Printer

Abstract

When double-sided printing and cutting by a cutter unit (16) are performed, a printer (1) generates raster data indicating an image to be printed on a first surface of an A4-size sheet and raster data indicating an image to be printed on a second surface of the sheet. Each raster data item is data for performing printing so that, when the A4-size sheet is cut to A5 size, an image based on print data is disposed on the cut sheet. Furthermore, the printer (1) performs printing onto the first surface of the A4-size sheet using a printing engine (15) on the basis of the generated raster data, re-conveys the sheet on which printing onto the first surface has been performed to the printing engine (15), performs printing onto the second surface of the same sheet, and cuts the sheet on which printing has been performed on both surfaces using the cutter unit (16).

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 uses the cutter to cut the printed sheet to A4 size.

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

[0004] As mentioned 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, especially for double-sided printing.

[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, and the printer acquires print data and, when performing double-sided printing and the processing, generates first raster data that is raster data representing an image to be printed on a first side of a sheet of the first standard size and second raster data that is raster data representing an image to be printed on a second side that is the opposite side of the first side of the sheet. and generating data, wherein the first raster data and the second raster data are data representing an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, and are data for printing such that, when the sheet is cut to the second standard size, the image based on the print data is placed on a sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and the printer is further configured to print on the first side of the sheet of the first standard size based on the generated first raster data using the print engine, re-transport the sheet after printing on the first side to the print engine for printing on the second side of the sheet, print on the second side of the re-transported sheet based on the generated second raster data using the print engine, and perform the processing to cut the sheet after printing on the first side and the second side to the second standard size using the processing unit.

[0006] When processing for double-sided printing and cutting, the printer disclosed in this specification generates first raster data and second raster data for double-sided printing on each of the first and second sides of a first-standard-size sheet, the first raster data and second raster data representing images of sizes closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, so that the images based on the print data will be printed on the second-standard-size sheet after cutting. This results in the first-standard-size image being printed on each of the first and second sides of the sheet. Therefore, by subsequently processing for cutting by the processing unit, the desired output result is obtained, in which the images based on the print data are printed on both sides of the second-standard-size sheet after cutting.

[0007] 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.

[0008] The technology disclosed in this specification realizes a technology for generating image data suitable for double-sided printing in a printer having a function for performing processing related to cutting on a sheet.

[0009] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a printer;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a printing process;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a long-edge cutting printing process;

[0026] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of left long-edge binding and right long-edge binding;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a long-edge cutting arrangement process;

[0028] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure of transferring raster data to a memory area;

[0029] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printed matter with left long-edge binding;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a short-edge cutting printing process;

[0031] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of top short-edge binding and bottom short-edge binding;

[0032] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a short-edge cutting arrangement process;

[0033] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printed matter with top short-edge binding;

[0034] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a 2-in-1 printing process;

[0035] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printed matter with top long-edge binding;

[0036] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printed matter with left short-edge binding;

[0037] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a long-edge 2-in-1 arrangement process;

[0038] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a short-edge 2-in-1 arrangement process;

[0039] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure of transferring raster data to a memory area;

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A printer having a cutter for cutting a sheet will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] 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 "communication IF") 14, a print engine 15, and a cutter unit 16, which are electrically connected to the controller 10. The cutter unit 16 is an example of a processing unit.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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, and cutting settings 24. 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 program and data 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.

[0014] Note that examples of the memory 12 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, examples of the memory 12 include external memories such as a USB memory or HDD connected to the printer 1 via the communication IF 14, and memories or HDDs provided in devices connected to the printer 1 via the communication IF 14.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The operation panel 13 includes hardware for displaying a screen to notify the user of information and hardware for accepting user operations. 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The print engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image on a print medium such as a sheet using toner by electrophotography, as shown in Fig. 2. Note that while Fig. 2 illustrates the printer 1 performing monochrome printing, the printer 1 may also have a function for color printing. In the following description, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 2, the up-down direction in the figure is the up-down direction, and the left-right direction in the figure is the front-rear direction, with the right being the front.

[0019] 2, the print engine 15 of the printer 1 includes a 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.

[0020] 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 then transferred by the transfer roller 56 to a sheet that is transported in time. The toner image transferred to the sheet is then fixed to the sheet by the fixing device 57.

[0021] To transport sheets to the print engine 15, the printer 1 includes a paper feed tray 31 for storing sheets, a paper discharge tray 32 for discharging the sheets, a flap 36, and multiple transport rollers that cooperate to transport the sheets. As shown in FIG. 2 , the multiple transport rollers include a merging roller 41, a guide roller 42, a paper discharge roller 43, and a paper discharge roller 44, and are driven and controlled by the controller 10. Furthermore, the printer 1 has multiple sheet transport paths, as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 2 . The multiple transport rollers and multiple transport paths are examples of a transport mechanism. The printer 1 may also include a manual feed slot 33 that allows a user to insert sheets. The printer 1 may also have an opening (not shown) that opens in a range that includes a position on an extension of the traveling direction of the sheet that has passed through the print engine 15.

[0022] The flap 36 is provided at a position downstream of the print engine 15 and upstream of the paper discharge tray 32 in the sheet transport direction, and is displaced by the controller 10. The flap 36 switches the sheet transport path by being positioned, for example, at either the front position indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 2 or the rear position indicated by the solid line in Fig. 2.

[0023] The printer 1 can perform double-sided printing by controlling the position of the flap 36 and the drive of each transport roller. Specifically, when performing double-sided printing, the printer 1 first prints on the first side of a sheet fed from the paper feed tray 31 using the print engine 15, then positions the flap 36 in the forward position and transports the sheet after printing on the first side to the guide roller 42. The printer 1 also controls the guide roller 42 to stop the sheet being transported and reverse the transport direction. The guide roller 42 is also called a reversing roller because it also serves to reverse the transport direction of the sheet. Note that transport rollers other than the guide roller 42 may not be capable of reverse driving.

[0024] Furthermore, the printer 1 transports the sheet whose transport direction has been reversed from back to front via a reversing path R3 provided below the print engine 15, and guides it to a merging roller 41 located in front of the print engine 15. As a result, the sheet after printing on its first side is re-transported to the print engine 15 with its second side, which is the opposite side to the first side, facing upward. The printer 1 then uses the print engine 15 to print on the second side of the re-transported sheet, thereby enabling double-sided printing.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 , the printer 1 has a cutter unit 16, and by positioning the flap 36 in a forward position, a sheet that has been printed on one side or both sides and has not yet been ejected can be transported to the cutter unit 16 via a guide roller 42. The printer 1 can, for example, transport a sheet to the position of the cutter unit 16, stop the sheet, and move a cutter blade along the sheet to cut the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and separate it into two sheets. Note that the cutter unit 16 may also be configured to cut the sheet by moving a blade extending in the width direction of the sheet up and down. Cutting a sheet is an example of processing for cutting. Hereinafter, processing for cutting will be referred to as "cutting."

[0026] The printer 1 of this embodiment has a face-down configuration in which sheets are discharged with the printed side facing down. When performing double-sided printing, the printer 1 discharges sheets with the first side, which is the side printed first, facing up and the second side, which is the side printed last, facing down. When cutting with the cutter unit 16, the printer 1 performs double-sided printing and then positions the flap 36 in the forward position and performs cutting with the cutter unit 16. The printer 1 then discharges the two cut sheets, with the front half in the sheet transport direction facing down, to the discharge tray 32 via the discharge rollers 44, and the rear half on top of that, with the second side facing down. On the other hand, when cutting with the cutter unit 16 is not performed, the printer 1 performs double-sided printing and then positions the flap 36 in the rear position and discharges the double-sided printed sheets with the second side facing down to the discharge tray 32 via the discharge rollers 43.

[0027] The printer 1 conveys standard-sized cut sheets longitudinally and cuts them perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction using the cutter unit 16, thereby outputting the sheet in two separate halves. For example, the printer 1 conveys an A4-sized sheet longitudinally and cuts 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.

[0028] The printer 1 can also transport a letter-sized sheet longitudinally, cut it at the center of the longitudinal direction, and output it as two half-letter-sized sheets. In this case, letter size is an example of a first standard size, and half-letter size is an example of a second standard size. The process of printing on a letter-sized sheet and cutting it is the same process as the process of printing on an A4-sized sheet and cutting it. While this specification will omit a description of letter size, the following description will explain the process of printing on a letter-sized sheet, cutting it, and outputting it as two half-letter-sized sheets by substituting "A4" for "letter" and "A5" for "half-letter."

[0029] Next, the operation of the printer 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The following process basically refers to the processing of the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program. In other words, processes such as "determination," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," 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. In other words, 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] The procedure for the printing process in which printing is performed by the printer 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 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 begins. Note that the following describes the procedure for acquiring print data for multiple A5-sized pages and performing double-sided printing on A4-sized sheets. Note that the printer 1 may also acquire A4-sized print data and reduce it to acquire the A5-sized print data to be printed.

[0033] The printer 1 can receive and acquire print data to be printed, for example, from an external device via the communication IF 14. The printer 1 can also read and acquire print data 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 reading 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.

[0034] The printer 1 also acquires print settings to be used for printing. The printer 1 may acquire print settings set in the print data, or may acquire print settings set in the printer 1. The printer 1 may be able to accept print settings via, for example, the operation panel 13. The print settings include settings related to cutting and settings for whether or not to perform double-sided printing. Double-sided printing may be performed when print settings including double-sided printing are set in print data received from an external device, or when print data is acquired from a USB memory or scanner while the printer 1 is set to perform double-sided printing. Furthermore, if the print settings accepted via the operation panel 13 include settings related to cutting, the printer 1 may store a cutting setting 24, which is information indicating whether cutting is enabled or disabled, based on the setting.

[0035] The CPU 11 generates raster data representing the image to be printed by rasterizing the acquired print data using a procedure described below. To do this, the CPU 11 first prepares a raster area and a memory area in the memory 12 for writing the raster data (S101). Note that instead of reserving the raster area and memory area in S101, the CPU 11 may reserve them at the necessary timing. Furthermore, the memory area and raster area may be reserved before the print data is acquired.

[0036] The memory area is used to pass the generated raster data to the print engine 15 and is an area capable of storing raster data for one side of the sheet to be printed. For example, when performing double-sided printing on an A4-sized sheet, the CPU 11 prepares two contiguous memory areas large enough to write the raster data for one side of the A4 size. Specifically, the CPU 11 prepares two vertically elongated contiguous memory areas 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. Note that the memory areas may or may not include margins.

[0037] The print engine 15 of the printer 1 prints one side of an A4-sized sheet being conveyed lengthwise, line by line or band by band, from one short edge to the other, based on the raster data for one side written in the memory area. Therefore, the 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. Hereinafter, the leading edge of the memory area may be referred to as "top" and the trailing edge as "bottom." The long side of the memory area may be referred to as "vertical" and the short side as "horizontal."

[0038] The raster area is an area for rasterization and may be smaller than the memory area. Then, 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 also write the generated raster data directly to the memory area without using the raster area.

[0039] Next, the CPU 11 acquires the binding method and binding margin settings as print settings for double-sided printing (S102). There are four types of binding methods for double-sided printed sheets: left long edge binding, right long edge binding, top short edge binding, and bottom short edge binding. The long edge and short edge refer to the long edge and short edge of the output sheet. Furthermore, the top, bottom, left, and right binding methods refer to the position of the binding edge relative to the image of the first page. The binding margin is the width of the blank space provided at the binding position, separate from the margin. Note that the following description assumes that print data for a portrait image has been acquired. If the print data is a landscape image, the CPU 11 can convert it to a portrait image in advance to generate raster data. For example, the CPU 11 can rotate the landscape image by 90 degrees to treat it as a portrait image.

[0040] Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether the setting is to cut the printed sheet (S103). The CPU 11 may determine to cut the printed sheet if information indicating "cutting enabled" is stored as the cutting setting 24. The CPU 11 may also determine to cut the printed sheet if information enabling cutting is associated with the print settings of the print data.

[0041] Furthermore, the printer 1 may determine to cut, for example, when it acquires A5-sized print data while printing on A4-sized sheets and information indicating "cutting enabled" is stored in the cutting setting 24. Alternatively, the printer 1 may determine to cut, for example, when it acquires A5-sized print data while printing on A4-sized sheets, regardless of the cutting setting 24. In other words, the cutting setting 24 and settings related to cutting in the print settings may not be necessary. Note that the state of printing on A4-sized sheets corresponds to, for example, when the print settings include information indicating printing on A4-sized sheets or information indicating paper feeding from a tray that holds A4-sized sheets.

[0042] For example, when print data for multiple A5-sized pages is acquired, the printer 1 can print four pages on both sides of an A4-sized sheet by arranging two pages of images on one side of the sheet. When set to cut, the printer 1 can cut a sheet printed on both sides at its center, thereby outputting two A5-sized sheets with A5-sized images printed on each side. On the other hand, when set to not cut, the printer 1 can output an A4-sized sheet with two pages of A5-sized images printed on each side. Print data acquired with the setting to cut is an example of first print data, and print data acquired with the setting not to cut is an example of second print data.

[0043] If it is determined that cutting is to be performed (S103: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the binding setting acquired in S102 is long-edge binding or short-edge binding (S105). If it determines that the binding setting is left-edge binding or right-edge binding, i.e., long-edge binding (S105: Long-edge binding), the CPU 11 executes long-edge cutting printing processing (S111).

[0044] The procedure for the long-edge cutting printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4. First, the CPU 11 acquires four pages of print data (S201). The CPU 11 rasterizes each of the acquired four pages of print data using a raster area to generate four pages of raster data (S202). The four pages of print data are print data to be printed on a single A4-sized sheet. Note that if the print data does not amount to four pages, the CPU 11 proceeds to S235 instead of executing S201. Note that the processing of S235 will be described later.

[0045] The CPU 11 then determines whether the print settings acquired in S102 of the print process include a binding margin setting (S205). If it determines that a binding margin setting is included (S205: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the binding direction is left or right (S206). That is, the CPU 11 determines whether left long edge binding or right long edge binding is set. As described above, since the print data is assumed to be a portrait image, the long sides are located on the left and right of the image, and the short sides are located on the top and bottom of the image.

[0046] If it is determined that left-long-edge binding is required (S206: Left), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin of the set size to the left side of the raster data for odd-numbered pages and to the right side of the raster data for even-numbered pages (S207). In other words, the CPU 11 generates raster data that includes a binding margin, rather than shifting the print position of the image. To achieve this, the CPU 11 may, for example, add raster data indicating a binding margin, such as white data, to the raster data based on the print data to generate raster data with a binding margin. Furthermore, when generating raster data based on the print data, the CPU 11 may also include data indicating a binding margin to generate raster data with a binding margin.

[0047] Left long edge binding, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A , is a setting that aligns the left long edges of odd-numbered pages and binds them to create a left-opening booklet. When left long edge binding is set with the cut setting, the printer 1 provides a binding margin on the left long edge of the odd-numbered page image and the right long edge of the even-numbered page image, which serves as the reverse side of the odd-numbered page image. FIG. 5 shows an example in which two sheets, after printing and cutting four pages, are bound by long edge binding, with each number in the figure indicating a page number. As described below, the printer 1 prints an image based on the raster data for the first page and an image based on the raster data for the second page on both sides of the upper half of the sheet before cutting, and prints an image based on the raster data for the third page and an image based on the raster data for the fourth page on both sides of the lower half of the sheet before cutting.

[0048] Specifically, when left-long-edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates, as raster data for odd-numbered pages, raster data representing an image represented by the print data with a binding margin on the left side of the image. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the left side of the image by shifting the rendering position of the image based on the print data to the right. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the left side of an image obtained by reducing the image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine the binding margin generation method based on, for example, whether or not a predetermined margin (e.g., a margin larger than the width of the binding margin) is present on the right side of the image based on the print data. For example, if a predetermined margin is present, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the left side by shifting the rendering position of the image to the right without reducing the image based on the print data. If a predetermined margin is not present, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the left side by reducing the image based on the print data.

[0049] Furthermore, when left-long-edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates, as raster data for even-numbered pages, raster data representing an image represented by the print data with a binding margin on the right side of the image. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the right side of the image by shifting the rendering position of the image based on the print data to the left. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the right side of an image obtained by reducing the image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine the binding margin generation method based on, for example, whether or not a predetermined margin (e.g., a margin larger than the width of the binding margin) is present on the left side of the image based on the print data. For example, if a predetermined margin is present, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the right side by shifting the rendering position of the image to the left without reducing the image based on the print data. If a predetermined margin is not present, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the right side by reducing the image based on the print data.

[0050] If it is determined that right-side long edge binding is required (S206: Right), the CPU 11 sets a binding margin of the set size on the right side of the raster data of odd-numbered pages and on the left side of the raster data of even-numbered pages (S208). Right-side long edge binding is a setting that allows odd-numbered pages to be bound by aligning their right long edges, as shown in FIG. 5B, for example, to produce a right-opening booklet-like printed material. When right-side long edge binding is set with cutting settings, the printer 1 sets a binding margin on the right long edge of the odd-numbered page images and on the left long edge of the even-numbered page images, which are the reverse sides of the odd-numbered page images.

[0051] Specifically, when right-side long edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data for odd-numbered pages that indicates an image represented by the print data with a binding margin on the right side of the image. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the right side of the image by shifting the rendering position of the image based on the print data to the left. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the right side of a reduced image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine the binding margin generation method based on, for example, whether or not a predetermined margin (e.g., a margin larger than the width of the binding margin) is present on the left side of the image based on the print data. For example, if a predetermined margin is present, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the right side by shifting the rendering position of the image to the left without reducing the image based on the print data. If a predetermined margin is not present, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the right side of the image by reducing the image based on the print data.

[0052] Furthermore, when right-side long edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates, as raster data for even-numbered pages, raster data representing an image represented by the print data with a binding margin on the left side of the image. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the left side of the image by shifting the rendering position of the image based on the print data to the right. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the left side of an image obtained by reducing the image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine the binding margin generation method based on, for example, whether or not a predetermined margin (e.g., a margin larger than the width of the binding margin) is present on the right side of the image based on the print data. For example, if a predetermined margin is present, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the left side by shifting the rendering position of the image to the right without reducing the image based on the print data. If a predetermined margin is not present, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the left side by reducing the image based on the print data.

[0053] After S207 or S208, or if it is determined that a binding margin setting is not included (S205: NO), the CPU 11 executes a long-side cutting arrangement process (S211). The long-side cutting arrangement process is a process for writing the generated raster data to a memory area so that the arrangement is appropriate for long-side binding with cutting. The procedure for the long-side cutting arrangement process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 6.

[0054] In the long-side cutting and placement process, the CPU 11 reserves memory areas for two A4-sized pages (S301). The first of the two pages is a memory area for the first page, which will be printed first by the print engine 15 in a later procedure, and the second page is a memory area for the opposite side of the first page, which will be printed after the first page is printed. If the memory areas have already been reserved, the CPU 11 skips S301.

[0055] Then, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for page 2 of the four pages of raster data generated in S202 of the long-edge cutting printing process (FIG. 4) by 90 degrees to the left and writes it from the top of the memory area for the first side (S311). Note that in the processing of S311, it is sufficient that the raster data is written to an area of ​​the memory area corresponding to the top half of the first side so that the image based on the print data is printed in the top half of the sheet before cutting, rotated 90 degrees to the left with respect to the long edge direction of the sheet before cutting. Here, for convenience, it is described as rotating and writing the generated raster data.

[0056] In step S311, the raster data for the second page is written to the upper half of the memory area for the first page, with the top of the image facing left, as shown in Fig. 6A. If a binding margin is provided in step S207 or S208 of the long-edge cutting printing process, the raster data for each page, including the binding margin, is rotated and written.

[0057] Next, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for page 4, of the four pages of raster data generated in the long-edge cutting printing process, by 90 degrees to the left and writes it to the memory area for the first side, next to the raster data for page 2 (S312). As a result, as shown in Figure 6 (B), the raster data for page 4 is written to the lower half of the memory area for the first side so that the top of the image is to the left, that is, in the same orientation as page 2. As a result, the memory area for the first side is now in a state where first raster data, which is raster data obtained by concatenating the raster data for pages 2 and 4 and represents the image to be printed on the first side, has been written.

[0058] Furthermore, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the first page of the four pages of raster data generated in the long-edge cutting printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area of ​​the second side (S313). As a result, the raster data of the first page is written to the upper half of the memory area of ​​the second side with the top of the image facing right, as shown in Fig. 6(C).

[0059] Then, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for page 3 of the four pages of raster data generated in the long-edge cutting printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it to the memory area for the second side, next to the raster data for page 1 (S314). As a result, as shown in Figure 6 (D), the raster data for page 3 is written to the lower half of the memory area for the second side so that the top of the image is to the right, that is, in the same orientation as page 1. As a result, the memory area for the second side is now in a state where second raster data, which is raster data obtained by concatenating the raster data for pages 1 and 3 and represents the image to be printed on the second side, has been written.

[0060] The first raster data and the second raster data may be raster data representing an image that is closer in size to A4 than to A5, and may be data that does not include margins, for example. After S314, the CPU 11 ends the long-side cutting arrangement process and returns to the long-side cutting printing process of FIG.

[0061] Returning to the explanation of the long-side cutting printing process in Fig. 4, the CPU 11 causes the print engine 15 to print a top-down inverted image based on the memory area for the first side into which the raster data was written in the long-side cutting layout process in S211 (S221). As described above, the orientation of the image written in the memory area for the first side is a left-right inversion of the orientation of the image written in the memory area for the second side. By further inverting this image, a top-down and left-right inversion image is obtained.

[0062] In S221, the CPU 11 specifies, for example, the end address of the memory area and the memory size of the transfer target, and instructs the DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller to transfer the data to the recording buffer in reverse order. The recording buffer is an area used by the print engine 15 and is smaller in size than the memory area. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the DMA controller reads the memory area 28, into which the raster data 281 of the second page and the raster data 282 of the fourth page have been written, in reverse order from the end address 28b toward the start address 28a, and transfers the data to the recording buffer 30. This eliminates the need to invert the generated raster data.

[0063] The print engine 15 reads the raster data transferred to the recording buffer 30 in the forward direction and prints an image based on the read raster data on an A4-sized sheet. As a result, the print engine 15 retrieves and prints an image corresponding to the raster data stored in the memory area, starting from the end of the image in the reverse direction. For example, the print engine 15 prints two pages of images on the first side of an A4-sized sheet based on the raster data stored in the memory area shown in FIG. 6B.

[0064] Since the data transfer speed by the DMA controller is faster than the printing speed by the print engine 15, data can be passed to the print engine 15 without interruption by transferring the next data to the recording buffer 30 after it has been read by the print engine 15.

[0065] Next, the CPU 11 inverts the sheet after printing on the first side and transports it again to the print engine 15. Based on the memory area for the second side into which the raster data was written in the long-edge cutting and placement process of S211, the CPU 11 causes the print engine 15 to print an image (S222). As described above, the CPU 11 controls the flap 36 and the guide roller 42 (see FIG. 2) to transport the second side again toward the photosensitive drum 51 of the print engine 15. At this time, the sheet after printing on the first side is inverted and transported with the side on which the second page is printed facing forward. In other words, if the printer 1 prints from the first short edge of the sheet toward the second short edge when printing on the first side, it will print from the second short edge toward the first short edge when printing on the second side.

[0066] Then, the CPU 11 specifies the starting address of the memory area for the second side and the memory size of the transfer target, and instructs the DMA controller to transfer the data to the recording buffer in normal order. As a result, the print engine 15 prints two pages of images, as shown in Figure 6(D), on the second side of the sheet that has already been printed on the first side, based on the raster data stored in the memory area for the second side.

[0067] In left-side long-edge binding, as shown in FIG. 8A , an A4-sized sheet 60 has a 2-4 image printed on its first side, in which an image based on the print data for page 2 and an image based on the print data for page 4 are arranged in the same orientation, and a 1-3 image printed on its second side, in which an image based on the print data for page 1 and an image based on the print data for page 3 are arranged in the same orientation. FIG. 8A shows an example of left-side long-edge binding with binding margins set, with binding margins 601-604 provided for the images on each page. The binding margin 601 for page 1 and the binding margin 602 for page 2 are located on the upper short side of the sheet 60 and are located in the same position on both sides of the sheet 60. The binding margin 603 for page 3 and the binding margin 604 for page 4 are located in the center of the sheet 60 and are located in the same position on both sides of the sheet 60. The center of the sheet is the cutting position where the cutter unit 16 cuts the sheet in the procedure described below.

[0068] The CPU 11 then transports the sheet printed on both sides toward the cutter unit 16 (see FIG. 2 ), controls the cutter unit 16 to cut the sheet in the center, and sequentially ejects the two cut sheets (S223). As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B , the upper half 60A of the sheet before cutting becomes the first cut sheet 61. Images of the first and second pages are printed on both sides of the sheet 61 in the same orientation, with the upper sides of each being the same side edge 611 of the sheet. Furthermore, binding margins 601 and 602 are located on the same long sides of both sides of the sheet 61. The lower half 60B of the sheet before cutting becomes the second cut sheet 62. Images of the third and fourth pages are printed on both sides of the sheet 62 in the same orientation, with the upper sides of each being the same side edge 621 of the sheet. Furthermore, binding margins 603 and 604 are arranged on the same long side of both sides of the sheet 62 .

[0069] As described above, the printer 1 is configured to perform face-down output, so for example, as shown in FIG. 8B , two cut A5-sized sheets 61 and 62 are ejected first with the first page facing downwards, and then sheet 62 is ejected on top of it with the third page facing downwards. Because the image orientation of each ejected page is consistent, it is possible to obtain the desired output result in which the images are aligned in page order. For example, by binding the printed matter in this state with a binding margin, the printed matter will become a left-opening booklet, as shown in FIG. 5A .

[0070] The CPU 11 then determines whether or not there are four more pages of print data (S231). If it determines that there are four more pages of print data (S231: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S201 to obtain the next four pages of print data and performs the same process. Note that after instructing the print engine 15 to print in S221, the CPU 11 may execute the processes from S231 onward in parallel with the printing by the print engine 15.

[0071] If it is determined that there is not four pages of print data (S231: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether processing of all acquired print data has been completed (S233). If it is determined that processing has not been completed (S233: NO), that is, if it is determined that there is print data for less than four pages, the CPU 11 replaces pages with no print data with blank data (S235), proceeds to S202, and performs printing including blank pages.

[0072] For example, if there are three pages of print data, after S311 of the long-edge cutting and placement process (FIG. 6), the CPU 11 writes raster data representing blank pages to the continuation of the memory area for the first side instead of S312. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may skip S312. As a result, the raster data for the second page is written to the upper half of the memory area for the first side, and a blank image is written to the lower half, as shown in FIG. 6A. Furthermore, the CPU 11 writes the raster data for the first and third pages to the memory area for the second side (S313, S314), just as in the case where there are four pages of print data. Note that even if a binding margin is set, there is no need to provide a binding margin for the blank pages.

[0073] The CPU 11 then passes the memory area to the print engine 15 for printing, just as it would if there were four pages of print data. The print engine 15 prints a second white image on the first side, with an image based on the print data for page two arranged in the upper half and a blank image arranged in the lower half, then reverses the sheet and prints the first and third images on the second side. The printer 1 then cuts the printed sheet. This results in the desired output result, with pages one and two printed on both sides of one side and page three printed on the other side based on the print data for three pages. This printed product is, for example, the sheet 62 shown in FIG. 8B, with page four being a blank page.

[0074] Furthermore, if there are two pages of print data, the CPU 11 writes a blank page instead of steps S312 and S314 of the long-side cutting and placement process, or skips steps S312 and S314. As a result, the raster data of the second page is written in the upper half of the memory area for the first side, and a blank image is written in the lower half, as shown in Figure 6A. Furthermore, the raster data of the first page is written in the upper half of the memory area for the second side, and a blank image is written in the lower half, as shown in Figure 6C.

[0075] The CPU 11 then passes the memory area to the print engine 15 for printing, just as it would if there were four pages of print data. The print engine 15 prints a 2-white image on the first side, with an image based on the print data for page 2 arranged in the upper half and a blank image arranged in the lower half, then reverses and conveys the sheet, and prints a 1-white image on the second side, with an image based on the print data for page 1 arranged in the upper half and a blank image arranged in the lower half. The printer 1 then cuts the printed sheet. This results in the desired output result, with pages 1 and 2 printed on both sides of one sheet based on the two-page print data, and blank on both sides of the other. This printed product is, for example, the same as sheet 62 shown in FIG. 8B, with both sides blank.

[0076] Furthermore, if there is print data for one page, the CPU 11 writes a blank page instead of steps S311, S312, and S314 of the long-side cutting and placement process, or skips these steps. As a result, a blank image is written to both the upper and lower halves of the memory area for the first side, and the raster data of the first page is written to the upper half of the memory area for the second side, and a blank image is written to the lower half, as shown in FIG. 6C.

[0077] In this case, the memory area for the first side is blank and does not need to be printed. The CPU 11 passes the memory area for the second side to the print engine 15 to print and cut the sheet without inverting it. The print engine 15 prints a 1 / white image on one side of the sheet, with an image based on the print data for the first page in the upper half and a blank image in the lower half, and then cuts and outputs the printed matter. This printed matter is, for example, sheet 62 shown in Figure 8 (B) where both sides are blank and page 2 of sheet 61 is a blank page.

[0078] Similarly, if the initial print data acquired in S201 of the long-edge cutting printing process (see FIG. 4) is less than four pages, the printer 1 will print an image with blank pages added from the beginning, thereby obtaining the desired output result.

[0079] If it is determined that processing of all acquired print data has been completed (S233: YES), the CPU 11 ends the long-side cutting printing process and returns to the printing process of Fig. 3. After completing the long-side cutting printing process in S111 of the printing process, the CPU 11 ends the printing process of Fig. 3.

[0080] Returning to the description of the printing process in Fig. 3, if the cutting setting is selected (S103: YES) and the binding method setting is determined to be short-edge binding rather than long-edge binding, i.e., top short-edge binding or bottom short-edge binding (S105: Short-edge binding), the CPU 11 executes short-edge cutting printing processing (S112).

[0081] The procedure for the short-edge cutting printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. The short-edge cutting printing process is similar to the long-edge cutting printing process shown in Fig. 4, but the orientation of the raster data and the placement of the binding margin are different. Below, the same steps as those in the long-edge cutting printing process shown in Fig. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals, and the description will be simplified.

[0082] The CPU 11 acquires four pages of print data (S201) and rasterizes each print data to generate raster data (S202). If it determines that a binding margin setting is included (S205: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the binding direction is top short edge binding or bottom short edge binding (S401).

[0083] If it is determined that the binding is on the top short edge (S401: Top), the CPU 11 sets a binding margin of a set size above the raster data of odd-numbered pages and below the raster data of even-numbered pages (S402). Note that the CPU 11 may add a binding margin by, for example, shifting the position of the image as a whole, or by reducing the image to add a binding margin.

[0084] Top short edge binding is a setting that allows odd-numbered pages to be bound by aligning their upper short edges, as shown in Fig. 10A, to produce a top-opening booklet-like printed material. When top short edge binding is used with the cut setting, the printer 1 provides a binding margin on the upper short edge of the odd-numbered page image and on the lower short edge of the even-numbered page image, which serves as the reverse side of the odd-numbered page image. Fig. 10 shows two sheets that have been printed and cut for four pages and then bound using top short edge binding or bottom short edge binding, and each number in the figure is an example that indicates the page number.

[0085] Specifically, when top short edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data for odd-numbered pages that indicates an image represented by the print data with a binding margin at the top of the image. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin at the top of the image by shifting the rendering position of the image based on the print data downward. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin at the top of an image obtained by reducing the image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine the binding margin generation method based on, for example, whether or not there is a predetermined margin below the image based on the print data, e.g., a margin larger than the width of the binding margin. For example, if there is a predetermined margin, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin at the top by shifting the rendering position of the image below the print data without reducing the image based on the print data. If there is no predetermined margin, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin at the top by reducing the image based on the print data.

[0086] Furthermore, when top short edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data for even-numbered pages that indicates an image represented by the print data with a binding margin below the image. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin below the image by shifting the rendering position of the image based on the print data upward. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin below an image obtained by reducing the image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine the binding margin generation method based on, for example, whether or not a predetermined margin (e.g., a margin larger than the width of the binding margin) exists above the image based on the print data. For example, if a predetermined margin exists, the CPU 11 may generate raster data indicating an image with a binding margin below the image by shifting the rendering position of the image upward without reducing the image based on the print data. If a predetermined margin does not exist, the CPU 11 may generate raster data indicating an image with a binding margin below the image by reducing the image based on the print data.

[0087] If it is determined that bottom short edge binding is required (S401: bottom), the CPU 11 sets a binding margin of a set size below the raster data of odd-numbered pages and above the raster data of even-numbered pages (S403). Bottom short edge binding is a setting that allows odd-numbered pages to be bound by aligning their bottom short edges, as shown in FIG. 10B, to produce a bottom-opening booklet-like printed material. When bottom short edge binding is set with cutting, the printer 1 sets a binding margin at the bottom short edge of the odd-numbered page images and at the top short edge of the even-numbered page images, which are the reverse sides of the odd-numbered page images.

[0088] Specifically, when bottom short edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data for odd-numbered pages that indicates an image represented by the print data with a binding margin below the image. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin below the image by shifting the rendering position of the image based on the print data upward. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin below an image obtained by reducing the image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine the binding margin generation method based on, for example, whether or not a predetermined margin (e.g., a margin larger than the width of the binding margin) exists above the image based on the print data. For example, if a predetermined margin exists, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin below the image by shifting the rendering position of the image upward without reducing the image based on the print data. If a predetermined margin does not exist, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin below the image by reducing the image based on the print data.

[0089] Furthermore, when bottom short edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data for even-numbered pages that indicates an image represented by the print data with a binding margin at the top of the image. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin at the top of the image by shifting the rendering position of the image based on the print data downward. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin at the top of an image obtained by reducing the image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine the binding margin generation method based on, for example, whether or not there is a predetermined margin below the image based on the print data, e.g., a margin larger than the width of the binding margin. For example, if there is a predetermined margin, the CPU 11 may generate raster data indicating an image with a binding margin at the top by shifting the rendering position of the image downward without reducing the image based on the print data. If there is no predetermined margin, the CPU 11 may generate raster data indicating an image with a binding margin at the top by reducing the image based on the print data.

[0090] After S402 or S403, or if it is determined that a binding margin setting is not included (S205: NO), the CPU 11 executes short-side cut placement processing (S411). The short-side cut placement processing is processing for writing the generated raster data to a memory area so that the placement is appropriate for short-side binding with cutting. The procedure for the short-side cut placement processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 11.

[0091] In the short-side cutting and layout process, the CPU 11 reserves a memory area for two A4-sized pages (S501). S501 is the same process as S301 in the long-side cutting and layout process. Note that if the memory area has already been reserved, the CPU 11 skips S501.

[0092] Then, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for page 2 of the four pages of raster data generated in S202 of the short-edge cutting printing process (FIG. 9) by 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area for the first side (S511). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11A, the raster data for page 2 is written in the upper half of the memory area for the first side with the top of the image facing right. Note that if a binding margin is set in S402 or S403 of the short-edge cutting printing process, the raster data including the binding margin is rotated and written as the raster data for each page.

[0093] Next, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for page 4, of the four pages of raster data generated in the short-edge cutting printing process, by 90 degrees to the right and writes it to the memory area for the first side, next to the raster data for page 2 (S512). As a result, as shown in Figure 11 (B), the raster data for page 4 is written to the lower half of the memory area for the first side so that the top of the image is to the right, that is, in the same orientation as page 2. As a result, the memory area for the first side is now in a state where first raster data, which is raster data obtained by concatenating the raster data for pages 2 and 4 and represents the image to be printed on the first side, has been written.

[0094] Furthermore, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the first page of the four pages of raster data generated in the short-edge cutting printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area of ​​the second side (S513). As a result, the raster data of the first page is written to the upper half of the memory area of ​​the second side with the top of the image facing right, as shown in Fig. 11(C).

[0095] Then, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for page 3 of the four pages of raster data generated in the short-edge cutting printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it to the memory area for the second side, next to the raster data for page 1 (S514). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11D, the raster data for page 3 is written to the lower half of the memory area for the second side so that the top of the image is to the right, that is, in the same orientation as page 1. As a result, the memory area for the second side is now filled with second raster data, which is raster data formed by concatenating the raster data for pages 1 and 3 and represents the image to be printed on the second side. After S514, the CPU 11 ends the short-edge cutting layout process and returns to the short-edge cutting printing process.

[0096] Returning to the description of the short-edge cutting printing process in Fig. 9, the CPU 11 causes the print engine 15 to print an upside-down image based on the memory area for the first side into which the raster data was written in the short-edge cutting layout process in S411 (S221). Furthermore, the CPU 11 inverts the sheet after printing on the first side, transports it again to the print engine 15, and causes the print engine 15 to print based on the memory area for the second side (S222).

[0097] 12A, in top short edge binding, an A4-sized sheet 70 has a 2-4 image printed on the first side, in which an image based on the print data for page 2 and an image based on the print data for page 4 are arranged in the same orientation, and a 1-3 image printed on the second side, in which an image based on the print data for page 1 and an image based on the print data for page 3 are arranged in the same orientation. Figure 12A shows an example of top short edge binding with binding margins set, and binding margins 701-704 are provided for the images on each page. The binding margin 701 for page 1 and the binding margin 703 for page 3 are provided on the right long side of the second side of the sheet 70, and the binding margin 702 for page 2 and the binding margin 704 for page 4 are provided on the same long side of the first side.

[0098] The CPU 11 then cuts the sheet printed on both sides using the cutter unit 16 (see FIG. 2 ), and sequentially ejects the two cut sheets (S223). As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 12B , the upper half 70A of the sheet before cutting becomes the first cut sheet 71. On the sheet 71, an image of the first page and an image of the second page are printed in opposite directions, with the lower side of the first page and the upper side of the second page forming the same side edge 711 of the sheet. Furthermore, binding margins 701 and 702 are located on the same short sides of both sides of the sheet 71. Furthermore, the lower half 70B of the sheet before cutting becomes the second cut sheet 72. On the sheet 72, an image of the third page and an image of the fourth page are printed in opposite directions, with the lower side of the third page and the upper side of the fourth page forming the same side edge 721 of the sheet. Furthermore, binding margins 703 and 704 are arranged on the same short side of both sides of the sheet 72. Then, the sheet 72 is discharged on top of the sheet 71.

[0099] If print data remains, the CPU 11 performs printing in the same manner. If there is print data for less than four pages, the process is the same as in the case of long-edge binding. If it determines that processing of all acquired print data has been completed (S233: YES), the CPU 11 ends the short-edge cutting printing process and returns to the printing process of Figure 3. After completing the short-edge cutting printing process in S112 of the printing process, the CPU 11 ends the printing process of Figure 3.

[0100] As described above, whether long-edge binding or short-edge binding is set, the desired output result can be obtained according to the binding direction setting and binding margin setting.

[0101] Although the CPU 11 transfers the memory area of ​​the first page rasterized in forward order in reverse order in S221 of the long-edge cutting printing process (FIG. 4) or short-edge cutting printing process (FIG. 9), it is also possible to rasterize an inverted image in advance, write it to the memory area, and transfer it in forward order. Specifically, the CPU 11 may rotate the raster data of the fourth page 90 degrees to the right and write it from the beginning of the first page in the memory area of ​​the first page, and then rotate the raster data of the second page 90 degrees to the right and write it thereafter. In this way, the raster data of the inverted image is stored in advance in the memory area.

[0102] In this case, the CPU 11 instructs the DMA controller to transfer data from the memory area to the print buffer in forward order. The print engine 15 retrieves and prints the reversed image corresponding to the raster data stored in the memory area in forward order, starting from the top. This also allows the desired output results to be obtained.

[0103] Furthermore, the printer 1 may be capable of at least one of rasterizing in forward order and transferring data in reverse order, or rasterizing in reverse order and transferring data in forward order. However, the printer 1 may be capable of both methods and switch between the methods depending on the conditions. For example, when the printer 1 acquires print data from an external device equipped with a printer driver, the printer driver may acquire print data in reverse order. When the printer 1 acquires print data in reverse order in advance, the printer 1 may rasterize the print data in forward order and transfer it in forward order. On the other hand, when the printer 1 acquires print data via an OS-standard printing program or from a USB memory or scanner, the printer 1 may execute either the method of rasterizing in forward order and transferring data in reverse order, or the method of rasterizing in reverse order and transferring data in forward order.

[0104] Next, a description will be given of a case where the cutting setting is not selected. When print data representing four pages of A5-sized images is acquired with the no-cutting setting and printed on both sides of an A4-sized sheet, the printer 1 can perform 2-in-1 printing. 2-in-1 printing is a setting for printing two pages of images side by side on one side of a sheet. When the double-sided and 2-in-1 printing settings are selected, the printer 1 prints, for example, two consecutive pages of A5-sized images side by side on both sides of an A4-sized sheet and discharges the paper without cutting.

[0105] To this end, if the CPU 11 determines in S103 of the printing process of Fig. 3 that cutting is not set (S103: NO), it executes 2-in-1 printing (S121). The procedure of the 2-in-1 printing will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 13. The 2-in-1 printing is similar to the long-side cutting printing process of Fig. 4 and the short-side cutting printing process of Fig. 9. The same steps as those in the long-side cutting printing process shown in Fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified.

[0106] The CPU 11 acquires four pages of print data (S201) and rasterizes each page of print data to generate raster data (S202). Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether the binding method is set to long-edge binding or short-edge binding (S601). If cutting is not required, the binding edge is set to one of the edges of the A4-sized sheets.

[0107] Long-edge binding without cutting is a binding method in which the top or bottom edge of an A5-sized portrait image is the binding edge, which is the long edge of an A4-sized sheet. For example, top-edge binding is a setting that creates a top-opening booklet-like printed material by aligning the top long edge of the side containing page 1 and the top long edge of the side containing page 5, as shown in Figure 14(A). Figure 14(A) shows two sheets 80 and 81, each with four pages printed, bound with top-edge binding, and each number in the figure represents a page.

[0108] Short-edge binding without cutting is a binding method in which the left or right edge of an A5-sized portrait image, or the short edge of an A4-sized sheet, is the binding edge. For example, left short-edge binding, as shown in Figure 15(A), is a setting that creates a left-opening booklet-like printed material by aligning the left short edge of the side containing page 1 with the left short edge of the side containing page 5. Figure 15(A) shows two sheets 90 and 91, each with four pages printed, bound using left short-edge binding, and each number in the figure represents an example of a page.

[0109] If it is determined that the binding setting is top long edge binding or bottom long edge binding, that is, long edge binding (S601: long edge binding), the CPU 11 executes long edge 2-in-1 arrangement processing (S602).

[0110] The procedure for the long-side 2-in-1 layout process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 16. In the long-side 2-in-1 layout process, the CPU 11 allocates a memory area equivalent to two A4-sized pages (S701). If the memory area has already been allocated, the CPU 11 skips S701.

[0111] Then, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for the third page of the four pages of raster data generated in S202 of the 2-in-1 printing process (FIG. 13) by 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area for the first side (S711). As a result, the raster data for the third page is written to the top half of the memory area for the first side with the top of the image facing right, as shown in FIG. 16(A).

[0112] Next, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for page 4 of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2-in-1 printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it to the memory area on the first side, next to the raster data for page 3 (S712). As a result, the raster data for page 4 is written to the lower half of the memory area on the first side, with the top of the image facing right, as shown in Figure 16 (B).

[0113] The CPU 11 then determines whether a binding margin setting is included, and if so, whether the binding direction is top long edge binding or bottom long edge binding (S721). If it determines that the binding direction is top long edge binding and that a binding margin setting is included (S721: Top), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the left long edge of the memory area for the first side (S722). If it determines that the binding direction is bottom long edge binding and that a binding margin setting is included (S721: Bottom), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the right long edge of the memory area for the first side (S723).

[0114] That is, when the setting is such that cutting is not performed, the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the entire memory area for one page. The CPU 11 may add the binding margin by shifting the image or by reducing the image.

[0115] After S722 or S723, or if it is determined that no binding margin setting is included (S721: NO), the CPU 11 writes data to the memory area for the second side in the same manner. First, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for the first page of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2-in-1 printing process 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area for the second side (S731). As a result, the raster data for the first page is written to the upper half of the memory area for the second side with the top of the image facing right, as shown in Figure 16 (C).

[0116] Furthermore, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for the second page of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2-in-1 printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it to the memory area for the second side, next to the raster data for the first page (S732). As a result, the raster data for the second page is written to the lower half of the memory area for the second side, with the top of the image facing right, as shown in Fig. 16(D).

[0117] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether a binding margin setting is included, and if so, whether the binding direction is top long edge binding or bottom long edge binding (S741). S741 is the same determination as S721.

[0118] If it is determined that the binding is to be performed on the top long edge and that a binding margin setting is included (S741: Top), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the right long edge of the memory area for the second side (S742).If it is determined that the binding is to be performed on the bottom long edge and that a binding margin setting is included (S741: Bottom), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the left long edge of the memory area for the second side (S743).

[0119] This completes the memory area for two A4-sized sheets, each with two pages of raster data written in. After S742 or S743, or if it is determined that no binding margin setting is included (S741: NO), the CPU 11 ends the long-side 2-in-1 layout process and returns to the 2-in-1 print process.

[0120] Returning to the description of the 2-in-1 printing process in Fig. 13, if it is determined that the binding setting is not long-side binding but left short-side binding or right short-side binding, i.e., short-side binding (S601: short-side binding), the CPU 11 executes short-side 2-in-1 layout processing (S603).

[0121] The procedure for the short-side 2-in-1 layout process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 17. In the short-side 2-in-1 layout process, the CPU 11 allocates a memory area equivalent to two A4-sized pages (S801). If the memory area has already been allocated, the CPU 11 skips S801.

[0122] Then, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for the fourth page of the four pages of raster data generated in S202 of the 2-in-1 printing process (FIG. 13) by 90 degrees to the left and writes it from the top of the memory area for the first side (S811). As a result, the raster data for the fourth page is written to the upper half of the memory area for the first side with the top of the image facing left, as shown in FIG. 17A.

[0123] Next, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for the third page of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2-in-1 printing process by 90 degrees to the left and writes it next to the raster data for the fourth page in the memory area on the first side (S812). As a result, the raster data for the third page is written to the lower half of the memory area on the first side with the top of the image facing left, as shown in Fig. 17(B) .

[0124] The CPU 11 then determines whether a binding margin setting is included, and if so, whether the binding direction is left short edge binding or right short edge binding (S821). If it determines that the binding direction is left short edge binding and that a binding margin setting is included (S821: left), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the upper short edge of the memory area for the first side (S822). If it determines that the binding direction is right short edge binding and that a binding margin setting is included (S821: right), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the lower short edge of the memory area for the first side (S823).

[0125] After S822 or S823, or if it is determined that no binding margin setting is included (S821: NO), the CPU 11 writes data in the memory area for the second side in the same manner. First, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for the first page of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2-in-1 printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area for the second side (S831). As a result, the raster data for the first page is written to the upper half of the memory area for the second side with the top of the image facing right, as shown in Figure 17 (C).

[0126] Furthermore, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data for page 2 of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2-in-1 printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it to the memory area for the second side, next to the raster data for page 1 (S832). As a result, the raster data for page 2 is written to the lower half of the memory area for the second side, with the top of the image facing right, as shown in Fig. 17(D).

[0127] The CPU 11 then determines whether a binding margin setting is included, and if so, whether the binding direction is left short edge binding or right short edge binding (S841). S841 is the same determination as S821. If the CPU 11 determines that the binding direction is left short edge binding and that a binding margin setting is included (S841: left), it adds a binding margin to the upper short edge of the memory area for the second side (S842). If the CPU 11 determines that the binding direction is right short edge binding and that a binding margin setting is included (S841: right), it adds a binding margin to the lower short edge of the memory area for the second side (S843).

[0128] This completes the memory area for two A4-sized sheets, each with two pages of raster data written in. After S842 or S843, or if it is determined that no binding margin setting is included (S841: None), the CPU 11 ends the short-side 2-in-1 layout process and returns to the 2-in-1 print process.

[0129] Returning to the description of the 2-in-1 printing process in Fig. 13, after the long-side 2-in-1 layout process in S602 or the short-side 2-in-1 layout process in S603, the CPU 11 causes the print engine 15 to print an upside-down image based on the memory area for the first side into which the raster data has been written (S221). Furthermore, the CPU 11 inverts the sheet after printing on the first side, transports it again to the print engine 15, and causes the print engine 15 to print based on the memory area for the second side (S222). The CPU 11 then ejects the sheet without cutting it (S611).

[0130] 14B , for example, in the case of top long edge binding, an A4-sized sheet 80 has a 3-4 image printed on the first side, in which an image based on the print data for page 3 and an image based on the print data for page 4 are arranged in the same orientation, and a 1-2 image printed on the second side, in which an image based on the print data for page 1 and an image based on the print data for page 2 are arranged in the same orientation. Furthermore, if a binding margin is set, a binding margin 802 is provided on the lower long side of the images of pages 3 and 4 on the first side of the sheet 80, and a binding margin 801 is provided on the upper long side of the images of pages 1 and 2 on the second side. Binding margins 801 and 802 are located on the same long side of the sheet 80.

[0131] 15B , in the case of left short edge binding, an A4-sized sheet 90 has a 3-4 image printed on the first side, in which an image based on the print data for page 3 and an image based on the print data for page 4 are arranged in the same orientation, and a 1-2 image printed on the second side, in which an image based on the print data for page 1 and an image based on the print data for page 2 are arranged in the same orientation. If a binding margin is set, a binding margin 902 is provided on the right short edge of the image of page 4 on the first side, and a binding margin 901 is provided on the left short edge of the image of page 1 on the second side. The binding margins 901 and 902 are located on the same short edge of the sheet 90.

[0132] If print data remains, the CPU 11 performs printing in the same manner. If there is print data for less than four pages, blank pages are added and printed, as in the case where cutting is set. If it is determined that processing of all acquired print data has been completed (S233: YES), the CPU 11 ends the 2-in-1 printing process and returns to the printing process of Figure 3. After completing the 2-in-1 printing process of S121, the CPU 11 ends the printing process of Figure 3.

[0133] That is, in the case of double-sided printing and 2-in-1 printing, rather than cutting, the printer 1 prints the images of each A5-sized page on both sides of an A4-sized sheet in a layout different from that in the case of cutting. This allows the desired output results to be obtained even in the case of double-sided printing without cutting.

[0134] Up to this point, we have described a configuration in which a contiguous memory area 28 (see FIG. 7) the size of one A4-sized sheet is reserved and raster data is stored in this memory area 28. However, instead of the contiguous memory area 28 the size of one A4-sized sheet, the printer 1 may reserve multiple memory areas smaller than the memory area 28 and store the raster data in a distributed manner across the multiple memory areas.

[0135] In this case, the CPU 11 may prepare two memory areas 291 and 292 in the memory 12, each capable of storing one A5-sized page of raster data, and store one page of raster data in each, as shown in Fig. 18. For example, in S311 of the long-side cutting and placement process (Fig. 6), the CPU 11 may store the raster data of the second page in the memory area 291, and in S312, store the raster data of the fourth page in the memory area 292. Note that the multiple memory areas 291 and 292 do not need to be contiguous, but it is preferable that the combined memory areas be capable of storing the raster data of one A4-sized sheet.

[0136] The printer 1 may initially prepare multiple memory areas 291 and 292, or may first prepare one memory area 291 and then prepare another memory area 292 as needed. Furthermore, each of the multiple memory areas is not limited to a size that can store one A5-sized page of raster data, and may be larger or smaller. The CPU 11 may store the raster data of the second page in memory area 291 first, or the raster data of the fourth page in memory area 292 first, or may perform these operations in parallel.

[0137] Then, in S221 of the long-edge cutting printing process ( FIG. 4 ), the CPU 11 transfers the memory areas 291 and 292 in reverse order. Specifically, the CPU 11 specifies the memory areas 291 and 292 and instructs the DMA controller to transfer them to the recording buffer 30 in reverse order. For example, the DMA controller transfers the raster data of the fourth page to the recording buffer 30 in reverse order, from the end address 292b of the memory area 292 in which the raster data has been written to the recording buffer 30 toward the start address 292a. The DMA controller then transfers the raster data of the second page to the recording buffer 30 in reverse order, from the end address 291b of the memory area 291 in which the raster data has been written to the recording buffer 30 toward the start address 291a. Even in this manner, the print engine 15 can print based on the raster data on the first side of an A4-sized sheet by reading the data from the recording buffer 30 in the forward direction.

[0138] In this way, the printer 1 does not need to secure a continuous memory area 28 capable of storing the raster data of an image on one surface of a sheet, thereby reducing the memory load. On the other hand, if a continuous memory area 28 capable of storing the raster data of an image on one surface of a sheet is provided, the CPU 11 only needs to instruct the DMA controller once to transfer the data to the recording buffer 30. This simplifies the process for transferring the data to the recording buffer 30. It also makes it easier to rotate and compress an image on one surface of a sheet.

[0139] Furthermore, when using the memory areas 291 and 292, each of which corresponds to one A5-sized page, the printer 1 may prepare a separate memory area for representing blank pages in advance. For example, when printing an image of less than four pages, the CPU 11 may specify the memory area for representing the blank pages and instruct the DMA controller to transfer the data to the recording buffer 30, instead of generating raster data including the blank pages.

[0140] So far, we have described an example of a face-down printer 1 that ejects paper with the print side facing down, but the technology of this embodiment can also be applied to face-up printers. In the case of a face-up printer, the first and second sides can be printed in reverse order. The raster data writing procedure can be reversed, and the transfer procedure to the recording buffer can be reversed. In other words, a face-up printer first prints based on the raster data written to the memory area for the second side as described above, and then prints the first side. In this way, the printer can print the side containing the first page first, and after printing on both sides, eject the paper with the side with the first printed side facing down, thereby ejecting the paper with the first page facing down.

[0141] As described above in detail, when performing double-sided printing and cutting, the printer 1 of this embodiment generates raster data for two sides of the double-sided printing, each representing an A4-sized image on the first and second sides, so that an image based on the print data will be printed on an A5-sized sheet after cutting. This results in an A5-sized image being printed on each of the first and second sides of the A4-sized sheet. Furthermore, by subsequently cutting the sheet with the cutter unit 16, the desired output result is obtained, with the image based on the print data printed on both sides of the cut A5-sized sheet.

[0142] 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 printing method of the printer 1 is not limited to electrophotography, but may also be inkjet, thermal transfer, thermal, etc. Furthermore, the printer 1 may be equipped with two or more paper feed trays and paper output trays.

[0143] Furthermore, the internal configuration of the printer 1 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2. For example, although the operation panel 13 has been described as being located in front of the paper discharge tray 32, it may be located behind it. Also, for example, the flap 36, paper discharge rollers 43, and the transport path from the flap 36 to the paper discharge rollers 43 shown in Fig. 2 may not be necessary. In other words, even when cutting or double-sided printing is not performed, the printer 1 may discharge paper to the paper discharge tray 32 via the paper discharge rollers 44 without cutting with the cutter unit 16.

[0144] In addition, in the printer 1 of the embodiment, the guide roller 42 is used to stop the sheet for processing by the cutter unit 16 and to reverse the sheet transport direction for double-sided printing, but these may be separate configurations. Also, for example, the guide roller 42 may be located upstream of the flap 36 in the sheet transport direction.

[0145] Furthermore, the image rotation directions described in S311 to S314 of the long-side cut arrangement processing (FIG. 6) of the embodiment may all be reversed, i.e., instead of a 90-degree rotation, a 270-degree rotation. Specifically, the CPU 11 may write the raster data in S311 and S312 so that the tops of the images of pages 2 and 4 are on the right side, and write the raster data in S313 and S314 so that the tops of the images of pages 1 and 3 are on the left side. The same applies to S511 to S514 of the short-side cut arrangement processing (FIG. 11), S711 to S712 and S731 to S732 of the long-side 2-in-1 arrangement processing (FIG. 16), and S811 to S812 and S831 to S832 of the short-side 2-in-1 arrangement processing (FIG. 17).

[0146] Furthermore, for example, in each of the long side cut placement process (FIG. 6), short side cut placement process (FIG. 11), long side 2-in-1 placement process (FIG. 16), and short side 2-in-1 placement process (FIG. 17), the procedure has been described in which raster data is written to the memory area of ​​the first side and then to the memory area of ​​the second side, but the procedures for the first and second sides may be reversed or may be performed in parallel.

[0147] In addition, although the embodiment has been described as an example in which an A4-sized sheet is cut and output as two A5-sized sheets, the printer 1 may also be capable of cutting sheets of sizes other than A4 or cutting sheets into sizes other than A5. For example, the printer 1 may cut a letter-sized sheet and output as two half-letter-sized sheets. Furthermore, the processing performed by the cutter unit 16 is not limited to cutting, and may also include, for example, perforating or folding the sheet.

[0148] Furthermore, in the case of short edge binding without cutting, the printer 1 may be able to accept not only left short edge binding and right short edge binding, but also center short edge binding (so-called booklet binding) settings.

[0149] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in each embodiment, the execution order of multiple processes in any multiple steps can be changed or executed in parallel as desired, as long as no contradictions occur in the processing content.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 1 Printer 15 Printing engine 16 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 lengthwise 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 the printer obtains print data and performs double-sided printing and the processing, generating first raster data which is raster data indicating an image to be printed on a first side of a sheet of the first standard size and second raster data which is raster data indicating an image to be printed on a second side which is an opposite side of the first side of the sheet, the first raster data and the second raster data being data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, and being data for printing such that, when the sheet is cut to the second standard size, the image based on the print data is placed on a sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting; the printer further: performs printing on the first side of the sheet of the first standard size based on the generated first raster data using the print engine; re-transporting the sheet after printing on the first side to the print engine for printing on the second side of the sheet, and performs printing on the second side of the re-transported sheet based on the generated second raster data using the print engine; using the processing unit to perform the processing for cutting the sheet, on which printing has been performed on the first side and the second side, into the second standard size.

2. A printer as described in claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to: store the generated raster data for one surface of a sheet of the first standard size in a continuous memory area; and further use the print engine to print on the 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.

3. A printer as described in claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to: store the generated raster data for one surface of a sheet of the first standard size in a plurality of non-contiguous memory areas; and further use the print engine to print on the 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.

4. A printer as described in claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to: when acquiring four pages of print data, generate raster data in which, as one of the first raster data and the second raster data, an image based on the print data for the second page and an image based on the print data for the fourth page are arranged; and generate raster data in which, as the other of the first raster data and the second raster data, an image based on the print data for the first page and an image based on the print data for the third page are arranged.

5. A printer as described in claim 4, wherein the printer is configured to generate the first raster data and the second raster data when the print data for four pages is acquired, so that the image of the first page is placed on the back side of the image of the second page that will be placed on the sheet after being cut to the second standard size, and the image of the third page is placed on the back side of the image of the fourth page that will be placed on the sheet after being cut to the second standard size.

6. 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 wherein the printer obtains print data for four pages and performs double-sided printing and the processing, a 2·4 image in which an image based on the print data for a second page and an image based on the print data for a fourth page are arranged, and a 1·3 image in which an image based on the print data for a first page and an image based on the print data for a third page are arranged, on a first side of a sheet of the first standard size, using the print engine; the sheet after printing on the first side is re-transported to the print engine for printing on a second side that is the opposite side to the first side of the sheet, and the other of the 2·4 image and the 1·3 image is printed on the second side of the re-transported sheet using the print engine; and the processing to cut the sheet after printing on the first and second sides to the second standard size is performed using the processing unit.

7. A printer as described in claim 6, wherein the printer is configured to, when acquiring the print data for four pages, use the print engine to print the 2&4 image and the 1&3 image so that the image of the 1st page is placed on the back side of the image of the 2nd page that will be placed on the sheet after being cut to the second standard size, and the image of the 3rd page is placed on the back side of the image of the 4th page that will be placed on the sheet after being cut to the second standard size.

8. A printer as described in claim 7, wherein the printer is configured to: discharge the processed sheet with the second side facing down, the processing being a process of cutting the sheet of the first standard size and dividing it into two sheets of the second standard size; and the printer is further configured to print images of each page on the sheet of the first standard size such that the sheet of the second standard size on which the image of the first page is printed on its second side and the image of the second page is printed on its first side is discharged before the sheet of the second standard size on which the image of the third page is printed on its second side and the image of the fourth page is printed on its first side.

9. A printer as described in claim 7, wherein the printer is configured to: discharge the processed sheet with the second side facing up, the processing being a process of cutting the sheet of the first standard size and dividing it into two sheets of the second standard size; and the printer is further configured to print images of each page on the sheet of the first standard size such that the sheet of the second standard size on which the image of the first page is printed on its first side and the image of the second page is printed on its second side is discharged before the sheet of the second standard size on which the image of the third page is printed on its first side and the image of the fourth page is printed on its second side.

10. A printer as described in claim 7, wherein the printer prints on the first side from a first short side of the first standard size sheet toward a second short side opposite the first short side, and prints on the second side from the second short side of the first standard size sheet toward the first short side, and the printer is further configured such that an inverted image of the 2&4 image and the 1&3 image to be printed on the first side is inverted vertically and horizontally by the print engine, the inverted image being obtained from the beginning of the inverted image in a forward direction and printed.

11. A printer as described in claim 7, wherein the printer prints on the first side from a first short side of the first standard size sheet toward a second short side opposite the first short side, and prints on the second side from the second short side of the first standard size sheet toward the first short side, and the printer is further configured such that the print engine retrieves and prints the image to be printed on the first side of the 2&4 image and the 1&3 image in the reverse direction from the end of the image.

12. A printer as described in claim 7, wherein the printer is configured to, when acquiring print data for three pages and performing double-sided printing and the processing, print one of the 2 / white image, in which the image based on the print data for the second page is placed on one half and a blank image is placed on the other half, and the 1 / 3 image, on the first side of the sheet of the first standard size using the print engine, re-transport the sheet after printing on the first side to the print engine for printing on the second side of the sheet, and print the other of the 2 / white image and the 1 / 3 image on the second side of the re-transported sheet using the print engine.

13. A printer as described in claim 7, wherein the printer is configured, when acquiring print data for two pages and performing double-sided printing and the processing, to print, on the first side of the sheet of the first standard size, one of a 2-white image in which the image based on the print data for the second page is placed on one half and a blank image is placed on the other half, and a 1-white image in which the image based on the print data for the first page is placed on one half and a blank image is placed on the other half, using the print engine; re-transporting the sheet after printing on the first side to the print engine for printing on the second side of the sheet, and printing the other of the 2-white image and the 1-white image on the second side of the re-transported sheet using the print engine.

14. A printer as described in claim 6, wherein, when the printer obtains first print data which is print data for four pages and performs double-sided printing and the processing, the printer uses the print engine to print one of the 2·4 image, in which an image based on the first print data for a second page and an image based on the first print data for a fourth page are arranged, and the 1·3 image, in which an image based on the first print data for a first page and an image based on the first print data for a third page are arranged, on a first side of a sheet of the first standard size; the sheet on which the first side has been printed is re-transported to the print engine for printing on a second side, which is the side opposite to the first side of the sheet, and the other of the 2·4 image and the 1·3 image is printed on the second side of the re-transported sheet using the print engine; and the printer uses the processing unit to cut the sheet on which the first and second sides have been printed to the second standard size, while A printer configured to: obtain second print data, which is print data for four pages, and perform double-sided printing and 2-in-1 printing; use the print engine to print one of a 3 / 4 image, in which an image based on the second print data for a third page and an image based on the second print data for a fourth page, on a first side of a sheet of the first standard size; re-transport the sheet after printing on the first side to the print engine for printing on a second side, which is the side opposite to the first side of the sheet; and use the print engine to print the other of the 3 / 4 image and the 1 / 2 image on the second side of the re-transported sheet.

Images