Image forming apparatus, program, and cutting position control method

Abstract

To output an image which prevents continuity from being deteriorated.SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus, a recording medium after image formation by an image forming section based on image data is cut by a cutting section. The image forming apparatus includes: end detection means which detects a terminal end of the recording medium; a margin position detection means which detects a plurality of margin positions by the image data; a cutting position setting means which sets one margin position in the plurality of margin positions as a cutting position by the cutting section when detecting the terminal end of the recording medium; and cutting control means which conveys the margin position set by the cutting position setting means to the cutting position by the cutting section and cuts the margin position. The image forming section resumes image formation from the image data corresponding to the cutting position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a program, and a cutting position control method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which when the rear end portion of a preceding sheet is detected, an image printable on the preceding sheet is printed, and then the preceding sheet is cut not at the end of the image but in the middle of the image area, and subsequent sheet printing is started so as to be continuous with this cutting position. Thereby, it is possible to prepare a preceding sheet having a rear end portion without a margin and a subsequent sheet having a front end portion with a margin, and it is possible to smoothly perform the pasting of these.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which when the rear end portion of a preceding sheet is detected, an image printable on the preceding sheet is printed, and then image data after the set image formation restart position is read from the data storage means to resume image formation on the roll paper.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, depending on the cutting position, there is a problem that the printing portion such as characters is cut in the middle, and when these are pasted, the joint of the printing portion looks dirty.

[0005] Further, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, there is a problem that an image remains at the rear end portion of the preceding roll paper in the previous stage in order to specify the position to resume, and thus it is necessary for the user to cut it when joining.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to output an image that does not impair continuity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus for cutting a recording medium after image formation by an image forming unit based on image data using a cutting unit, comprising: end detection means for detecting the end of the recording medium; margin position detection means for detecting a plurality of margin positions from the image data; cutting position setting means for setting one of the plurality of margin positions as the cutting position by the cutting unit when the end of the recording medium is detected; and cutting control means for transporting the margin position set by the cutting position setting means to the cutting position by the cutting unit and cutting it, wherein the image forming unit resumes image formation from the image data corresponding to the cutting position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention has the effect of being able to output images without losing continuity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view showing the external appearance of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view showing the area around the recording head of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the flow of the print output processing of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a transition diagram showing an example of print output. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of allowing the user to select the cutting position on the control panel. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows another example of allowing the user to select the cutting position on the control panel. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of checking the margin position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the margin detection range setting process in the margin detection unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of allowing the user to select drawing frame data on the control panel. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of setting the margin detection area on the control panel. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows another example of setting the margin detection area on the control panel. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for setting the spacing width between characters in the spacing detection unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of setting the margin width on the control panel. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the print output processing flow of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example where the cutting position is the text portion. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example where the cutting position is the part shown in the photograph. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the image forming apparatus, program, and cutting position control method will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Here, Figure 1 is an external view showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100, and Figure 3 is a side view showing the area around the recording head 2 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 is a printer that prints on a long recording medium 200, which is a roll of printing paper, and is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) 9. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control mechanism 17.

[0013] The control mechanism 17 includes a control unit 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 16, an operation unit 12, and an image processing unit 14. The control unit 10 is a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 by expanding and executing the program stored in the ROM 13 in the RAM 16.

[0014] The image processing unit 14 processes the image data sent from the control unit 10. The image processing unit 14 includes a margin detection unit 15 which is a margin position detection means for detecting a location having margin portions in all main scanning directions using image processing techniques. By detecting a location having margin portions in all main scanning directions using image processing techniques, the accuracy can be improved. The control unit 10 includes a cutting position control unit 11 for calculating a position to cut the recording medium 200 which is the margin detected by the margin detection unit 15. The cutting position control unit 11 is realized by the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 100 operating according to the program. The cutting position control unit 11 functions as a cutting position setting means and a cutting control means.

[0015] The control mechanism 17 includes a carriage 1 mounted with a recording head 2 which is an image forming unit for discharging ink, a main scanning driver 5, and a head driver 6. The carriage 1 includes an encoder sensor 3. The control unit 10 functions as a moving means for moving the carriage 1 along the platen 30 via the main scanning driver 5. The control unit 10 controls the ink discharge in the recording head 2 via the head driver 6.

[0016] The control mechanism 17 comprises a paper transport unit 4, a sub-scanning driver 8, a suction fan 7, a cutting unit 20, a cutter motor driver 21, and an end detection unit 18 which is a reflection sensor. The control unit 10 functions as a transport means that drives the paper transport unit 4 via the sub-scanning driver 8 to transport the recording medium 200 in a direction perpendicular to the carriage movement direction. The control unit 10 drives the cutting unit 20 via the cutter motor driver 21 to cut the recording medium 200. The control unit 10 drives the suction fan 7 when the recording medium 200 is set to attract the recording medium 200 to the platen 30. The control unit 10 detects the end of the paper (end) of the recording medium 200 using the end detection unit 18 which functions as an end detection means.

[0017] Next, we will explain the functions that the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 100 performs by operating according to the program.

[0018] Here, Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the print output processing flow of the image forming apparatus 100, and Figure 5 is a transition diagram showing an example of print output. As shown in Figure 4, when printing is started, the control unit 10 transfers the image data transmitted from the PC 9 to the image processing unit 14 (step S1).

[0019] The control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) acquires the portion of the main scanning direction line detected by the margin detection unit 15 of the image processing unit 14 that is entirely white data as the margin position in the sub-scanning direction (step S2). More specifically, the margin detection unit 15 of the image processing unit 14 extracts margin positions when a certain amount or more of continuous lines continue. The control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) stores which line the margin position is on in the image. The control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) is configured to store multiple margin positions, and the user may set how many margin positions can be stored.

[0020] Subsequently, the control unit 10 drives the paper transport unit 4 via the sub-scanning driver 8 to start feeding paper to the recording medium 200 for printing (step S3).

[0021] Next, the control unit 10 sequentially moves the carriage 1 via the main scanning driver 5 and ejects ink from the recording head 2 via the head driver 6 for each band unit, and drives the paper transport unit 4 via the sub-scanning driver 8 to transport the recording medium 200 (step S4).

[0022] The control unit 10 terminates the process when printing is complete (Yes in step S5).

[0023] Furthermore, even before the end of printing is completed (No. in step S5), if the end detection unit 18 has not detected the end of the paper on the recording medium 200 (No. in step S6), the control unit 10 returns to step S1 and repeats the processing of steps S1 to S5.

[0024] On the other hand, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) determines whether the cutting position selection mode for paper end detection is ON (step S7) if, before printing is finished (No in step S5), the end detection unit 18 has detected the end of the paper on the recording medium 200 and determined that there is a paper shortage (Yes in step S6). Figure 5(a) shows an example of printing when the end detection unit 18 has detected the end of the paper on the recording medium 200 and determined that there is a paper shortage.

[0025] If the paper end detection cutting position selection mode is ON (Yes in step S7), the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) displays multiple stored margin positions on the operation unit 12 or the actual recording medium 200 (step S8), and allows the user to select the cutting position.

[0026] Here, Figure 6 shows an example of allowing the user to select the cutting position on the operation unit 12. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) displays multiple stored margin positions A, B, and C on the operation unit 12. In the display example shown in Figure 6, the user can select the cutting position using buttons B1 to B3, which allow selection of multiple stored margin positions A, B, and C. Note that the display example shown in Figure 6 also includes an "no specification" button B4, which does not specify a cutting position. If the desired margin position is not available, the user can select the "no specification" button B4 to cut at the very edge of the printed area.

[0027] By displaying the cutting position selection screen on the control unit 12 in this way, it becomes possible to visualize where the user can make the cut.

[0028] Here, Figure 7 shows another example of allowing the user to select the cutting position on the operation unit 12, and Figure 8 shows an example of confirming the margin position. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) transports the recording medium 200 so that it aligns with the cutting position mark M, which is pre-installed outside the image forming apparatus 100, using multiple stored margin positions. This allows the user to visually confirm the cutting position. The cutting position mark M may be displayed by an LED. After confirming the cutting position, pressing a button (not shown) on the operation unit 12 rotates the recording medium 200 in reverse, cutting the recording medium 200 at the visually confirmed cutting position.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, since multiple margin positions are stored, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) is equipped with buttons B5 and B6 on the operation unit 12 that allow the user to select the front or rear margin position, and an OK button B7. When the user presses the OK button B7 on the operation unit 12 when the cutting position is OK, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) moves the margin position of the recording medium 200 to the cutting unit 20 and cuts it.

[0030] When a cutting position is selected (step S9), the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) drives the paper transport unit 4 via the sub-scanning driver 8 to rewind and transport the recording medium 200 so that the cutting position becomes the selected margin position (step S10). Subsequently, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) drives the cutting unit 20 to cut the recording medium 200 (step S11). Figure 5(b) shows an example in which the end detection unit 18 detects the end of the paper of the recording medium 200 and determines that there is a paper shortage, and the paper is rewound and cut at the margin position.

[0031] On the other hand, if the paper end detection cutting position selection mode is OFF and the automatic cutting position detection mode is enabled (No. in step S7), the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) automatically calculates the amount to return (transport amount) to the nearest margin position among the multiple margin positions stored (step S12).

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) may automatically calculate the margin position closest to the end of the recording medium 200 from among multiple stored margin positions and transport the recording medium 200 so as to align it with the cutting position mark M pre-installed outside the image forming apparatus 100. This allows the user to visually confirm the cutting position. In addition, as shown in Figure 7, if there are multiple margin positions, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) may allow the user to select the front and rear margin positions provided on the operation unit 12 using buttons B5 and B6.

[0033] Next, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) determines whether the amount of paper returned to the nearest margin position is greater than or equal to a specified value (step S13). If the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) determines that the amount of paper returned to the nearest margin position is greater than or equal to a specified value (Yes in step S13), it drives the paper transport unit 4 via the sub-scanning driver 8 to rewind and transport the recording medium 200 so that the cutting position becomes the output completion position (step S14). For example, in cases where there is no margin unless the paper is rewound by 50 centimeters or more, the paper is cut at the very edge of the printed area. After that, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) drives the cutting unit 20 to cut the recording medium 200 (step S11).

[0034] On the other hand, if the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) determines that the amount returned to the nearest margin position is not equal to or greater than a specified value (No. in step S13), it rewinds and transports the recording medium 200 so that the cutting position becomes the selected margin position (step S10). After that, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) drives the cutting unit 20 to cut the recording medium 200 (step S11).

[0035] Next, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) ejects the cut recording medium 200 and notifies the user that the recording medium 200 needs to be replaced because the end detection unit 18 has detected the end of the paper (step S15).

[0036] When the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) recognizes that the user has replaced the roll of paper which is the recording medium 200 (Yes in step S16), it drives the paper transport unit 4 via the sub-scanning driver 8 to feed the recording medium 200 (step S17).

[0037] Then, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) sequentially moves the carriage 1 via the main scanning driver 5 and ejects ink from the recording head 2 via the head driver 6, and drives the paper transport unit 4 via the sub-scanning driver 8 to resume printing from the cutting position and transport the recording medium 200 (step S18), and returns to step S5. Figure 5(c) shows an example in which the end detection unit 18 detects the end of the paper in the recording medium 200 and determines that the paper is out, and the user replaces the roll paper which is the recording medium 200 and resumes printing from the cutting position.

[0038] The control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) terminates the process if it can print to the end (Yes in step S5).

[0039] Figure 5(d) shows an example where, when the end detection unit 18 detects the end of the paper on the recording medium 200 and determines that the paper is out, the paper is rewound and cut at the margin position, and then the paper is spliced ​​together from the cut position. As shown in Figure 5(d), the splice is at the margin position, so it does not affect the printed characters.

[0040] As described above, according to this embodiment, the recording medium 200 automatically detects the location of the margin closest to the end of the recording medium 200 in the main scanning direction, and the cutting position is changed by reversing the rotation of the recording medium 200, so that it is cut at the margin location. Then, when printing on the subsequent recording medium 200 is started, it is started so as to be continuous with the aforementioned cutting location, thus providing the effect of outputting an image without losing continuity.

[0041] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0042] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the margin detection range in the margin detection unit 15 of the image processing unit 14 can be changed. In the following description of the second embodiment, the description of parts that are the same as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0043] Here, Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the margin detection range setting process in the margin detection unit 15 according to the second embodiment.

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, the margin detection unit 15 first determines whether there is a selection of data indicating the figure frame (step S21).

[0045] Figure 10 shows an example of allowing the user to select drawing frame data on the operation unit 12. As described above, the margin detection unit 15 performs margin detection in the main scanning direction. However, if the image data transmitted from the PC 9 has a "title" in the main scanning direction, the "title" will always be printed, and therefore the margin will not be detected. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the margin detection unit 15 allows the user to select data that includes the "title" using the selection buttons B11 to B13 on the operation unit 12. By allowing the user to select a drawing frame that includes the "title" in advance, the margin detection unit 15 can perform margin detection in the area of ​​the pre-selected drawing frame excluding the "title". Furthermore, by registering drawing frames that include the "title", the margin detection unit 15 does not need to have the user set the margin detection width each time. The margin detection unit 15 is also provided with a "no setting" button B14 on the operation unit 12 to be selected when there is no drawing frame containing the desired "title".

[0046] If the margin detection unit 15 determines that there is a data selection indicating a figure frame (Yes in step S21), it terminates the process.

[0047] On the other hand, if the margin detection unit 15 determines that the "no setting" button B14 is selected and there is no data to indicate the figure frame (No. in step S21), it determines whether a margin detection range has been set (step S22).

[0048] Figure 11 shows an example of setting the margin detection area on the operation unit 12. As shown in Figure 11, the margin detection unit 15 is configured to allow setting the margin detection area. As shown in Figure 11, the margin detection unit 15 allows input of the margin detection widths X1 and X2 at both ends of the main scanning direction using the numeric keypad B21 on the operation unit 12. By inputting the margin detection widths X1 and X2 at both ends of the main scanning direction in this way, the margin detection unit 15 can perform margin detection in the area excluding the margin detection widths X1 and X2 at both ends of the main scanning direction. Alternatively, the margin detection unit 15 may also allow setting how many centimeters inside the paper width of the recording medium 200 should be used as the margin detection width. The margin detection unit 15 is provided with a "no setting" button B22 on the operation unit 12 to select when the margin detection widths X1 and X2 are not input.

[0049] Figure 12 shows another example of setting the margin detection area on the operation unit 12. As shown in Figure 12, the margin detection unit 15 is configured to pre-set the drawing frame X to be printed on the recording medium 200. As shown in Figure 12, the margin detection unit 15 can perform margin detection within the pre-set area of ​​the drawing frame X.

[0050] If the margin detection unit 15 determines that a margin detection range has been set (Yes in step S22), it stores the set value (step S23) and terminates the process.

[0051] On the other hand, if the margin detection unit 15 determines that the "no setting" button B22 is selected and there is no setting for the margin detection range (No. in step S22), it will detect a margin across the entire main scan width and terminate the process.

[0052] Thus, according to this embodiment, the margin detection range can be changed in the margin detection by the margin detection unit 15 of the image processing unit 14.

[0053] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0054] The third embodiment differs from the first or second embodiment in that the margin detection unit 15 of the image processing unit 14 allows for changing the margin width between characters used to detect the margin position. In the following description of the third embodiment, the same parts as in the first or second embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first or second embodiment will be described.

[0055] Here, Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for setting the spacing width between characters in the spacing detection unit 15 according to the third embodiment.

[0056] As shown in Figure 13, the margin detection unit 15 first determines whether there is a set margin width between characters (step S31).

[0057] Figure 14 shows an example of setting the margin width on the operation unit 12. As shown in Figure 14, the margin detection unit 15 allows the user to input the margin width between characters perpendicular to the main scanning direction using the numeric keypad B31 on the operation unit 12. By inputting the margin width between characters in this way, the margin detection unit 15 can detect margins at locations greater than or equal to the margin width between characters perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The margin detection unit 15 is also equipped with a "no setting" button B32 on the operation unit 12, which can be selected when the user does not input the margin width between characters perpendicular to the main scanning direction.

[0058] If the margin detection unit 15 determines that there is a set margin width between characters (Yes in step S31), it stores the set margin width between characters (step S32) and terminates the process.

[0059] On the other hand, if the margin detection unit 15 determines that the "no setting" button B32 is selected and there is no setting for the margin width between characters (No. in step S31), it detects the margin at a predetermined margin width between characters and terminates the process.

[0060] Furthermore, the margin detection unit 15 excludes margins between characters from detection by using normalization, a known OCR technology.

[0061] Thus, according to this embodiment, the margin detection unit 15 of the image processing unit 14 can change the margin width between characters used to detect the margin position.

[0062] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0063] The fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in that it prioritizes how to handle situations where there is no margin. In the following description of the fourth embodiment, the descriptions of parts that are the same as those of the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first to third embodiments will be described.

[0064] Here, Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the print output processing flow of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0065] As shown in Figure 15, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) specifies the range for recalling the margin position by setting an upper limit on the amount the cutting unit 20 returns to the cutting position (step S41). The control unit 10 can also recall the margin position without setting an upper limit on the amount returned. By setting an upper limit on the amount the cutting unit 20 returns to the cutting position in this way, the specified range is expanded, allowing the user to cut at any desired location.

[0066] Next, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) sets items such as the priority of image data types at the cutting location if there is no margin within the specified upper limit of the return amount of the recording medium 200 (step S42). The control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) determines the cutting location according to the items such as the priority of image data types at the cutting location set in step S42. The items such as the priority of image data types at the cutting location to be set are shown below. Note that the distinction between characters and photographs is a known technique performed by the image processing unit 14. • If the font size is less than the set value, the cutting position will be the text portion. • If the font size exceeds the set value, the cutting position will be the photo portion. • No priority setting (cuts at the last available end of recording medium 200)

[0067] Next, the control unit 10 executes the processes described in steps S1 to S6 in Figure 4.

[0068] Next, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) calculates the amount to return to the nearest margin position based on the margin position detection result obtained in step S2 (step S43).

[0069] Next, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) determines whether the amount of return calculated in step S43 is within the margin return amount set in step S41 (step S44).

[0070] If the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) determines that the amount of paper returned calculated in step S43 is within the margin return amount set in step S41 (Yes in step S44), it drives the paper transport unit 4 via the sub-scanning driver 8 to rewind and transport the recording medium 200 to the nearest margin position (step S45).

[0071] On the other hand, if the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) determines that the amount of paper returned calculated in step S43 is equal to or greater than the margin return amount set in step S41 (No in step S44), and if there is a priority setting (Yes in step S46), it drives the paper transport unit 4 via the sub-scanning driver 8 to the cutting position determined based on the priority setting of cutting positions set in step S42, and performs rewind transport of the recording medium 200 (step S47). After that, the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) executes the processes of steps S11, S15 to S18 as described in Figure 4.

[0072] Here, Figure 16 shows an example where the cutting position is the text portion. As shown in Figure 16, for example, if paper end detection occurs in the photo portion and there is no margin, and the text size is less than the set value, the recording medium 200 is rewound so that the portion containing only text becomes the cutting position, and then cut.

[0073] Here, Figure 17 shows an example where the cutting position is the photographic portion. As shown in Figure 17, for example, if paper end detection occurs in the text portion and there is no margin, and the text size is greater than or equal to the set value, the recording medium 200 is rewound so that the portion containing only the photograph becomes the cutting position, and then cut.

[0074] Furthermore, if the control unit 10 (cutting position control unit 11) determines that the amount of return calculated in step S43 is equal to or greater than the margin return amount set in step S41 (No. in step S44), and there is no priority setting (No. in step S46), it proceeds directly to step S11.

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, if there is no margin on the image, image processing technology is used to distinguish between text and photographs. Furthermore, by prioritizing the locations of the determined text or photographs for cutting, the user can specify the cutting position.

[0076] The program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment may be configured to be provided as a file in an installable or executable format, recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0077] Furthermore, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0078] In the above embodiment, an example of applying the image forming apparatus 100 of the present invention to a printer is given, but it can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a multifunction printer, copier, scanner, or facsimile machine that has at least two functions from among the copying function, printing function, scanning function, and facsimile function. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 2 Image forming unit 11 Cutting position setting means, cutting control means 15 Margin position detection means 18 End detection means 20 Cut section 100 Image forming apparatus 200 recording media [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0080] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-078905 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-148437

Claims

1. In an image forming apparatus that cuts a recording medium after image formation by an image forming unit based on image data using a cutting unit, End detection means for detecting the end of the recording medium, A margin position detection means for detecting multiple margin positions from the aforementioned image data, When the end of the recording medium is detected, a cutting position setting means sets one of the multiple margin positions as the cutting position by the cutting unit, A cutting control means transports the margin position set by the cutting position setting means to the cutting position of the cutting unit and cuts it, Equipped with, The image forming unit restarts image formation from the image data corresponding to the cutting position. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The margin position detection means uses image processing technology to recognize locations where margins exist in all main scanning directions and detects the multiple margin positions. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The margin position detection means is capable of changing the margin detection range during the main scan or sub-scan. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1 or 2.

4. The margin position detection means allows for changing the margin width between characters used for detecting the margin position. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The cutting position setting means accepts the selection of one margin position among the plurality of margin positions. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The cutting position setting means selects the margin position closest to the end of the recording medium from among the plurality of margin positions. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The cutting control means rewinds and conveys the margin position set by the cutting position setting means to the cutting position of the cutting unit and cuts it. The cutting position setting means allows specifying an upper limit for the rewind amount, which is the amount of the recording medium rewound and transported by the cutting unit up to the cutting position, if the margin position is not detected. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The cutting position setting means sets the last possible end of the recording medium as the cutting position if there is no margin within the specified range of the upper limit of the return amount of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to feature 7.

9. The cutting position setting means sets the cutting position based on the priority setting of the image data type at the cutting location if there is no margin position within the specified upper limit of the return amount of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to feature 7.

10. The cutting position setting means sets the priority of image data types for the cutting locations according to the size of the characters. The image forming apparatus according to feature 9.

11. A program for controlling an image forming apparatus that cuts a recording medium, after an image has been formed by an image forming unit based on image data, using a cutting unit, When the end of the recording medium is detected by the end detection means, the cutting position setting means sets one of the multiple margin positions detected by the margin position detection means as the cutting position by the cutting section. A cutting control means transports the margin position set by the cutting position setting means to the cutting position of the cutting unit and cuts it, A program that makes it function as such.

12. A method for controlling the cutting position in an image forming apparatus that cuts a recording medium, after image formation by an image forming unit based on image data, by a cutting unit, When the end of the recording medium is detected by the end detection means, a cutting position setting step is performed in which one of the multiple margin positions detected by the margin position detection means is set as the cutting position by the cutting section. A cutting control step involves transporting the margin position set in the cutting position setting step to the cutting position of the cutting unit and cutting it, A method for controlling the cutting position, including the cutting position.

Images