Printing apparatus, printing control device, and printing control program

Abstract

To perform printing needed for post-processing while suppressing consumption of a medium and the like as much as possible.SOLUTION: In a printing apparatus, when an image printed based on image data of an n-th print job as an n-th print target among two or more designated print jobs is an n-th image, and an image printed based on image data of an n+1-th print job as an n+1-th print target among the two or more designated print jobs is an n+1-th image, n-th post-processing setting information and n+1-th post-processing setting information are compared to determine whether or not a setting of the post-processing needs to be changed, and when the setting of the post-processing does not need to be changed, a print setting is changed so as not to print information based on post-processing setting information set to be printed at a position between the n-th image and the n+1-th image on a medium as the print setting for a printing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing control apparatus, and a printing control program.

Background Art

[0002] There is disclosed a printing system capable of performing post-processing on printed matter that has gone offline after printing (see Patent Document 1). According to the said Document 1, the printing system includes a storage unit that stores print job data and post-processing job data in association with each other, a printing unit that prints a code related to the association on a medium when printing an image on the medium based on the print job data, a code reading unit that reads the code printed on the medium, and a post-processing unit that selects the associated post-processing job data from the storage unit based on the read code and performs post-processing on the medium based on the selected post-processing job data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the said Document 1, a code is printed corresponding to each of all print jobs. There may be no change in the settings regarding post-processing between a certain print job printed on a medium and the print job printed on the medium after this print job. In such a case, when the code is read, since there is no change in the post-processing settings between the consecutive front and rear print jobs, post-processing is executed with the same settings for the print results of each of the front and rear print jobs. As a result, it can be said that the printing of the code corresponding to the subsequent print job is wasted. Therefore, there is a demand for improvement to perform printing necessary for post-processing while suppressing waste of media and ink. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing apparatus comprises a printing unit that prints an image onto a medium based on image data, a storage unit that stores print jobs having the image data, and a control unit that sets print settings for the printing unit based on print setting information including post-processing setting information indicating settings for post-processing to be performed on the medium on which the image has been printed, and causes the printing unit to print two or more specified print jobs from among a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit, wherein n is an integer of 1 or more, the image printed onto the medium based on the image data of the nth print job that is the nth target of printing by the printing unit among the two or more print jobs is the nth image, and the (n+1)th target of printing by the printing unit among the two or more print jobs is the nth image. When the image to be printed on the medium based on the image data of the (n+1)th print job is referred to as the (n+1)th image, the post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job is referred to as the nth post-processing setting information, and the post-processing setting information associated with the (n+1)th print job is referred to as the (n+1)th post-processing setting information, the control unit compares the nth post-processing setting information with the (n+1)th post-processing setting information to determine whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. If it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, the control unit changes the print settings so that the information based on the post-processing setting information, which was set to be printed at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium as the print setting for the printing unit, is not printed.

[0006] A print control device that communicates with a printing device includes a storage unit that stores print jobs having image data, and a control unit that sets print settings for the printing device based on print setting information including post-processing setting information indicating settings for post-processing to be performed on a medium on which an image based on the image data is printed, and causes the printing device to print two or more specified print jobs from among a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit, wherein n is an integer of 1 or more, and the image printed on the medium based on the image data of the nth print job that is the nth target of printing by the printing device among the two or more print jobs is the nth image, and the (n+1)th target of printing by the printing device among the two or more print jobs is the nth When the image to be printed on the medium based on the image data of the n+1 print jobs is the nth image, the post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job is the nth post-processing setting information, and the post-processing setting information associated with the n+1 print job is the nth+1 post-processing setting information, the control unit compares the nth post-processing setting information and the n+1 post-processing setting information to determine whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. If it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, the control unit changes the print settings so that the information based on the post-processing setting information, which was set to be printed at a position between the nth image and the n+1 image on the medium as the print setting for the printing device, is not printed.

[0007] The print control program performs print settings for the printing unit based on print setting information, which includes post-processing setting information indicating settings for post-processing to be performed on the medium on which the image based on the image data of the print job is printed. It also causes the processor to execute a print control function that causes two or more specified print jobs from among a plurality of print jobs to be printed by the printing unit, where n is an integer of 1 or more, the image printed on the medium based on the image data of the nth print job, which is the nth target of printing by the printing unit among the two or more print jobs, is the nth image, and the image data of the (n+1)th print job, which is the (n+1)th target of printing by the printing unit among the two or more print jobs, is used. When the image to be printed on the medium is the (n+1)th image, the post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job is the nth post-processing setting information, and the post-processing setting information associated with the (n+1)th print job is the (n+1)th post-processing setting information, the print control function compares the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information to determine whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. If it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, the print setting is changed so that the information based on the post-processing setting information, which was set to print at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium as the print setting for the printing unit, is not printed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing a simplified configuration of the apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 2] A simplified diagram showing the relationship between the medium and the printing area from an overhead perspective. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating the print control process. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of an administration screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an administration screen different from Figure 4. [Figure 6] A diagram showing, in tabular format, the combinations of sources from which specific setting information can be obtained. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating supplementary settings information for a print job. [Figure 8]A diagram illustrating the second configuration information file. [Figure 9] This diagram shows an example of an administration screen with a settings tab. [Figure 10] This diagram shows an example of an administration screen with a settings tab. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the printed result to illustrate the first printing example. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing the post-processing comparison and determination process for the first printing embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13A shows a table of post-processing settings for each print job in one batch print job group, Figure 13B shows a table of post-processing settings for each print job in another batch print job group, and Figure 13C shows a table of post-processing settings for each print job in the third printing embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the printed result of the second modified example. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the printed result according to the third modified example. [Figure 16] A diagram showing the printed result to illustrate the second printing example. [Figure 17] A flowchart showing the post-processing comparison and determination process for the second printing example. [Figure 18] A diagram showing the printed result to illustrate the third printing example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures. Note that the figures are merely illustrative examples for illustrating these embodiments. Because the figures are illustrative, the proportions, shapes, and shading may not be accurate, they may not be consistent with each other, and some parts may be omitted.

[0010] 1. Outline of the device configuration: Figure 1 shows a simplified configuration of the printing apparatus 10 and other components according to this embodiment. The printing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation reception unit 14, a storage unit 15, a communication IF 16, a conveyance unit 17, a printing unit 18, etc. IF is an abbreviation for interface. The control unit 11 is composed of one or more ICs having a CPU 11a as a processor, a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c, etc., and other non-volatile memories, etc.

[0011] In the control unit 11, the processor, that is, the CPU 11a, executes arithmetic processing according to a program 12 stored in the ROM 11b and other memories, etc., using the RAM 11c, etc. as a work area, thereby realizing various functions such as a job accumulation unit 12a, a designation reception unit 12b, a setting information acquisition unit 12c, a printing setting unit 12d, and a printing control unit 12e. The program 12 corresponds to a printing control program. The processor is not limited to one CPU, and may be configured to perform processing by a plurality of CPUs or hardware circuits such as ASICs, or may be configured such that the CPU and the hardware circuit cooperate to perform processing.

[0012] The display unit 13 is a means for displaying visual information, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The display unit 13 may be configured to include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display. The operation reception unit 14 is a means for receiving operations and inputs by the user, and is realized by, for example, physical buttons, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The display unit 13 and the operation reception unit 14 may be called an operation panel of the printing device 10. The operation reception unit 14 as a touch panel is realized as a function of the display unit 13. The display unit 13 may be understood as a configuration including the operation reception unit 14.

[0013] The storage unit 15 is, for example, a storage means by a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memories. A part of the memory possessed by the control unit 11 may be regarded as the storage unit 15. The storage unit 15 may be regarded as a part of the control unit 11.

[0014] The communication IF 16 is a general term for one or more interfaces that enable the printing device 10 to communicate with an external device via wired or wireless connection in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol, including a known communication standard. The communication IF 16 is also called the communication unit. The external device is an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), server, smartphone, or tablet terminal. In the example in Figure 1, the printing device 10 is connected to the information processing device 1 via the communication IF 16. The number of external devices that the printing device 10 can communicate with is not limited to one. The information processing device 1 has a control unit 2 that includes a processor capable of executing programs and applications, and a storage unit 3. Needless to say, the information processing device 1 has various functions and configurations that are generally found in PCs, etc.

[0015] The transport unit 17 is a means for transporting the medium 30 along a predetermined transport path under the control of the control unit 11. The transport unit 17 includes, for example, rollers that rotate to transport the medium 30, and a motor as a power source for rotation. Alternatively, the transport unit 17 may be a mechanism that transports the medium 30 by mounting it on a drum, belt, or pallet driven by a motor. The medium 30 is, for example, paper, but can be any medium that can be printed on, and may be made of materials other than paper, such as film or fabric. The medium 30 may also be label paper having a backing sheet and a label that is peelably attached to the backing sheet.

[0016] The printing unit 18 is a means of printing onto the medium 30 using colorants such as ink or toner under the control of the control unit 11. The printing method employed by the printing unit 18 is not particularly limited and can be various, such as an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. If the printing unit 18 employs an inkjet method, it has a print head with multiple nozzles capable of ejecting ink dots.

[0017] The printing device 10 is a single printer in which its components are integrated into one unit. Alternatively, the printing device 10 may be a printing system realized by the communication between multiple devices or equipment. In the example in Figure 1, the configuration including the printing device 10 and the information processing device 1 can be considered as a printing system. The information processing device 1 can be understood as a printing control device that controls the printing device 10. The display unit 13, the operation reception unit 14, and the storage unit 15 may be part of the printer as the printing device 10, or peripheral devices connected to the printer.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a simplified overview of the relationship between the printing unit 18 and the media 30 in one example, viewed from above. In the example in Figure 2, the printing unit 18 includes print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K. The print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K have multiple nozzles 20 capable of ejecting ink. Each of the white circles in Figure 2 represents an individual nozzle 20. The printing unit 18 ejects multiple types of ink. Examples of inks include cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). The printing unit 18 may also be capable of ejecting white ink, other colored inks, and various liquids such as reaction solutions and coating solutions.

[0019] Figure 2 shows a very simplified configuration in which multiple nozzles 20 are arranged along the first direction D1 at constant or nearly constant intervals in each of the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K. The second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1 is the transport direction D2 of the media 30 by the transport unit 17, and the transport unit 17 transports the media 30 from upstream to downstream in the transport direction D2. In the following, including the explanation of post-processing, "upstream" means the upstream of transport during printing, and "downstream" means the downstream of transport during printing. The first direction D1 and the transport direction D2 are orthogonal or nearly orthogonal. The first direction D1 may also be called the width direction D1 of the media 30. In the process of moving from upstream to downstream, the transport path of the media 30 may include curves.

[0020] Print head 19C is a print head with multiple nozzles 20 that eject C ink. Similarly, print head 19M is a print head with multiple nozzles 20 that eject M ink, print head 19Y is a print head with multiple nozzles 20 that eject Y ink, and print head 19K is a print head with multiple nozzles 20 that eject K ink. The multiple print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K are arranged along the transport direction D2 and are in the same position in the width direction D1. In addition, each of the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K has a length in the width direction D1 that is sufficient to cover the media width, which is the length of the media 30 in the width direction D1.

[0021] In Figure 2, the nozzle alignment direction of the multiple nozzles 20 constituting the same print head is parallel to the width direction D1, but the nozzle alignment direction may also intersect the width direction D1 at an angle. Also, in Figure 2, the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K are spaced apart from each other and independent in the transport direction D2, but the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K may be a head unit formed as a single unit.

[0022] The control unit 11 causes the printing unit 18 to eject ink onto the medium 30 based on print data representing the image of the print job. As is known, each nozzle 20 in the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K is provided with a drive element, and the application of a drive signal to the drive element of each nozzle 20 is controlled according to the print data, so that each nozzle 20 ejects a dot or does not eject a dot, and the image represented by the print data is printed onto the medium 30. The control unit 11 controls the transport unit 17 and the printing unit 18 to eject ink onto the medium 30 as it passes under the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K, and prints the image onto the medium 30.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 2, the medium 30 is a long medium continuous in the transport direction D2. The area of ​​a fixed size indicated by reference numeral 31 in the medium 30 is a unit area for printing by the printing unit 18, and this is called a frame 31. In other words, the medium 30 is composed of multiple frames 31 connected together. The dashed lines separating the frames 31 shown in Figure 2 may or may not be present. Although not shown in the illustration, a "roll body" of the long medium 30 wound into a roll is positioned at a predetermined location upstream of the printing unit 18, and the medium 30 is fed downstream from the rotating roll body and passes under the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K. The medium 30 that has been printed by the printing unit 18 is then transported downstream and wound into a roll body again by a winding device (not shown) and collected. The roll body may also be called a roll of paper.

[0024] In the example in Figure 2, multiple objects 32 are printed in frame 31, which is downstream of the printing unit 18. Here, the medium 30 is label paper, and multiple objects 32 are printed within a single frame 31. In other words, in the example in Figure 2, the print data is data that causes a group of multiple objects 32 to be printed in frame 31.

[0025] The specific example of the printing unit 18 employing the inkjet method is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, the printing unit 18 may have a movable carriage on which print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K are mounted. Under the control of the control unit 11, the carriage may move parallel to a first direction D1 and / or a second direction D2, and during this movement, the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K may eject ink onto the medium 30, which is temporarily stopped from being transported, to perform printing. The nozzle alignment direction of the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K mounted on the carriage may be facing the second direction D2 instead of the first direction D1.

[0026] 2. Print control processing: Figure 3 shows a flowchart illustrating the print control process executed by the control unit 11 in accordance with the program 12 in response to inputs and instructions. The printing method is disclosed through the explanation of the print control process. The user sends a print job to the printer 10 by operating an external device such as the information processing device 1. For example, the user accesses the printer 10 through the UI screen of the external device and moves the desired print job to a designated folder on the printer 10. This allows the user to send the print job to the printer 10. UI stands for User Interface.

[0027] The job storage unit 12a of the control unit 11 stores print jobs transmitted from an external device and received by the communication IF 16 in the storage unit 15 (step S100). Step S100 corresponds to the storage process in which print jobs are received through communication with an external device and stored in the storage unit 15. Storage can also be rephrased as memory or storage. A print job has image data that represents an image to be printed, such as object 32. A print job may also have print setting information for image printing attached to it. In this embodiment, "attached" refers to a state in which other data is attached to or contains other data in a given data or file. The print setting information attached to a print job corresponds to "attached setting information". Image data is generated in a format such as PDF (Portable Document Format). The attached setting information is information written in a format such as JDF (Job Definition Format).

[0028] The supplementary configuration information may, for example, be part of the information described in the header of the image data contained in the print job. Since print data is obtained by converting the image data of such a print job into a format used by the printing unit 18 for printing, there is no need to make a special distinction between image data and print data. This conversion is a known process such as color conversion or halftone processing. Referring to the example in Figure 2, print data is data that specifies whether a dot is ejected or not for each pixel and each CMYK ink. Printing an image based on the image data (print data) of a print job is also simply called printing a print job.

[0029] In Figure 3, step S100 is shown as one step in the flowchart, but in reality, the print job is sent to the printing device 10 at any time the user operating the external device has chosen, and the job storage unit 12a stores the print job in the storage unit 15 each time the communication IF 16 receives a print job. The job storage unit 12a first registers the print jobs stored in the storage unit 15 in the "print waiting list". The job storage unit 12a manages the status of print jobs, such as "print waiting" or "printed," using the print waiting list and the "printed list".

[0030] The designation reception unit 12b accepts the designation of a "first printing mode" or a "second printing mode" for one or more print jobs stored in the storage unit 15 (step S110). In this embodiment, the amount of media 30 consumed in printing a print job using the second printing mode is greater than the amount of media 30 consumed in printing a print job using the first printing mode. Specifically, the first printing mode is a printing mode for "test printing" an image onto the media 30, and the second printing mode is a printing mode for "main printing" that outputs a printed product as a finished product. The user can perform a test print of a print job to check the print result before performing the main print of that print job.

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates a print job management screen 50, which is a type of UI screen displayed on the display unit 13 by the control unit 11. According to Figure 4, the management screen 50 includes a print waiting tab 51, a printed tab 52, a print button 53, a job move button 54, etc. The user can switch the display content of the management screen 50 by arbitrarily selecting and operating the print waiting tab 51 or the printed tab 52. The print waiting tab 51 is a tab for displaying the current print waiting list 55, and the printed tab 52 is a tab for displaying the current printed list 57.

[0032] In the upper part of Figure 4, the print waiting tab 51 is selected and the print waiting list 55 is displayed, while in the lower part of Figure 4, the printed tab 52 is selected and the printed list 57 is displayed. The print waiting list 55 is basically a list of print jobs that have not yet been printed. Also, in the print waiting list 55, print jobs that were sent earlier from the external device are generally displayed at the top of the list. For example, the print waiting list 55 contains print jobs AA, BB, CC, and DD in that order. The printed list 57 is a list of print jobs that have finished printing. The job storage unit 12a removes the print jobs that have finished printing from the print waiting list 55 and registers them in the printed list 57. For example, the printed list 57 contains print jobs EE, FF, and GG.

[0033] The user can also arbitrarily select a print job from the printed list 57 and return it to the print waiting list 55. As shown in Figure 4, the printed list 57 displays a selection field 58 as a checkbox for each print job. The user operates the operation reception unit 14 to check the selection field 58 corresponding to the print job they want to return from the printed list 57 to the print waiting list 55, and then presses the job move button 54. Upon receiving this operation, the job storage unit 12a deletes the selected print job from the printed list 57 and registers it again in the print waiting list 55. Therefore, the print waiting list 55 may contain print jobs that have completed printing at least once.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the print waiting list 55 displays a selection field 56, which acts as a checkbox, for each print job. The user operates the operation reception unit 14 to check the selection field 56 corresponding to the print job they want to print in the print waiting list 55, thereby selecting it. Print jobs in the print waiting list 55 that are not selected (i.e., those without a checkbox in the selection field 56) become test print jobs. In the example in Figure 4, print jobs AA, BB, and CC become the target for the main print job, while print job DD becomes the target for the test print job.

[0035] In other words, the designation reception unit 12b accepts the designation of the second or first print mode for each print job based on the selection status of each selection field 56 in the print waiting list 55. In this state, when the user presses the print button 53, the designation of the first or second print mode for each print job in the print waiting list 55 is confirmed, and the process proceeds from step S110 to step S120. As can be seen from this explanation of Figure 4, the user can subject a single print job stored in the storage unit 15 to test printing any number of times, and to actual printing any number of times.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a print job management screen 50 displayed on the display unit 13 by the control unit 11, and illustrates a different example from that in Figure 4. Explanations common to both Figure 4 and Figure 5 are omitted. In the management screen 50 of Figure 5, the method for selecting between a main print or a test print for a print job differs from the management screen 50 of Figure 4.

[0037] The user operates the operation reception unit 14 and can select the range of print jobs to be printed in the print waiting list 55 by entering position marks 59. In the example in Figure 5, in the print waiting list 55, print jobs AA, BB, and CC are selected by the position marks 59 and are to be printed. In the print waiting list 55, print job DD, which is not included in the selection range by the position marks 59, is to be printed as a test. In this way, the specification reception unit 12b accepts the state in the print waiting list 55 that is not included in the selection range entered by the user as a designation for the first print mode, and the state that is included in the selection range as a designation for the second print mode. When the print button 53 is pressed in this state, the designation for the first or second print mode for each print job in the print waiting list 55 is confirmed, and the process proceeds from step S110 to step S120.

[0038] It goes without saying that the design of the position mark 59 is not limited to the triangular design shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the display for selecting the range of the print job to be printed does not have to be the position mark 59; for example, it could be easily understood text such as "Start Printing" or "End Printing," or it could be a difference in background color within the management screen 50.

[0039] In step S120, the setting information acquisition unit 12c acquires the necessary print setting information for each print job registered in the print waiting list 55 when the print button 53 is pressed. Print setting information includes various types of information, such as the number of copies to print, the amount of margin to be reserved on the medium 30, information on color settings such as color or monochrome, information on the type of medium, information on the printing order of the print jobs, information indicating whether or not to print for "post-processing", and information indicating whether or not to print the header and / or footer of the print job. Post-processing is a process performed on the medium 30 after printing of the print job by a post-processing machine, and includes various types, such as die-cutting labels from label paper, cutting (slitting) the medium 30, and laminating the medium 30. Details of post-processing will be described later.

[0040] In this embodiment, the source from which "specific setting information" that causes a difference in the amount of media 30 consumed between printing using the first printing mode, i.e., test printing, and printing using the second printing mode, i.e., actual printing, differs between print jobs where the first printing mode is specified and print jobs where the second printing mode is specified. Among the print setting information described above, for example, information on the number of copies to print, information on the amount of margins, information indicating whether or not to print for post-processing, and information indicating whether or not to print the header and / or footer of the print job are considered specific setting information.

[0041] Figure 6 shows in a table format the combinations of the source for obtaining specific setting information for print jobs with a specified first print mode and the source for obtaining specific setting information for print jobs with a specified second print mode. According to Figure 6, there are five possible combinations, shown as combination numbers 1 to 5. In this embodiment, any of combination numbers 1 to 5 may be adopted.

[0042] First embodiment: According to the first embodiment, which employs combination number 1, the setting information acquisition unit 12c acquires specific setting information for a print job with a specified first print mode from the "initial setting information," while acquiring specific setting information for a print job with a specified second print mode from the supplementary setting information of that print job. The initial setting information includes specific setting information for test printing and is stored separately in the storage unit 15 from the print jobs, etc. Since test printing is done to check the quality of the print result before actual printing, basically only one copy is needed per print job. Therefore, the initial setting information is set to print copies = 1. Referring to the example in Figure 2, printing one copy means printing to one frame 31. Therefore, if you want to print two or more copies of a print job, you will have to repeat the same printing to two or more frames 31.

[0043] From a cost-reduction perspective, it is best to minimize the consumption of media 30 during test printing. For this reason, the initial settings are configured to "no margins." Here, "margins" refers to the margin in the transport direction D2 between the image of one print job and the image of another print job, and "no margins" does not mean a complete zero. When two print jobs are test printed, a minimum initial margin is secured between them so that the images do not connect on the media 30, and "no margins" means that no extra margin beyond this initial value is provided.

[0044] Furthermore, in test prints, post-processing is unnecessary, and print job headers and footers are often not required. Therefore, the initial settings directly or indirectly instruct that printing for post-processing and printing of print job headers and footers will not be performed. It is sufficient that the absence of margins, printing for post-processing, and printing of print job headers and footers is ultimately determined from the initial settings. Therefore, it is not important to specify how the absence of margins, printing for post-processing, and printing of print job headers and footers is instructed or suggested in the initial settings. For example, the absence of any information regarding margins, post-processing, or printing of print job headers and footers in the initial settings may indicate that there are no margins, printing for post-processing, or printing of print job headers and footers. Conversely, if you want to print information about margins, post-processing, or the header and footer of the print job during a test print, you can directly specify the instructions to print this information in the initial settings.

[0045] According to the first embodiment, each print job stored in the memory unit 15 has its own associated setting information, and this associated setting information contains specific setting information for the actual printing of the corresponding print job. Figure 7 illustrates the supplementary settings information 40 for a single print job. The supplementary settings information 40 describes specific settings for this print job, but may also include other print settings information.

[0046] According to Figure 7, the supplementary settings information 40 contains the project number, which is used as a number for managing the print job. The supplementary settings information 40 also contains the delivery date for the printed output of the print job and the file names of the image files. Image files refer to the image data contained within the print job. Furthermore, the supplementary settings information 40 contains specific settings information, including the number of copies to print, front and rear margins, and primary and secondary post-processing. In the example in Figure 7, the number of copies to print is 30, which is the number required for delivery and is more than the 1 copy used for the test print. The front margin is the amount of margin to be reserved downstream of the image in the print job, and the rear margin is the amount of margin to be reserved upstream of the image in the print job.

[0047] Primary post-processing is the first post-processing performed on the printed medium 30, and the accompanying setting information 40 describes, for example, that it should be performed using a post-processing machine called XXX with die aaa set. Secondary post-processing is the next post-processing performed on the printed medium 30 after primary post-processing, and the accompanying setting information 40 describes, for example, that it should be performed using a post-processing machine called YYY with the number of slits set to 2. Here, XXX means a die-cutting machine for cutting out labels, and YYY means a slitter. A die-cutting machine is a machine that cuts out labels from label paper to match the shape of an object, but does not cut the backing paper. On the other hand, a slitter is a machine that cuts the medium 30, including the backing paper, by making slits. Another example of a post-processing machine is one that has multiple functions, for example, a function to cut out labels and a function to cut the labels by making slits. When using such a post-processing machine to die-cut and slit labels, the primary post-processing information includes the type of post-processing machine used, the type of die used for die-cutting the labels, and the number of slits used for cutting the labels. As a result, since the die-cutting and slitting of the labels are completed in the primary post-processing, secondary post-processing is unnecessary, and information for secondary post-processing is not required.

[0048] Such primary and secondary post-processing information falls under the category of "post-processing setting information." Furthermore, post-processing setting information can be described as information indicating that "printing for post-processing" is performed. In addition, in this embodiment, the main print job prints the case number, delivery date, etc., as a header and footer. Therefore, the information such as the case number and delivery date included in the supplementary setting information 40 can be described as information indicating that "printing of the print job header and / or footer" is performed. The header and footer do not necessarily have to be printed together in the main print job; one or the other may be printed, or neither may be printed.

[0049] Second example: According to the second embodiment, which employs combination number 2, the setting information acquisition unit 12c acquires specific setting information for a print job in which the first print mode is specified from the initial setting information. On the other hand, specific setting information for a print job in which the second print mode is specified is acquired from a "second setting information file," which is stored in a predetermined folder and is a file different from the initial setting information, supplementary setting information, and the "first setting information file" described later. The initial setting information is as described in the first embodiment.

[0050] The second configuration information file is stored, for example, in a shared folder owned by the storage unit 3 of the information processing device 1. In other words, the user can generate a desired second configuration information file and save it in the shared folder. The configuration information acquisition unit 12c accesses the shared folder of the information processing device 1 via the communication IF 16, refers to the stored second configuration information file, and obtains specific configuration information corresponding to the print job for which this print is specified from the second configuration information file. Note that the shared folder is not limited to the information processing device 1 as an external device, but may also be owned by the storage unit 15 of the printing device 10. The second configuration information file and the first configuration information file described later can be text files or tabular files. The second configuration information file and the first configuration information file are files generated in a format such as CSV (Comma Separated Value).

[0051] Figure 8 illustrates the second configuration information file 41. The second configuration information file 41 contains specific configuration information for the actual print job, but it may also contain other print configuration information. As mentioned above, the ancillary configuration information 40 is the information necessary for the actual print job of the print job to which the ancillary configuration information 40 corresponds. The second configuration information file 41 can generally be understood as data that collects the ancillary configuration information corresponding to each of several print jobs. In the example in Figure 8, the second configuration information file 41 contains specific configuration information for the actual print job corresponding to print jobs AA, BB, FF, and CC. The explanation of the contents of the specific configuration information corresponding to a single print job in the second configuration information file 41 is the same as the explanation of the contents of the ancillary configuration information 40, so it is omitted here.

[0052] Third example: According to the third embodiment, which employs combination number 3, the setting information acquisition unit 12c acquires specific setting information for a print job in which the first print mode is specified from the supplementary setting information, while acquiring specific setting information for a print job in which the second print mode is specified from the second setting information file. The second setting information file is as described in the second embodiment.

[0053] In the first embodiment, referring to Figure 7, the supplementary setting information of a print job stored in the storage unit 15 was assumed to contain specific setting information for the actual printing of the corresponding print job. However, in the third embodiment, the supplementary setting information of a print job contains specific setting information for the test printing of the corresponding print job. The specific setting information for the test printing is the same as the initial setting information. In other words, each print job stored in the storage unit 15 may have substantially the same initial setting information attached to it. In the third embodiment, instead of having supplementary setting information for each print job, a common (one) set of supplementary setting information may be attached to each print job.

[0054] Fourth embodiment: According to the fourth embodiment, which employs combination number 4, the setting information acquisition unit 12c acquires specific setting information for a print job in which the first print mode is specified from a first setting information file, which is a file stored in a predetermined folder and is different from both the initial setting information and the supplementary setting information. On the other hand, it acquires specific setting information for a print job in which the second print mode is specified from the supplementary setting information of that print job. The explanation for acquiring specific setting information for a print job in which the second print mode is specified from the supplementary setting information is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0055] The first configuration information file is stored in the shared folder mentioned above. The configuration information acquisition unit 12c accesses the shared folder of the information processing device 1 via the communication IF 16, and refers to the stored first configuration information file to acquire specific configuration information for test printing. From the perspective of the configuration information acquisition unit 12c, the storage location of the first configuration information file as an information source is different from that of the initial setup information, but the content of the information is the same as that of the initial setup information.

[0056] Fifth example: According to the fifth embodiment, which adopts combination number 5, the setting information acquisition unit 12c acquires specific setting information for a print job in which the first print mode is specified from the first setting information file, similar to the fourth embodiment, while acquiring specific setting information for a print job in which the second print mode is specified from the second setting information file, similar to the second and third embodiments.

[0057] In addition, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the setting information acquisition unit 12c may acquire setting information other than the specific setting information among the print setting information necessary for printing the print job from the same acquisition source as the specific setting information, or it may acquire it from a different acquisition source from the specific setting information, such as by user input.

[0058] As explained, the specific settings information for this print job includes post-processing settings information that indicates the settings for post-processing to be performed on the medium 30 on which the image based on the image data of the print job is printed. In the first or fourth embodiment, the specific settings information for this print job is described in the supplementary settings information of the print job, while in the second, third, and fifth embodiments, the specific settings information for this print job is described in association with the print job in the second settings information file. Therefore, in this embodiment, it can be said that the print job is linked to the post-processing settings information.

[0059] In step S130, the print setting unit 12d configures the print settings for the print job for which the first print mode is specified, according to the specific setting information obtained in step S120. In this embodiment, for the first print mode, the specific setting information is set to print copies = 1, and margins, printing for post-processing, and printing of headers and footers are all set to none. Therefore, for the print job for which test printing is specified, print copies = 1, and margins, printing for post-processing, and printing of headers and footers are all set to none. The print setting unit 12d also configures the print settings for each print job for which the second print mode is specified, according to the specific setting information obtained in step S120. That is, for the print job for which main printing is specified, the print copy, margin amount, content of printing for post-processing, and content of printing of headers and footers are set according to the specific setting information corresponding to each print job.

[0060] The process of setting the print content for post-processing includes a "post-processing comparison and determination process" that compares the post-processing setting information of print jobs designated for the main print job to determine whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. Depending on the result of the post-processing comparison and determination process, the print content for post-processing may change, or some of the print for post-processing may not be executed. Details of the post-processing comparison and determination process will be described later. The print setting unit 12d sets the print settings for each print job according to the print setting information necessary for printing the print job, including setting information other than specific setting information. In addition, it converts the image data contained in the print job into print data. Since printing the print job is a process performed by the print unit 18, step S130 can also be described as a step in which print settings are set for the print unit 18 based on the print setting information.

[0061] In step S140, the print control unit 12e instructs the print unit 18 to perform printing according to the print settings for each print job for which print settings were configured in step S130. That is, if a print job is specified in the first print mode, the print unit 18 performs a test print, and if a print job is specified in the second print mode, the print unit 18 performs the actual print according to its print settings. The job storage unit 12a deletes the print jobs that have completed printing in step S140 from the print waiting list 55 and registers them in the printed list 57. In other words, it moves the print jobs that have completed printing from the print waiting list 55 to the printed list 57. This completes the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0062] The processing flow from steps S110 to S140 will be explained using an example different from the one described so far, with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In the embodiment described with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the source for obtaining specific setting information for a print job with a specified second print mode is limited to the second setting information file. In other words, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 9 and 10, combinations 1 and 4 in Figure 6 are unnecessary. The source for obtaining specific setting information for a print job with a specified first print mode may be the initial setting information, supplementary setting information, or the first setting information file.

[0063] Figures 9 and 10 show a print job management screen 50 displayed on the display unit 13 by the control unit 11, and illustrate an example different from those in Figures 4 and 5. In the example shown in Figures 9 and 10, the management screen 50 has a settings tab 60 in addition to a print waiting tab 51 and a printed tab 52. The user can arbitrarily select and operate the settings tab 60.

[0064] The upper and lower sections of Figure 9 show the print waiting list 55 displayed on the management screen 50 when the user selects the print waiting tab 51, and the printed list 57 displayed on the management screen 50 when the user selects the printed tab 52. According to Figure 9, print jobs BB, CC, and DD are registered in the print waiting list 55, and print jobs AA and FF are registered in the printed list 57. Although not shown here, in the management screen 50 shown in the lower section of Figure 9, it is also possible to move print jobs from the printed list 57 to the print waiting list 55 by operating the selection field 58 or the job move button 54.

[0065] As shown in the upper part of Figure 10, the settings tab 60 is selected, and as a result, the selection button 61 and the batch setting execution button 62 are displayed on the management screen 50. The user can select a second setting information file by operating the selection button 61. One or more second setting information files are stored in the shared folder mentioned above. When the selection button 61 is operated, the control unit 11 accesses the shared folder and presents each of the second setting information files stored in the shared folder to the user in a visible format on the management screen 50. The user performs a predetermined operation to arbitrarily select one of the presented second setting information files. The setting information acquisition unit 12c acquires the second setting information file selected by the user from the shared folder. As a result, in the upper part of Figure 10, a second setting information file with the file name "Print Settings 01" is acquired. Here, we assume that the second setting information file with the file name "Print Settings 01" is the second setting information file 41 shown in Figure 8.

[0066] With the second setting information file 41 selected in this manner, the user touches the batch setting execution button 62 to perform the operation. Upon operation of the batch setting execution button 62, steps S110 to S130 are automatically executed. The designation reception unit 12b accepts the designation of either the first or second printing mode for the print jobs stored in the storage unit 15, according to the selected second setting information file 41 (step S110). According to the second setting information file 41, specific setting information for this print job is described for print jobs AA, BB, FF, and CC. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, the designation reception unit 12b recognizes that the second printing mode has been designated for print jobs AA, BB, FF, and CC, which are currently registered in the print waiting list 55 and the printed list 57, as described in the second setting information file 41. The designated reception unit 12b recognizes that a print job DD registered in the print waiting list 55 but not listed in the second configuration information file 41 has been designated for the first print mode.

[0067] According to this explanation, the batch setting execution button 62 corresponds to a "batch acceptance button" that accepts the specification of the second print mode for multiple print jobs at once. If we consider at least a part of the UI screen such as the management screen 50 and the operation acceptance unit 14 as part of the specification acceptance unit 12b, then it can be said that the specification acceptance unit 12b of the printing device 10 has the batch setting execution button 62. The setting information acquisition unit 12c acquires specific setting information for print job DD, which has a first print mode specified, as previously described, and also acquires specific setting information for print jobs AA, BB, FF, and CC, which have a second print mode specified, from the second setting information file 41 (step S120). Step S130 is as previously described.

[0068] When the control unit 11 executes steps S110 to S130 triggered by the operation of the batch setting execution button 62, it also displays at least a portion of the print settings for each print job in the print waiting list 55 of the management screen 50, as shown in the lower part of Figure 10. In this case, the operation of the batch setting execution button 62, according to the second setting information file 41, designated print jobs BB and CC, which were previously registered in the print waiting list 55, and print jobs AA and FF, which were previously registered in the printed list 57, as targets for the second print mode. Therefore, for print jobs AA, BB, FF, and CC, the fact that it is a real print and the number of copies for each real print are displayed in the print waiting list 55. Also, since the first print mode was designated for print job DD, which was previously registered in the print waiting list 55, the fact that it is a test print and the number of copies = 1 are displayed in the print waiting list 55 for print job DD.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in the print waiting list 55 in the lower part of Figure 10, the control unit 11 also displays the printing order of each print job for which a second print mode is specified, as well as the classification of "batch print job groups," which are groups of jobs grouped together based on certain common characteristics, according to the second setting information file 41. The printing order is predetermined according to the user's or customer's requests and is defined in the second setting information file 41. In other words, the order in which print jobs AA, BB, FF, and CC are listed in the second setting information file 41 shown in Figure 8 represents the order in which print jobs AA, BB, FF, and CC will be printed in this print job. As can be seen by comparing Figure 9 and Figure 10, the order of print jobs for this print job displayed in the print waiting list 55 after the batch setting execution button 62 is operated is unrelated to the order of print jobs previously displayed in the print waiting list 55 or the printed list 57, and follows the order in which the print jobs are listed in the second setting information file 41.

[0070] The second configuration information file 41 pre-defines that print jobs BB, FF, and CC belong to group G1 as an example of a batch print job group classification. Therefore, the print waiting list 55 in the lower part of Figure 10 displays that print jobs BB, FF, and CC belong to group G1. In this way, the control unit 11 sets two or more specified print jobs from among the multiple print jobs stored in the storage unit 15 as a batch print job group.

[0071] A batch print job group refers to a collection of print jobs that should be printed consecutively on a common roll of paper. This is because there are requirements for specific batch print jobs, such as printing on a common type of media, delivering the printed results to the same destination, shipping the printed results to the same destination, and meeting the same deadline. At least one of the following—such as the roll of paper, type of media, destination, destination, or deadline—is a concrete example of the common item mentioned above. Therefore, different batch print job groups can print on different rolls of paper. However, it is also possible to instruct different batch print job groups to print on the same roll of paper, stopping the printing process each time a different batch print job group finishes, cutting and separating the printed results, and then proceeding with printing the next batch print job group. Alternatively, different batch print job groups can be printed on the same roll of paper, and during post-processing, the system may cut and separate the printed results each time post-processing for a different batch print job group is completed, before proceeding with post-processing for the next batch print job group. Furthermore, while a batch print job group generally includes two or more print jobs, it is also possible to designate a single print job as a batch print job group for the purpose of printing the roll information described later. However, in this case, it will not be considered a batch print job group to which the post-processing comparison judgment process described later applies in the "First Printing Example" and "Second Printing Example" described later. In other words, in the First Printing Example and Second Printing Example, the post-processing comparison judgment process will not be performed on batch print job groups that contain only a single print job.

[0072] After operating the batch settings execution button 62, the print waiting list 55 shown in Figure 10 is displayed, allowing the user to easily understand which print jobs will be executed. Note that the concept of batch print job groups does not apply to test prints.

[0073] In the management screen 50 shown in the lower part of Figure 10, when the user operates the print button 53, the process proceeds to step S140, and the print control unit 12e causes the print unit 18 to execute printing according to the print settings for each print job for which print settings were made in step S130, in the order in which they were set. The print control unit 12e performs a test print on print jobs that have been designated as targets for test printing along with other print jobs to be printed, such as print job DD shown in Figure 10, either before or after the main print. In other words, the print results of the test prints are not interspersed with the print results of the main prints. Furthermore, for print jobs for which the first print mode is specified, i.e., print jobs that have been test printed, it is preferable to separate the print results from the roll each time the printing of the corresponding print job is completed. Performing a test print before the main print allows for quick confirmation and inspection of the print results.

[0074] The concept of batch print job groups can also be applied to the examples in Figures 4 and 5. When the print button 53 is operated on the management screen 50 shown in the upper part of Figure 4 or the management screen 50 shown in the upper part of Figure 5, print jobs AA, BB, and CC, which have the second print mode specified at that time, may form a single batch print job group, and print job DD, which has the first print mode specified, may be made the target of a test print.

[0075] The design of the management screen 50 in each figure is merely an example. For example, the design could allow the display corresponding to tabs 51, 52, and 60 to change and be viewed simultaneously on the screen without the user having to select tabs 51, 52, and 60. Also, while the buttons 53, 54, 61, and 62 within the management screen 50 are buttons on a touch panel, at least some of them could be physical buttons.

[0076] 3. Specific examples of printing: Next, this embodiment will be further explained by giving a specific example of the printed output obtained by the flowchart in Figure 3. The printed content may differ slightly depending on where and / or when the printed output is cut. Cutting here refers to the process of separating the printed output into different rolls, and does not include the process of separating the test print from the printed output, the process of cutting the printed output with a slitter, or the process of separating the roll information described later from the printed output.

[0077] 3.1 First Printing Example: In the first printing embodiment, the printed material is cut at the timing of primary post-processing and at the boundary of each printing job, separating it into separate rolls. However, multiple printing jobs designated in a batch printing job group are considered as a single printing job, and the multiple printing jobs included in the batch printing job group are separated into a single roll. Figure 11 illustrates a medium 30 printed under the control of the control unit 11. In Figure 11, due to space constraints, the medium 30 is shown divided into left and right sections, but these two sections of medium 30 are actually a single, continuous, long medium 30. In Figure 11, the left side of the medium 30 is the continuous downstream portion, and the right side of the medium 30 is the continuous upstream portion. The medium 30 shown in Figure 11 is referred to as the printed output 301. As an example, the printed output 301 is assumed to be the result of printing print jobs DD, AA, BB, FF, and CC, according to the print settings displayed on the lower management screen 50 in Figure 10.

[0078] In the following explanations of Figures 11, 12, and 13A, the lower management screen 50 in Figure 10 will simply be referred to as the management screen 50. According to the management screen 50, the print job DD is first test printed onto the medium 30. The image data of the print job DD represents a collection of multiple objects 32d for one frame, and based on the image data of the print job DD, an image 33d for one frame is printed onto the medium 30. In other words, one copy of image 33d is printed as a test print. In the explanation of the print result 301, a collection of nine objects arranged in a 3x3 grid will be considered to correspond to an image with a print quantity of 1.

[0079] According to the management screen 50, following the test print of print job DD, print jobs AA, BB, FF, and CC are printed in this order. Of these, print job AA does not form a batch print job group, while print jobs BB, FF, and CC form a batch print job group. The dashed cutting lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 on the print result 301 are lines for cutting the print result 301 at the aforementioned timings. Such cutting lines may be printed on the medium 30 along with the print jobs, etc., or they may not actually exist. Cutting line CL3 is the boundary between the area corresponding to print job DD and the area corresponding to print job AA. Cutting line CL2 is the boundary between the area corresponding to print job AA and the area corresponding to print job BB. Cutting line CL1 is the boundary between the area corresponding to print job CC and the print area of ​​the roll information 38.

[0080] The solid lines parallel to the width direction D1 shown in the printed result 301 are lines that demarcate each area of ​​the medium 30 for ease of understanding, but such solid lines may be printed on the medium 30 along with the print job, etc., or they may not actually exist. Reference numeral 34a1 refers to the front margin 34a1 of print job AA, and reference numeral 34a2 refers to the rear margin 34a2 of print job AA. These front and rear margins on the medium 30 are, of course, areas secured by adjusting the transport amount of the transport unit 17 according to the specific setting information of the corresponding print job. In Figure 11, due to space constraints, the front margin 34a1, rear margin 34a2, and other margins are represented as shorter than their actual amounts in the transport direction D2.

[0081] Upstream of the front margin 34a1, secondary post-processing information 35a2, which is post-processing setting information for secondary post-processing of print job AA, is printed. Upstream of the secondary post-processing information 35a2 of print job AA, the header 36ah of print job AA is printed. Downstream of the rear margin 34a2, primary post-processing information 35a1, which is post-processing setting information for primary post-processing of print job AA, is printed. Downstream of the primary post-processing information 35a1 of print job AA, the footer 36af of print job AA is printed. The printing of secondary and primary post-processing information is for post-processing purposes, and its content is naturally set according to the specific setting information of the corresponding print job. Secondary post-processing information and primary post-processing information are sometimes abbreviated and simply referred to as post-processing information. The secondary post-processing information 35a2 and primary post-processing information 35a1 clearly indicate, as explained in relation to Figures 7 and 8, what kind of post-processing equipment should be used and what kind of post-processing should be performed. Alternatively, a code image, as described later, may be printed.

[0082] Between the header 36ah and the footer 36af, image 33a is printed, corresponding to print job AA. The image data for print job AA represents a group of multiple objects 32a for one frame, and based on the image data for print job AA, image 33a equivalent to multiple frames is printed. According to the management screen 50, the number of copies to be printed for print job AA is 30, so image 33a is an image for 30 frames. In Figure 11, due to space constraints, the amount of image data for this print job is represented as less than the actual amount in the transport direction D2.

[0083] As described above, the medium 30 printed by the printing unit 18 is wound into a roll downstream by a winding device (not shown). Therefore, when primary post-processing is performed on the medium 30, which has become a roll again after printing, when the medium 30 is unwound from the roll set in the primary post-processing machine, the printing result of the last printing job is the first to be subjected to primary post-processing. In other words, the upstream printing jobs are subjected to primary post-processing first. Each post-processing step is performed while transporting the medium 30 in the direction of unwounding it from the set roll, and the completed medium 30 is wound into a roll. Therefore, when secondary post-processing is performed on the medium 30, which has become a roll after primary post-processing, when the medium 30 is unwound from the roll set in the secondary post-processing machine, the downstream printing jobs are subjected to secondary post-processing first. In light of these circumstances, as shown in Figure 11, primary post-processing information corresponding to a print job is printed upstream of the image of that print job, and secondary post-processing information corresponding to that print job is printed downstream of the image of that print job. However, if the printed roll body, which has been wound into a roll shape by the winding device of the printing device 10, is rewound in the reverse direction using a rewinding machine provided separately from the printing device 10, and then set in the primary post-processing machine, the downstream print jobs will be subjected to primary post-processing first, and the upstream print jobs will be subjected to secondary post-processing first. Therefore, if the rewinding machine is used, the primary post-processing information corresponding to a print job will be printed downstream of the image of that print job, and the secondary post-processing information corresponding to that print job will be printed upstream of the image of that print job.

[0084] Upstream from the rear margin 34a2 of print job AA, the front margin 34b1 of print job BB is reserved, and upstream from the front margin 34b1 of print job BB, the secondary post-processing information 35b2, which is post-processing setting information for secondary post-processing of print job BB, is printed. Furthermore, upstream from the secondary post-processing information 35b2 of print job BB, the header 36bh of print job BB is printed. The contents of the header and footer are naturally set according to the specific setting information of the corresponding print job. As mentioned above, the case number and delivery date of the print job are printed as the contents of the header and footer. In addition, at least a part of the post-processing setting information of the corresponding print job may be printed in the header and footer.

[0085] The symbol 34b2 refers to the trailing margin 34b2 of print job BB. Downstream from the trailing margin 34b2, a "setting change instruction" 37b for primary post-processing of print job BB is printed. The setting change instruction is also a type of print for post-processing. Originally, primary post-processing information, which is post-processing setting information for primary post-processing of print job BB, would be printed at this position based on specific setting information for print job BB. However, the setting change instruction 37b is printed as a result of the post-processing comparison and judgment process. The setting change instruction is the print content set as a result of the post-processing comparison and judgment process. Furthermore, downstream of the setting change instruction 37b of print job BB, the footer 36bf of print job BB is printed.

[0086] Between the header 36bh and the footer 36bf, image 33b is printed corresponding to print job BB. The image data for print job BB represents a group of multiple objects 32b for one frame, and based on the image data for print job BB, images 33b corresponding to multiple frames, or 40 frames according to the management screen 50, are printed.

[0087] Upstream from the rear margin 34b2 of print job BB, the front margin 34f1 of print job FF is reserved, and upstream from the front margin 34f1, a setting change instruction 37f for secondary post-processing of print job FF is printed. Originally, secondary post-processing information, which is post-processing setting information for secondary post-processing of print job FF based on specific setting information for print job FF, would be printed at this position, but the setting change instruction 37f is printed as a result of the post-processing comparison judgment process. Furthermore, upstream from the setting change instruction 37f of print job FF, the header 36fh of print job FF is printed. Between the header 36fh and the footer 36ff of print job FF, an image 33f corresponding to print job FF is printed. The image data of print job FF represents a collection of multiple objects 32f for one frame, and based on the image data of print job FF, images 33f corresponding to multiple frames, or 50 frames according to the management screen 50, are printed.

[0088] Upstream from the footer 36ff of print job FF, the header 36ch of print job CC is printed. The symbol 34c2 refers to the trailing margin 34c2 of print job CC, and downstream from the trailing margin 34c2 of print job CC, the primary post-processing information 35c1, which is post-processing setting information for primary post-processing of print job CC, is printed. Downstream from the primary post-processing information 35c1, the footer 36cf of print job CC is printed. Between the header 36ch and the footer 36cf of print job CC, an image 33c corresponding to print job CC is printed. The image data of print job CC represents a collection of multiple objects 32c for one frame, and based on the image data of print job CC, images 33c corresponding to multiple frames, or 30 frames according to the management screen 50, are printed.

[0089] According to the management screen 50, upstream of the last printed print job CC in group G1, which is a batch print job group, roll information 38, which is an index of the contents of group G1, is printed, and printing is completed. In other words, the control unit 11 controls the printing unit 18 to print roll information at the end of the batch print job group. That is, when multiple batch print job groups are printed on the same roll, roll information is printed at the end of each batch print job group. The roll information contains all or at least some of the various information for each print job targeted by the batch print job group, such as the case number, delivery date, image file name, number of copies, margins, and post-processing settings, in the order of printing the print jobs, or in reverse order of printing the print jobs. The roll information may also be the contents of print jobs printed on the same roll. In this case, the roll information is printed only once upstream of the last printed print job among all jobs printed on the same roll, regardless of whether a batch print job group is specified or not. When a user sets the roll of media 30, which has been wound up after printing, into a post-processing machine, they can first see the roll information when they pull the media 30 out of the roll.

[0090] Next, referring to the printed result 301 in Figure 11, the post-processing comparison judgment process and the printing of setting change instructions in the first printing embodiment will be explained. As described above, the printed result 301 printed in the first printing embodiment is cut at the timing of primary post-processing and at the boundary of each print job, and separated into separate roll bodies. If the print job included in each separated roll body is the main print, post-processing setting information is printed upstream and downstream of the image corresponding to the print job. On the other hand, in a roll body corresponding to a batch print job group containing two or more specified print jobs, post-processing setting information corresponding to the upstream print job is printed upstream of the image of the print job located at the top of the roll body, and post-processing setting information corresponding to the downstream print job is printed downstream of the image of the print job located at the bottom of the roll body. The information printed between the images of adjacent print jobs in two or more print jobs included in the batch print job group will differ in content depending on the post-processing performed on each of the adjacent print jobs. For this reason, post-processing comparison judgment processing is performed on the print jobs included in the batch print job group.

[0091] Focusing on the printing of group G1 on the management screen 50, that is, the batch print job group, the printing unit 18 sequentially prints each image onto the medium 30 based on the image data of each print job belonging to the batch print job group. Here, let n be an integer of 1 or more, and the image printed onto the medium 30 based on the image data of the "nth print job," which is the nth print target by the printing unit 18 among the print jobs belonging to the batch print job group, is called the "nth image." Similarly, the image printed onto the medium 30 based on the image data of the "n+1th print job," which is the (n+1)th print target by the printing unit 18 among the print jobs belonging to the batch print job group, is called the "n+1th image."

[0092] According to Figure 11, if n=1, print job BB corresponds to the nth print job, print job FF corresponds to the (n+1)th print job, image 33b corresponds to the nth image, and image 33f corresponds to the (n+1)th image. Since the printed images 33b and 33f, etc., contain multiple objects or correspond to multiple copies, they can also be called image groups. If n=2, print job FF corresponds to the nth print job, print job CC corresponds to the (n+1)th print job, image 33f corresponds to the nth image, and image 33c corresponds to the (n+1)th image.

[0093] Furthermore, the post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job is called the "nth post-processing setting information," and the post-processing setting information associated with the (n+1)th print job is called the "(n+1)th post-processing setting information." For example, if print job BB is the nth print job, the post-processing setting information included in the specific setting information acquired in step S120 for print job BB, which has a specified second print mode, corresponds to the nth post-processing setting information. Similarly, if print job FF is the (n+1)th print job, the post-processing setting information included in the specific setting information acquired in step S120 for print job FF, which has a specified second print mode, corresponds to the (n+1)th post-processing setting information. However, in the third printing embodiment described later, if a print job has a specified second print mode, regardless of whether it belongs to a batch print job group or not, the printing order of the print job, image, and post-processing setting information is appropriately indicated with "n" or "n+1" according to the printing order by the printing unit 18.

[0094] Figure 12 shows the post-processing comparison and determination process included in step S130 as a flowchart. In step S1301, the control unit 11 sets n to its initial value of 1. In step S1302, the control unit 11 compares the nth post-processing setting information with the (n+1)th post-processing setting information to determine whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. If it is necessary to change the post-processing settings, the control unit 11 proceeds from the "Yes" determination in step S1303 to step S1304, where it sets the printing unit 18 to print a post-processing setting change instruction at the position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30, in place of the post-processing information that was originally supposed to be printed based on the specific setting information of the corresponding print job. Then, it proceeds from step S1304 to step S1306. The reason for setting the post-processing setting change instruction to be printed in place of the post-processing information that was originally supposed to be printed when it is determined that it is necessary to change the post-processing settings is to easily inform the user performing the post-processing that it is necessary to change the post-processing settings between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job.

[0095] If the control unit 11 determines, based on the comparison in step S1302, that there is no need to change the post-processing settings, it proceeds from the "No" determination in step S1303 to step S1305. In step S1305, the control unit 11 changes the print settings so that it does not print the post-processing information that was originally set to be printed based on the specific setting information of the corresponding print job. This means that no information based on the post-processing setting information is printed at the position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30. The information based on the post-processing setting information includes the first post-processing information, the second post-processing information, and setting change instructions. The reason for changing the settings so that the originally set post-processing information is not printed when it is determined that there is no need to change the post-processing settings is that the consumption of the medium 30 and ink can be reduced by omitting printing for post-processing, and it is also to easily inform the user performing the post-processing that there is no need to change the post-processing settings between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job. After performing step S1305, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S1306.

[0096] In step S1306, the control unit 11 determines whether n+1 has reached the number of print jobs in the batch print job group. According to the management screen 50, group G1 contains three print jobs: print job BB, print job FF, and print job CC. Therefore, if n=2 at step S1306, then n+1=3, resulting in a "Yes" determination, and the flowchart in Figure 12 ends. If n+1 has not reached the number of print jobs in the batch print job group, the control unit 11 proceeds from the "No" determination in step S1306 to step S1307, increments n, that is, increases the value of n by 1, and proceeds to step S1302.

[0097] Figure 13A shows the post-processing settings for each of the print jobs BB, FF, and CC that form group G1, as shown in Table 42 for easy comparison. Here, primary post-processing is defined as label die-cutting, and secondary post-processing is defined as the cutting of the media 30 after label die-cutting. According to Table 42, all three print jobs BB, FF, and CC are configured to use post-processing machine XXX for label die-cutting and post-processing machine YYY for cutting the media 30. Furthermore, Table 42 shows that for print job BB, label die-cutting is performed using die bbb, while for print jobs FF and CC, label die-cutting is performed using die aaa. Additionally, for print job BB, the media 30 is cut with 2 slits, while for print jobs FF and CC, the media 30 is cut with 4 slits.

[0098] Referring to Table 42, the post-processing settings information differs between print job BB and print job FF. Therefore, in step S1304, the control unit 11 makes a setting change instruction to print at a position between image 33b corresponding to print job BB and image 33f corresponding to print job FF on the medium 30, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 12. On the other hand, according to Table 42, the post-processing settings information is the same for print job FF and print job CC. Therefore, in step S1305, the control unit 11 makes a setting change to prevent printing the post-processing information that was originally set to be printed at a position between image 33f corresponding to print job FF and image 33c corresponding to print job CC on the medium 30, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 12.

[0099] More specifically, since the primary post-processing is performed on the region of image 33f and then the region of image 33b in the medium 30, the control unit 11 determines that it is necessary to change the primary post-processing settings for the region of image 33b in the medium 30. Since the secondary post-processing is performed on the region of image 33b and then the region of image 33f in the medium 30, the control unit 11 determines that it is necessary to change the secondary post-processing settings for the region of image 33f in the medium 30.

[0100] If the control unit 11 determines that it is necessary to change the settings for the primary post-processing for the region of image 33b, then, after step S1304, in step S140, it causes the printing unit 18 to print a "first change instruction," which is a setting change instruction for the first post-processing, at a position between image 33b and image 33f on the medium 30. In Figure 11, the setting change instruction 37b, which instructs the replacement of the die, corresponds to the first change instruction. Furthermore, if the control unit 11 determines that it is necessary to change the settings for the secondary post-processing for the region of image 33f, as described above, then, after step S1304, in step S140, it causes the printing unit 18 to print a "second change instruction," which is a setting change instruction for the second post-processing, at a position between image 33b and image 33f on the medium 30. In Figure 11, the setting change instruction 37f, which instructs the change of the number of slits, corresponds to the second change instruction. The setting change instructions 37b and 37f may represent only the settings to be changed, or they may represent both the settings to be changed and the settings that should not be changed.

[0101] With the output of this printed result 301, the user can proceed with post-processing as follows. First, the user pulls out the medium 30 from the printed output 301 as a roll, cuts the medium 30 at the cutting line CL1, and separates the area where the roll information 38 is printed from the roll. Then, the user checks the primary post-processing information 35c1 printed on the roll, sets the roll in the post-processing machine XXX for primary post-processing, and makes the necessary settings such as attaching the die aaa to the post-processing machine XXX, and starts the primary post-processing in the post-processing machine XXX.

[0102] The post-processing machine XXX performs die-cutting of the label targeting the area of ​​image 33c, followed by die-cutting of the label targeting the area of ​​image 33f. As can be seen from the above explanation, there is no difference between the post-processing setting information of print job CC and the post-processing setting information of print job FF, so no printing for post-processing, including setting change instructions, is performed between image 33f and image 33c. In this way, if there is no change in the post-processing settings between the nth print job and the (n+1th)th print job, the printing for post-processing can be omitted, thereby reducing the consumption of media 30 and ink. No margin is specifically reserved between image 33f and image 33c. That is, even if the specific setting information for the main print of print job CC is described to set a front margin, the setting is changed so that a front margin is not reserved, and even if the specific setting information for the main print of print job FF is described to set a rear margin, the setting is changed so that a rear margin is not reserved, so no margin is reserved between image 33f and image 33c. This is done in step S1305 together with the setting change by the control unit 11 to not print the post-processing information. Even after the post-processing machine XXX has finished die-cutting the label in the area of ​​image 33f, the post-processing machine XXX continues to transport the medium 30. The user checks the setting change instruction 37b and pauses the transport of the medium 30 by the post-processing machine XXX before the area of ​​image 33b is targeted for label die-cutting by the post-processing machine XXX. Then, in accordance with the setting change instruction 37b, the user replaces the current die aaa with die bbb and resumes the transport of the medium 30 by the post-processing machine XXX.

[0103] However, the temporary suspension of transport by the post-processing machine may be performed automatically. As shown in Figure 11, the setting change instruction 37b includes a code image BC1 in addition to characters that can be recognized by the user. The code image BC1 is, for example, a barcode or a 2D code, and contains information about the instruction to temporarily suspend transport during primary post-processing. Therefore, if the post-processing machine XXX for primary post-processing has a camera capable of reading the code image or a code analysis function, the post-processing machine XXX can temporarily suspend transport after reading the code image BC1 from the transporting medium 30 after completing the die-cutting of the label targeting the area of ​​image 33f.

[0104] In other words, in step S140, the control unit 11 may instruct the printing unit 18 to print a setting change instruction and a medium transport stop instruction at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30. Alternatively, it is sufficient that at least one of the setting change instruction and the medium transport stop instruction be printed at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30. If only the setting change instruction is printed, the user confirms the setting change instruction and temporarily stops the transport of the medium 30 by the post-processing machine before the area of ​​the nth image or the (n+1)th image becomes the target of post-processing by the post-processing machine. On the other hand, if only the medium transport stop instruction is printed, the stop instruction means that the post-processing settings will be changed between the nth image and the (n+1)th image. Therefore, after the user or the post-processing machine stops the transport of the medium 30 based on the medium transport stop instruction, the user changes the post-processing settings by comparing the header information corresponding to the (n+1)th image with the footer information corresponding to the nth image, or by checking the information of the cut roll information 38.

[0105] The code image BC1 may contain information other than the instruction to stop transport, and may also contain information such as an instruction to change the settings for post-processing. For example, by reading the code image BC1, the post-processing machine XXX may temporarily suspend the transport of the medium 30 and, in accordance with the setting change instruction, notify and prompt the user to change the blade type from aaa to bbb. Alternatively, by reading the code image BC1, the post-processing machine XXX may temporarily suspend the transport of the medium 30 and, in accordance with the setting change instruction, automatically change the blade type from aaa to bbb. In other words, in step S140, the control unit 11 can cause the printing unit 18 to print a setting change instruction using either characters, a code image, or a combination of characters and a code image. After the die change, the post-processing machine XXX resumes transporting the medium 30, either at the user's instruction or automatically, and performs die-cutting of the label targeting the area of ​​image 33b.

[0106] Once the die-cutting of the label in the area of ​​image 33b by the post-processing machine XXX is complete, the user cuts the medium 30 at the cutting line CL2, separating the areas of the medium 30 corresponding to print jobs BB, FF, and CC from the printed result 301 as a roll. The areas of the medium 30 corresponding to print jobs BB, FF, and CC that have been separated in this way, i.e., the areas from cutting line CL1 to cutting line CL2, are wound into a roll by the winding device of the post-processing machine XXX to form a roll (hereinafter referred to as a group job roll).

[0107] The user then checks the primary post-processing information 35a1 printed on the medium 30 unwound from the roll body set in the post-processing machine XXX, makes the necessary settings such as the die according to the primary post-processing information 35a1, and starts the primary post-processing targeting the area of ​​image 33a in the post-processing machine XXX. Furthermore, if a code image is printed in the primary post-processing information 35a1, the post-processing machine XXX can read the code image from the medium 30 in transit using its code image-reading camera and code analysis functions, and after finishing die-cutting the label targeting the area of ​​image 33a, it can automatically pause transport. Of course, if the primary post-processing information 35a1 instructs a die-cutting machine other than the post-processing machine XXX, the user sets the printed result 301 after separating the group job roll body into the die-cutting machine instructed by the primary post-processing information 35a1 and starts the primary post-processing targeting the area of ​​image 33a. Once the die-cutting of the label in the area of ​​image 33a by one of the die-cutting machines is complete, the user cuts the medium 30 at the cutting line CL3, separating the area of ​​medium 30 corresponding to print job AA from the printed result 301. The separated area of ​​medium 30 corresponding to print job AA, i.e., the area between cutting lines CL2 and CL3, is also wound into a roll to form a roll body (hereinafter referred to as a single job roll body).

[0108] The user checks the secondary post-processing information 35b2 printed on the group job roll and sets the group job roll in the post-processing machine YYY for secondary post-processing. At this time, the user makes the necessary settings, such as setting the number of slits to 2, according to the secondary post-processing information 35b2, and starts secondary post-processing in the post-processing machine YYY. The post-processing machine YYY performs cutting of the media 30 targeting the area of ​​image 33b. After this, the post-processing machine YYY continues to transport the media 30. The user checks the setting change instruction 37f and pauses the transport of the media 30 by the post-processing machine YYY before the area of ​​image 33f is targeted for cutting by the post-processing machine YYY. Then, according to the setting change instruction 37f, the user changes the number of slits from the current 2 to 4.

[0109] Just as setting change instruction 37b includes code image BC1, setting change instruction 37f may also include code image BC2. Code image BC2 may contain information such as an instruction to temporarily suspend transport during secondary post-processing, or an instruction to change the settings for post-processing. The method of using code image BC2 is the same as the method of using code image BC1, so the explanation is omitted. After the number of slits is changed, the post-processing machine YYY resumes transporting the medium 30 at the user's instruction or automatically, and performs cutting of the medium 30 targeting the area of ​​image 33f. Subsequently, the post-processing machine YYY performs cutting targeting the area of ​​image 33c. This completes the secondary post-processing of the group job roll.

[0110] Of course, the user makes the necessary settings on the post-processing machine required for the secondary post-processing of the individual job roll, according to the secondary post-processing information 35a2 printed on the individual job roll. Then, the user instructs the post-processing machine in which the individual job roll is set to perform secondary post-processing on the area of ​​image 33a corresponding to print job AA.

[0111] The examples of primary and secondary post-processing that can be performed on the printed medium 30 are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, post-processing on the printed medium 30 may consist only of primary post-processing. If post-processing consists only of primary post-processing, the control unit 11 does not need to have the printing unit 18 perform printing for secondary post-processing.

[0112] 3.2 Second Printing Example: The second printing embodiment differs from the first printing embodiment in the method of separating the batch print job group into rolls. In the first printing embodiment, the batch print job group was separated into a single roll, but in the second printing embodiment, the separation into rolls differs depending on the post-processing performed on each of the two or more adjacent print jobs included in the batch print job group.

[0113] Figure 16 is an excerpt of the area corresponding to the range of cutting lines CL1 to CL2 in the printed result 301 of Figure 11, in order to explain the second printing embodiment. The printed result of Figure 16 is referred to here as printed result 304. Printed result 304 is the same as printed result 301 of Figure 11 except for the area shown in Figure 16. Regarding the differences between Figure 16 and Figure 11, primary post-processing information 35b1, which is post-processing setting information for the primary post-processing of print job BB, is printed between the footer 36bf and the rear margin 34b2 of print job BB. Also, secondary post-processing information 35f2, which is post-processing setting information for the secondary post-processing of print job FF, is printed between the front margin 34f1 and the header 36fh of print job FF. Furthermore, a cutting line CL4 is set between the rear margin 34b2 of print job BB and the front margin 34f1 of print job FF.

[0114] Referring to the printed result 304 in Figure 16, the post-processing comparison and determination process in the second printing embodiment will be explained. As described above, the method of separating the printed result 304 printed in the second printing embodiment into rolls differs from that of the first printing embodiment in terms of the batch printing job group. Specifically, if the settings for post-processing performed on adjacent print jobs within the batch printing job group are the same, the adjacent print jobs are wound onto the same roll. If the settings for post-processing are different, the printed result is cut at a position between adjacent images of adjacent print jobs, separating the adjacent print jobs into separate rolls. Therefore, as in the first printing embodiment, the post-processing comparison and determination process is performed on the print jobs included in the batch printing job group.

[0115] Figure 17 shows the post-processing comparison and determination process included in step S130 as a flowchart. Regarding Figure 17, the difference from the post-processing comparison and determination process of the first printing embodiment shown in Figure 12 is that step S1304 is absent. In other words, in the first printing embodiment, the print settings for setting change instructions are made in step S1304, whereas in the second printing embodiment, after "Yes" in step S1303, step S1304 is not executed and the process proceeds to step S1306. Step S1304B in Figure 17 essentially indicates that step S1304 is not executed, that is, S1304 is skipped. In the second printing embodiment, by comparing the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. If it is determined that it is necessary to change the post-processing settings, the printed result is cut at a position between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job and separated into different roll bodies. Therefore, the cutting position, i.e., the position between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job, will be the first position to be set in the post-processing machine during primary or secondary post-processing. Consequently, it is preferable to print post-processing setting information rather than printing setting change instructions as in the first printing embodiment. Since this position is originally set to print post-processing information such as first post-processing information and second post-processing information based on specific setting information corresponding to the print job, the print settings are not changed in step S1304 to print setting change instructions.

[0116] Referring to Table 42, the post-processing settings information differs between print job BB and print job FF. Therefore, in the second printing embodiment, the control unit 11 has a setting to cut the printed result at the position between image 33b corresponding to print job BB and image 33f corresponding to print job FF on the medium 30. Consequently, the corresponding post-processing information will be printed at the position between image 33b corresponding to print job BB and image 33f corresponding to print job FF, so step S1304 is not performed, and the original post-processing information printing setting is retained. On the other hand, according to Table 42, the post-processing settings information is the same for print job FF and print job CC. Therefore, in the flowchart of Figure 17, the control unit 11 changes the printing setting so that post-processing information is not printed at the position between image 33f corresponding to print job FF and image 33c corresponding to print job CC on the medium 30 (S1305).

[0117] If the control unit 11 determines that it is necessary to change the settings for primary post-processing for the region of image 33b, in step S140, it causes the printing unit 18 to print primary post-processing information 35b1, which is post-processing setting information for primary post-processing, at a position between image 33b and image 33f on the medium 30. Also, if the control unit 11 determines that it is necessary to change the settings for secondary post-processing for the region of image 33f, as described above, in step S140, it causes the printing unit 18 to print secondary post-processing information 35f2, which is post-processing setting information for secondary post-processing, at a position between image 33b and image 33f on the medium 30.

[0118] With the output of such a printed product 304, the user can proceed with post-processing as follows: First, the user pulls out the medium 30 from the printed product 304 as a roll, cuts the medium 30 at the cutting line CL1, and separates the area on which the roll information 38 is printed from the roll. Then, the user checks the primary post-processing information 35c1 printed on the roll, sets the roll in the post-processing machine XXX for primary post-processing, and makes the necessary settings such as attaching the die aaa to the post-processing machine XXX, and starts the primary post-processing in the post-processing machine XXX.

[0119] The post-processing machine XXX performs label die-cutting on the area of ​​image 33c, followed by label die-cutting on the area of ​​image 33f. Even after the label die-cutting on the area of ​​image 33f by the post-processing machine XXX is completed, the media 30 continues to be transported by the post-processing machine XXX. However, the user checks the primary post-processing information 35b1 and temporarily stops the transport of the media 30 by the post-processing machine XXX before the area of ​​image 33b becomes the target of label die-cutting by the post-processing machine XXX. The media 30 is then cut at the position of the cutting line CL4, separating the areas of the media 30 corresponding to print jobs FF and CC from the printed result 304 as a roll. The areas of the media 30 corresponding to print jobs FF and CC that have been separated in this way, i.e., the areas of cutting lines CL1 to CL4, are wound into a roll by the winding device of the post-processing machine XXX to become a roll (hereinafter referred to as the first roll). Furthermore, the user checks the secondary post-processing information 35f2 printed on the first roll and sets the first roll into the post-processing machine YYY for secondary post-processing. At this time, the user makes the necessary settings, such as setting the number of slits to 4, according to the secondary post-processing information 35f2, and starts the secondary post-processing in the post-processing machine YYY. The post-processing machine YYY performs the cutting of the media 30 targeting the areas of image 33f and image 33c. With this, the secondary post-processing of the first roll is completed.

[0120] Meanwhile, the post-processing machine XXX checks the primary post-processing information 35b1 of the print job BB, replaces the current die aaa with die bbb, and resumes transporting the medium 30 by the post-processing machine XXX. However, the temporary suspension of transport by the post-processing machine may be performed automatically. If the post-processing machine XXX for primary post-processing has a camera capable of reading code images and a code analysis function, and the primary post-processing information 35b1 of the print job BB includes a code image in addition to user-recognizable characters, the post-processing machine XXX can temporarily suspend transport after reading the code image from the transporting medium 30 after completing the die-cutting of the label targeting the area of ​​image 33f. Also, if the control unit 11 does not print the code image as primary post-processing information 35b1, it may set the print settings in step S1304B to print a code image in the primary post-processing information 35b1 to temporarily suspend the transport of the medium 30. The printing position of the code image for temporarily suspending the transport of the medium 30 is not limited to the position of the primary post-processing information 35b1, as long as it is a position that allows the transport of the medium 30 by the post-processing machine XXX to be temporarily suspended before the area of ​​image 33b of print job BB becomes subject to label die-cutting by the post-processing machine XXX. More preferably, the printing position of the code image for temporarily suspending the transport of the medium 30 is a position that allows the transport of the medium 30 by the post-processing machine XXX to be temporarily suspended before the area of ​​header 36fh of print job FF becomes subject to label die-cutting by the post-processing machine XXX.

[0121] Furthermore, in step S1304B, print settings may be implemented to change the color of the text, the font of the text, or the size of the text for any information that differs between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job, among the (n+1)th post-processing setting information corresponding to the nth print job. In this way, when cutting the medium 30 between the nth image of the nth print job and the (n+1)th image of the (n+1)th print job, and setting the post-processing settings for the (n+1)th image of the (n+1)th print job remaining on the roll to the corresponding post-processing machine, it becomes easy to read from the post-processing information printed on the medium 30 which settings need to be changed.

[0122] Once the label die-cutting of the area of ​​image 33b by the post-processing machine XXX is complete, the user cuts the medium 30 at the cutting line CL2, separating the area of ​​the medium 30 corresponding to print job BB from the printed result 304 as a roll. The area of ​​the medium 30 corresponding to print job BB, i.e., the area from cutting line CL4 to cutting line CL2, which has been separated in this way, is wound into a roll by the winding device of the post-processing machine XXX to become a roll (hereinafter referred to as the second roll). The second roll checks the secondary post-processing information 35b2 printed on the second roll and sets it in the post-processing machine YYY after the secondary post-processing of the first roll is completed. Similar to how the primary post-processing information 35b1 contains a code image, the secondary post-processing information 35b2 and 35f2 may also contain code images. The code images may contain information such as an instruction to temporarily suspend transport during secondary post-processing or an instruction to change the post-processing settings.

[0123] The user then checks the primary post-processing information 35a1 printed on the medium 30 unwound from the roll body set in the post-processing machine XXX, makes the necessary settings such as the die according to the primary post-processing information 35a1, and starts the primary post-processing targeting the area of ​​image 33a in the post-processing machine XXX. Furthermore, if code information is printed in the primary post-processing information 35a1, the post-processing machine XXX can use its camera and code analysis functions to read code images, and after finishing die-cutting the label targeting the area of ​​image 33b, it can automatically pause transport if it reads a code image from the transporting medium 30. Of course, if the primary post-processing information 35a1 instructs a die-cutting machine other than the post-processing machine XXX, the user sets the printed result 304, after separating the first roll body and the second roll body, into the die-cutting machine instructed by the primary post-processing information 35a1 and starts the primary post-processing targeting the area of ​​image 33a. Once the die-cutting of the label in the area of ​​image 33a by one of the die-cutting machines is complete, the user cuts the medium 30 at the cutting line CL3, separating the area of ​​medium 30 corresponding to print job AA from the printed result 304. The separated area of ​​medium 30 corresponding to print job AA, i.e., the area from cutting line CL2 to cutting line CL3, is also wound into a roll to form a roll body (hereinafter referred to as the third roll body). The user makes the necessary settings on the post-processing machine required for the secondary post-processing of the third roll body according to the secondary post-processing information 35a2 printed on the third roll body. Then, the user has the post-processing machine, into which the third roll body is set, perform secondary post-processing on the area of ​​image 33a corresponding to print job AA.

[0124] 3.3 Third Printing Example: The third printing embodiment differs from the first and second printing embodiments in that, regardless of whether a batch print job group is set up or not, the separation into roll bodies differs depending on the post-processing performed on each adjacent print job.

[0125] Figure 18 shows a printed result 305 illustrating a third printing embodiment. Regarding the differences between printed result 305 and printed result 301 in Figure 11, the shape of object 32a constituting image 33a corresponding to print job AA is the same as the shape of object 32b constituting image 33b corresponding to print job BB. Furthermore, the primary post-processing information 35a1, rear margin 34a2, front margin 34b1, and secondary post-processing information 35b2 for print job BB, which were located between the footer 36af of print job AA and the header 36bh of print job BB, are not present in printed result 305. Additionally, while setting change instruction 37b is printed downstream of the rear margin 34b2 of print job BB in printed result 301, primary post-processing information 35b1 for print job BB is printed in printed result 305. Furthermore, in print result 301, a setting change instruction 37f is printed downstream of the header 36fh of print job FF, whereas in print result 305, secondary post-processing information 35f2 of print job FF is printed. Also, in print result 301, the cutting line CL2, which was set between the rear margin 34a2 of print job AA and the front margin 34b1 of print job BB, is set between the rear margin 34b2 of print job BB and the front margin 34f1 of print job FF in print result 305. This cutting line CL2 in print result 305 is the same as the cutting line CL4 in print result 304 in Figure 16.

[0126] Referring to the printed result 305 in Figure 18, the post-processing comparison and determination process in the third printing embodiment will be explained. As described above, the printed result 305 in the third printing embodiment differs from the first and second printing embodiments in that the separation form into rolls differs depending on the post-processing performed on each adjacent printing job, regardless of whether a batch printing job group is set or not. Specifically, regardless of whether they belong to the same batch printing job group or not, if the settings for post-processing performed on each adjacent printing job are the same, the adjacent printing jobs are wound onto the same roll. If the settings for post-processing are different, the printed result is cut at a position between adjacent images of the adjacent printing jobs, separating the adjacent printing jobs into separate rolls. For this reason, unlike the first and second printing embodiments, the post-processing comparison and determination process is performed on all adjacent printing jobs. The flowchart for the post-processing comparison and determination process in the third printing embodiment is the same as in the second printing embodiment, Figure 17. However, the target of the post-processing comparison and determination process is different from that in the second printing embodiment. Furthermore, in the third printing example, the determination in step S1306 is replaced with the determination, "Has n+1 reached the number of print jobs that have been designated for the second printing mode (main printing)?"

[0127] Figure 13C shows the post-processing settings information for each print job designated for printing in the third printing embodiment, as shown in Table 44 for easier comparison. Referring to Table 44, the post-processing settings information differs between print job BB and print job FF. Therefore, in the third printing embodiment, the control unit 11 has a setting to cut the printed result at the position between image 33b corresponding to print job BB and image 33f corresponding to print job FF on the medium 30. Consequently, the corresponding post-processing information will be printed at the position between image 33b corresponding to print job BB and image 33f corresponding to print job FF, so nothing is done in step S1304B in Figure 17, and the post-processing information that was originally set to be printed is left as is. On the other hand, according to Table 44, the post-processing settings information is the same for print job FF and print job CC. Therefore, in the flowchart of Figure 17, the control unit 11 changes the print setting so that post-processing information is not printed at the position between image 33f corresponding to print job FF and image 33c corresponding to print job CC on the medium 30 (step S1305). Similarly, the post-processing settings information is the same for print job BB and print job AA. Therefore, the control unit 11 changes the print settings so that the post-processing information is not printed at the position between image 33b corresponding to print job BB and image 33a corresponding to print job AA on the medium 30, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 17 (step S1305).

[0128] With the output of this print result, the user can proceed with post-processing as follows. Here, only the differences from the second printing embodiment will be explained. The user checks the primary post-processing information 35b1 of the print job BB, replaces the current die aaa with die bbb, and restarts the transport of the medium 30 by the post-processing machine XXX. Then, the post-processing machine XXX performs die-cutting of the label targeting the area of ​​image 33b, followed by die-cutting of the label targeting the area of ​​image 33a.

[0129] Once the label die-cutting of the area of ​​image 33a by the post-processing machine XXX is complete, the user cuts the medium 30 at the cutting line CL3, separating the areas of the medium 30 corresponding to print jobs AA and BB from the printed product 305. The separated areas of the medium 30 corresponding to print jobs AA and BB, i.e., the areas from cutting line CL2 to cutting line CL3, are wound into a roll to form a roll body (hereinafter referred to as the fourth roll body).

[0130] Thus, in the third printing embodiment, although print jobs AA and BB are not included in the same batch print job group, the post-processing settings information for primary post-processing is the same for both print jobs AA and BB, so print jobs AA and BB are wound onto the same roll (fourth roll). Next, the user makes the necessary settings for the post-processing machine required for secondary post-processing of the fourth roll, according to the secondary post-processing information 35a2 printed on the fourth roll. Then, the post-processing machine on which the fourth roll is set is made to perform secondary post-processing on the area of ​​image 33a corresponding to print job AA, and subsequently, secondary post-processing is performed on the area of ​​image 33b.

[0131] As described above, the first, second, and third printing embodiments differ in the position (unit) and / or timing at which the printed output is cut. However, the cutting information, which defines the units and timing of these cuts, is pre-set in the printing device 10. Alternatively, this cutting information may be arbitrarily set by the user as print setting information. The cutting information is also called the cutting mode. For example, a first cutting mode corresponding to the first printing embodiment, a second cutting mode corresponding to the second printing embodiment, and a third cutting mode corresponding to the third printing embodiment can be set as print setting information. In step S120, the setting information acquisition unit 12c acquires the cutting mode to be set for the print jobs registered in the print waiting list 55 as print setting information. Then, in step S130, the control unit 11 determines, based on the cutting mode acquired as part of the print setting information, which print jobs are subject to post-processing comparison judgment processing, and which print processing is performed if a change in post-processing settings is necessary. In this way, the cutting mode may be made printable as print setting information.

[0132] In other words, when the first cutting mode is specified as the cutting information, the control unit 11 executes the first printing example; when the second cutting mode is specified as the cutting information, it executes the second printing example; and when the third cutting mode is specified as the cutting information, it executes the third printing example. As can be seen from the above explanation, when the first or second cutting mode is specified, the control unit 11 compares the post-processing setting information of adjacent print jobs belonging to the same batch print job group and proceeds to either step S1304 (or step S1304B) or step S1305. Also, when the third cutting mode is specified, the control unit 11 compares the post-processing setting information of adjacent print jobs, regardless of whether they belong to the batch print job group or not, and proceeds to either step S1304B or step S1305, for any print job for which this print is specified.

[0133] The first cutting mode and the second cutting mode are collectively referred to as the first cutting information, and the third cutting mode is also referred to as the second cutting information. In other words, when the cutting information is the first cutting information, the control unit 11 compares the nth post-processing setting information with the (n+1)th post-processing setting information, focusing on the relationship between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job belonging to the batch print job group. On the other hand, when the cutting information is the second cutting information, the comparison between the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information focuses on all print jobs that are specified and linked to the post-processing setting information.

[0134] Some modifications included in this embodiment are described below. Needless to say, combinations of the embodiments described so far, combinations of embodiments and modifications, and combinations of modifications are included in the disclosure herein.

[0135] 4. First variation: As explained above, the specific setting information acquired for a print job that has been designated as a second print mode includes post-processing setting information. Such post-processing setting information may also include "format information" that specifies the print format of the setting change instruction. Format information is information that specifies various formatting, such as font, font size, color, boldness, underline, shading, etc., and can be generated in advance by the user. Then, in step S140, when the control unit 11 causes the print unit 18 to print the batch print job group, it causes the setting change instruction to print in the print format specified by the format information.

[0136] As a result, as shown in the example in Figure 11, the text in setting change instruction 37b and the text in setting change instruction 37f will be printed in the print format specified by the format information. This makes the text for the blade change instruction in setting change instruction 37b and the text for the slit number change instruction in setting change instruction 37f stand out from the text in other areas of the medium 30 due to differences in font, size, color, etc., making it easier for the user to recognize the setting change instructions.

[0137] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may change the print format of the setting change instruction within the range specified by the format information, according to the comparison result between the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1th)th post-processing setting information, and have the printing unit 18 print the setting change instruction. In this case, the above-mentioned format information specifies multiple print formats in advance.

[0138] Let's explain with a specific example. For instance, when comparing the post-processing settings information of print jobs BB and FF, which form group G1, as shown in Figure 13A, there are cases where the post-processing machine used for primary post-processing is the same but the blade type is different, or there are cases where both the post-processing machine and the blade type used for primary post-processing are different. Also, when comparing the post-processing settings information of print jobs BB and FF, as shown in Figure 13A, there are cases where the post-processing machine used for secondary post-processing is the same but the number of slits is different, or there are cases where both the post-processing machine and the number of slits used for secondary post-processing are different.

[0139] Therefore, the control unit 11 differentiates the printing format of the setting change instructions depending on whether the post-processing machine used for primary post-processing is the same but the blade type is different between the print jobs, or whether both the post-processing machine and the blade type used for primary post-processing are different between the print jobs. In this case, if the post-processing machine used for primary post-processing is the same but the blade type is different between the print jobs, the blade type change instruction as a setting change instruction is printed using, for example, a first font, a first character size, a first color, etc. If both the post-processing machine and the blade type used for primary post-processing are different between the print jobs, the post-processing machine and blade type change instruction as a setting change instruction is printed using a second font, a second character size, a second color, etc. Furthermore, if both the post-processing machine and the blade type used for primary post-processing are different between the print jobs, the control unit 11 may print the post-processing machine change instruction and the blade type change instruction as setting change instructions using different fonts, character sizes, colors, etc. Similarly, instructions to change settings related to secondary post-processing can also be used to change the print format depending on the comparison results of post-processing setting information between print jobs.

[0140] 5. Second variation: A second modification will be explained with reference to Figures 13B and 14. Figure 13B shows the post-processing settings for each of the print jobs FF, CC, BB, and AA that form a certain batch print job group, in Table 43 for easy comparison. The way to read Table 43 is the same as the way to read Table 42. According to Table 43, for both print jobs FF and CC, the post-processing machine XXX is used for primary post-processing label die-cutting, and the die aaa is used. For both print jobs BB and AA, the post-processing machine ZZZ is used for label die-cutting, but the die bbb is used for print job BB and the die ccc is used for print job AA. Furthermore, for all of print jobs FF, CC, BB, and AA, the post-processing machine YYY is used for secondary post-processing media 30 cutting, with print job FF cutting media 30 with 2 slits, and print jobs CC, BB, and AA cutting media 30 with 4 slits.

[0141] In the second modified example, the control unit 11 assumes a scenario in which the printing unit 18 performs the final printing on the medium 30 using a batch print job group consisting of print jobs FF, CC, BB, and AA, in the order of these print jobs and according to the post-processing setting information in Table 43. Figure 14 shows the printed medium 30 of the batch print job group according to the second modified example, as the printed result 302. The way to read Figure 14 is basically the same as the way to read the printed result 301 in Figure 11, but it is simpler than the printed result 301.

[0142] In Figure 14, the front margins, back margins, headers, and footers within the medium 30 are omitted. Furthermore, for images 33f, 33c, 33b, and 33a, which are images printed in multiple copies based on the image data of print jobs FF, CC, BB, and AA respectively, the individual object descriptions shown in Figure 11 are omitted.

[0143] According to the printed result 302, the downstream end has secondary post-processing information 35f2, which is post-processing setting information for secondary post-processing of print job FF. Furthermore, moving upstream from the secondary post-processing information 35f2, the following are printed in order: image 33f corresponding to print job FF, setting change instruction 37c2 for secondary post-processing of print job CC, image 33c corresponding to print job CC, setting change instruction 37c1 for primary post-processing of print job CC, and secondary post-processing information 35b2, which is post-processing setting information for secondary post-processing of print job BB. Further upstream, the following are printed in order: image 33b corresponding to print job BB, setting change instruction 37b1 for primary post-processing of print job BB, image 33a corresponding to print job AA, primary post-processing information 35a1, which is post-processing setting information for primary post-processing of print job AA, and roll information 38. Of the printed result 302, the area where the roll information 38 is printed is cut from the printed result 302 before the start of primary post-processing.

[0144] According to the printed result 302, the primary post-processing information 35a1, setting change instructions 37b1, and setting change instructions 37c1, which are printed for primary post-processing, are printed with the upstream side facing up and the downstream side facing down. On the other hand, the secondary post-processing information 35f2, setting change instructions 37c2, and secondary post-processing information 35b2, which are printed for secondary post-processing, are printed with the downstream side facing up and the upstream side facing down. With this type of printing, when primary post-processing is performed with the upstream side of the medium 30 facing the front of the transport, the primary post-processing information 35a1, setting change instructions 37b1, and setting change instructions 37c1 become easy for the user to read, and the user can accurately recognize the information necessary for primary post-processing. Furthermore, when secondary post-processing is performed with the downstream side of the medium 30 facing the front of the transport, the secondary post-processing information 35f2, setting change instructions 37c, and secondary post-processing information 35b2 are oriented in a way that is easy for the user to read.

[0145] As can be seen from the above explanation, setting change instruction 37b1 and setting change instruction 37c1 correspond to examples of the first change instruction, and setting change instruction 37c2 corresponds to an example of the second change instruction. That is, according to the second modified example, when the control unit 11 includes characters in the first change instruction and the second change instruction, it causes the printing unit 18 to print the characters in the first change instruction and the characters in the second change instruction in different orientations. When the characters in the first change instruction and the characters in the second change instruction are in different orientations, in addition to making them opposite in the transport direction D2 as shown in Figure 14, they may also be in opposite orientations in the width direction D1. In addition, the characters in the first change instruction and the characters in the second change instruction may not only be in opposite directions, but for example, their orientations may be 90 degrees apart.

[0146] In Figure 14, focusing on the first change instruction, there is no difference in the post-processing settings information for primary post-processing between print job CC and print job FF, therefore the first change instruction is not printed between image 33c and image 33f. Also, in Figure 14, focusing on the second change instruction, there is no difference in the post-processing settings information for secondary post-processing between print job BB and print job AA, therefore the second change instruction is not printed between image 33b and image 33a.

[0147] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13B, the post-processing settings information for secondary post-processing is common to print jobs CC, BB, and AA, which are printed consecutively. Therefore, in the printed result 302, if there is a setting change instruction 37c2 downstream of image 33c, the secondary post-processing information 35b2 printed downstream of image 33b should be unnecessary. However, in the second modified example, the post-processing machine for primary post-processing is changed from post-processing machine ZZZ to post-processing machine XXX between primary post-processing of the area of ​​image 33b and primary post-processing of the area of ​​image 33c. Therefore, when the primary post-processing by post-processing machine ZZZ on the area of ​​image 33b is completed, the portion of the medium 30 including the areas of image 33a and image 33b is cut from the roll and used for secondary post-processing. The remaining roll, after the portion of the medium 30 including the areas of image 33a and image 33b has been cut off, is naturally set in post-processing machine XXX for primary post-processing.

[0148] If, after separation from the roll, there is no printing for secondary post-processing on the downstream end of the portion of the medium 30 including the areas of image 33a and image 33b, the settings for the number of slits, etc., in the secondary post-processing by the post-processing machine YYY on that portion will be unknown. In view of these circumstances, the control unit 11 controls the printing of the batch print job group so that the secondary post-processing information 35b2 necessary for secondary post-processing on the portion of the medium 30 that is cut from the roll during the primary post-processing process is printed.

[0149] 6. Third variation: After printing by the printing unit 18, a "tertiary post-processing" step may be performed on the media 30 as the next post-processing step after the secondary post-processing step. The tertiary post-processing step is performed in the same order as the primary post-processing step, starting with the area of ​​the (n+1)th image on the media 30, followed by the area of ​​the nth image step. If it is assumed that tertiary post-processing step will be performed, the post-processing setting information associated with the print job will include information regarding the primary, secondary, and tertiary post-processing steps.

[0150] Therefore, the control unit 11 may compare the nth post-processing setting information with the (n+1)th post-processing setting information and determine that it is necessary to change the settings for tertiary post-processing for the area of ​​the nth image on the medium 30. In such cases, the control unit 11 may instruct the printing unit 18 to print a "third change instruction," which is an instruction to change the settings for tertiary post-processing, at a position between the first change instruction and the nth image on the medium 30.

[0151] Figure 15 shows the printed medium 30, which has been printed with the batch print job group according to the third modified example, as the printed result 303. Figure 15 will mainly explain the differences from Figure 14. In the third modified example, we assume that the batch print job group consisting of print jobs FF, CC, BB, and AA is printed onto the medium 30 by the printing unit 18 in the order of these print jobs, generally according to the post-processing setting information in Table 43. However, to simplify the explanation, primary post-processing is assumed to be performed by the post-processing machine ZZZ for all print jobs.

[0152] Therefore, the secondary post-processing information 35b2 present in the printed result 302 of Figure 14 is unnecessary in the third modified example and is not present in the printed result 303. Furthermore, the setting change instruction 37c1 present in the printed result 302 instructs not only the die but also the mechanism, i.e., the post-processing machine, but the setting change instruction 37c1 present in the printed result 303 only needs to instruct the replacement of the die.

[0153] In the third modified example, according to the post-processing setting information associated with the print job, the tertiary post-processing performed on the regions of images 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33f for print jobs AA, BB, CC, and FF respectively is a process in which some settings should be changed after the tertiary post-processing on the region of image 33b and before the tertiary post-processing on the region of image 33c. The type of post-processing is not considered here. Tertiary post-processing can be various, such as a process using heat or a process that creates holes in the medium 30, but in any case, in the third modified example, it is necessary to change some settings of the tertiary post-processing after the tertiary post-processing on the region of image 33b and before the tertiary post-processing on the region of image 33c. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that it is necessary to change the settings of the tertiary post-processing for the region of the nth image when it considers image 33b, which corresponds to print job BB, as the (n+1)th image and image 33c, which corresponds to print job CC, as the nth image. Based on this determination, the control unit 11 prints a setting change instruction 39c3 as a third change instruction at a position between the setting change instruction 37c1, which is a first change instruction for the area of ​​image 33c, and image 33c.

[0154] In this way, by including the setting change instruction 39c3 in the printed result 303, when the roll of the printed result 303 is set in the post-processing machine for tertiary post-processing after the completion of secondary post-processing on the printed result 303 and tertiary post-processing is started, the user can change the settings for tertiary post-processing at the appropriate time according to the setting change instruction 39c3. Incidentally, the tertiary post-processing information 35a3 in the printed result 303 is printed between the primary post-processing information 35a1 for the image 33a of print job AA and the image 33a, and represents the post-processing setting information necessary for tertiary post-processing in the area of ​​image 33a. In other words, the tertiary post-processing information 35a3 and the setting change instruction 39c3 are printed for tertiary post-processing. Furthermore, according to the printed result 303, the printing for tertiary post-processing, like the primary post-processing information 35a1, setting change instruction 37b1, and setting change instruction 37c1 which are printed for primary post-processing, has the characters printed with the upstream side at the top and the downstream side at the bottom.

[0155] In Figures 14 and 15, the front and rear margins shown in Figure 11 are omitted, but in reality, front and rear margins are reserved on the medium 30 according to the margin settings of each print job targeted for this printing. Furthermore, in the explanation so far, it has been assumed that the setting change instructions 37b, 37f, 37c2, 37c1, 37b1, and 39c3 are printed in an area reserved separately from the front and rear margins on the medium 30, but these setting change instructions may also be printed within the front and rear margins. In addition, primary post-processing information, secondary post-processing information, and tertiary post-processing information may also be printed within the front and rear margins. This makes it possible to further reduce the consumption of the medium 30 in this printing.

[0156] 7. Summary: As described above, according to this embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 includes a printing unit 18 that prints print jobs onto a medium 30, a control unit 11 that can accept the designation of a first print mode or a second print mode for one or more print jobs, performs print settings according to print setting information for print jobs for which a first print mode or a second print mode has been designated, and causes the printing unit 18 to execute printing according to the print settings, and a storage unit 15. The amount of medium 30 consumed in printing one print job using the second print mode is greater than the amount of medium 30 consumed in printing one print job using the first print mode. The control unit 11 obtains specific setting information that causes a difference in consumption between printing using the first print mode and printing using the second print mode from among the print setting information for a print job in which the first print mode is specified, from either the initial print setting information stored in the storage unit 15 beforehand, the supplementary setting information attached to the print job in which the first print mode is specified, or the first setting information file which is a file stored in a predetermined folder and is different from both the initial setting information and the supplementary setting information, and performs the print settings for the print job in which the first print mode is specified according to the obtained specific setting information.Furthermore, when the control unit 11 obtains specific setting information for a print job with a specified first print mode from the initial setting information, it obtains specific setting information from the print setting information for a print job with a specified second print mode from either the supplemental setting information attached to the print job with the specified second print mode, or from a second setting information file which is stored in a predetermined folder and is different from the initial setting information, supplemental setting information, and first setting information file. When obtaining specific setting information for a print job with a specified first print mode from the supplemental setting information, it obtains specific setting information for a print job with a specified second print mode from the second setting information file. When obtaining specific setting information for a print job with a specified first print mode from the first setting information file, it obtains specific setting information for a print job with a specified second print mode from either the supplemental setting information attached to the print job with a specified second print mode, or from the second setting information file. The control unit 11 then performs the print settings for the print job with a specified second print mode according to the obtained specific setting information for the print job with a specified second print mode.

[0157] According to the above configuration, the printing device 10 can easily obtain specific setting information necessary for the print settings of a print job with a specified first print mode and specific setting information necessary for the print settings of a print job with a specified second print mode from different sources. Therefore, when a user arbitrarily specifies a first print mode or a second print mode for a print job, they are freed from the burden and hassle of manually setting the necessary specific setting information for each, and can automatically obtain accurate print settings.

[0158] According to this embodiment, the specific setting information includes information on the number of copies to print. Furthermore, the specific setting information includes information on the amount of margin that should be reserved in the medium 30. Furthermore, the specific setting information includes information indicating whether or not printing is performed on the media 30 after printing the print job by the printing unit 18 for post-processing. Additionally, specific configuration information includes information indicating whether or not the print job header and / or footer should be printed. With these configurations, the printing device 10 can accurately acquire settings that differ between the first and second printing modes, such as the number of copies to print, margin amount, whether or not to print for post-processing, and whether or not to print the header and / or footer of the print job, while reducing the burden on the user.

[0159] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the printing device 10 may include a display unit 13 that displays a list of print jobs, and the control unit 11 may accept a state where no selection is made for each selection field 56 displayed in the list as a designation for the first print mode, and a state where a selection is made for the selection field 56 as a designation for the second print mode. According to the above configuration, the user can easily and accurately specify either a first or second print mode for a print job.

[0160] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the printing device 10 may include a display unit 13 that displays a list of print jobs, and the control unit 11 may accept a state in the list that is not included in the selection range entered by the user as a designation for a first print mode, and a state that is included in the selection range as a designation for a second print mode. According to the above configuration, the user can easily and accurately specify either a first or second print mode for a print job.

[0161] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the printing device 10 may have a batch acceptance button for accepting the designation of a second printing mode for multiple print jobs at once, and when the batch acceptance button is operated, the control unit 11 may accept the designation of a second printing mode for multiple print jobs described in the second setting information file at once, and obtain specific setting information for the multiple print jobs for which the second printing mode has been designated from the second setting information file. According to the above configuration, the user can specify the second print mode for multiple print jobs listed in the second configuration information file all at once by operating the batch acceptance button.

[0162] According to this embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 includes a printing unit 18 that prints an image onto a medium based on image data, a storage unit 15 that stores print jobs having image data, and a control unit 11 that sets print settings for the printing unit 18 based on print setting information including post-processing setting information indicating the settings for post-processing to be performed on the medium 30 on which the image has been printed, and causes the printing unit 18 to print two or more specified print jobs from among a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit 15. Let n be an integer greater than or equal to 1. When the image printed on the medium 30 based on the image data of the nth print job, which is the nth target of printing by the printing unit 18 among the two or more print jobs, be the nth image, when the image printed on the medium 30 based on the image data of the (n+1)th print job, which is the (n+1)th target of printing by the printing unit 18 among the two or more print jobs, be the nth post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job, and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information associated with the (n+1)th print job, the control unit 11 compares the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information to determine whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. If it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, the control unit 11 changes the print settings so that the information based on the post-processing setting information, which was set to print at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30 as a print setting for the printing unit 18, is not printed.

[0163] According to the above configuration, the printing device 10 refrains from printing information based on post-processing settings that were set to be printed at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30, when there are no changes in the post-processing settings between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job that are to be printed consecutively. This avoids printing information related to post-processing settings at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image when there are no changes in the post-processing settings between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job. In other words, it is possible to perform the necessary printing for post-processing while suppressing waste of medium 30 and ink.

[0164] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the print setting information includes information on the margin amount on the medium 30, and if there is no need to change the post-processing settings, the control unit 11 may change the print settings so that the margin that was set to be reserved between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30 is not reserved, based on the margin amount information. According to the above configuration, if there is no change in the post-processing settings between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job, the control unit 11 will not reserve the margin that was set to be reserved between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30. This reduces the consumption of the medium 30.

[0165] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the control unit 11 needs to change the post-processing settings, it causes the printing unit 18 to print at least one of the following at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30: an instruction to change the post-processing settings and an instruction to stop transporting the medium 30. According to the above configuration, when there is a change in the post-processing settings between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job, the control unit 11 prints instructions for the change and instructions to stop transport between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30, thereby improving workability and convenience in post-processing. Furthermore, since the user does not need to determine the position on the medium 30 where the change instructions and stop instructions should be printed, the burden on the user is reduced, and human errors in determining the position where the change instructions and stop instructions should be printed are eliminated.

[0166] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the control unit 11 needs to change the settings for post-processing, it may print a change instruction and a stop instruction at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 prints a change instruction along with a transport stop instruction at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30. This makes it possible for the post-processing machine to stop transporting the medium 30 at the appropriate timing when the settings should be changed and perform the change operation.

[0167] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the control unit 11 needs to change the post-processing settings, it may cause the printing unit 18 to print information based on the post-processing settings and an instruction to stop transporting the medium 30 at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 prints information based on post-processing setting information at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30, along with a transport stop instruction. The change instruction can also be considered a type of information based on post-processing setting information, but the information based on post-processing setting information includes information other than instructions for changing post-processing settings. Therefore, for example, even if the medium 30 is cut between the nth image and the (n+1)th image, the fact that information based on post-processing setting information is printed allows the user performing post-processing to obtain more information.

[0168] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 can set multiple print jobs included in two or more specified print jobs into a batch print job group, which is a group that is grouped together with respect to a predetermined common item, and the comparison between the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information may be performed with respect to the relationship between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job belonging to the batch print job group. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 refrains from printing information based on post-processing settings that were set to be printed at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30, when there are no changes in the post-processing settings between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job that belong to a batch print job group and are to be printed consecutively. This makes it possible to suppress the amount of medium required for printing one batch print job group, for example, when cutting the medium 30 on a batch print job group basis.

[0169] Note that "multiple print jobs included in two or more specified print jobs" means all or part of the two or more specified print jobs. For example, two or more print jobs for which a second print mode has been specified by the user through the operation of the management screen 50 may include a batch print job group and print jobs that do not belong to a batch print job group. Also, two or more print jobs specified by the user through the operation of the management screen 50 may naturally include multiple batch print job groups.

[0170] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the print setting information includes cutting information, which specifies the units in which the medium 30 will be cut. The control unit 11 can set multiple print jobs included in two or more specified print jobs into a batch print job group, which is a group that is grouped together with respect to a predetermined common item. When the cutting information is first cutting information, the comparison between the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information is performed on the relationship between the nth print job and the (n+1)th print job belonging to the batch print job group. When the cutting information is second cutting information, the comparison between the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information is performed on all of the specified print jobs that are linked to the post-processing setting information. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 limits the range of print jobs to be compared when comparing post-processing setting information between adjacent print jobs in the print order to within a batch print job group, or not, depending on the cutting information. This makes it possible to differentiate the position on the medium 30 where information based on post-processing setting information is not printed when there is no change in the post-processing settings, depending on the cutting information.

[0171] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the post-processing setting information associated with a print job may be described in the header of the image data associated with that print job. According to the above configuration, since the print job and post-processing setting information are integrated, the process of sending the print job and post-processing setting information to the printing device 10, and the process of acquiring the post-processing setting information associated with the print job are simplified.

[0172] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the post-processing setting information may include format information that specifies the print format of the change instruction, and the control unit 11 may cause the printing unit 18 to print the change instruction in the print format specified by the format information. According to the above configuration, it is possible to make it easier for the user to recognize the presence of change instructions on the medium 30 on which the nth image, the (n+1)th image, or change instructions are printed.

[0173] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may change the print format of the change instruction within the range specified by the format information according to the comparison result between the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information, and have the print unit 18 print the change instruction. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 can improve the convenience of users who perform post-processing setting changes by visually checking the printed change instructions, by changing the print format of the change instructions according to the comparison result between the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1th)th post-processing setting information.

[0174] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 causes the printing unit 18 to print the change instruction using either characters, a code image, or a combination of characters and a code image. According to the above configuration, change instructions can be printed in a format that is easy for users to understand and easy for post-processing machines to use.

[0175] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the first post-processing performed on the printed medium 30 by the printing unit 18 is called primary post-processing, and the post-processing performed on the printed medium 30 by the printing unit 18 after the primary post-processing is called secondary post-processing, the primary post-processing is performed in the order of the region of the (n+1)th image on the medium 30, followed by the region of the nth image, and the secondary post-processing is performed in the order of the region of the nth image on the medium 30, followed by the region of the (n+1)th image. The control unit 11 then compares the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information, and if it determines that it is necessary to change the primary post-processing setting for the region of the nth image on the medium 30, it causes the printing unit 18 to print a first change instruction, which is an instruction to change the primary post-processing setting, at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30. Furthermore, the control unit 11 compares the nth post-processing setting information with the (n+1)th post-processing setting information and determines that it is necessary to change the secondary post-processing settings for the region of the (n+1)th image on the medium 30. In such cases, the control unit 11 causes the printing unit 18 to print a second change instruction, which is an instruction to change the secondary post-processing settings, at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 compares the nth post-processing setting information with the (n+1)th post-processing setting information and prints a first change instruction on the medium 30 if a change instruction is required for primary post-processing of the region of the nth image, and prints a second change instruction on the medium 30 if a change instruction is required for secondary post-processing of the region of the (n+1)th image.

[0176] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the post-processing performed on the medium 30 after printing by the printing unit 18 is defined as tertiary post-processing, the tertiary post-processing is performed in the order of the region of the (n+1)th image and the region of the nth image on the medium 30. The control unit 11 then compares the nth post-processing setting information with the (n+1)th post-processing setting information and determines that it is necessary to change the setting for tertiary post-processing for the region of the nth image on the medium 30. In this case, the control unit 11 causes the printing unit 18 to print a third change instruction, which is a setting change instruction for tertiary post-processing, at a position between the first change instruction and the nth image on the medium 30. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 compares the nth post-processing setting information with the (n+1)th post-processing setting information, and if a change instruction is required for tertiary post-processing of the region of the nth image, it can print the third change instruction at an appropriate position on the medium 30.

[0177] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the control unit 11 includes characters in the first change instruction and the second change instruction, it may cause the printing unit 18 to print the characters in the first change instruction and the characters in the second change instruction in different orientations. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 can print the characters of the first change instruction in a orientation that is easy for the user to read when the medium 30 is subjected to primary post-processing, and print the characters of the second change instruction in a orientation that is easy for the user to read when the medium 30 is subjected to secondary post-processing.

[0178] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, after the control unit 11 has finished printing on the medium 30 based on the image data of the last print job belonging to the batch print job group, it may instruct the printing unit 18 to print at least a portion of the post-processing setting information associated with each print job belonging to the batch print job group at a position upstream in the transport direction of the medium 30 from the image printed on the medium 30 based on the image data of the last print job. In other words, it prints roll information. According to the above configuration, when a user sees the printed media 30, they can first visually check the roll information and recognize the post-processing settings for each print job and an overview of the printing performed on each print job on the media 30.

[0179] This embodiment discloses inventions in various categories, including not only printing devices 10 and printing systems, but also methods consisting of processes executed by devices and systems, and programs 12 that cause a processor to execute these methods. For example, a print control program 12 causes the processor to execute a print control function that sets print settings for the printing unit 18 based on print setting information including post-processing setting information indicating settings for post-processing to be performed on a medium 30 on which an image based on image data of a print job has been printed, and causes the printing unit 18 to print two or more specified print jobs from among a plurality of print jobs, where n is an integer of 1 or more, the image printed on the medium 30 based on the image data of the nth print job which is the nth target of printing by the printing unit 18 among the two or more print jobs is the nth image, and the image of the (n+1)th print job which is the (n+1)th target of printing by the printing unit 18 among the two or more print jobs is the (n+1)th print job. When the image printed on the medium 30 based on the image data is referred to as the (n+1)th image, the post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job is referred to as the nth post-processing setting information, and the post-processing setting information associated with the (n+1)th print job is referred to as the (n+1)th post-processing setting information, the print control function can determine whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings by comparing the nth post-processing setting information and the (n+1)th post-processing setting information. If it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, the print control program 12 can determine whether or not it is necessary to change the print settings, and if it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, it can determine whether or not it is necessary to change the print settings, and if it is necessary to change the print and if it is necessary to change the print settings, it can determine whether or not it is necessary to change the print settings, and if it is necessary to change the print settings, and if it is necessary to change the print settings, and if it is necessary to change the print settings, and if it is necessary to change the print settings, and if it is necessary to change the print settings, and if it is necessary to change the post-processing settings information, and if it is necessary to change the post-processing settings information, and if it is necessary to change the post-processing settings information, and if it is necessary to change the post-processing settings information, and if it is necessary to change the post-processing settings information, and if it is necessary to change the post-processing settings information, and if it is necessary to change the post-processing settings information, and if it is necessary to

[0180] The processes described so far as being performed by the control unit 11 of the printing device 10 may also be performed by the printing control device, i.e., the information processing device 1, using its own resources such as the control unit 2 and the storage unit 3. The printing control program 12 may also be performed by the information processing device 1. Accordingly, this embodiment is a print control device that is communicatively connected to a printing device 10, and comprises a storage unit 3 that stores print jobs having image data, and a control unit 2 that sets print settings for the printing device 10 based on print setting information including post-processing setting information indicating the settings for post-processing to be performed on a medium 30 on which an image based on the image data is printed, and causes the printing device 10 to print two or more specified print jobs from among a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit 3, wherein n is an integer of 1 or more, and the image printed on the medium 30 based on the image data of the nth print job that is the nth target of printing by the printing device 10 among the two or more print jobs is the nth image, and among the two or more print jobs, the printing device 1 When the image printed on the medium 30 based on the image data of the (n+1)th print job that is the (n+1)th print target by 0 is called the (n+1)th image, the post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job is called the nth post-processing setting information, and the post-processing setting information associated with the (n+1)th print job is called the (n+1)th post-processing setting information, the control unit 2 compares the nth post-processing setting information with the (n+1)th post-processing setting information to determine whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. If it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, the control unit 2 changes the print settings so that the information based on the post-processing setting information, which was set to print at a position between the nth image and the (n+1)th image on the medium 30 as a print setting for the printing unit 10, is not printed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0181] 1...Information processing device, 2...Control unit, 3...Storage unit, 10...Printing device, 11...Control unit, 12...Program, 13...Display unit, 14...Operation reception unit, 15...Storage unit, 16...Communication interface, 17...Transport unit, 18...Printing unit, 19C, 19M, 19Y, 19K...Print head, 20...Nozzle, 30...Media, 31...Frame, 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33f...Image, 37b, 37f...Setting change instruction, 40...Additional setting information, 41...Second setting information file, 50...Management screen, 55...Print waiting list, 56...Selection field, 57...Printed list, 59...Position mark, 62...Batch setting execution button, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305...Print result

Claims

1. A printing unit that prints images onto a medium based on image data, A storage unit that stores a print job having the aforementioned image data, The system includes a control unit that performs print settings for the printing unit based on print setting information, which includes post-processing setting information indicating settings for post-processing to be performed on the medium on which the image is printed, and causes the printing unit to print two or more specified print jobs from a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit, Let n be an integer greater than or equal to 1. The image printed on the medium based on the image data of the nth print job, which is the nth print target for printing by the printing unit among the two or more print jobs, is the nth image. Among the two or more print jobs, the image printed on the medium is the (n+1)th image, based on the image data of the (n+1)th print job that is the (n+1)th print job to be printed by the printing unit. The post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job is referred to as the nth post-processing setting information. When the post-processing setting information associated with the n+1 print job is referred to as the n+1 post-processing setting information, The control unit, By comparing the nth post-processing setting information with the n+1th post-processing setting information, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. A printing apparatus characterized in that, when it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, the printing settings are changed so that the information based on the post-processing setting information, which was set as the printing setting for the printing section to print at a position between the nth image and the n+1th image on the medium, is not printed.

2. The print setting information includes information on the margin amount on the medium, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, the control unit changes the printing settings so that the margin that was set to be reserved between the nth image and the n+1th image on the medium based on the margin amount information is not reserved.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the control unit needs to change the settings for the post-processing, it causes the printing unit to print at least one of the instructions to change the settings for the post-processing and the instructions to stop transporting the medium at a position between the nth image and the n+1th image on the medium.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the control unit needs to change the settings for the post-processing, it prints the change instruction and the stop instruction at a position between the nth image and the n+1th image on the medium.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the control unit needs to change the post-processing settings, it causes the printing unit to print information based on the post-processing setting information and an instruction to stop transporting the medium at a position between the nth image and the n+1th image on the medium.

6. The control unit, Multiple print jobs included in the specified two or more print jobs can be set into a batch print job group, which is a group that is grouped together with respect to a predetermined common characteristic. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the comparison between the nth post-processing setting information and the n+1th post-processing setting information is performed with respect to the relationship between the nth print job and the n+1th print job belonging to the batch print job group.

7. The print setting information includes cutting information, which specifies the units in which the medium will be cut. The control unit, Multiple print jobs included in the specified two or more print jobs can be set into a batch print job group, which is a group that is grouped together with respect to a predetermined common characteristic. When the cutting information is the first cutting information, the comparison between the nth post-processing setting information and the n+1th post-processing setting information is performed with respect to the relationship between the nth print job and the n+1th print job belonging to the batch print job group. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the cutting information is second cutting information, the comparison between the nth post-processing setting information and the n+1th post-processing setting information is performed on all of the specified print jobs that are associated with the post-processing setting information.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the post-processing setting information associated with the print job is described in the header of the image data possessed by the print job.

9. The aforementioned post-processing setting information includes format information that specifies the print format of the change instruction, The printing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit causes the printing unit to print the change instruction in the print format specified by the format information.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the control unit changes the print format of the change instruction within the range specified by the format information according to the comparison result of the nth post-processing setting information and the n+1th post-processing setting information, and causes the printing unit to print the change instruction.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit causes the printing unit to print the change instruction in the form of characters, a code image, or a combination of characters and a code image.

12. The first post-processing performed on the medium after printing by the printing unit is called primary post-processing. When the post-processing performed on the medium after printing by the printing unit is referred to as secondary post-processing, The primary post-processing is performed in the order of the region of the n+1 image and the region of the n image in the medium. The secondary post-processing is performed in the order of the region of the nth image and the region of the n+1th image in the medium. The control unit, If the nth post-processing setting information and the n+1th post-processing setting information are compared and it is determined that the primary post-processing settings for the area of ​​the nth image on the medium need to be changed, the printing unit is instructed to print the first change instruction, which is the instruction to change the primary post-processing settings, at a position between the nth image and the n+1th image on the medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, if it is determined that it is necessary to change the settings for the secondary post-processing for the region of the n+1 image on the medium by comparing the n post-processing setting information and the n+1 post-processing setting information, the printing unit prints a second change instruction, which is the instruction to change the settings for the secondary post-processing, at a position between the n image and the n+1 image on the medium.

13. When the post-processing performed on the medium after printing by the printing unit is referred to as tertiary post-processing, The tertiary post-processing is performed in the order of the region of the n+1 image and the region of the n image in the medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the control unit compares the nth post-processing setting information with the n+1th post-processing setting information and determines that it is necessary to change the settings for the tertiary post-processing for the region of the nth image on the medium, and causes the printing unit to print a third change instruction, which is the change instruction for the tertiary post-processing setting, at a position between the first change instruction and the nth image on the medium.

14. The printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, when the control unit includes characters in the first change instruction and the second change instruction, it causes the printing unit to print the characters in the first change instruction and the characters in the second change instruction in different orientations.

15. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, after the completion of printing on the medium based on the image data of the last print job belonging to the batch print job group, the control unit causes the printing unit to print at least a portion of each of the post-processing setting information associated with each of the print jobs belonging to the batch print job group at a position upstream in the transport direction of the medium from the image printed on the medium based on the image data of the last print job, either in the printing order of the print jobs or in the reverse order of the printing of the print jobs.

16. A print control device that is connected to a printing device in a communicative manner, A storage unit that stores print jobs containing image data, The system includes a control unit which sets print settings for the printing device based on print setting information which includes post-processing setting information indicating settings for post-processing to be performed on a medium on which an image based on the aforementioned image data is printed, and causes the printing device to print two or more specified print jobs from a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit, Let n be an integer greater than or equal to 1. The image printed on the medium based on the image data of the nth print job, which is the nth print target for printing by the printing device among the two or more print jobs, is the nth image. Among the two or more print jobs, the image printed on the medium is the (n+1)th image, based on the image data of the (n+1)th print job that is the (n+1)th print job to be printed by the printing device. The post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job is referred to as the nth post-processing setting information. When the post-processing setting information associated with the n+1 print job is referred to as the n+1 post-processing setting information, The control unit, By comparing the nth post-processing setting information with the n+1th post-processing setting information, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. A print control device characterized in that, when it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, it changes the print settings so that the information based on the post-processing setting information, which was set as the print setting for the printing device to print at a position between the nth image and the n+1th image on the medium, is not printed.

17. A printing unit that prints images onto a medium based on image data, A storage unit that stores a print job having the aforementioned image data, The system includes a control unit that performs print settings for the printing unit based on print setting information, which includes post-processing setting information indicating settings for post-processing to be performed on the medium on which the image is printed, and causes the printing unit to print two or more specified print jobs from a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit, Let n be an integer greater than or equal to 1. The image printed on the medium based on the image data of the nth print job, which is the nth print target for printing by the printing unit among the two or more print jobs, is the nth image. Among the two or more print jobs, the image printed on the medium is the (n+1)th image, based on the image data of the (n+1)th print job that is the (n+1)th print job to be printed by the printing unit. The post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job is referred to as the nth post-processing setting information. When the post-processing setting information associated with the n+1 print job is referred to as the n+1 post-processing setting information, The control unit, By comparing the nth post-processing setting information with the n+1th post-processing setting information, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. A printing apparatus characterized in that, when it is necessary to change the settings for the post-processing described above, at least one of the instructions to change the settings for the post-processing described above and the instructions to stop transporting the medium described above is printed on the printing unit.

18. A print control program, The processor executes a print control function that sets print settings for the printing unit based on print setting information, which includes post-processing setting information indicating the settings for post-processing to be performed on the medium on which the image based on the image data of the print job is printed, and causes the printing unit to print two or more specified print jobs from among a plurality of print jobs. Let n be an integer greater than or equal to 1. The image printed on the medium based on the image data of the nth print job, which is the nth print target for printing by the printing unit among the two or more print jobs, is the nth image. Among the two or more print jobs, the image printed on the medium is the (n+1)th image, based on the image data of the (n+1)th print job that is the (n+1)th print job to be printed by the printing unit. The post-processing setting information associated with the nth print job is referred to as the nth post-processing setting information. When the post-processing setting information associated with the n+1 print job is referred to as the n+1 post-processing setting information, The aforementioned print control function is By comparing the nth post-processing setting information with the n+1th post-processing setting information, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the post-processing settings. A print control program characterized in that, when it is not necessary to change the post-processing settings, it changes the print settings so that the information based on the post-processing setting information, which was set as the print setting for the printing unit to print at a position between the nth image and the n+1th image on the medium, is not printed.

Images