n-1 of the overlap areas have been inserted in the overlap insertion process is divided into n equal parts in the longitudinal direction of the roll medium.

4. An image recording device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when recording multiple first images that constitute multiple copies, the control unit controls the recording unit in the parallel recording process so that two to n first images that are identical to each other are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium.

5. An image recording device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the parallel recording process, a boundary line is recorded at the boundary between two or more of the first images or the divided second images arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium.

6. a notification unit that notifies a user of information; and a reception unit that receives input from a user, The control unit If the n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or more, a notification process is further executed to notify a user that two or more of the first images or the divided second images can be recorded side by side in the width direction of the roll medium, An image recording device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the receiving unit receives input to record two or more of the first images or divided second images side by side in the width direction of the roll medium, the side-by-side recording process is executed.

7. The image data storage device further includes a second storage unit that stores the image data. The control unit a capacity determination process for determining whether or not there is free space in the second storage unit; and if it is determined in the capacity determination process that there is no free space in the second storage section, further executing a stored data determination process of determining whether or not the image data stored in the second storage section includes an image of at least one page, An image recording device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that if the stored data judgment process determines that at least one page of image is included, the parallel recording process is executed, and if it determines that at least one page of image is not included, the parallel recording process is not executed.

8. An image recording system for recording an image on a roll medium, comprising: a first storage unit that stores the width of the roll medium on which an image is to be recorded; a recording unit that records an image based on image data; a control unit; and The control unit The width of the roll medium stored in the first storage unit is X 0 When the maximum length in the width direction of the roll medium of a plurality of first images or one second image based on the image data arranged along the longitudinal direction of the roll medium and divided by planned cutting lines along the width direction of the roll medium is X, nX≦X 0 A calculation process for calculating the largest n (n≧1) that satisfies the relationship: and executing a juxtaposition recording process that controls the recording unit so that, when n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or more, 2 to n of the plurality of first images, or 2 to n of a plurality of divided second images obtained by dividing the second image by a dividing line along the width direction of the roll medium, are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium, An image recording system characterized in that, when recording multiple first images that constitute multiple pages, the control unit controls the recording unit in the parallel recording process so that two or more but not more than n first images relating to different pages are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium.

9. An image recording system for recording an image on a roll medium, comprising: a first storage unit that stores the width of the roll medium on which an image is to be recorded; a recording unit that records an image based on image data; a control unit; and The control unit The width of the roll medium stored in the first storage unit is X 0 When the maximum length in the width direction of the roll medium of a plurality of first images or one second image based on the image data arranged along the longitudinal direction of the roll medium and divided by planned cutting lines along the width direction of the roll medium is X, nX≦X 0 A calculation process for calculating the largest n (n≧1) that satisfies the relationship: a juxtaposition recording process that controls the recording unit so that, when n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or more, 2 to n of the plurality of first images, or 2 to n of the plurality of divided second images obtained by dividing the second image by a dividing line along the width direction of the roll medium, are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium; a division process for dividing the one second image into n divided second images at the dividing lines along the width direction of the roll medium; In the juxtaposed recording process, the recording unit is controlled so that the n divided second images obtained by the division process are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium; The control unit further performing an overlap insertion process of arranging n−1 overlap regions between adjacent divided second images among the n divided second images obtained by the division process; An image recording system characterized in that, in the parallel recording process, the recording unit is controlled so that each of the overlap areas is positioned at either end of the longitudinal direction of the roll medium in the divided second image.

10. An image recording program for recording an image on a roll medium, 1. An image recording system including a first storage unit that stores the width of a roll medium on which an image is to be recorded, a recording unit that records an image based on image data, and a control unit, The width of the roll medium stored in the first storage unit is X 0 When the maximum length in the width direction of the roll medium of a plurality of first images or one second image based on the image data arranged along the longitudinal direction of the roll medium and divided by planned cutting lines along the width direction of the roll medium is X, nX≦X 0 A calculation process for calculating the largest n (n≧1) that satisfies the relationship: and executing a juxtaposition recording process that controls the recording unit so that, when n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or more, 2 to n of the plurality of first images, or 2 to n of a plurality of divided second images obtained by dividing the second image by a dividing line along the width direction of the roll medium, are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium, An image recording program characterized by having the control unit control the recording unit so that, when recording multiple first images that constitute multiple pages, in the parallel recording process, two to n first images relating to different pages are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium.

11. An image recording program for recording an image on a roll medium, 1. An image recording system including a first storage unit that stores the width of a roll medium on which an image is to be recorded, a recording unit that records an image based on image data, and a control unit, The width of the roll medium stored in the first storage unit is X 0 When the maximum length in the width direction of the roll medium of a plurality of first images or one second image based on the image data arranged along the longitudinal direction of the roll medium and divided by planned cutting lines along the width direction of the roll medium is X, nX≦X 0 A calculation process for calculating the largest n (n≧1) that satisfies the relationship: a juxtaposition recording process that controls the recording unit so that, when n calculated in the calculation process is 2 or more, 2 to n of the plurality of first images, or 2 to n of the plurality of divided second images obtained by dividing the second image by a dividing line along the width direction of the roll medium, are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium; a division process of dividing the one second image into n divided second images at the dividing lines along the width direction of the roll medium, In the juxtaposed recording process, the recording unit is controlled so that the n divided second images divided in the division process are recorded in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the roll medium, The control unit further executing an overlap insertion process in which n−1 overlap regions are disposed between adjacent divided second images among the n divided second images obtained by the division process; An image recording program characterized by controlling the recording unit so that, in the parallel recording process, each of the overlap areas is positioned at either end of the longitudinal direction of the roll medium in the divided second image.

Images