Printer

Abstract

Provided is a technique for generating suitable image data within a printer having a function for performing processing related to cutting on a sheet.　A printer 1 is capable of conveying a sheet of A4 size in the longitudinal direction, and cutting the conveyed sheet of A4 size into A5 size, which is half the size of A4 size, by using a cutter unit 40. When printing data has been acquired, the printer 1 generates raster data which represents an image of A4 size and is for performing printing so that an image based on the printing data is disposed on a sheet of A5 size generated when the sheet of A4 size has been cut into A5 size, and stores the raster data in a continuous memory region. The printer 1 performs printing based on the generated raster data for the sheet of A4 size by using a printing engine 15, and cuts the sheet of A4 size on which printing has been performed into A5 size by using the cutter unit 40.

Description

printer

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a printer having a function of performing cutting-related processing on a sheet.

[0002] Conventionally, printers having a function for performing cutting on sheets are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a cutter for cutting sheets, in which, when a print job specifying A4 size is received, if no A4 size sheets are available but an A3 size sheet is available, the image forming apparatus conveys an A3 size sheet and cuts the printed sheet into A4 size using the cutter.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-186448

[0004] As described above, when cutting processing is required, the printer needs to generate image data for one sheet according to the output result after processing desired by the user. Since Patent Document 1 does not provide a detailed description of the generation of image data within the printer, there is room for improvement in the generation of image data within the printer.

[0005] A printer made to solve this problem includes a print engine capable of printing using toner, a transport mechanism that transports cut paper of a first standard size in the lengthwise direction of the cut paper, and a processing unit that can process the cut paper of the first standard size transported by the transport mechanism to cut it into a second standard size that is half the size of the first standard size, and the combinations of the first standard size and the second standard size include at least one of a combination in which the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5, and a combination in which the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter. When the printer acquires print data, the printer generates raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, the raster data being for printing such that when a sheet of the first standard size is cut to the second standard size, an image based on the print data will be placed on the sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting; the printer uses the print engine to print on the sheet of the first standard size based on the generated raster data; and uses the processing unit to process the sheet of the first standard size on which printing has been performed, in order to cut it to the second standard size.

[0006] When the printer disclosed in this specification acquires print data, it generates raster data representing an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that the image based on the print data is placed on a sheet of the second standard size after cutting. Furthermore, the printer performs printing based on this raster data on a sheet of the first standard size. Thus, the image of the first standard size is printed on the sheet of the first standard size. The printer then uses a processing unit to process the printed sheet for cutting. As a result, the desired output result is obtained, in which the image based on the print data is printed on the sheet of the second standard size after cutting.

[0007] A printer disclosed in a first embodiment of the present specification, when receiving print data, generates raster data representing an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that the image based on the print data is placed on a sheet of the second standard size after cutting. The printer stores the generated raster data in a continuous memory area and performs printing based on the stored raster data on a sheet of the first standard size. Thus, the image of the first standard size is printed on a sheet of the first standard size. The printer further processes the printed sheet using a processing unit in preparation for cutting. As a result, the desired output result is obtained, in which the image based on the print data is printed on the sheet of the second standard size after cutting.

[0008] A printer disclosed in a second embodiment of the present specification, when receiving print data, generates raster data representing an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing the image based on the print data so that it is positioned on a sheet of the second standard size after cutting. The printer stores the generated raster data in multiple discontinuous memory areas and performs printing based on the stored raster data on a sheet of the first standard size. Thus, an image of the first standard size is printed on a sheet of the first standard size. The printer further processes the printed sheet using a processing unit in preparation for cutting. As a result, a desired output result is obtained, in which the image based on the print data is printed on the sheet of the second standard size after cutting.

[0009] A control method for realizing the functions of the printer, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful.

[0010] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, a technology is realized in which suitable image data is generated within a printer that has a function for performing cutting-related processing on a sheet.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of a printer; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a printing process; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which two A4-sized pages of image (A) are printed and cut after being rotated and reduced (B), or without being reduced (C); FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which two A5-sized pages of image (A) are printed and cut; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which one A4-sized portrait-oriented page of image (A) is printed and cut after being rotated and reduced (B), or without being reduced (C); FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which one A5-sized portrait-oriented page of image (A) is printed and cut; FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which one A4-sized landscape-oriented page of image (A) is printed and cut after being reduced (B), or rotated without being reduced (C); FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which one A5-sized landscape-oriented page of image (A) is printed and cut; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of A5-sized processing; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure for transferring raster data to a memory area; 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which two A5-sized raster data are written to an A4-sized memory area; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a white area is formed in an A4-sized image (A) by whitening (B) or segmentation (C); FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for whitening processing; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for segmentation processing; and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure for transferring raster data to a memory area.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment discloses a printer having a function of processing sheets.

[0013] 1, the printer 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The printer 1 also includes an operation panel 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as a "communication IF") 14, a print engine 15, and a cutter unit 40, all of which are electrically connected to the controller 10.

[0014] The CPU 11 executes various processes in accordance with programs read from the memory 12 and based on user operations. Note that the controller 10 in Fig. 1 is a general term for the hardware and software used to control the printer 1, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the printer 1.

[0015] The memory 12 of the printer 1 of this embodiment stores various programs and data, including an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, a printing program 22, a cutting setting 24, a reduction setting 25, and a gap setting 26. The printing program 22 is a program that works in conjunction with the OS 21 to cause the printer 1 to perform printing operations. Details of each piece of information will be described later. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. The buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of memory.

[0016] Note that examples of memory are not limited to ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into the printer 1, but may also be a storage medium that is readable and writable by the CPU 11. For example, external memories such as USB memory and HDD connected to the printer 1, and memories and HDDs provided in devices connected to the printer 1 via the communication IF 14 are also examples of memory.

[0017] Furthermore, computer-readable storage media are non-transitory media. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the Internet are computer-readable signal media, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0018] The operation panel 13 includes hardware for displaying a screen to notify the user of information and hardware for accepting operations by the user. The operation panel 13 may include a touch panel having a notification function and an operation acceptance function. The operation panel 13 may also include indicator lamps, various buttons, and a numeric keypad.

[0019] The communication IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as a personal computer. The communication IF 14 is compatible with communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and USB. The printer 1 may be equipped with multiple communication IFs 14 that support multiple communication standards.

[0020] The print engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image on a print medium such as a sheet using a toner printing method. As shown in Figure 2, the print engine 15 includes a cylindrical photosensitive drum 51, a charger 52, an exposure device 53, a developing device 54 including a developing roller and a toner container, a transfer roller 56, and a fixing device 57. The charger 52, the developing device 54, and the transfer roller 56 are arranged in this order along the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction of rotation of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0021] 2, the printer 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a paper feed tray 31 that stores unprinted sheets and a paper output tray 35 to which printed sheets are output. Inside the printer 1, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 2, a sheet transport path is formed, which is a path for sheets transported from the paper feed tray 31 to the paper output tray 35 via the print engine 15. The configuration for transporting sheets, including the paper feed tray 31, the print engine 15, the paper output tray 35, and various transport rollers, is an example of a transport mechanism.

[0022] When the printer 1 executes printing, the photosensitive drum 51 rotates clockwise in FIG. 2 . After the charger 52 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51, the exposure device 53 exposes it by irradiating it with laser light or the like, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller of the developing device 54 then develops the electrostatic latent image using toner contained in the toner container, thereby forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The formed toner image is transferred by the transfer roller 56 to a sheet that is transported in time. The toner image transferred to the sheet is fixed to the sheet by the fixing device 57. The sheet with the fixed image is then transported further and discharged to the paper discharge tray 35.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 , the printer 1 includes a cutter unit 40. The cutter unit 40 includes a cutter blade 41 and a flap 42, and has the function of cutting the sheet after fixing but before being discharged to the discharge tray 35. The printer 1 can change the path of the sheet by rotating the flap 42. By changing the path of the sheet, the printer 1 can transport the sheet to the cutter unit 40 before being discharged. For example, the printer 1 transports the sheet to a predetermined position, stops it, and moves the cutter blade 41 along the sheet to cut the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The cutter unit 40 is an example of a processing unit. Cutting the sheet is an example of processing. The cutter unit 40 may be configured to cut the sheet by moving a blade extending in the width direction of the sheet up and down.

[0024] The printer 1 transports standard-sized cut sheets in the longitudinal direction and cuts them perpendicular to the transport direction, separating the sheet into front and rear halves. The sheet is transported from the paper feed tray through the print engine 15 to the cutter unit 40. Hereinafter, the upstream side of the transported sheet in the transport direction may be referred to as the top of the sheet, and the downstream side as the bottom of the sheet.

[0025] For example, the printer 1 can convey an A4-sized sheet longitudinally and cut it at the center of the longitudinal direction, thereby outputting two A5-sized sheets. In this case, the A4 size is an example of a first standard size, and the A5 size is an example of a second standard size. The printer 1 can also convey a letter-sized sheet longitudinally and cut it at the center of the longitudinal direction, thereby outputting two half-letter-sized sheets. In this case, the letter size is an example of the first standard size, and the half-letter size is an example of the second standard size.

[0026] The printer 1 stores in the memory 12 a setting for enabling or disabling the function of the cutter unit 40 as the cutting setting 24. The printer 1 can accept a setting instruction from the user, for example, via the operation panel 13 or a PJL command. Based on the accepted instruction, the printer 1 stores information indicating "cutting enabled" or "cutting disabled" in the cutting setting 24. If information indicating "cutting enabled" is stored in the cutting setting 24, the printer 1 prints on an A4-size or letter-size sheet and cuts the sheet at the center, dividing it in half along the long side.

[0027] It should be noted that when information indicating "cutting disabled" is stored in the cutting settings 24, the printer 1 does not cut the sheet using the cutter unit 40. The operation of the printer 1 when information indicating "cutting disabled" is stored in the cutting settings 24 is the same as in the case of a printer that does not have a cutter unit 40. In this specification, a description of the case when information indicating "cutting disabled" is stored in the cutting settings 24 will be omitted.

[0028] Next, the procedure of the printing process for executing printing by the printer 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 3. This printing process is executed by the CPU 11 of the printer 1 based on the printing program 22 when acquisition of print data to be printed is started.

[0029] Note that the following processes basically refer to the processing of the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program. That is, processes such as "judging," "extracting," "selecting," "calculating," "deciding," "identifying," "acquiring," "receiving," and "control" in the following description represent the processing of the CPU 11. The processing by the CPU 11 also includes hardware control using an OS API. In this specification, the operation of each program will be described without mentioning the OS. That is, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also mean that "program B controls hardware C using the OS API." Furthermore, the processing of the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, it may be described as "performed by CPU 11." Furthermore, the processing of the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms, such as "performed by program A."

[0030] Note that "obtaining" is used as a concept that does not require a request. In other words, the process of receiving data without the CPU 11 making a request is also included in the concept of "the CPU obtaining data." Furthermore, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string that can be read by a computer. Data that has the same substantial meaning but different formats is treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Furthermore, "requesting" and "instructing" are concepts that indicate outputting information indicating a request or an instruction to the other party. Furthermore, information indicating a request or an instruction is also simply referred to as a "request" or "instruction."

[0031] Furthermore, the process by the CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B is present from information A." The process by the CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B or event C is present from information A."

[0032] In the printing process, the CPU 11 acquires print data to be printed (S101). The printer 1 can acquire the print data to be printed, for example, by receiving it from an external device via the communication IF 14. The printer 1 can also acquire the print data by reading it from a USB memory or the like connected to the printer 1. If the printer 1 is equipped with a scanner, the printer 1 can acquire image data as print data by scanning an image of an original document with the scanner. If the printer 1 can connect to the Internet via the communication IF 14, the printer 1 can acquire image data downloaded via the Internet as print data.

[0033] This specification describes a process in which printing is performed on an A4-sized sheet based on raster data, the printed sheet is cut by the cutter unit 40, and the sheet is discharged as two A5-sized sheets. In other words, the size of the printed sheet is A4 size, and the size of the discharged sheet is close to A5 size. The process of printing on a letter-sized sheet and cutting it is the same as the process of printing on an A4-sized sheet and cutting it. Specifically, by replacing "A4" with "letter" and "A5" with "half letter" in the following description, the process of printing on a letter-sized sheet and cutting it to discharge two half-letter-sized sheets will be described. Therefore, a description of the letter size will be omitted in this specification.

[0034] The CPU 11 prepares a storage area in the memory 12 for writing the raster data generated by rasterization (S102). The printer 1 uses a raster area and a memory area as storage areas for writing raster data. In S102, the CPU 11 prepares, for example, a raster area and a memory area. The CPU 11 reserves the raster area and the memory area at the respective timings as needed.

[0035] The memory area is an area where raster data to be printed on one side of a sheet is written, and is a continuous storage area capable of storing raster data used by the print engine 15. The printer 1 transports A4-sized sheets along their length. Therefore, the CPU 11 prepares a vertically long, continuous memory area whose main scanning direction corresponds to the short side of the A4 size and whose sub-scanning direction corresponds to the long side of the A4 size. After the raster data for one sheet has been written to the memory area, the CPU 11 causes the print engine 15 to execute printing.

[0036] The print engine 15 prints the sheet being transported, line by line or band by band, from top to bottom, based on the raster data for one sheet written in the memory area. Therefore, raster data is written to the memory area in order from the line or band at the top of the sheet to the line or band at the bottom of the sheet. For convenience, the long side of the memory area may be referred to as the vertical side and the short side as the horizontal side. The leading edge of the memory area may also be referred to as the top and the trailing edge as the bottom. Note that the memory area may or may not include margins.

[0037] The raster area is a storage area for rasterization and is smaller than the memory area. For example, when raster data of a predetermined size or larger is written to the raster area, the CPU 11 transfers the raster data to the memory area. This causes the raster data to be written sequentially to the memory area. The CPU 11 may write the generated raster data directly to the memory area without using the raster area. Furthermore, both the memory area and the raster area may be reserved before the print data is acquired.

[0038] The CPU 11 then acquires the size of the image in the acquired print data and determines whether the image is A4 size or A5 size (S105). Here, "A4 size" includes sizes close to A4 size. For example, if print data is acquired that includes an image that is smaller than A4 size by the margins around the image and margin information, the CPU 11 determines that the image is A4 size. In other words, in this specification, A4 size does not necessarily mean an image that is strictly A4 size; hereinafter, an image determined to be A4 size in S105 will be referred to as an "A4 size image." Similarly, "A5 size" also includes sizes close to A5 size.

[0039] Note that image size information may be added to the print data as information. That is, the image size information may be included in the print data or may be added to the print data as information. Furthermore, the image size information is information indicating the size at which the print data is to be printed, and may be information that applies to all pages of the print data. Furthermore, if image size information is not added, the CPU 11 may obtain the size of the image by obtaining one or more lines of print data. Furthermore, if the image size is neither A4 size nor A5 size, the CPU 11 may determine the size closest to the image size between A4 size and A5 size, or may determine the size that will fit the entire image.

[0040] If it is determined that the image is A4 size (S105: A4), the CPU 11 determines whether to reduce the A4 size image to A5 size and print it based on the reduction setting 25 stored in the memory 12 (S106). The printer 1 can accept an instruction to set whether to reduce the image, for example, from the operation panel 13 or by a PJL command. Alternatively, the instruction to set the reduction setting may be added to the print data. Based on the instruction, the printer 1 stores information indicating "reduce" or "do not reduce" as the reduction setting 25 in the memory 12. By accepting the setting of whether to reduce the image, an output result that meets the user's wishes can be obtained.

[0041] "Reduce" is a setting that indicates that an A4-sized image indicated by the print data is reduced to A5 size, printed on an A4-sized sheet, and the printed sheet is cut by the cutter unit 40. With the "Reduce" setting, for example, when the printer 1 acquires two pages of portrait-oriented A4-sized images as shown in Fig. 4(A), the printer 1 rotates each of the two pages of images, reduces them to A5 size, prints the two pages of images on one A4-sized sheet, and cuts them, as shown in Fig. 4(B).

[0042] Note that a portrait image is an image oriented in a portrait direction, and a landscape image is an image oriented in a landscape direction. Furthermore, because the printer 1 of this embodiment transports A4-sized sheets along their length, it may be conveniently said that the printer transports A4-sized sheets in a portrait direction.

[0043] On the other hand, "do not reduce" is a setting that indicates that an A4 size image indicated by the print data is printed on an A4 size sheet without reduction, and the printed sheet is cut by the cutter unit 40. With the "do not reduce" setting, the printer 1 prints, for example, an A4 size image as shown in Fig. 4(A) on an A4 size sheet, and cuts it as shown in Fig. 4(C).

[0044] Note that "do not reduce" here does not necessarily mean no reduction at all. For example, slight reduction to provide margins, etc., is included in "do not reduce." For example, reduction to the extent that it is determined to be A4 size in S105 is included in "do not reduce." Note that while FIG. 4C shows only the output result for one page, if "do not reduce" is set, the printer 1 will print and cut the second and subsequent pages without reducing them in the same way.

[0045] If it is determined that the image should be reduced (S106: YES), the CPU 11 reduces the acquired A4-size print data to generate A5-size print data (S107). The A5-size print data generated in S107 is an example of a reduced image. After S107, or if it is determined that the image in the print data is A5 size (S105: A5), the CPU 11 executes A5-size processing (S111).

[0046] In A5 size processing, for example, when two pages of A5 size images in portrait orientation are acquired as shown in FIG. 5(A), the printer 1 rotates the two pages of images, prints them side by side on a single A4 size sheet, and then cuts them out, as shown in FIG. 5(B).

[0047] When the "reduce" setting is used and a one-page, vertically oriented, A4-sized image such as that shown in Fig. 6(A) is acquired, the printer 1 rotates the one-page image, reduces it to A5 size, prints it on a single A4-sized sheet, and cuts it, as shown in Fig. 6(B), for example. When the "do not reduce" setting is used and a one-page, vertically oriented, A4-sized image such as that shown in Fig. 6(A) is acquired, the printer 1 prints the one-page image on a single A4-sized sheet and cuts it, as shown in Fig. 6(C), for example.

[0048] Also, when a vertical A5 size image of one page as shown in FIG. 7(A) is acquired, the printer 1 rotates the image of one page, prints it on an A4 size sheet, and cuts it, as shown in FIG. 7(B).

[0049] Furthermore, when a one-page image of A4 size in landscape orientation as shown in Fig. 8(A) is acquired with the "reduce" setting, the printer 1 reduces the one-page image to A5 size, prints it on a single A4 size sheet, and cuts it, as shown in Fig. 8(B), for example. When a one-page image of A4 size in landscape orientation as shown in Fig. 8(A) is acquired with the "do not reduce" setting, the printer 1 rotates the one-page image, prints it on a single A4 size sheet, and cuts it, as shown in Fig. 8(C), for example.

[0050] Also, when acquiring a one-page horizontal A5 size image as shown in FIG. 9(A), the printer 1 prints the one-page image on an A4 size sheet and cuts it, as shown in FIG. 9(B).

[0051] The procedure for A5 size processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10. The CPU 11 starts processing the first page of the acquired print data. The CPU 11 determines the image orientation for the acquired A5 size print data (S201). Image orientation information may be added to the print data as information, or the CPU 11 may determine it based on the acquired print data.

[0052] If the CPU 11 cannot clearly determine that the image orientation is landscape, it may treat it as if it were portrait. That is, the CPU 11 may determine that the image orientation is portrait in S201. The CPU 11 may also determine the image orientation based on the design of the image. The process of S201 and the process that is performed only when the image orientation is determined to be landscape in S201 may be omitted. In that case, the CPU 11 may perform the process that is performed when the image orientation is determined to be portrait in S201 for all print data.

[0053] If the CPU 11 determines that the image orientation is portrait (S201: portrait), it rasterizes and rotates the image and transfers the generated raster data to the memory area (S202). In S202, the CPU 11 may perform either rasterization or rotation first, or may perform them in parallel. Specifically, the CPU 11 rasterizes print data representing a portrait-oriented A5-size image to generate raster data, and writes the generated raster data to the raster area so as to represent an image rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees and write it to the raster area.

[0054] 11, the CPU 11 writes the raster data accumulated in the raster area into the memory area 28, which can store raster data for one A4-size sheet, starting from the top address 28a. The raster data written into the memory area in S202 is raster data representing an image obtained by rotating image data representing an A5 portrait image. The CPU 11 repeats the above procedure in S202 until raster data 281 based on one page of print data has been written into the upper half of the memory area 28 for one A4-size sheet.

[0055] If the CPU 11 determines that the image orientation is landscape (S201: Landscape), it rasterizes the print data as is and transfers the generated raster data to the memory area (S203). The raster data written to the memory area in S203 is raster data representing an A5 landscape image that was generated based on print data representing an A5 landscape image. In S203, the CPU 11 repeats the above procedure until the raster data based on one page of print data is written to the upper half of the memory area 28, which is equivalent to one A4-sized sheet.

[0056] In other words, the raster data generated in S202 or S203 has a size corresponding to the short side of an A4 size in the main scanning direction and half the long side of an A4 size in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, A5-size raster data 281 is written in the upper half of memory area 28, and nothing is written in the lower half. Note that the raster data written to memory area 28 does not have to represent an exact A5-size image. For example, the raster data may represent an image excluding margins, etc.

[0057] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the raster data for one A4-sized sheet has been transferred to the memory area 28 (S207). If the raster data for one A5-sized page has been transferred to the upper half of the A4-sized memory area 28, processing for one sheet has not been completed.

[0058] If it is determined that processing for one page is not complete (S207: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the acquired print data contains data for the next page that has not yet been rasterized (S211). If it is determined that there is a next page (S211: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S201, generates raster data 282 for the next page, and transfers it to the memory area 28 (S202 or S203). In this case, the CPU 11 writes the raster data 282 in the lower half of the memory area 28, which is a continuation of the upper half of the memory area 28 in which the raster data 281 for one page is written, as shown in FIG. 11 .

[0059] If the print processing determines in S105 that the image is A4 size and determines in S106 that the image should be reduced to A5 size, and executes this A5 size processing, the print data for the next page is also reduced, and the reduced data is used to proceed to S201. The A5 size image obtained by reducing the A4 size image of the first page is an example of a first reduced image. The A5 size image obtained by reducing the A4 size image of the second page is an example of a second reduced image.

[0060] If it is determined that the raster data for one A4 page has been transferred to the memory area 28 (S207: YES), the CPU 11 issues a command to start printing (S208). For example, by writing two pages of A5 size raster data 281 and 282 into the upper and lower halves of the A4 size memory area 28, the raster data for one A4 page is written in the memory area 28, as shown in FIG.

[0061] In S208, the CPU 11 transfers two pages of A5-sized raster data 281 and 282 from the memory area 28, which is equivalent to one A4-sized sheet, to the storage buffer 30 used by the print engine 15. The CPU 11, for example, specifies the start address 28a and end address 28b of the memory area 28 and instructs the DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller to transfer the data to the storage buffer 30. The print engine 15 reads the raster data transferred to the storage buffer 30 in the forward direction and prints an image based on the read raster data on an A4-sized sheet. Note that the storage buffer 30 is smaller in size than the memory area 28. Because the data transfer speed of the DMA controller is faster than the printing speed of the print engine 15, data can be transferred to the print engine 15 without interruption by transferring the next data to the storage buffer 30 after it has been read by the print engine 15.

[0062] Furthermore, because information indicating "cutting enabled" is stored in the cutting setting 24, the CPU 11 controls the flap 42 to further transport the printed sheet by the print engine 15 and cause the cutter unit 40 to cut it. As a result, for example, as shown in the lower part of Figures 4 to 9, two A5-sized sheets, each with an A5-sized image printed based on the print data, are discharged to the discharge tray 35. Note that the CPU 11 performs the processes of transporting and cutting the printed sheet in parallel with the A5-sized processing. In other words, the printer 1 can perform the cutting process for the printed sheet and the generation of raster data to be printed on the next sheet in parallel.

[0063] The cutting position set by the cutter unit 40 of the printer 1 may deviate from the center position in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, which is the set cutting position, due to misalignment of the sheet during transport or misalignment when the cutter blade 41 is driven. In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the cutting error, which is the maximum difference between the center position of the sheet and the actual cutting position, is, for example, 3 mm. In other words, the cutting position set by the printer 1 of this embodiment is within a range of ±3 mm from the center position in the long side direction of an A4 size sheet. If an image is printed within a range of ±3 mm from this center position, toner may adhere to the cutter blade 41.

[0064] When "Cutting enabled" is set in the cutting setting 24, the printer 1 prints so that no image is placed within a range of ±3 mm including the center position in the longitudinal direction of an A4-sized sheet. In other words, the CPU 11 forms a white area with no image within a range of ±3 mm from the center position in the sub-scanning direction of the A4-sized memory area. Note that, hereinafter, the center position in the sub-scanning direction of the memory area will simply be referred to as the "center position."

[0065] For example, if the acquired print data is an A5-sized image with a margin of 3 mm or more, writing two pages of A5-sized raster data sequentially into an A4-sized memory area will create a white area of ​​6 mm or more in the center due to the margins on both sides. In this case, the CPU 11 can create an appropriate white area between the two raster data simply by arranging the two raster data, including the margins, one above the other. The white area in this case is an example of a white area.

[0066] The long side of an A4-sized sheet is 297 mm, which is 1 mm longer than twice the short side of an A5-sized sheet, 148 mm. Therefore, if the margins are 3 mm, the CPU 11 may write the A5-sized raster data by increasing the margins by 0.25 mm, or one-quarter of 1 mm, on both sides of the memory area in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 12. This creates a white area 6.5 mm wide, including the margins, in the center, ensuring that the margins of the cut sheets are uniform in width.

[0067] Furthermore, if the acquired print data is A5 size and the margins are less than 3 mm, the CPU 11 may, for example, arrange two raster data pieces vertically spaced apart from each other to create a white area within a range of ±3 mm from the center position, including the margins. For example, the CPU 11 writes the raster data to the memory area so that the margins at the top and bottom edges are small, and increases the margins at the center position, thereby securing a white area and arranging the raster data. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may create a white area by overwriting a solid white image at the center position.

[0068] By writing raster data with a white area in the center to the memory area, when printing is performed based on this memory area, no image is placed within a range of ±3 mm from the center of the sheet. Therefore, when a sheet with this image printed on it is cut with the cutter unit 40, toner is less likely to adhere to the cutter blade 41, and early deterioration of the cutter unit 40 is suppressed.

[0069] After S208, the CPU 11 determines whether the acquired print data includes data for a next page (S211). If print data for a next page exists after issuing a command to print based on the memory area 28 in which the raster data is stored (S211: YES), the CPU 11 prepares a new raster area and proceeds to S201 to process the next data.

[0070] If it is determined that there is no next page, that is, that the end of the print data has been acquired (S211: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not unprinted raster data remains (S212). Unprinted raster data is raster data in the memory area 28 in which raster data 281 is written in the upper half and raster data 282 is not written in the lower half, and is raster data that has not been passed to the print engine 15.

[0071] If it is determined that unprinted raster data remains (S212: YES), the CPU 11 transfers raster data indicating a blank page to the lower half of the memory area 28 (S215) and instructs the print engine 15 to start printing (S216). For example, if the acquired print data is print data for one A5-sized page, the CPU 11 generates raster data in which the image of that page is placed in the upper half of the memory area 28 and blank data is placed in the lower half. Note that if the print engine 15 is configured not to form an image in a portion corresponding to a memory area where data has not been written, or if a memory area can be prepared with blank data written in advance, S215 may be omitted.

[0072] The print engine 15 prints based on the memory area where this raster data has been written. Furthermore, the CPU 11 cuts the printed sheet using the cutter unit 40 and discharges it as two A5-sized sheets. In this case, as shown in Figure 7 or 9, one of the two A5-sized sheets discharged is an A5-sized sheet on which an image based on the acquired print data has been printed, and the other is a blank A5-sized sheet.

[0073] Note that if the print data is A5 size, or if the print data is A4 size and is to be reduced and printed, and it is known that the total number of pages in the print data is an odd number, the printer 1 may place blank pages in the upper half of the sheet. In this case, the printer 1 may control the print engine 15 so that it does not form an image in the upper half of the sheet. For example, the CPU 11 may write blank data in the upper half of the memory area. The printer 1 may also be able to accept a user setting as to whether or not to place blank pages in the upper half of the sheet.

[0074] On the other hand, if, for example, two pages of A5-sized print data are acquired (S207: YES), the CPU 11 writes the raster data 281, 282 representing each image to the upper and lower halves of the A4-sized memory area 28. If the A5-sized image is oriented vertically (S201: PORTRAIT), the CPU 11 writes the raster data to the memory area 28 so that the top and bottom of the image are aligned with the short edges of the A5-sized sheet after cutting, as shown in FIG. 11 (S202). If the image is oriented horizontally (S201: LANDSCAPE), the CPU 11 writes the raster data to the memory area so that the top and bottom of the image are aligned with the long edges of the A5-sized sheet after cutting (S203). Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, two A5-sized sheets are output, each printed with two pages of images based on the print data, rotated according to the image orientation of the print data. This results in the desired output result.

[0075] For example, if A4-sized print data is acquired when the reduction setting 25 indicates "reduced," the CPU 11 reduces the A4-sized print data to A5 size (S107) and performs the same processing as when A5-sized print data is acquired (S111). Specifically, when one page of A4-sized print data is acquired, an A5-sized sheet on which a reduced image of the print data is printed and a blank A5-sized sheet are output, as shown in FIG. 6B. When two pages of A4-sized print data are acquired, two A5-sized sheets are output, each with a reduced image of the print data printed on it, as shown in FIG. 4B. Therefore, in this case as well, A5-sized sheets on which the image of the print data is properly printed are output.

[0076] After S216, or when it is determined that there is no unprinted raster data remaining (S212: NO), the CPU 11 ends the A5 size process and returns to the print process.

[0077] Returning to the description of the printing process in Fig. 3, if it is determined that the image size of the print data that has started to be acquired is A4 size and that it will not be reduced (S106: NO), the CPU 11 determines a gap formation method based on the gap setting 26 stored in the memory 12 (S121). If the A4 size image is to be printed as is without being reduced, the CPU 11 forms a gap that becomes a white area in the center of the A4 size image. There are two methods for forming this gap: "whitening" and "cutting."

[0078] The printer 1 can receive gap setting instructions, for example, from the operation panel 13 or via PJL commands. Alternatively, the gap setting instructions may be added to the print data. Based on the user's instructions, the printer 1 stores information indicating "whiteout" or "separation" as the gap setting 26 in the memory 12.

[0079] "Whiteout" is a setting that indicates that, for example, an A4-sized image such as that shown in Fig. 13(A) is overwritten with white data at the center with an appropriate white area width to create an A4-sized image such as that shown in Fig. 13(B), and that the image is then cut at the white area. In Fig. 13(B), part of the letter "B" in the image at the center is lost due to the overwriting of the white data.

[0080] On the other hand, "cut" refers to a setting in which, for example, an A4-sized image as shown in Fig. 13(A) is divided in half at the center, and the divided images are spaced apart above and below as shown in Fig. 13(C) to create an image with a white area in the center, and the image is then cut at the white area. In Fig. 13(C), the white area is formed in the center by reducing the top and bottom margins. Note that when the "cut" setting is used and a sufficient white area cannot be created simply by spaced apart above and below, the CPU 11 may reduce the size of the image.

[0081] If it is determined that the gap formation method is "whiteout" (S121: whiteout), the CPU 11 executes whiteout processing (S122). The procedure for the whiteout processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 14. The CPU 11 starts processing the first page of the acquired print data.

[0082] In the whitening process, the CPU 11 determines the image orientation for the acquired A4 size print data (S301). Image orientation information may be added to the print data as information, or may be acquired by the CPU 11 based on the acquired print data. S301 is the same determination as S201.

[0083] If the CPU 11 determines that the image orientation is landscape (S301: Landscape), it rasterizes and rotates the image and transfers the generated raster data to a memory area (S302). Based on print data representing a landscape A4-sized image, the CPU 11 writes raster data representing an image rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees into the memory area. Note that the CPU 11 may perform either rasterization or rotation first, or may perform them in parallel.

[0084] The CPU 11 repeats the process of S302 until raster data is written to the memory area equivalent to one A4-size sheet. The process of S302 is the same as the process of S202 for A5-size printing. However, in S302, the CPU 11 writes white data to the locations of the memory area that correspond to the white areas. For example, after writing raster data to the memory area equivalent to one sheet, the CPU 11 replaces the raster data in a 6-mm-wide area in the center of the sub-scanning direction with raster data of a solid white image. By overwriting the solid white image, the CPU 11 can easily create white areas in the image to be printed. Instead of overwriting, the CPU 11 may write white data from the beginning to the locations of the memory area that correspond to the white areas, rather than writing raster data.

[0085] Furthermore, if the CPU 11 determines that the image orientation is portrait (S301: portrait), it rasterizes the print data as is to generate raster data and transfers the generated raster data to the memory area (S303). Based on the print data representing a portrait A4-sized image, the CPU 11 writes the raster data representing the image to the memory area. The CPU 11 determines whether to rotate the image depending on the image orientation, so the entire image is properly positioned in the A4-sized memory area. Even in this case, the A4-sized raster data transferred to the memory area does not need to be exactly A4 size.

[0086] The CPU 11 repeats the process of S303 until raster data has been written into the memory area for one A4-sized sheet. The process of S303 is the same as the process of S203 for the A5-sized sheet. However, in S303, as in S302, the CPU 11 writes white data into the memory area corresponding to the white area.

[0087] The CPU 11 then issues a command to start printing (S308). S308 is the same process as S208 in the A5-size processing described above. The print engine 15 prints an A4-size image on an A4-size sheet based on the raster data, including the white areas, stored in the memory area. The CPU 11 then causes the cutter unit 40 to cut the printed sheet. As a result, the printer 1 outputs two A5-size sheets. The provision of the white areas makes it difficult for toner to adhere to the cutter blade 41 when the printed sheet is cut by the cutter unit 40, thereby preventing early deterioration of the cutter unit 40.

[0088] After S308, the CPU 11 determines whether the acquired print data includes data for a next page (S311). If it determines that print data for a next page exists (S311: YES), the CPU 11 prepares a new raster area and proceeds to S301 to process the next data. If it determines that there is no next page, that is, that the end of the print data has been acquired (S311: NO), the CPU 11 ends the whiteout process and returns to the print process.

[0089] Returning to the description of the printing process in Fig. 3, if it is determined that the gap formation method is "segmentation" (S121: Segmentation), the CPU 11 executes the segmentation process (S123). The procedure of the segmentation process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 15. The CPU 11 starts processing the first page of the acquired print data.

[0090] In the segmentation process, the CPU 11 determines whether image reduction is necessary (S401). For example, the CPU 11 determines that reduction is necessary if, when an A4-sized image is divided into upper and lower halves and a white area is provided between the upper and lower halves, the entire image does not fit on an A4-sized sheet. The CPU 11 may also determine that image reduction is necessary if, for example, the margin on the short side of the print data to be printed is less than 5 mm. If it determines that image reduction is necessary (S401: YES), the CPU 11 determines to reduce the print data and stores information indicating the reduction (S402).

[0091] The CPU 11 may always reduce the image without making the determination in step S401. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may never reduce the image, and if the image exceeds the A4 size due to cutting, the CPU 11 may not print the image in the excess portion.

[0092] After S402, or when it is determined that image reduction is not necessary (S401: NO), the CPU 11 determines the image orientation for the acquired A4 size print data (S405). S405 is the same process as S301 in the whiteout process.

[0093] If the CPU 11 determines that the image orientation is landscape (S405: Landscape), it rasterizes and rotates the image and transfers the generated raster data to the memory area (S406). Based on print data representing a landscape A4-size image, the CPU 11 writes raster data representing an image rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees into the memory area. The process of S406 is the same as the process of S202 for A5-size printing. The CPU 11 repeats the process of S406 until half of the raster data for one page has been written to the memory area. The CPU 11 may perform either rasterization or rotation first, or may perform them in parallel.

[0094] If the CPU 11 determines that the image orientation is portrait (S405: portrait), it performs rasterization and transfers the generated raster data to the memory area (S407). Based on print data representing a portrait A4-size image, the CPU 11 writes the raster data representing the image to the memory area. The process of S407 is the same as the process of S203 for A5-size processing. The CPU 11 repeats the process of S407 until half of the raster data for one page has been written to the memory area. Note that if information indicating reduction is stored, the CPU 11 generates raster data at S406 or S407 that is reduced to, for example, approximately 98% of the A4 size.

[0095] Once half of one page's worth of raster data has been written to the memory area, the CPU 11 adds white data to the memory area at a location corresponding to the white area. The CPU 11 then adjusts the start position of the raster data writing in S406 or S407 so that the white area is located at the center. For example, the CPU 11 writes the raster data so that the end position is located halfway up the white area from the center. The CPU 11 determines the start position of the writing in the memory area based on, for example, the size of the long side of the image and the size of the margins set in the print data.

[0096] Following the added white area, the CPU 11 writes the remaining half of the raster data for one page generated in S406 or S407 into the memory area. By dividing the image to be printed in half and arranging them apart, the CPU 11 can easily create raster data that includes a white area.

[0097] The CPU 11 then issues a command to start printing (S415). S415 is the same process as S208 in the A5-size processing described above. The print engine 15 prints an A4-size image on an A4-size sheet based on the raster data, including the white areas, stored in the memory area. The CPU 11 then causes the cutter unit 40 to cut the printed sheet. As a result, the printer 1 outputs two A5-size sheets. The provision of the white areas makes it difficult for toner to adhere to the cutter blade 41 when the printed sheet is cut by the cutter unit 40, thereby preventing early deterioration of the cutter unit 40.

[0098] After S415, the CPU 11 determines whether the acquired print data includes data for a next page (S421). If it determines that print data for a next page exists (S421: YES), the CPU 11 prepares a new raster area and proceeds to S401 to process the next data. If it determines that there is no next page, that is, that the end of the print data has been acquired (S421: NO), the CPU 11 ends the segmentation process and returns to the print process.

[0099] If the CPU 11 determines YES in S421, the CPU 11 may proceed to S405 instead of S401. In other words, once the CPU 11 determines whether or not to reduce the first page, it may not make the determination in S401 for the second page and thereafter, and perform the same processing based on the determination result for the first page.

[0100] Returning to the description of the printing process in Fig. 3, the CPU 11 ends the printing process after either the A5 size processing in S111, the whitening processing in S122, or the segmentation processing in S123. In either case, printing is performed based on raster data with white areas, so there is little chance of toner adhering to the cutter blade 41.

[0101] As described above in detail, when the printer 1 of the first embodiment acquires A5-size or A4-size print data, it generates raster data representing an image close to A4 size, for printing so that the image based on the print data will be placed on an A5-size sheet after cutting. Furthermore, the printer 1 prints on an A4-size sheet based on the generated raster data, and cuts the printed sheet with the cutter unit 40. This outputs an A5-size sheet on which the image based on the print data is printed. Therefore, the desired output result is obtained.

[0102] For example, a line printer that prints one line at a time using ink can control sheet transport independently of the print timing, even while printing a single sheet. For example, after printing halfway up the sheet, printing can be stopped and the sheet transport can be performed to create a blank area. However, a page printer that prints using toner interlocks printing and sheet transport, and it is not possible to transport the sheet alone or stop transport during printing. The printer 1 of this embodiment generates raster data including blank areas suitable for cutting before starting printing, so two A5-sized sheets with the image properly printed on them are ejected.

[0103] Next, a second embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the memory area into which raster data is written and the procedure for transferring the raster data to the print engine 15. The same components and procedures as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted. As with the first embodiment, the second embodiment will also describe the process of printing on an A4-sized sheet based on raster data, cutting the printed sheet with the cutter unit 40, and discharging it as two A5-sized sheets.

[0104] In the printer 1 of the second embodiment, in S102 of the printing process (see FIG. 3), multiple memory areas smaller than the area capable of storing A4-size raster data are prepared. The multiple memory areas do not need to be contiguous. In this respect, the printer 1 differs from the first embodiment in that it prepares a contiguous memory area 28 (see FIG. 11) capable of storing A4-size raster data.

[0105] 16, the printer 1 of the second embodiment may prepare two memory areas 291 and 292 in the memory 12, each capable of storing one A5-sized page of raster data. The printer 1 may prepare multiple memory areas 291 and 292 from the beginning, or may first prepare one memory area 291 and then prepare a further memory area 292 as needed. The memory areas 291 and 292 are not contiguous; for example, the end address 291b of the memory area 291 shown in FIG. 16 and the start address 292a of the memory area 292 are not contiguous.

[0106] Like the printer 1 of the first embodiment, the printer 1 of the second embodiment can execute the A5 size processing described above and can output the various types of printed materials shown in Figures 4 to 9. When portrait-oriented A5 size print data is acquired (S201: portrait), the CPU 11 generates raster data by rasterizing and rotating the data, as shown in Figure 16, for example, and writes the generated raster data to the memory area 291 (S202).

[0107] Furthermore, since generation of raster data for one A4-sized sheet has not been completed (S207: NO), the CPU 11 generates raster data by rasterizing and rotating the print data for the second page, and writes the generated raster data to memory area 292, which is not contiguous with memory area 291 (S202). As a result, raster data for one A5-sized page is written to each of the two memory areas 291 and 292.

[0108] Then, in S208, the printer 1 executes printing using the print engine 15 based on the raster data written to memory areas 291 and 292. The CPU 11 first causes the DMA controller to transfer the raster data from the start address 291a to the end address 291b of the A5-sized memory area 291, in which the raster data of the first page has been written, to the storage buffer 30. After transferring the raster data from memory area 291 to the end, the CPU 11 then causes the raster data from the start address 292a to the end address 292b of the A5-sized memory area 292, in which the raster data of the second page has been written, to the storage buffer 30. As a result, the raster data stored in memory area 291 and the raster data stored in memory area 292 are combined in the storage buffer 30.

[0109] The print engine 15 reads the raster data transferred to the storage buffer 30 in the forward direction and prints an image based on the read raster data on an A4 size sheet. That is, the print engine 15 prints an image based on the raster data of the first page written in the memory area 291, followed by an image based on the raster data of the second page written in the memory area 292 on a single A4 size sheet.

[0110] Furthermore, the printer 1 controls the flap 42 to transport the printed sheet to the cutter unit 40, and drives the cutter unit 40 to cut the printed sheet. As a result, two printed sheets cut to A5 size are ejected, as shown in the lower rows of Figures 4 to 9.

[0111] In the printer 1 of the second embodiment, if one A5-sized page of raster data remains (S212: YES), the CPU 11 transfers the raster data of the blank page to the storage buffer 30 (S215-S216). The CPU 11 may prepare a memory area in advance for storing the raster data of the blank page, and specify that memory area to have the DMA controller transfer the data to the storage buffer 30.

[0112] The plurality of non-contiguous memory areas may be memory areas smaller than the memory area capable of storing raster data for one A4-sized sheet, and are not limited to the memory areas 291 and 292 capable of storing raster data for one A5-sized page. The plurality of non-contiguous memory areas may be, for example, memory areas smaller than the memory area for one A5-sized page, or may be multiple memory areas of different sizes.

[0113] As described above in detail, the printer 1 of the second embodiment also outputs an A5-sized sheet on which an image based on print data is printed. Furthermore, the printer 1 of the second embodiment stores the generated raster data for one sheet in a plurality of discontinuous memory areas 291 and 292, rather than in the contiguous memory area 28 of RAM as in the printer 1 of the first embodiment. Then, when transferring the data to the storage buffer 30, the printer 1 combines the raster data stored in the memory areas 291 and 292 to form one sheet's worth of raster data. This eliminates the need to reserve a contiguous memory area in RAM that can store the raster data for one sheet's worth of image, thereby reducing the memory load.

[0114] On the other hand, the printer 1 of the first embodiment stores the generated raster data in a contiguous memory area 28 equivalent to one A4-sized sheet, and transfers the stored raster data to the storage buffer 30 in the order in which it was recorded. By storing the raster data for one sheet's worth of image in a contiguous memory area 28 in RAM, the printer 1 simply transfers the raster data stored in the contiguous memory area 28 to the storage buffer 30 as is. This simplifies the process for transferring the raster data to the storage buffer 30. It also makes it easier to rotate and compress the image for one sheet.

[0115] It should be noted that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the printer 1 is not limited to a dedicated printer, but may also be a multifunction printer, copier, fax machine, etc. Furthermore, the printer 1 may have multiple paper feed trays and paper output trays.

[0116] 4 to 9 and 13 are merely examples. The printer 1 may also display a warning message if image information is lost due to whitening or cutting.

[0117] In the embodiment, the cutting error of the printer 1 is 3 mm, and the white area is defined within a range of ±3 mm from the center position, but the size of the white area is not limited to this. For example, the size of the cutting error may differ depending on the model of the printer 1. Furthermore, the size of the white area may be set by the user.

[0118] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the printer 1 accepts a setting of either cut enable or cut disable as the cut setting 24, but it does not have to accept this setting. In other words, the printer 1 may always have cut enable. Also, while it has been described that either cut enable or cut disable is stored in the cut setting 24, in the case of cut disable, the cut setting 24 may not be stored at all instead. In other words, the printer 1 may be set to cut enable as long as the cut setting 24 is stored.

[0119] Also, for example, when the printer 1 receives an instruction to print on an A5 size sheet and there is no paper feed tray containing A5 size sheets, the printer 1 may enable cutting.

[0120] In the embodiment, when printing multiple pages of an A5-sized image or an image obtained by reducing an A4-sized image to A5 size, two pages of the image are printed on one A4-sized sheet, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 7, each page may be printed on a single A4-sized sheet and then cut to output multiple pages of A5-sized sheets and multiple blank sheets. In this case, the blank sheets may be either the top half or the bottom half.

[0121] In addition, although the embodiment shows an example in which an A4 size sheet is cut and discharged as an A5 size sheet, the cutter unit 40 of the printer 1 may be capable of processing sheets of sizes other than A4 size, or processing A4 size sheets into sizes other than A5 size. Furthermore, the processing performed by the cutter unit 40 is not limited to cutting, and may also be processing related to cutting, such as perforating a sheet or adding creases to a sheet.

[0122] The printer 1 may also have an EWS (embedded web server) function. In this case, the printer 1 may be able to accept setting instructions such as the cutting setting 24, reduction setting 25, and gap setting 26 from a PC browser or the like via the EWS. The printer 1 may also be able to accept commands other than PJL commands, and may be able to accept setting instructions such as the cutting setting 24, reduction setting 25, and gap setting 26 in accordance with commands other than PJL commands.

[0123] Although the present specification has described the printer 1 that transports the sheet in the long-side direction, there may be a printer that transports the sheet in the short-side direction and cuts it along the transport direction. In this case, the image orientation differs from that described in the present specification, and an image in which the top and bottom of the design are in the short-side direction and the left and right are in the long-side direction is considered to be vertical.

[0124] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in each embodiment, the execution order of multiple processes in any multiple steps can be changed or they can be executed in parallel as long as there is no contradiction in the processing content.

[0125] The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various ways, such as a recording medium on which a program for executing the processes is recorded, or a method.

[0126] 1 Printer 15 Printing engine 40 Cutter unit

Claims

1. A printer comprising: a print engine capable of printing using toner; a transport mechanism that transports cut paper of a first standard size in the longitudinal direction of the cut paper; and a processing unit that is capable of processing the cut paper of the first standard size transported by the transport mechanism to cut it into a second standard size that is half the size of the first standard size, wherein combinations of the first standard size and the second standard size include at least one of a combination in which the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5, and a combination in which the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter, and when print data is acquired, the printer generates raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, the raster data being for printing such that, when a sheet of the first standard size is cut into the second standard size, an image based on the print data is placed on the sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting, The printing system is configured to use the print engine to print on a sheet of the first standard size based on the generated raster data, and to use the processing unit to cut the sheet of the first standard size on which printing has been performed into the second standard size.

2. A printer as described in claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to, when acquiring the print data for one page of the second standard size, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, so that an image based on the print data is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and the other sheet is left blank.

3. A printer as described in claim 2, wherein the printer is configured to, when it acquires the print data for one page of the second standard size, determine whether the image of the acquired print data is a portrait image or a landscape image, and if the image of the acquired print data is a portrait image, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, the image being arranged so that the top and bottom of the image of the print data are on the short side of the sheet after cutting, and the other sheet being blank; and if the image of the acquired print data is a landscape image, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, the image being arranged so that the top and bottom of the image of the print data are on the long side of the sheet after cutting, and the other sheet being blank.

4. A printer as described in claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to, when acquiring the print data for two pages of the second standard size, generate the raster data indicating an image of the size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing so that an image of a first page based on the print data is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and an image of a second page is placed on the other sheet.

5. A printer as described in claim 4, wherein the printer is configured to generate, when acquiring the print data for two pages of the second standard size, raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing so that an image of a first page based on the print data is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting and an image of a second page is placed on the other, the raster data including a margin area where no toner is applied between the image of the first page and the image of the second page.

6. A printer as described in claim 4, wherein said printer, when acquiring the print data for two pages of said second standard size, determines whether the image of said acquired print data is a portrait image or a landscape image, and if the image of said acquired print data is a portrait image, generates said raster data indicating an image of said size closer to said first standard size than said second standard size, for printing on one of two sheets of said second standard size generated by said cutting such that the image is oriented so that the top and bottom of the image of the first page of said print data will be on the short side of the sheet after cutting, and on the other sheet of said second standard size such that the top and bottom of the image of the second page of said print data will be on the short side of the sheet after cutting; If the image of the acquired printing data is a landscape image, the raster data is generated to indicate an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, so that the image is positioned on one of the two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting so that the top and bottom of the image of the first page of the printing data are on the long side of the sheet after cutting, and the image of the second page of the printing data is positioned on the other sheet so that the top and bottom of the image of the second page of the printing data are on the long side of the sheet after cutting.

7. A printer as described in claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to, when acquiring the print data for one page of the first standard size, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, so that a reduced image of the print data reduced to the second standard size is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and the other sheet is left blank.

8. A printer as described in claim 7, wherein the printer is configured to: be capable of accepting a setting as to whether or not to reduce the image of the first standard size to the image of the second standard size; and when the print data for one page of the first standard size is acquired in a state in which the setting for reducing the image of the first standard size to the image of the second standard size is accepted, generate the raster data indicating an image of the size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that a reduced image obtained by reducing the image of the print data to the second standard size is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and the other sheet is blank; and when the printer is configured to accept a setting for not reducing the image of the first standard size to the image of the second standard size, generate the raster data indicating an image of the size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that an image based on the print data is placed on the sheet of the first standard size.

9. A printer as described in claim 7, wherein the printer is configured to, when it acquires print data for one page of the first standard size, determine whether the image of the acquired print data is a portrait image or a landscape image, and if the image of the acquired print data is a portrait image, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, the reduced image being arranged so that the top and bottom of the image of the print data are on the short side of the sheet after cutting, and the other sheet being blank; and if the image of the acquired print data is a landscape image, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, the reduced image being arranged so that the top and bottom of the image of the print data are on the long side of the sheet after cutting, and the other sheet being blank.

10. A printer as described in claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to, when acquiring the print data for one page of the first standard size, generate raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that an image based on the print data is arranged on a sheet of the first standard size, the raster data including a central position dividing the sheet of the first standard size in half along the long side, with a gap area to which no toner is applied.

11. A printer according to claim 10, wherein the gap area is provided by overwriting the area including the central position with a solid white image.

12. The printer of claim 10, wherein the gap area is provided between two halved images by dividing the image of the print data in half at the central position and spacing each of the halved images apart from each other.

13. A printer as described in claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, so that when the print data for two pages of the second standard size is acquired, one of the two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting will have a first reduced image, obtained by reducing an image of a first page based on the print data to the second standard size, placed on it, and the other will have a second reduced image, obtained by reducing an image of a second page to the second standard size, placed on it.

14. A printer as described in claim 13, wherein the printer, when acquiring the print data for two pages of the first standard size, determines whether the image of the acquired print data is a vertical image or a horizontal image, and if the image of the acquired print data is a vertical image, generates the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting such that the top and bottom of the first reduced image are on the short side of the sheet after cutting, and on the other sheet such that the top and bottom of the second reduced image are on the short side of the sheet after cutting; If the image of the acquired printing data is a horizontal image, the raster data is generated to indicate an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing on one of the two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, the image being positioned so that the top and bottom of the first reduced image are on the long side of the sheet after cutting, and on the other sheet of the second standard size, the image being positioned so that the top and bottom of the second reduced image are on the long side of the sheet after cutting.

15. A printer as described in claim 13, wherein the printer is configured to, when acquiring the print data for two pages of the first standard size, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, with the first reduced image based on the print data being placed on one of the sheets and the second reduced image being placed on the other of the sheets, the raster data having a margin area between the first reduced image and the second reduced image where no toner is applied.

16. A printer according to claim 1, wherein the processing performed by the processing unit is a process of cutting the sheet transported by the transport mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

17. A printer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to generate the raster data representing an image of the first standard size when print data is acquired.

18. A printer comprising: a print engine capable of printing using toner; a transport mechanism that transports cut paper of a first standard size in the longitudinal direction of the cut paper; and a processing unit that is capable of processing the cut paper of the first standard size transported by the transport mechanism to cut it into a second standard size that is half the size of the first standard size, wherein combinations of the first standard size and the second standard size include at least one of a combination in which the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5, and a combination in which the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter, and when print data is acquired, the printer generates raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, the raster data being for printing such that, when a sheet of the first standard size is cut into the second standard size, an image based on the print data is placed on a sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting, a printer configured to: store the generated raster data in a continuous memory area; use the print engine to print on a sheet of the first standard size based on the raster data stored in the continuous memory area, the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size; and use the processing unit to process the sheet of the first standard size on which printing has been performed, to cut it into the second standard size.

19. A printer comprising: a print engine capable of printing using toner; a transport mechanism that transports cut paper of a first standard size in the longitudinal direction of the cut paper; and a processing unit that is capable of processing the cut paper of the first standard size transported by the transport mechanism to cut it into a second standard size that is half the size of the first standard size, wherein combinations of the first standard size and the second standard size include at least one of a combination in which the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5, and a combination in which the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter, and when print data is acquired, the printer generates raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, the raster data being for printing such that, when a sheet of the first standard size is cut into the second standard size, an image based on the print data is placed on a sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting, a printer configured to: store the generated raster data in a plurality of non-contiguous memory areas; use the print engine to print on a sheet of the first standard size based on the raster data stored in the plurality of non-contiguous memory areas, the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size; and use the processing unit to process the sheet of the first standard size on which printing has been performed, to cut it into the second standard size.

20. A printer as claimed in claim 18 or 19, configured to, when acquiring the print data for one page of the second standard size, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, the image based on the print data being placed on the other sheet and the other being blank.

21. A printer as claimed in claim 18 or 19, configured to, when acquiring the print data for two pages of the second standard size, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing so that an image of a first page based on the print data is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and an image of a second page is placed on the other sheet.

22. A printer as described in claim 21, configured to: when acquiring the print data for two pages of the second standard size, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing so that an image of a first page based on the print data is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting and an image of a second page is placed on the other, the raster data including a margin area where no toner is applied between the image of the first page and the image of the second page.

23. A printer as claimed in claim 18 or 19, configured to, when acquiring the print data for one page of the first standard size, generate the raster data indicating an image of the size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, so that a reduced image of the print data reduced to the second standard size is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and the other sheet is left blank.

24. A printer as described in claim 23, which is configured to: be able to accept a setting as to whether or not to reduce an image of the first standard size to an image of the second standard size; and when the setting for reducing an image of the first standard size to an image of the second standard size is accepted and the print data for one page of the first standard size is acquired, the printer generates raster data indicating an image of the size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that a reduced image obtained by reducing the image of the print data to the second standard size is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and the other sheet is blank; and when the setting for not reducing the image of the first standard size to an image of the second standard size is accepted and the print data for one page of the first standard size is acquired, the printer generates raster data indicating an image of the size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that an image based on the print data is placed on the sheet of the first standard size.

25. A printer as claimed in claim 18 or 19, configured to generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing, when the print data for two pages of the second standard size is acquired, such that on one of the two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, a first reduced image obtained by reducing an image of a first page based on the print data to the second standard size is placed, and on the other sheet of the second standard size, a second reduced image obtained by reducing an image of a second page to the second standard size is placed.

26. A printer as described in claim 25, configured to: when acquiring the print data for two pages of the first standard size, generate the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, with the first reduced image based on the print data placed on one of the sheets and the second reduced image placed on the other, the raster data having a margin area between the first reduced image and the second reduced image where no toner is applied.

27. A printer as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the processing by the processing unit is a processing for cutting the sheet transported by the transport mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

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