Printing systems, printing devices

Abstract

To suppress consumption of a sheet-like medium and an image forming material resulting from printing.SOLUTION: A control unit of a printing system is capable of executing: a display process of causing a display unit to display a range specifying screen for allowing a user to specify a partial range in which a part of a first image printed based on first image data is divided by a boundary along a width direction of the first image; a determination process of determining a print range in which the part of the first image is divided by the boundary along the width direction, based on the partial range specified via an acceptance unit during the display of the range specifying screen by the display process; a data generation process of, by using the first image data, generating second image data corresponding to the print range determined by the determination process; and a printing process of causing a head unit to print the second image, based on the second image data generated by the data generation process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system and a printing device for printing an image on a sheet-like medium. Place

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that sequentially forms images on a developed body (sheet-like medium) drawn out from a feed roll body of a roll paper, and a reprint control unit that controls the image forming unit so as to reprint an image included in a defective portion of the developed body on which the image has been formed. The reprint control unit of this image forming apparatus controls the image forming unit so that the same image as the image included in the defective portion is reprinted on a recovery area provided in advance at the end portion of the roll paper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 above, the entire image included in the defective portion of the developed body is reprinted. That is, even if there is a defective portion or the like only in a part of one image on the developed body, the entire one image is automatically reprinted on a recovery area provided in advance at the end portion of the roll paper. As a result, there arise problems that the consumption of the roll paper increases and the consumption of toner (image forming material) also increases.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system and a printing device capable of suppressing the consumption of a sheet-like medium and an image forming material by printing. Place

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The printing system of the present invention comprises a printing unit for printing images onto a sheet-like medium, a reception unit for receiving user input, and a display unit. A first storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a sheet-like medium is wound into a roll shape; a second storage section capable of accommodating multiple sheets of the sheet-like medium in a stacked state; and a transport section that transports either the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body stored in the first storage section or the sheet-like medium stored in the second storage section in the transport direction. The system comprises a control unit, the control unit capable of performing: a first printing process which causes the printing unit to print a first image based on first image data; a display process which causes the display unit to display a range selection screen which allows the user to specify a partial range in which a part of the first image printed by the first printing process is demarcated by a boundary along the width direction of the first image; a determination process which determines a printing range in which a part of the first image is demarcated by a boundary along the width direction based on the partial range specified via the reception unit during the display of the range selection screen by the display process; a data generation process which generates second image data corresponding to the printing range determined by the determination process using the first image data; and a second printing process which causes the printing unit to print a second image based on the second image data generated by the data generation process. Furthermore, the control unit, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first image, if the second image based on the second image data is shorter than the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit, causes the transport unit to transport the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit and causes the printing unit to print the second image based on the second image data; and if the second image is longer than the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit with respect to the longitudinal direction, causes the transport unit to transport the sheet-like medium contained in the first storage unit and causes the printing unit to print the second image based on the second image data. ru.

[0007] The printing apparatus of the present invention comprises a printing unit for printing an image on a sheet-like medium, a reception unit for receiving input from a user, and a display unit. A first storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a sheet-like medium is wound into a roll shape; a second storage section capable of accommodating multiple sheets of the sheet-like medium in a stacked state; and a transport section that transports either the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body stored in the first storage section or the sheet-like medium stored in the second storage section in the transport direction. The system comprises a control unit, the control unit capable of performing: a first printing process which causes the printing unit to print a first image based on first image data; a display process which causes the display unit to display a range selection screen which allows the user to specify a partial range in which a part of the first image printed by the first printing process is demarcated by a boundary along the width direction of the first image; a determination process which determines a printing range in which a part of the first image is demarcated by a boundary along the width direction based on the partial range specified via the reception unit during the display of the range selection screen by the display process; a data generation process which generates second image data corresponding to the printing range determined by the determination process using the first image data; and a second printing process which causes the printing unit to print a second image based on the second image data generated by the data generation process. Furthermore, the control unit, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first image, if the second image based on the second image data is shorter than the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit, causes the transport unit to transport the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit and causes the printing unit to print the second image based on the second image data; and if the second image is longer than the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit with respect to the longitudinal direction, causes the transport unit to transport the sheet-like medium contained in the first storage unit and causes the printing unit to print the second image based on the second image data. ru. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Printing system, printing equipment of the present invention Place According to this, for example, if there is a defect in a part of the first image printed on a sheet-like medium, it becomes possible to print a second image, which is a part of the first image, corresponding to a printable area determined based on the partial area specified by the user. Therefore, for example, by attaching a sheet-like medium with a second image printed on it, which the user deems necessary to compensate for the defect, to a sheet-like medium from which the area containing the defect has been cut out, it becomes possible to create a printed product desired by the user while suppressing the consumption of sheet-like medium and image-forming materials, even if the printed material has defects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of a printer in a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printing system. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure for an external device when performing printing with the printing system shown. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing a roll of paper on which the first image has been printed based on the first image data, (b) is a diagram showing a roll of paper on which a portion of the first image has been printed is damaged, (c) is a diagram showing a roll of paper on which the second image has been printed based on the second image data, and (d) is a diagram showing the situation in which the roll of paper shown in Figure 4(c) is joined to the roll of paper from which the damaged portion of the roll of paper shown in Figure 4(b) has been removed. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first data generation process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first marker addition process. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of the printer's processing steps when performing a print job using the printing system shown. [Figure 8] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second data generation process. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a range specification screen displayed in the display process. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the data generation process shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the second margin addition process shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] (a) is a diagram showing a state where a part of the roll paper on which the first image is printed is damaged, (b) is a diagram showing the cut paper on which the second image is printed based on the second image data, and (c) is a diagram showing a situation of connecting the roll paper from which the damaged part range shown in FIG. 12(a) is removed and the cut paper shown in FIG. 12(b).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a printer 101 (the "printing device" of the present invention) and an external device 102 that is connected to the control unit 8 (described later) of the printer 101 so as to be able to transmit and receive information. In the following description, the vertical direction and the front-rear direction are defined based on the state where the printer 101 is installed for use (the state in FIG. 1), and the left-right direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1) is defined when looking at the printer 101 from the front.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 101 includes a housing 101a, a first paper feed tray 10, a second paper feed tray 20, a conveyance unit 30, a cutting unit 4, a head unit (the "printing unit" of the present invention) 5, a paper discharge tray 6, a guide member 7, a control unit 8, a display unit (see FIG. 2: the "display unit" and "reception unit" of the present invention) 9, a paper sensor 12, and the like.

[0014] The first paper feed tray 10 is disposed above the second paper feed tray 20 and below the head unit 5 within the housing 101a. Further, the first paper feed tray 10 and the second paper feed tray 20 are insertable and removable along the front-rear direction with respect to the housing 101a through an opening formed in the front wall of the housing 101a.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the first feeding tray 10 has a box shape that opens upward. The first feeding tray 10 has a cut paper storage portion 15 (the "second storage portion" of the present invention) that can store a plurality of cut papers Kp stacked on the bottom wall 11. The cut paper Kp is a short paper, for example, an A4-sized paper. The cut paper storage portion 15 stores the cut paper Kp in a posture where the longitudinal direction of the cut paper Kp coincides with the left-right direction and the short-side direction coincides with the front-rear direction.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the second feeding tray 20 has a box shape that opens upward. The second feeding tray 20 has a roll body storage portion 25 (the "first storage portion" of the present invention) that can store the roll body R on the bottom wall 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the roll body R is a long paper wound around a core member Rc in a roll shape from the cut paper Kp. In the following description, when not distinguishing between the roll paper Rp (the "sheet-like medium" of the present invention) unwound from the roll body R and the cut paper Kp (the "sheet-like medium" of the present invention), it may be referred to as "paper P".

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the roll body storage portion 25 is disposed below the cut paper storage portion 15 and stores the roll body R in a posture where the width direction of the roll paper Rp unwound from the roll body R coincides with the left-right direction. That is, the roll body R is arranged such that the axial direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1) along its rotation axis Rx (the central axis of the core member Rc) is parallel to the left-right direction. The roll body R that can be stored in the roll body storage portion 25 in the present embodiment has, for example, the same width as the width in the left-right direction of the A4-sized cut paper stored in the cut paper storage portion 15.

[0018] The roll body storage portion 25 has two rollers 14a and 14b. The two rollers 14a and 14b both extend in the left-right direction and are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction. The rollers 14a and 14b are each rotatable around a rotation axis extending along the left-right direction. The rollers 14a and 14b support the roll body R from below in a state of contacting the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the roll body R.

[0019] The transport unit 30 includes a first feeding unit 31, a second feeding unit 34, two intermediate roller pairs 37a and 37b, a transport roller pair 38, and a paper discharge roller pair 39. The first feeding unit 31 includes a feeding roller 32, an arm 33, and a first feeding motor 31M (see Figure 2). The feeding roller 32 feeds cut paper Kp from the first feeding tray 10. The feeding roller 32 is positioned above the bottom wall 11. The feeding roller 32 is pivotally supported at the tip of the arm 33 and rotates when driven by the first feeding motor 31M. The arm 33 is rotatably supported on a support shaft 33a. The support shaft 33a is supported by the housing 101a. The arm 33 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) so that the feeding roller 32 approaches the bottom wall 11. Furthermore, when inserting or removing the first feeding tray 10 from the housing 101a, the arm 33 rotates and retracts by a retraction mechanism (not shown) so that the feeding roller 32 is positioned above the upper end of the rear end of the first feeding tray 10.

[0020] If there is no cut paper Kp on the bottom wall 11, the feed roller 32 contacts the upper surface of the bottom wall 11. If there is cut paper Kp on the bottom wall 11, the feed roller 32 contacts the uppermost cut paper Kp. When the feed roller 32 is in contact with the cut paper Kp, the first feed motor 31M is driven by the control unit 8, causing the feed roller 32 to rotate and apply a transport force to the cut paper Kp in contact with the feed roller 32 in a forward-to-backward direction. As a result, the cut paper Kp is fed out from the first feed tray 10.

[0021] The second feeding unit 34 includes a feeding roller 35, an arm 36, and a second feeding motor 34M (see Figure 2). The feeding roller 35 feeds roll paper Rp from the second feeding tray 20. The feeding roller 35 is positioned above the bottom wall 21 of the second feeding tray 20. The feeding roller 35 is pivotally supported at the tip of the arm 36 and rotates when driven by the second feeding motor 34M. The arm 36 is rotatably supported on a support shaft 36a. The support shaft 36a is supported by the housing 101a. The arm 36 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) so that the feeding roller 35 approaches the bottom wall 21. The arm 36 rotates and retracts by a retraction mechanism (not shown) so that when the second feeding tray 20 is inserted into or removed from the housing 101a, the feeding roller 35 is positioned above the upper end of the rear end of the second feeding tray 20.

[0022] If there is no roll paper Rp on the bottom wall 21, the feed roller 35 contacts the top surface of the bottom wall 21. If there is roll paper Rp on the bottom wall 21, the feed roller 35 contacts the roll paper Rp. When the feed roller 35 is in contact with the roll paper Rp, the second feed motor 34M is driven by the control unit 8, causing the feed roller 35 to rotate and apply a transport force to the roll paper Rp in a forward-to-backward direction. As a result, the roll paper Rp is fed out from the second feed tray 20.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the guide member 7 is located inside the housing 101a, adjacent to the rear of the transport roller pair 38. The guide member 7 has an inner guide 7a and an outer guide 7b located outside the inner guide 7a. A curved path W1 is formed between the inner guide 7a and the outer guide 7b, extending from below to the front. The curved path W1 is part of the transport path W. The transport path W is the path through which the paper P is transported by the transport unit 30, and is defined and configured by the guide member 7 and other guide members (not shown) provided inside the housing 101a.

[0024] Each of the two intermediate roller pairs 37a and 37b has a drive roller that rotates when driven by an intermediate motor 37M (see Figure 2) and a driven roller that moves along with the drive roller. When the intermediate motor 37M is driven by the control unit 8, the intermediate roller pairs 37a and 37b rotate while gripping the paper P and transport the paper P. The intermediate roller pair 37a is located above the rear end of the first feed tray 10. The intermediate roller pair 37a transports the paper P fed from the first feed tray 10 and the second feed tray 20 while gripping it. The intermediate roller pair 37b is located above the rear end of the second feed tray 20 and is positioned between the cutting section 4 and the partition plate 101b. The partition plate 101b divides the space within the housing 101a where the first feed tray 10 and the second feed tray 20 are located. Furthermore, a through-hole 101c is formed in the partition plate 101b at a position opposite to the intermediate roller pair 37b. The intermediate roller pair 37b conveys the roll paper Rp sent from the second feeding tray 20 upward while gripping it and passing it through the through-hole 101c.

[0025] The transport roller pair 38 consists of a drive roller that rotates under the drive of the transport motor 38M (see Figure 2) and a driven roller that moves along with the drive roller. The paper discharge roller pair 39 consists of a drive roller that rotates under the drive of the paper discharge motor 39M (see Figure 2) and a driven roller that moves along with the drive roller. Alternatively, instead of these three motors 37M, 38M, and 39M, the driving force may be transmitted from a single motor to each roller pair 37-39 via a transmission mechanism. When the transport motor 38M and the paper discharge motor 39M are driven under the control of the control unit 8, the transport roller pair 38 and the paper discharge roller pair 39 rotate while gripping the paper P, thereby transporting the paper P.

[0026] The transport roller pair 38 is located behind the head unit 5, and the paper discharge roller pair 39 is located in front of the head unit 5. The transport roller pair 38 transports the paper P forward while gripping it, which is transported upward by the intermediate roller pair 37a and then guided forward by the guide member 7. The paper discharge roller pair 39 transports the paper P forward while gripping it, which is transported forward by the transport roller pair 38.

[0027] The cutting section 4 includes a cutter 4a and a cutting motor 4M (see Figure 2). The cutter 4a is located above the rear end of the second feeding tray 20 and below the intermediate roller pair 37b. The cutter 4a consists of, for example, a disc-shaped rotating blade and a driven blade. Alternatively, the cutter 4a may consist of a rotating blade and a fixed blade. The cutting motor 4M drives the rotating blade of the cutter 4a, which also reciprocates along the left-right direction. The roll paper Rp, unwound from the roll body R and transported, is cut in the width direction by the cutter 4a when the cutting motor 4M is driven by the control unit 8. This forms a rear end on the roll paper Rp that is sent to the output tray 6.

[0028] The print head 5 includes a print head 5a having a nozzle surface on which multiple nozzles (not shown) are formed, and a frame 5b that supports the print head 5a so that the nozzle surface faces downward. The print head 5a has a driver IC 5c (see Figure 2), and when the driver IC 5c is driven by the control unit 8, it ejects ink supplied from an ink cartridge (not shown) from the nozzles and records an image on the paper P being transported by the transport unit 30. The paper P on which the image has been recorded is transported forward (to the left in Figure 1) by the paper discharge roller pair 39. The print head 5a may be either a line-type print head that ejects ink from nozzles while its position is fixed, or a serial-type print head that ejects ink from nozzles while moving in the left-right direction.

[0029] The output tray 6 forms the front side wall of the upper part of the housing 101a and can be opened and closed relative to the housing 101a. The paper P on which the image has been recorded by the head 5a is transported forward by the transport unit 30 and received in the open output tray 6. As a result, the paper P is ejected from the printer 101 (inside the housing 101a).

[0030] The paper sensor (the "detection unit" of the present invention) 12 consists of an optical sensor having a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, but any sensor capable of detecting the paper P may be used. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the paper sensor 12 is supported by the frame 5b upstream of the head 5a in the transport direction. The paper sensor 12 is also positioned downstream of the transport roller pair 38 in the transport direction. The paper sensor 12 is also positioned to detect the leading and trailing ends of the paper P being transported by the transport roller pair 38, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 8 when it detects either the leading or trailing end of the paper P.

[0031] For example, if the leading edge of the paper P is detected during printing but the trailing edge is not detected, a paper jam, i.e., a transport abnormality, occurs. In such a case, the control unit 8 detects the transport abnormality by determining whether or not it has received a detection signal from the paper sensor 12 within a predetermined time after the paper sensor 12 detects the leading edge of the paper P. This predetermined time is set appropriately based on the image data and is a length corresponding to the length of the paper on which the image is printed. Thus, in this embodiment, the paper sensor 12 and the control unit 8 function as a detection unit that detects transport abnormalities (the "printing operation abnormality" of the present invention).

[0032] The display unit 9 is for displaying information to the user. The display unit 9 is, for example, a touch panel display provided on the printer 101. The display unit 9 also functions as a reception unit that accepts user input when the user touches the touch panel display.

[0033] Next, the control configuration of the printing system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The control unit 8 of the printer 101 is responsible for the overall control of the printer 101 and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, ROM (Read Only Memory) 82 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 83, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 84, flash memory 85, etc., which are connected to each other by a bus. These components work together to control the operation of the driver IC 5c, feeding motor 41M, transport motor 45M, cutting motor 4M, display unit 9, etc. The control unit 8 receives a detection signal for paper P from the paper sensor 12.

[0034] The external device 102 is, for example, a PC (personal computer) and includes a main unit 102a, a display 102b, and a reception unit 102c. The main unit 102a has a control unit 103 that controls the entire external device 102. The control unit 103 of the main unit 102a is connected to the control unit 8 of the printer 101. The control unit 103 also includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, ASIC, flash memory (not shown), etc., similar to the control unit 8.

[0035] Display 102b displays the range selection screen J described later. Reception unit 102c accepts user input, including, for example, a mouse and keyboard. Reception unit 102c can also receive signals to set and deactivate the marking mode, which adds markers when printing on roll paper Rp. When the marking mode is set, a marking flag indicating that the mode is set is stored in the flash memory of the control unit 103. On the other hand, when the marking mode is deactivated, the marking flag is not stored in the flash memory.

[0036] <Printing control> Next, the control of the printing system 100 when printing an image onto paper P will be explained. In the external device 102, when the user selects the first image data to be printed onto paper P via the reception unit 102c and issues a print execution command, the control unit 103 processes the data according to the flow shown in Figure 3. The print execution command is executed by the user selecting the print execution button displayed on the display 102b via the reception unit 102c.

[0037] To explain the flow in Figure 3 in more detail, the control unit 103 first determines whether or not a print execution command has been issued (S1). If no print execution command has been issued (S1: NO), S1 is repeated. If a print execution command has been issued (S1: YES), the control unit 103 determines whether or not it is in marking mode (S2). In other words, the control unit 103 determines whether or not it has been set to marking mode in advance by the user by checking whether a marking flag is stored in the flash memory of the control unit 103.

[0038] If the user has deselected the marking mode setting (S2:NO), the process proceeds to S3. In S3, the control unit 103 executes data transmission processing. In the data transmission processing, if the process proceeds from S2 to S3, the first image data selected when the print execution command is issued is sent to the printer 101. If the process proceeds from S5 (described later) to S3, the first image data generated in S5 is sent to the printer 101. If the process proceeds from S6 (described later) to S3, the second image data generated in S6 is sent to the printer 101. The printing process based on the transmitted image data (the "first printing process" and "second printing process" of the present invention) will be described later.

[0039] On the other hand, if the marking mode is set (S2:YES), the control unit 103 determines whether the print execution instruction is for partial printing or not (S4). The determination of whether it is partial printing or not is made based on the input signal when the print execution instruction is given. If the print execution instruction in S1 is given by selecting the partial printing button described later, displaying the range selection screen J described later, and selecting the OK button C on that screen, then it is determined to be partial printing.

[0040] Partial printing, as used here, primarily refers to partial printing of the first image, and is performed based on second image data generated using the first image data. The second image data is data for printing a second image that is shorter in length in the transport direction than the first image printed based on the first image data. The second image data is data for printing an image that includes a part of the first image. In this embodiment, the first image G1 printed based on the first image data is an image printed on a roll of paper Rp, as shown in Figure 4(a), and is a long image along the longitudinal direction of the roll of paper Rp (the transport direction of the roll of paper Rp).

[0041] If the control unit 103 determines in S4 that it is not partial printing (S4: NO), it proceeds to the first data generation process (S5). On the other hand, if it determines that it is partial printing (S4: YES), it proceeds to the second data generation process (S6).

[0042] <First Data Generation Process> Next, the first data generation process will be described. As shown in Figure 5, in the first data generation process, the control unit 103 first executes the first margin addition process (S7).

[0043] In the first margin addition process, the first image data is modified by the printing process described later, so that, as shown in Figure 4(a), first margins Y1 and Y2 of a first predetermined width are formed at both ends (left and right ends) of the roll paper Rp in the width direction, outside the first image G1, and second first margins Y3 and Y4 of a second predetermined width are formed at both ends (front and rear ends) of the roll paper Rp in the length direction, outside the first image G1 (the "second modification process" of the present invention).

[0044] Next, in S8, the control unit 103 determines whether the image length L (length in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction) of the first image G1 to be printed based on the first image data is less than the first predetermined length L1 (in this embodiment, the width of the cut paper Kp to be stored in the cut paper storage unit 15). If the image length L is less than the first predetermined length L1 (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S3. On the other hand, if the image length L is greater than or equal to the first predetermined length L1 (S8: NO), the process proceeds to S9.

[0045] In S9, the control unit 103 performs the first marker addition process. As shown in Figure 6, in S10, the control unit 103 sets N to 1. Next, in S11, the control unit 103 modifies the first image data so that in the printing process, the letter "N" as a subscript and a dashed line as a cutting line H are printed in the first margins Y1 and Y2 at a position (N × length X) from the leading edge of the first image G1 (the "first modification process" of the present invention). In other words, as shown in Figure 4(a), in the printing process, the first image data is modified so that the subscript N as the first marker and multiple cutting lines H are printed in the first margins Y1 and Y2. In this embodiment, the subscript N is a number that increases sequentially, but it can also be an alphabet letter and is not particularly limited. These first markers are intended to allow the user to specify a partial range t in which a part of the first image G1 to be printed by the printing process is delimited by a boundary along the width direction of the first image G1 (a position corresponding to the cutting line H). Here, length X is a length shorter than the first predetermined length L1.

[0046] Next, the control unit 103 determines whether the length L2 obtained by subtracting (N × length X) from the image length L is less than the first predetermined length L1 (S12). If length L2 is greater than or equal to L1 (S12: NO), N is increased by 1 (S13). Then, the process returns to S11.

[0047] On the other hand, if length L2 is less than L1 (S12: YES), the process proceeds to S14. Then, in S14, the control unit 103 resets N to "0". Note that N is stored in the flash memory of the control unit 103. Thus, the first data generation process in S5 is completed, and the process proceeds to S3.

[0048] <Printing process> The printing process will now be explained with reference to Figure 7. The printing process is performed by the control unit 8 of the printer 101 based on the image data transmitted to the printer 101. The control unit 8 determines whether or not it has received either the first image data or the second image data (S21). The printing process performed based on the first image data is the "first printing process" of the present invention, and the printing process performed based on the second image data is the "second printing process" of the present invention. If no image data has been received (S21: NO), S21 is repeated. On the other hand, if image data has been received (S21: YES), the process proceeds to S22.

[0049] In S22, the control unit 8 determines whether or not it is roll paper printing. That is, if the length of the image to be printed based on the image data (length in the transport direction) is longer than the first predetermined length L1 (S22: YES), the process proceeds to S23 for roll paper printing. On the other hand, if the length of the image based on the image data is shorter than the first predetermined length L1 (S22: NO), the process proceeds to S27 for cut paper printing.

[0050] In S23, the control unit 8 starts printing on roll paper based on the image data. For example, if the first image data generated in S5 has been received, the control unit 8 uses the transport unit 30 to transport the roll paper Rp from the second feed tray 20 in the transport direction. The head 5a then forms the first image G1 on the roll paper Rp transported by the transport unit 30. At this time, as shown in Figure 4(a), the subscript N and the cutting line H are printed on the first margins Y1 and Y2 as first markers. The control unit 8 then controls the cutting motor 4M to cut the roll paper Rp at a predetermined position and transport it. Even after the roll paper Rp is cut, printing on the roll paper Rp continues according to the image data until the trailing end of the roll paper Rp passes the head 5a.

[0051] Next, the control unit 8 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the paper sensor 12 detected the leading edge of the roll paper Rp (S24). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S24: NO), the process proceeds to S25. In S25, the control unit 8 determines whether the trailing edge of the roll paper Rp, on which an image has been formed based on the image data, has been detected and whether the roll paper printing has been completed. If the roll paper printing has not yet been completed (S25: NO), the process returns to S24. On the other hand, if the roll paper printing has been completed (S25: YES), the control unit 8 terminates the process.

[0052] On the other hand, if a predetermined time has elapsed in S24 (S24: YES), the control unit 8 proceeds to S26. In S26, the control unit 8 interrupts the printing operation and notifies the user that a transport error has occurred by displaying it on the display unit 9. The control unit 8 then outputs a signal indicating a transport error to the control unit 103. When the control unit 103 receives the signal indicating a transport error from the control unit 8, it proceeds to S6 as described above. When a roll of paper Rp with such a transport error is removed from the printer 101, the roll of paper Rp may be damaged midway, as shown in Figure 4(b).

[0053] If the process proceeds from S22 to S27, the control unit 8 starts cut paper printing based on the image data. Specifically, the control unit 8 uses the transport unit 30 to transport the cut paper Kp from the first feed tray 10 in the transport direction. Then, the head 5a forms an image on the cut paper Kp transported by the transport unit 30 and transports it.

[0054] Next, the control unit 8 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the paper sensor 12 detected the leading edge of the cut paper Kp (S28). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S28: NO), the process proceeds to S29. In S29, the control unit 8 determines whether the trailing edge of the cut paper Kp, on which an image has been formed based on the image data, has been detected and whether the cut paper printing is complete. If the cut paper printing is not yet complete (S29: NO), the process returns to S28. On the other hand, if the cut paper printing is complete (S29: YES), the control unit 8 terminates the process.

[0055] Meanwhile, in S28, if a predetermined time has elapsed (S28: YES), the control unit 8 proceeds to S30. In S30, the control unit 8 interrupts the printing operation and notifies the user that a transport error has occurred by displaying it on the display unit 9. Then, the control unit 8 terminates the flow.

[0056] <Second data generation process> Next, the second data generation process in S6 will be described. As shown in Figure 8, in the second data generation process, the control unit 103 first performs a display process (S41).

[0057] In the display process, the control unit 103 displays the range selection screen J shown in Figure 9 on the display 102b. The range selection screen J allows the user to specify a partial range t of the first image G1. The range selection screen J displays a preview display area A, two range selection sections B1 and B2 (the "specified information items" of the present invention), and an OK button C, etc. The preview display area A displays a preview image g1 of the first image G1 based on the first image data, and a plurality of numbers and a plurality of boundaries h as specified information items arranged along the long direction of the preview image g1. These plurality of numbers correspond to subscripts N (sequentially increasing numbers) that are printed in the first margin Y1 during the printing process. Note that the numbers as specified information items only need to correspond to subscripts N, and may be letters or other characters besides numbers. The plurality of boundaries h correspond to a plurality of cut lines H that are printed in the first margins Y1 and Y2 during the printing process. In other words, the specified information items include a first marker. Furthermore, the two range selection sections B1 and B2 are where the user enters a number to specify the area t of the first image G1 that they want to print. The user selects the OK button C when they have finished specifying the area t.

[0058] Next, in S42, when the user inputs numbers into the range selection units B1 and B2 via the reception unit 102c and selects the OK button C, the control unit 103 determines the print range T in which a portion of the first image G1 is demarcated by a boundary along the width direction (i.e., a boundary corresponding to the cutting line H) based on the specified partial range t (the "determination process" of the present invention). Note that when 2 is input into the range selection unit B1 and 4 is input into the range selection unit B2, the range including the three partial ranges t from 2 onwards in Figure 4(a) is determined as the print range T. In other words, it becomes the print range T shown in Figure 4(c).

[0059] Next, the control unit 103 executes data generation processing (S43). As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 103 generates second image data corresponding to the print range T determined in S42 using the first image data (S44).

[0060] Next, the control unit 103 performs a second margin addition process (S45). As shown in Figure 11, in the second margin addition process, second margins Y5 and Y6 are first added to the left and right of the second image G2 (see Figure 4(c)) (S46). In other words, the control unit 103 modifies the second image data by the printing process so that, as shown in Figure 4(c), second margins Y5 and Y6 of a first predetermined width are formed at both ends (left and right ends) of the roll paper Rp in the width direction of the roll paper Rp, outside the second image G2.

[0061] Next, the control unit 103 determines whether the leading edge of the first image G1 is included in the print range T based on the second image data (S47). If the leading edge is included (S47: YES), the process proceeds to S48. In S48, the control unit 103 modifies the second image data so that a second margin of a second predetermined width is formed at the leading edge of the roll paper Rp in the longitudinal direction of the roll paper Rp, outside the second image G2 (the "third modification process" of the present invention).

[0062] On the other hand, if the leading edge is not included (S47:NO), the process proceeds to S49. In S49, the control unit 103 modifies the second image data such that a third predetermined width second margin Y7 (see Figure 4(c)) is formed at the leading edge of the roll paper Rp in the longitudinal direction of the roll paper Rp, outside the second image G2 (the "third modification process" of the present invention).

[0063] Next, in S50, the control unit 103 modifies the second image data so that an image G3, which is a part of the first image G1 and continuous with the second image G2, is formed in the second margin Y7 (the "fourth modification process" of the present invention).

[0064] Next, the control unit 103 determines whether the trailing edge of the first image G1 is included in the print range T based on the second image data (S51). If the trailing edge is included (S51: YES), the process proceeds to S52. In S52, the control unit 103 modifies the second image data so that a second margin Y8 of a second predetermined width (see Figure 4(c)) is formed at the trailing edge of the roll paper Rp in the longitudinal direction of the roll paper Rp, outside the second image G2 (the "third modification process" of the present invention).

[0065] On the other hand, if the rear end is not included (S51:NO), the process proceeds to S53. In S53, the control unit 103 modifies the second image data such that a third predetermined margin of width is formed outside the second image G2 at the rear end of the roll paper Rp in the longitudinal direction of the roll paper Rp (the "third modification process" of the present invention).

[0066] Next, in S54, the control unit 103 modifies the second image data so that a part of the first image G1 that is continuous with the second image G2 is formed in the second margin (the "fourth modification process" of the present invention).

[0067] Next, the control unit 103 performs a second marker addition process (S55). In the second marker addition process, the second image data is modified so that the same subscript N and cut line H as the second marker shown in Figure 4(c) are printed on the paper P together with the second image G2 by the printing process within the print range T shown in Figure 4(c) (the "fifth modification process" of the present invention). Thus, the data generation process in S53 is completed, and the process proceeds from the second data generation process to S3.

[0068] Here, let's assume that, as notified in S26, the roll of paper Rp removed from the printer 101, which had a transport malfunction, was damaged in the middle, as shown in Figure 4(b). In this case, the user cuts the damaged roll of paper Rp along the second cutting line H from the top in Figure 4. Then, in S41, the user specifies the partial range t from the number 2 onwards and selects the OK button C. As a result, the second data generation process generates second image data that can be printed on the roll of paper Rp, such as the second image G2 shown in Figure 4(c), and sends it to the printer 101. As a result, the printer 101 prints and ejects the roll of paper Rp as shown in Figure 4(c) based on the second image data. After this, as shown in Figure 4(d), the user glues the second margin Y7 of the roll of paper Rp, which was printed based on the second image data, to the back of the rear end of the roll of paper Rp that was cut along the second cutting line H. At this time, the trailing end of the roll paper Rp cut along the second cutting line H is aligned with the cutting line at the leading end of the roll paper Rp printed based on the second image data. Also, at this time, image G3 is formed in the second margin Y7. Therefore, even if there is some misalignment in the alignment of the roll paper Rp, the boundary between the first image G1 and the second image G2 becomes less noticeable. In this way, it is possible to obtain a roll paper Rp (the "printed material" of the present invention) similar to the roll paper Rp shown in Figure 4(a).

[0069] Furthermore, if, after a roll of paper Rp with the first image G1 formed normally has been ejected without any transport abnormalities, the user wishes to change a part of the roll of paper Rp (for example, the part from subscript 2 onwards in Figure 4), the user may select the partial print execution button on the reception unit 102c, thereby executing S6 via S1, S2, and S4. The partial print execution button is a button displayed to print a part of the first image data. By doing so, the range selection screen J is displayed on the display 102b, and the same processing as described above from S41 onwards is executed, and the replacement part is printed by the printer 101, thereby obtaining a roll of paper Rp similar to the roll of paper Rp shown in Figure 4(a). In addition, in the second data generation process of S6, the second image data may be generated using data in which a part of the first image G1 has been edited in advance using the first image data. In other words, if there is an image such as a date in the first image G1, the second image data may be generated using data in which the image of the date part has been changed. In this way, it becomes possible to partially replace the roll of paper Rp on which the first image G1 has been formed.

[0070] Furthermore, even if, after the printing of the first image G1 is completed successfully, the portion from subscript 4 onwards is damaged, as shown in Figure 12(a), and the user wishes to replace that portion, the user may select the partial print execution button on the reception unit 102c and execute S6. In this case, the range selection screen J is displayed on the display 102b, and the same process as described above from S41 onwards is executed to print the replacement portion with the printer 101. When the user specifies the portion t located at the very rear, the print range T becomes the portion t located at the very rear. The length of one portion t is shorter than the first predetermined length L1. For this reason, in this embodiment, it will be printed on cut paper Kp. As a result, cut paper Kp shown in Figure 12(b) can be obtained. As shown in Figure 12(c), the damaged roll paper Rp is cut along the fourth cutting line H from the top in Figure 12(a). Then, the user glues the second margin Y7 of the cut paper Kp to the back of the rear end of the roll paper Rp that was cut along the fourth cutting line H. In this way, it becomes possible to obtain a roll paper Rp similar to the roll paper Rp shown in Figure 4(a).

[0071] As described above, according to the printing system 100 of this embodiment, if, for example, there is a defect in a part of the first image G1 printed on roll paper Rp, it becomes possible to print a second image G2, which is a part of the first image G1, corresponding to the printing range T determined based on the partial range t specified by the user. For this reason, for example, by attaching a sheet of paper P on which the second image G2, which the user deems necessary to compensate for the defect, is printed to a roll paper Rp from which the area containing the defect has been cut off, it becomes possible to produce a printed product desired by the user while suppressing the consumption of paper P and image forming materials, even if the printed material has defects.

[0072] Furthermore, in the display processing of S41, the control unit 103 displays the number and boundary h corresponding to the first marker on the range selection screen J. This makes it possible for the user to easily specify a partial range t based on the subscript N and cut line H and the first image G1 printed on the roll paper Rp, and the number and boundary h on the range selection screen J.

[0073] Furthermore, in the display processing of S41, the control unit 103 displays the preview image g1, along with the numbers and boundary h, on the range selection screen J. This makes it easier for the user to specify a partial range t.

[0074] Furthermore, the specified information item includes the first marker. This causes the first marker to be displayed in the preview image g1. This makes it easier for the user to specify the sub-range t.

[0075] Furthermore, in S42, the control unit 103 determines the partial range t based on the number entered by the user via the reception unit 102c. This makes it easier for the user to specify the partial range t.

[0076] Furthermore, in S11, the control unit 103 modifies the first image data so that the subscript N and multiple cutting lines H are printed in the first margins Y1 and Y2 as the first marker. As a result, when the first image G1 is printed on the roll paper Rp, the first marker is printed in the first margin Y1 of the roll paper Rp. Therefore, the first marker printed on the roll paper Rp becomes easier to see.

[0077] Furthermore, the first marker is a combination of a number and a cutting line. This makes it easier for the user to specify a partial range t by looking at the roll of paper Rp on which the first image G1 is printed.

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit 103 modifies the second image data so that a second margin is formed outside the second image G2 at either the leading or trailing end of the roll paper Rp. This makes it possible to glue the sheet P with the second image G2 printed on it to the roll paper Rp from which the area including defective parts has been cut off after the first image G1 has been printed, using the second margin portion.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 103 modifies the second image data so that image G3 is formed in the second margin Y7. As a result, image G3, which is a part of the first image G1 and continuous with the second image G2, is printed outside the edge of the second image G2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the visibility of the seam between the roll paper Rp, from which the area including defective parts has been cut off after the first image G1 has been printed, and the paper P on which the second image G2 has been printed.

[0080] Furthermore, if the control unit 8 detects an abnormality in the printing operation in S24, it interrupts the printing operation and proceeds to S6. Then, the control unit 103 executes the display process in S41. As a result, the user does not need to perform any operations to display the range selection screen J.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 8 performs cut paper printing if the length of the second image G2 based on the second image data is shorter than the first predetermined length L1 (S22: NO), and performs roll paper printing if the length of the second image G2 is longer than the first predetermined length L1 (S22: YES). As a result, if the length of the second image G2 in the longitudinal direction of the first image G1 is shorter than the length of the cut paper Kp, it becomes possible to print the second image G2 based on the second image data onto the cut paper Kp. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in printing costs.

[0082] Furthermore, in S54, the control unit 103 modifies the second image data so that, among the multiple numbers (subscripts N) and cutting lines H shown in Figure 4(a) as first markers, the same numbers and cutting lines H shown in Figure 4(c) are printed on the paper P together with the second image G2 by the printing process within the printing range T shown in Figure 4(c). This makes it easier to combine the paper P with the second image G2 printed on it with the roll paper Rp from which the area including defective parts has been cut off after the first image G1 has been printed.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the first data generation process in S5 and the second data generation process in S6 are executed by the control unit 103, but the control unit 8 of the printer 101 may also execute them. In this case, the range selection screen J displayed on the display 102b is displayed on the display unit 9, and the print range T can be determined based on the partial range t specified by the user using the reception function of the display unit 9. In this way, the printer 101 can be controlled in the same way as the external device 102. As a result, the same effects as described above can be obtained with the printer 101 alone.

[0084] Furthermore, the external device 102 in this embodiment has a program installed for performing the above-described control. Therefore, the above-described effects can be obtained.

[0085] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible as long as they are within the scope of the claims. For example, in the range selection screen J in the above embodiment, a preview image g1 and range selection sections B1, B2 are displayed, but it is sufficient if any of these are displayed. Alternatively, the range selection screen may simply display a message such as "Please specify the partial range t to be partially printed." Furthermore, if the printer has a sensor capable of detecting defective printing areas (damage, dirt, etc.) on the roll paper Rp on which the first image G1 is printed, instead of the user selecting the partial range t for partial printing, the control unit of the printing system 100 may determine the partial range based on the signal from the sensor and display the determined partial range on a display unit such as the display 102b. The control unit may then display a selection such as "Is this partial range OK? YES / NO" and allow the user to specify. The control unit may then determine the print range based on the user's specification. In these cases as well, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when performing partial printing, the user selected the partial range t they wanted to print. However, by selecting a partial range t other than the one they wanted to print, the unselected partial range t may be used as the print range T.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the printing system 100 has the control unit 8 of the printer 101 performing the printing process, but the control unit 103 of the external device 102 may also perform a first printing process that causes the printer 101 to print a first image G1 and a second printing process that causes the printer 101 to print a second image G2.

[0088] Furthermore, the cut paper Kp stored in the cut paper storage section 15 may be of a size other than A4. In this case, the first predetermined length L1 may also be changed as appropriate.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, S6 is executed when a transport error occurs. However, S6 may also be executed, for example, when the movement of the carriage that moves the head 5a left and right in the case of a serial head is interrupted, or when the movement of the cutter 4a is interrupted. In other words, S6 may be executed when an abnormality in the printing operation other than a transport error is detected.

[0090] Furthermore, the markings in the above-described embodiment may be omitted, or only one type of marking may be printed on the roll paper Rp. Also, in the first data generation process of S5, either the first margin addition process or the first marking addition process may be omitted. Also, the first data generation process of S5 itself may be omitted. Also, in the data generation process of S43, at least one of S45 and S55 may be omitted. Also, S50 may not be executed after S49, and S54 may not be executed after S53.

[0091] In addition, in S42, the print area may be determined by selecting one or more portions of the displayed first image G1 that correspond to multiple sub-ranges t, for example, by operating the mouse.

[0092] Furthermore, the printing system 100 does not need to proceed to S6 by detecting a transport abnormality. Also, the printer 101 does not need to have a configuration for detecting a transport abnormality.

[0093] The present invention can also be used in printers equipped with a single feed tray capable of accommodating a roll of material R. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to inkjet printers, but also to electrophotographic printers equipped with a laser-type image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing a photoreceptor with a laser, or an LED-type image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing a photoreceptor with an LED. In addition, the sheet-like medium is not limited to paper, but may be cloth, plastic film, or any other sheet-like material. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 5. Printing Head (Printing Section) 8. Control Unit (Detection Unit) 9. Display Unit (Display Unit, Reception Unit) 12. Paper sensor (detection unit) 15. Cut paper storage section (second storage section) 25 Roll storage section (first storage section) 30 Conveying section 100 Printing Systems 101 Printer (printing device) 102 External device 102b Display 102c Reception Desk 103 Control Unit B. Range selection section (specified information item) G1 Image 1 g1 preview image G2 Image 2 G3 Image h Boundary (specified information item) H Cutting line (1st mark, 2nd mark) N subscript (number: 1st marker, 2nd marker) t subrange T Print range Y1, Y2 First margin Y7, Y8 Second margin

Claims

1. A printing unit that prints images onto a sheet-like medium, A reception area that receives input from users, Display unit and A first storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a sheet-like medium is wound into a roll shape, A second storage section capable of accommodating multiple sheet-like media stacked together, A conveying unit that conveys either the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body contained in the first storage section or the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage section in the conveying direction, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, A first printing process that causes the printing unit to print the first image based on the first image data, A display process that displays a range selection screen on the display unit for the user to specify a partial range in which a portion of the first image printed by the first printing process is demarcated by a boundary along the width direction of the first image, A determination process is performed to determine a printable area in which a portion of the first image is demarcated by a boundary along the width direction, based on the partial range specified via the reception unit during the display of the range specification screen by the display process described above, A data generation process that generates a second image data corresponding to the print range determined by the determination process using the first image data, A second printing process is possible, which involves printing a second image onto the printing unit based on the second image data generated in the data generation process. Furthermore, the control unit is characterized in that, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first image, if the second image based on the second image data is shorter than the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit, the transport unit transports the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit and prints the second image based on the second image data in the printing unit; and if the second image is longer than the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit with respect to the longitudinal direction, the transport unit transports the sheet-like medium contained in the first storage unit and prints the second image based on the second image data in the printing unit.

2. The control unit can further perform a first modification process to modify the first image data such that one or more first markers arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first image are printed on the sheet-like medium together with the first image in the first printing process. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit causes one or more designated information items corresponding to the one or more first markers to be displayed on the range selection screen during the display process.

3. The printing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit, in the display process, displays a preview image of the first image based on the first image data and one or more designated information items arranged along the longitudinal direction at predetermined positions of the preview image on the range selection screen.

4. The printing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the one or more specified information items displayed on the range selection screen include the one or more first markers.

5. The aforementioned one or more first markers are numbers that increase sequentially along the longitudinal direction, The printing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit determines the partial range in the determination process based on the numbers entered by the user via the reception unit.

6. The control unit can further perform a second modification process to modify the first image data such that, as a result of the execution of the first printing process, a first margin is formed outside the edge of the first image on the sheet-like medium in the width direction. The printing system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the first modification process modifies the first image data so that one or more first markers are printed in the first margin.

7. The printing system according to claim 6, characterized in that the one or more first markers are a combination of numbers that increase sequentially along the longitudinal direction and a cutting line that extends in the width direction.

8. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit can further perform a third modification process to modify the second image data such that, by performing the second printing process, a second margin is formed outside the edge of the second image on the sheet-like medium in the longitudinal direction of the first image.

9. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit can further perform a fourth modification process to modify the second image data such that, by performing the second printing process, a part of the first image that is continuous with the second image is formed outside the edge of the second image on the sheet medium in the longitudinal direction of the first image.

10. The system further includes a detection unit for detecting abnormalities in the printing operation during the first printing process. The control unit, The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the first printing process, if the detection unit detects an abnormality in the printing operation, the printing operation is interrupted and the display process is executed.

11. The printing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit can further perform a fifth modification process to modify the second image data such that, among the one or more first marks arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first image, a second mark is printed together with the second image on a sheet-like medium in the second printing process within the printing range determined by the determination process.

12. A printing unit that prints images onto a sheet-like medium, A reception area that receives input from users, Display unit and A first storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a sheet-like medium is wound into a roll shape, A second storage section capable of accommodating multiple sheet-like media stacked together, A conveying unit that conveys either the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body contained in the first storage section or the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage section in the conveying direction, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, A first printing process that causes the printing unit to print the first image based on the first image data, A display process that displays a range selection screen on the display unit for the user to specify a partial range in which a portion of the first image printed by the first printing process is demarcated by a boundary along the width direction of the first image, A determination process is performed to determine a printable area in which a portion of the first image is demarcated by a boundary along the width direction, based on the partial range specified via the reception unit during the display of the range specification screen by the display process described above, A data generation process that generates a second image data corresponding to the print range determined by the determination process using the first image data, A second printing process is possible, which involves printing a second image onto the printing unit based on the second image data generated in the data generation process. Furthermore, the control unit is characterized in that, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first image, if the second image based on the second image data is shorter than the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit, the transport unit transports the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit and prints the second image based on the second image data in the printing unit; and if the second image is longer than the sheet-like medium contained in the second storage unit with respect to the longitudinal direction, the transport unit transports the sheet-like medium contained in the first storage unit and prints the second image based on the second image data in the printing unit.

Images