JP7600826B2 - Programs and Printers - Google Patents

Description

The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a program and a printer that accepts print settings.

There is known technology that accepts settings for paper size and paper feed method using a printer driver built into an information processing device such as a personal computer. Options that can be set for paper size may include common standard paper sizes as well as user-defined sizes defined by the user. Also, options that can be selected for paper feed method may include paper feed trays that can feed standard paper as well as trays that can feed roll paper, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP 2004-102961 A

When executing a print job in which standard paper has been selected as the paper size, if an image is printed with large margins relative to the size of that standard paper, a large amount of paper is wasted due to the margins. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that warns of a mismatch between the paper feed state in the printer and the print settings in the printer driver, but does not disclose any technology for the size of the margins. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of making effective use of resources.

This specification discloses a technology that reduces waste due to margins when printing an image in a program for controlling a printer capable of printing on standard paper and roll paper.

The program made for the purpose of solving the above-mentioned problem is a program executable by a computer of an information processing device, and causes the computer to execute a reception process for receiving print settings to be used for printing on a printer via a user interface of the information processing device, the print settings include a paper size and a paper feed method, and the options selectable for the paper feed method include a specific tray capable of transporting roll paper, the printer has multiple trays including the specific tray, and further causes the computer to execute a process for receiving a print instruction when a size indicating a standard size paper is set as the paper size in the print settings, and the print instruction indicates an image to be printed. The printer executes a margin identification process that identifies the length of the trailing margin, which is the margin on the trailing end side of the paper in the transport direction on the printer, based on the print data; a first determination process that determines whether a first determination value based on the length of the trailing margin in the transport direction identified in the margin identification process is greater than a first threshold value; a change process that changes the paper feed method in the print settings to the specific tray when it is determined in the first determination process that the first determination value is greater than the first threshold value; and a shortening process that shortens the length of the trailing margin in the transport direction by removing at least a portion of the trailing margin in the print data when the paper feed method is changed by the change process.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the first judgment value based on the length of the trailing margin in the transport direction is greater than the first threshold value, the paper feed method is changed to a specific tray, so that the image corresponding to the print instruction is printed on the roll paper. Furthermore, by shortening the length of the trailing margin in the transport direction, the printer is able to reduce the amount of roll paper feed required to print the image corresponding to the print instruction when printing on that roll paper, compared to when the trailing margin is not shortened, thereby reducing paper waste.

A printer that realizes the functions of the above device is also new and useful.

The technology disclosed in this specification realizes a technology that reduces waste due to margins when printing an image in a program for controlling a printer capable of printing on standard paper and roll paper.

1A is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a personal computer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print setting screen for setting print settings. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special function setting screen. FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of a printer. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a printing process in a personal computer. (A) An explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the state of the margins in the print area and the printing status on the paper. (B) An explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the state of the margins in the print area and the printing status on the paper. (C) An explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the state of the margins in the print area and the printing status on the paper. 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a preview screen; 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a printing process of a personal computer. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a printing process of a printer.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a program embodied in the program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment discloses a program executed on a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a "PC") that can be connected to a printer, which is a device having a printing function.

The PC 2 in this embodiment is a device capable of executing various application programs (hereinafter, referred to as "apps") to cause the printer 3 to perform various functions. The PC 2 is an example of an information processing device. Instead of the PC 2, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer may be used.

As shown in FIG. 1(A), PC 2 is equipped with a control unit 20 including a CPU 21 and a memory 24. Furthermore, PC 2 is equipped with a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 26 and a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 28, which are electrically connected to the control unit 20. Note that the control unit 20 in FIG. 1(A) is a general term for the hardware and software used to control PC 2, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in PC 2.

The CPU 21 executes various processes according to the programs read from the memory 24 and based on the user's operations. The CPU 21 is an example of a computer. The memory 24 is, for example, a HDD or a flash memory, and is used as an area for storing various programs, data such as image data and document data, and various settings. The buffer provided in the CPU 21 is also an example of a memory.

An example of memory may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs.

The communication IF 26 includes hardware for communicating with an external device such as the printer 3. The communication method of the communication IF 26 may be wireless or wired, and may be any standard method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, LAN, etc.

The user IF 28 includes hardware that displays information on a screen and hardware that accepts input operations by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 1(B), the user IF 28 may be a combination of a display 28A for displaying information on a screen and a keyboard 28B and a mouse 28C for accepting input operations by the user, or may be a touch panel equipped with a display function and an input acceptance function.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the memory 24 of the PC 2 of this embodiment incorporates an operating system (hereinafter, "OS") 41, a print application 42, and a printer driver 43. The OS 41 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), MacOS (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), or Linux (registered trademark).

The print application 42 is a program that accepts various instructions related to printing. For example, the print application 42 accepts the specification of the printer 3 to be used for printing, the specification of the number of copies to be printed, the specification of the print range, and an instruction to execute printing. In addition, the print application 42 may also accept the specification of the type and size of paper to be printed on, an instruction to print on both sides, etc.

The printer driver 43 is a program corresponding to the printer 3, and communicates with the printer 3 via the communication IF 26 to control the operation of the printer 3. The printer driver 43 is started, for example, when the printer 3 is specified in the print application 42 or the like and an instruction to set the properties of the printer 3 is received.

When the printer driver 43 is started, the CPU 21 displays a print setting screen 51, for example, shown as an example in FIG. 2, on the display 28A. On the basic tab 51A of the print setting screen 51, for example, a paper type selection field 511, a print quality selection field 512, a paper size selection field 513, a borderless printing selection field 514, a number of copies selection field 515, a paper feed method selection field 516, a selection field for other special functions 517, an OK button 518, a cancel button 519, and a print preview selection field 520 are displayed. The CPU 21 accepts user operations on each selection field and each button displayed on the print setting screen 51 through operation of the keyboard 28B or mouse 28C. Thus, the user can set the print settings to be used for printing on the printer 3.

Specifically, in the paper type selection field 511, the user can select one of plain paper, glossy paper, inkjet paper, roll paper, etc.

In addition, in the paper size selection field 513, the user can select one of the names of pre-cut standard size paper, for example, A4, B4, A5, B5, A6, Letter, Legal, A3, etc. In addition, in the paper size selection field 513, the user can select roll paper. In addition, in the paper size selection field 513, the user can select a user-defined size in which the user arbitrarily specifies the paper width and paper height.

In addition, in the paper feed method selection field 516, the user can select the paper feed tray of the printer 3, i.e., one of the multipurpose tray 3A, the first tray 3B, and the second tray 3C shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later, or select "automatic selection," which allows the printer 3 to select the paper feed tray.

In addition, in the borderless printing selection field 514, the user can select whether or not to perform borderless printing, which means that there are no margins around the edges of the paper.

In addition, in the other special functions selection field 517, the user can select whether or not to display the special functions setting screen 52, an example of which is shown in FIG. 3, on the display 28A.

When the user selects to display the special function setting screen 52 in the other special function selection field 517, the CPU 21 displays the special function setting screen 52, which includes the special function selection field 521 shown in FIG. 3, on the display 28A. The special function setting screen 52 shown in FIG. 3 shows a state in which the user has selected the "Delete margins using roll paper" field 527 in the special function selection field 521. In this state, the CPU 21 displays, for example, a margin deletion selection field 522, a margin confirmation selection field 523, a margin threshold selection field 524, an OK button 525, and a cancel button 526 on the special function setting screen 52. The CPU 21 accepts the user's operation of each selection field and each button displayed on the special function setting screen 52 through the operation of the keyboard 28B or the mouse 28C. Thus, the user can set the special function settings, which are part of the print settings used for printing on the printer 3.

Specifically, in the margin deletion selection field 522, the user can select whether or not to delete margins using roll paper. In addition, in the margin confirmation selection field 523, the user can select either "check margins for each page" or "check margins only on the last page." In addition, in the margin threshold selection field 524, the user can select the margin threshold used to determine whether or not to delete margins.

When the printer driver 43 receives print instruction information from the OS 41, the printer driver 43 generates print data based on the image data specified in the print instruction information. The printer driver 43 also transmits a print job including the generated print data and the print settings set on the print setting screen 51, etc., to the printer 3.

Printer 3 is a device that has at least an inkjet printing function and a communication function for communicating with PC 2, and is capable of printing based on a print job sent from PC 2. There are certain limitations on the range of paper sizes that can be printed using the printing function of Printer 3. In the following, the size of the paper in the direction in which the paper is transported by Printer 3 is referred to as the "paper height," and the size in the direction perpendicular to the paper height is referred to as the "paper width." The range of paper sizes includes the range of paper heights and the range of paper widths, and Printer 3 is capable of printing on paper that is within both the paper height and paper width ranges.

Figure 4 is a schematic external view of the printer. That is, the printer 3 of this embodiment has a paper feed tray consisting of three types of trays. Specifically, the three types of paper feed trays are a multipurpose tray 3A, a first tray 3B, and a second tray 3C. The printer 3 also has a paper output tray 3D, and paper fed from each tray of the paper feed tray is discharged onto the paper output tray 3D by a transport mechanism through a printing mechanism 61 (shown in Figure 5) that handles the printing function of the printer 3.

Specifically, in the printer 3, the first transport mechanism 62 (shown in FIG. 5) from the multipurpose tray 3A to the paper discharge tray 3D is configured with a so-called straight path that is arranged in a substantially straight line. Therefore, the multipurpose tray 3A can supply paper of many different paper sizes, such as A4, B4, A5, B5, A6, Letter, Legal, A3, long paper (297mm x 600mm), and long paper (297mm x 1200mm).

On the other hand, in the printer 3, the second transport mechanism 63 (shown in FIG. 5) that runs from the first tray 3B to the discharge tray 3D is configured with a so-called U-shaped path, in which the transport direction is reversed by approximately 180 degrees along the way. Therefore, the first tray 3B cannot feed print media with paper sizes of long paper (297 mm x 600 mm) and long paper (297 mm x 1200 mm).

The second tray 3C is a tray for roll paper that can supply rolled, long (e.g., 5 m long) roll paper. The third transport mechanism 64 (shown in FIG. 5) that runs from the second tray 3C to the paper output tray 3D is equipped with a cutting mechanism 65 (shown in FIG. 5) for cutting the rolled, long paper to a specified dimension (paper height) in the transport direction. The third transport mechanism 64 is also equipped with a curl correction mechanism (not shown) for correcting the curl of the roll paper. The second tray 3C can also store standard-sized paper, that is, long roll paper with a paper width the same as that of standard-sized paper. For example, the roll paper with the same paper width as A4 size paper has a paper width of 210 mm.

The printer 3 of this embodiment also includes a paper size sensor 38 (shown in FIG. 5) on each of the multipurpose tray 3A, the first tray 3B, and the second tray 3C. Therefore, the printer 3 can use the paper size sensor 38 for each tray to detect whether paper is set in that tray and the size of the paper set in that tray. The printer 3 stores the detected paper size for each paper feed tray. The user can also store the paper size of the paper set in each paper feed tray by operating the operation panel of the printer 3. Note that the printer 3 stores only the paper width of the roll paper stored in the second tray 3C.

Therefore, when the printer 3 of this embodiment receives a print job from the PC 2, it selects one of the paper feed trays based on the print settings included in the print job. In other words, it selects one of the paper feed trays specified by the paper feed method included in the print settings. Then, it feeds paper from the selected paper feed tray, making it possible to print. Also, if the print settings included in the print job received from the PC 2 include automatic selection as the paper feed method, it is possible to select one of the paper feed trays based on the paper size stored for each paper feed tray, and feed paper of the paper size set in the print settings from the selected tray.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer. Next, the electrical configuration of printer 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

That is, the printer 3 has a controller 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) 34. The printer 3 also has a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 35, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 36, a USB interface (hereinafter referred to as "USB IF") 37, and a paper size sensor 38, which are electrically connected to the controller 30.

The ROM 32 stores various control programs for controlling the printer 3, various settings, initial values, etc. The RAM 33 is used as a working area from which the various control programs are read, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The CPU 31 controls each component of the printer 3 according to the control programs read from the ROM 32, while storing the processing results in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34. The RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34 constitutes the storage unit.

The CPU 31 is an example of a control unit. The controller 30 may also be an example of a control unit. Note that the controller 30 in FIG. 5 is a general term for hardware used to control the printer 3, such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the printer 3.

The user IF 35 is hardware that displays notifications to the user and accepts user input instructions. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the user IF 35 is composed of a display 35A for displaying information on the screen and a number of keys 35B for accepting input operations by the user.

The communication IF 36 is hardware for communicating with the PC 2 connected via a network. The USB IF 37 is hardware for communicating with devices connected based on the USB standard, and is responsible for the communication function of the printer 3.

The printing mechanism 61, the first conveying mechanism 62, the second conveying mechanism 63, the third conveying mechanism 64 and the cutting mechanism 65 are electrically connected to the controller 30. Therefore, the controller 30 is capable of controlling their operations.

Next, the processing by the printer driver 43 of this embodiment will be described. Note that the following processing and each processing step of the flowchart basically indicate the processing by the CPU 21 according to the instructions written in each program. In other words, the processing by the CPU 21 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS 41 of the PC 2. In this specification, the operation of each program will be described without mentioning the OS 41. 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 API of the OS 41." Also, the processing of the CPU 21 according to the instructions written in the program may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, it may be described as "performed by the CPU 21" or "performed by the program."

The steps of the printing process performed by the printer driver 43 in this embodiment are described below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 6.

First, in step 10 (hereinafter referred to as S10), the CPU 21 determines whether or not print instruction information has been received from the OS 41. If it is determined that print instruction information has not been received (S10: NO), the process proceeds to S11, where the CPU 21 executes other processes and then returns to S10.

On the other hand, if the user inputs an instruction to print on the print application 42, in S10, the CPU 21 determines that the print instruction information has been accepted (S10: YES), and proceeds to the next step S12, where the CPU 21 determines whether the margin deletion mode has been selected.

Here, if the user currently selects margin deletion in the margin deletion selection field 522 of the special function setting screen 52 shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 21 determines that the margin deletion mode is selected (S12: YES) and proceeds to the next step S13.

If the user does not select margin deletion in the margin deletion selection field 522 on the special function setting screen 52, the CPU 21 determines in S12 that the margin deletion mode has not been selected (S12: NO), and proceeds to the next step S25, where the CPU 21 executes normal printing processing.

Next, in S13, the CPU 21 determines whether "Check margins for each page" or "Check margins only on last page" is selected in the margin confirmation selection field 523 on the special function setting screen 52. Note that "Check margins for each page" is an example of a first option for the shortening mode setting, and "Check margins only on last page" is an example of a second option for the shortening mode setting.

Here, if the user selects "Check margins for each page" on the special function setting screen 52, in S13, the CPU 21 determines that "Check margins for each page" has been selected (S13: each page), and proceeds to the next step S14.

Next, in S14, the CPU 21 draws one page of image in the print area secured in the storage area of the memory 24 based on the image data and print settings specified in the print instruction information.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 7(A) and (B), the paper width W1 and paper height H1 of the print area 71 are based on the paper size selected by the user in the paper size selection field 513 of the print setting screen 51. For example, if the user selects A4 as the paper size, the paper width W1 of the print area 71 will be 210 mm, and the paper height H1 will be 297 mm. Then, one page of image 72 is drawn in the print area 71 based on the image data specified in the print instruction information.

The paper size is not limited to A4, and may be any size of standard paper such as B4, A5, B5, A6, A3, etc. In any case, it is preferable to store roll paper having the same paper width as the standard paper selected in the paper size selection field 513 of the print setting screen 51 in the second tray 3C, but it is not necessary to store roll paper having the same paper width as the standard paper in the second tray 3C, and it is acceptable for the two paper widths to be different. The second tray 3C is an example of a specific tray.

Next, in S15, the CPU 21 verifies the length of the bottom margin in the print area 71. Specifically, in the state shown in FIG. 7(A), a margin D1 having a transport direction length H2 that does not exceed 40% of the paper height H1 is generated between the bottom end of the lower image 72 and the bottom end of the print area 71. Also, in the state shown in FIG. 7(B), a margin D2 having a transport direction length H3 that is 40% or more of the paper height H1 is generated between the bottom end of the image 72 and the bottom end of the print area 71. Note that the margins D1 and D2 are examples of trailing edge margins. Also, the transport direction lengths H2 and H3 of the margins are examples of a first determination value.

Next, in S16, the CPU 21 compares the margin lengths H2 and H3 in the transport direction with the paper size, i.e., the paper height H1 of the print area 73, to determine whether they are equal to or greater than a threshold value. In this embodiment, the margin threshold value is set as a ratio to the paper height H1 of the print area 73. This process is an example of a first determination process. Also, the margin threshold value set in the margin threshold selection field 524 is an example of a first threshold value.

In this embodiment, the margin threshold is set as a percentage of the paper height H1 of the print area 73, but this is not limited to this. For example, it may be set as the physical length of the margin when printed (which may be in centimeters, millimeters, or inches). However, setting it as a percentage of the paper height H1 provides better applicability even when the paper size changes. It is also possible to use a fixed value as the margin threshold.

Here, for example, if the user selects 40% as the margin threshold in the margin threshold selection field 524 on the special function setting screen 52, in the state shown in FIG. 7(B), in S16, the CPU 21 determines that the length H3 of the margin D2 relative to the paper height H1 of the print area 71 is the threshold, i.e., 40% or more (S16: YES), and proceeds to the next step S17. Note that the margin threshold is not limited to 40%, and may be selected as appropriate.

Next, in S17, the CPU 21 creates print data based on the image data specified in the print instruction information, excluding image data corresponding to the margin D2. This process is an example of a shortening process. In this embodiment, the print data is created excluding all image data corresponding to the margin D2, but this is not limited to the above, and it is sufficient that the length H3 of the margin D2 is shortened. For example, the print data may be created without excluding image data corresponding to the margin D2 on the lower part of the image 72.

Next, in S18, the CPU 21 redefines the paper size, which has the paper width W1 and paper height H4 of the print data created in S17, as a user-defined size. Note that the paper width W1 of the user-defined size does not change, but the paper height H4 is the value obtained by subtracting the length H3 of the margin D2 from the paper height H1 of the print area 71.

Next, in S19, the CPU 21 resets the paper feed tray in the paper feed method in the print settings to the second tray 3C, which is a tray for roll paper. That is, even if the user selects automatic selection, multipurpose tray 3A, or first tray 3B in the paper feed method selection field 517, the paper feed method in the print settings is reset to second tray 3C. Note that this process is an example of a change process. Also, in this process, the paper type may be changed to roll paper.

Next, in S20, the CPU 21 creates a new print job. Specifically, in the print settings of the new print job, the paper size is changed to the user-defined size redefined in S18, the paper feed method is changed to the second tray 3C redefined in S19, and the print data is composed of the print data created in S17.

Next, in S21, the CPU 21 displays the preview screen 53 shown in FIG. 8A on the display 28A based on the new print job, and proceeds to the next step S22. Specifically, the preview screen 53 displays the image 72 arranged on the print area 71 that corresponds to the user-defined size redefined in S18, i.e., the paper width W1 and paper height H4. This process is an example of the first preview process.

Next, in S22, the CPU 21 determines whether the user has operated the OK button 531 or the Cancel button 532 displayed on the preview screen 53. If the user has operated the OK button 531, the CPU 21 determines that the OK button 531 has been operated to execute printing (S22: YES), and then, in S23, the CPU 21 transmits the new print job created in S20 to the printer 3, and ends this process.

In this manner, in this embodiment, after generating a print job in which at least a portion of the bottom margin has been deleted, a preview is displayed before the print job is output to the printer, with image 72 positioned on print area 71 that corresponds to the user-defined size redefined in S18, i.e., paper width W1 and paper height H4, which is expected to prevent printing that is not intended by the user.

On the other hand, if the user operates the cancel button 532 in S22, the CPU 21 determines that the cancel button 532 has been operated and printing will not be performed, i.e., the printing is canceled (S22: NO), and in the next step S24, the CPU 21 executes the printing cancellation process and then ends this process.

On the other hand, if the user selects, for example, 40% as the margin threshold in the margin threshold selection field 524 on the special function setting screen 52, in the state shown in FIG. 7(A), the length H2 of the margin D1 is not greater than or equal to the threshold, so in S16, the CPU 21 determines that the length H2 of the margin D1 is not greater than or equal to the threshold (S16: NO) and proceeds to the next step S25.

Next, in S25, the CPU 21 creates one page of print data based on the image data specified in the print instruction information, and then in the next step S26, the CPU 21 sends the print job to the printer 3, and then ends this process. In other words, this process ends after normal print processing is performed. In this case, the print preview is omitted because the margins have not been changed.

On the other hand, if the user selects "Check margins only on last page" on the special function setting screen 52 in S13, the CPU 21 determines in S13 that "Check margins only on last page" has been selected (S13: last page only), and proceeds to the next step S31 shown in FIG. 9.

Next, in S31, the CPU 21 draws images for all pages in the total print area 74 secured in the storage area of the memory 24 based on the image data and print settings specified in the print instruction information.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7C, the paper width W1 and paper height H1 of the print area 71 corresponding to one sheet of standard paper are based on the paper size selected by the user in the paper size selection field 513 of the print setting screen 51. For example, if the user selects A4 as the paper size, the paper width W1 of the print area 71 for one sheet of standard paper is 210 mm, and the paper height H1 is 297 mm. Furthermore, if the user prints on two sheets of standard paper, the paper height H5 of the total print area 74 including two sheets of standard paper is 594 mm. Here, two pages of image 72 are drawn in the total print area 74 based on the image data specified in the print instruction information.

Next, in S32, the CPU 21 verifies the length of the bottom margin in the lower print area 71. This process is an example of a margin determination process. Specifically, in the state shown in FIG. 7C, a margin D3 with a length H6 that is 40% or more of the paper height H1 of the paper size selected by the user is generated between the bottom end of the image 72 in the lower print area 71 and the bottom end of the lower print area 71. The margin D3 is an example of a trailing end margin. The length H6 of the margin D3 in the transport direction is an example of a first determination value.

Next, in S33, the CPU 21 compares the length H6 of the margin D3 in the transport direction with the paper size, i.e., the paper height H1 of the print area 71, to determine whether it is equal to or greater than a threshold value. This process is an example of a first determination process.

Here, for example, if the user selects 40% as the margin threshold in the margin threshold selection field 524 on the special function setting screen 52, in the state shown in FIG. 7(C), in S33, the CPU 21 determines that the length H6 of the margin D3 in the transport direction is equal to or greater than the threshold (S33: YES), and proceeds to the next step S34.

Next, in S34, the CPU 21 creates print data for the last page based on the image data specified in the print instruction information, excluding image data corresponding to the margin D3. This process is an example of a shortening process. In this embodiment, the print data is created excluding image data corresponding to the margin D3, but this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the length H6 of the margin D3 is shortened. For example, it is also acceptable to create print data without excluding image data corresponding to the margin D3 on the lower part of the image 72.

Next, in S35, the CPU 21 creates print data in which all pages are concatenated to form one page based on the image data specified in the print instruction information. That is, in this embodiment shown in FIG. 7(C), print data is created in which two pages are concatenated to form one page.

Next, in S36, the CPU 21 redefines the paper size, which has the paper width W1 and paper height H7 of the print data created in S35, as a user-defined size. In this case, the paper width W1 of the user-defined size does not change, but the paper height H7 is the value obtained by subtracting the length H6 of the margin D3 from the paper height H5 of the entire print area 74.

Next, in S37, the CPU 21 resets the paper feed tray in the paper feed method in the print settings to the second tray 3C, which is a tray for roll paper. That is, even if the user selects automatic selection, multipurpose tray 3A, or first tray 3B in the paper feed method selection field 517, the paper feed method in the print settings is reset to the second tray 3C. Note that this process is an example of a change process. Also, in this process, it is acceptable to change the paper type to roll paper.

Next, in S38, the CPU 21 creates a new print job. Specifically, the new print job is configured such that, in the print settings, the paper size is the user-defined size redefined in S36, the paper feed method is the second tray 3C redefined in S37, and the print data is the print data created in S34.

Next, in S39, the CPU 21 displays the preview screen 53 shown in FIG. 8B on the display 28A based on the new print job created in S38, and then proceeds to S19 shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, the preview screen 53 displays the image 72 arranged over the entire print area 74, which corresponds to the user-defined size redefined in S36, i.e., the paper width W1 and paper height H7. This process is an example of a second preview process.

In this way, in this embodiment, by previewing an image in which all pages, including the shortened final page, are concatenated to form one page before the print job is output to the printer, it is possible to prevent printing that the user does not intend.

On the other hand, if in S33 the CPU 21 compares the paper height H1 of the print area 71 with the threshold value and determines that it is not equal to or greater than the threshold value (S33: NO), the process proceeds to S25 shown in FIG. 6, where print data for multiple pages, i.e., in this embodiment, two pages, is created, and normal print processing is performed.

Next, the procedure for the printing process by the printer 3 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 10. The printing process by the printer 3 is executed by the CPU 31.

That is, in S41, the CPU 31 determines whether data has been received from the PC 2. If data has been received from the PC 2, the CPU 31 determines that data has been received (S41: YES) and proceeds to S42. On the other hand, if data has not been received from the PC 2, the CPU 31 determines that data has not been received (S41: NO) and repeats the process of S41.

Next, in S42, the CPU 31 determines whether the received data is a print job. If the received data is a print job, the CPU 31 determines that the received data is a print job (S42: YES) and then proceeds to S44. If the received data is not a print job, the CPU 31 determines that the received data is not a print job (S42: NO) and then proceeds to S43 to execute other processing, and then returns to S41.

Next, in S44, the CPU 31 analyzes the print settings included in the received print job. Next, in S45, the CPU 31 determines whether the second tray 3C is selected as the supply method in the analyzed print settings.

Here, in the case of the print job sent in S23 of FIG. 6, the second tray 3C is set as the supply method, so in S45, the CPU 31 determines that the second tray 3C is selected as the supply method (S45: YES), and then proceeds to S46.

Next, in S46, the CPU 31 executes printing based on the print settings and print data included in the print job. In this case, the third transport mechanism 64 supplies long sheets of paper from the roll paper in the second tray 3C, and the printing mechanism 61 sequentially prints images on the long sheets of paper supplied by the third transport mechanism 64.

Next, in S47, the CPU 31 determines whether printing has finished. If printing has not yet finished, the CPU 31 determines that printing has not finished (S47: NO) and continues to execute the process of S46.

On the other hand, if printing has finished, the CPU 31 determines that printing has finished (S47: YES), and in the next step S48, the CPU 31 drives the cutting mechanism 65 to cut the long paper, and then ends the printing process. The cut paper is transported by the third transport mechanism 64 and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 3D.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when printing is performed based on a new print job created in S20 shown in Figure 6, image 72 is printed on paper 73 with paper width W1 and paper height H4, as shown in Figure 7 (B). Also, when printing is performed based on a new print job created in S38 shown in Figure 9, image 72 is printed on paper 73 with paper width W1 and paper height H7, as shown in Figure 7 (C).

In this manner, in this embodiment, the image corresponding to the print instruction is printed on the roll paper, and by shortening the length of the trailing margin in the transport direction, the printer requires less roll paper to be transported to print the image corresponding to the print instruction when printing on the roll paper, compared to when the trailing margin is not shortened, thereby reducing paper waste.

On the other hand, if the second tray 3C is not selected as the supply method in the analyzed print settings in S45, the CPU 31 determines that the second tray 3C is not selected as the supply method (S45: NO), and then in S49, the CPU 31 executes printing based on the print settings and print data included in the print job. In this case, pre-cut standard size paper is supplied to the printing mechanism 61 by the first transport mechanism 62 or the second transport mechanism 63 from the multipurpose tray 3A or the first tray 3B, and printing is executed.

Next, in S50, the CPU 31 determines whether printing has finished. If printing has not yet finished, the CPU 31 determines that printing has not finished (S50: NO) and continues to execute the process of S49.

On the other hand, if printing has finished, the CPU 31 determines that printing has finished (S50: YES) and ends the printing process. The paper on which the image has been printed is transported by the first transport mechanism 62 or the second transport mechanism 63 and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 3D.

Therefore, in this embodiment, after S25 in FIG. 6, if printing is performed based on the print job sent in S26, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the image is printed on paper 73 with paper width W1 and paper height H1, i.e., pre-cut standard size paper 73.

In this embodiment, a case where "Check margins for each page" is selected in the margin confirmation selection field 523 on the special function setting screen 52 and printing is performed on one sheet of paper has been described, but this is not limited to the above. For example, even when printing on multiple sheets of paper, it is possible to detect the length of the margin on the rear end side of the transport direction for each page in the transport direction, and perform or do not perform margin shortening processing for each page depending on the detected length in the transport direction.

In this case, the margins are shortened for each page, which helps reduce paper waste.

Second Embodiment
The procedure of the printing process by the printer according to the second embodiment will be briefly described below. In the first embodiment, the margin specification process for specifying the trailing margin is performed on the PC 2 side, but in the second embodiment, it is performed on the printer 3 side, and in this respect, the first and second embodiments are significantly different. In the description, the same reference numerals are used to denote parts that have the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

In other words, in this embodiment, in the printing process procedure shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 31 may be configured to execute the processes S12 to S20 shown in FIG. 6, the process S25, and the processes S31 to S38 shown in FIG. 9 between S42 and S44.

Then, in S46, the CPU 31 executes printing based on the print job created in S20 shown in FIG. 6 and S38 shown in FIG. 9. In addition, in S49, the CPU 31 executes printing based on the print job created in S25 shown in FIG. 6.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the image corresponding to the print instruction is printed on the roll paper, and by shortening the length of the trailing margin in the transport direction, the printer requires less roll paper to be transported to print the image corresponding to the print instruction when printing on the roll paper, compared to when the trailing margin is not shortened, thereby reducing paper waste.

Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Naturally, therefore, the present invention can be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the printer 3 is not limited to a device with a single printing function, but may also be a device equipped with a document reading function or a fax sending/receiving function. This embodiment can also be applied to a PC 2 connected to a multifunction device, copier, fax machine, etc. instead of the printer 3. Also, two or more printers may be connected to the PC 2.

The screen configurations shown in each figure are merely examples and are not limited to the examples shown. For example, the Basic tab 51A screen of the print settings screen 51 accepts all of the selections for paper size, double-sided printing, and paper feed tray, but some of the selections may be accepted on a different screen, or each may be a different screen.

In addition, in this embodiment, in S19 shown in FIG. 6 and S37 shown in FIG. 9, the paper feed tray is reset to the second tray 3C, which is a tray for roll paper, in the paper feed method in the print settings, but this is not limited to this. For example, if roll paper is not set in the second tray 3C, a message may be displayed on the display 18A requesting the user to set roll paper in the second tray 3C, or a message may be displayed asking the user whether or not to change the paper feed method.

In this case, if the user does not load roll paper in the second tray 3C or does not wish to change the paper feed method, it is acceptable to configure the printer so that the paper feed method is not reset to the second tray 3C.

In addition, although this embodiment has been described as processing by the printer driver 43, the program of the present invention is not limited to a printer driver. It can also be applied to a PC having a so-called driverless configuration, in which an OS equipped with a general-purpose printing program instead of a printer driver is installed. The present invention can also be applied, for example, to a printing-related program that is installed in the PC separately from the general-purpose printing program, or a program that accepts print settings in cooperation with the general-purpose printing program.

In addition, in any of the flowcharts disclosed in each embodiment, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be changed or they can be executed in parallel as desired, as long as no inconsistencies occur in the process content.

The processes disclosed in each embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination of these. 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.

2 PC
3 Printer 41 OS
43 Printer driver 51 Print setting screen 511 Paper type selection field 517 Paper feed method selection field 52 Special function setting screen 522 Margin deletion selection field 523 Margin confirmation selection field 524 Threshold selection field

Claims (10)

A program executable by a computer of an information processing device,
The computer includes:
a receiving process is executed to receive print settings to be used for printing on a printer via a user interface of the information processing device, the print settings include a paper size and a paper feed method, options selectable for the paper feed method include a specific tray capable of transporting roll paper, and the printer has a plurality of trays including the specific tray;
The computer further comprises:
When a print instruction is received in a state where a size indicating a standard size paper is set as the paper size in the print settings,
a margin specification process for specifying a length in a transport direction of a trailing edge margin, which is a margin on a trailing edge side of a paper transport direction in the printer, based on print data indicating an image to be printed in the print command;
a first determination process for determining whether a first determination value based on a length of the trailing end margin in the transport direction identified in the margin identification process is greater than a first threshold value;
a change process of changing the paper feed method of the print settings to the specific tray when the first determination process determines that the first determination value is greater than the first threshold value;
a shortening process for shortening a length of the trailing end margin in the transport direction by removing at least a portion of the trailing end margin from the print data when the paper feed method is changed by the change process;
Execute the
A program characterized by: The program according to claim 1,
The print settings received in the reception process include a paper type,
In the change process,
when it is determined in the first determination process that the first determination value is greater than the first threshold value, the paper feed method in the print settings is changed to the specific tray, and further the paper type is set to roll paper.
A program characterized by: In the program according to claim 1 or 2,
The computer includes:
receiving a print instruction in a state where a size indicating a standard paper size is set as the paper size in the print settings, and when there are a plurality of pages of images input based on the received print instruction, executing the margin specification process, the first determination process, the change process, and the shortening process for each page;
A program characterized by: The program according to claim 3,
The computer includes:
When the length of the trailing end margin in the transport direction is shortened in the shortening process, before outputting a print job for printing the shortened image to the printer, a first preview process is executed in which the shortened image is displayed on the user interface for each page and a selection of whether or not to print is received via the user interface, and when the selection of printing is received in the first preview process, the print job is output to the printer, and when the selection of not printing is received in the first preview process, the print job is not output to the printer and the print job is canceled.
A program characterized by: In the program according to claim 1 or 2,
The computer includes:
receiving a print instruction in a state where a size indicating a standard paper size is set as the paper size in the print settings, and when there are multiple pages of images input based on the received print instruction, executing the margin specification process, the first determination process, the change process, and the shortening process for a final page of the multiple pages;
A program characterized by: The program according to claim 5,
The computer includes:
when the length of the trailing end margin in the transport direction is shortened in the shortening process, before outputting a print job for printing the shortened image to the printer, an image in which the images of the multiple pages are linked in the transport direction is displayed on the user interface, and a second preview process is executed in which a selection of whether or not to print is received via the user interface, and when the selection of printing is received in the second preview process, the print job is output to the printer, and when the selection of not printing is received in the second preview process, the print job is not output to the printer and the print job is canceled.
A program characterized by: In the program according to claim 1 or 2,
The print settings received in the reception process include a shortening mode setting including a first option for shortening the trailing margin for each page and a second option for shortening the trailing margin of a last page,
The computer includes:
When a print instruction is received in a state in which a size indicating a standard size paper is set as the paper size in the print settings, and an image input based on the received print instruction includes a plurality of pages,
If the shortening mode setting is the first option, the margin specifying process, the first determination process, the change process, and the shortening process are executed for each page;
if the shortening mode setting is the second option, the margin specifying process, the first determination process, the change process, and the shortening process are executed for a last page of the plurality of pages;
A program characterized by: The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The print settings received in the reception process include a shortening enable/disable setting indicating whether or not to shorten the trailing edge margin by using roll paper,
The computer includes:
When a print instruction is received in a state where a size indicating a standard size paper is set as the paper size in the print settings,
If the shortening setting is set to shorten the trailing edge margin by using roll paper, the margin specifying process, the first determination process, the change process, and the shortening process are executed;
If the shortening setting is set to not shorten the trailing edge margin by using roll paper, the margin specification process, the first determination process, the change process, and the shortening process are not executed.
A program characterized by: The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The print settings received in the reception process include a setting of the first threshold value,
In the first determination process,
determining whether the first determination value based on the length of the trailing end margin in the transport direction specified in the margin specification process is greater than the first threshold value included in the print settings;
A program characterized by: A printing unit;
a plurality of trays including a specific tray capable of transporting roll paper;
A controller;
In a printer comprising:
The controller:
A receiving process is executed to receive a print job, and the print settings of the print job include a paper size and a paper feeding method;
The controller further comprises:
When the paper size of the print settings of the print job received in the receiving process is set to a size indicating a standard size paper,
a margin specification process for specifying a length in a transport direction of a trailing end margin, which is a margin on a trailing end side of a paper in a transport direction, based on print data included in the print job;
a first determination process for determining whether a first determination value based on a length of the trailing end margin in the transport direction identified in the margin identification process is greater than a first threshold value;
a change process of changing the paper feed method of the print settings to the specific tray when the first determination process determines that the first determination value is greater than the first threshold value;
a shortening process for shortening a length of the trailing end margin in the transport direction by removing at least a portion of the trailing end margin from the print data when the paper feed method is changed by the change process;
Execute
A printer characterized by:

Images