JP4631733B2 - Print control apparatus, print control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, a print control method, and a program. In particular, the present invention relates to a print control apparatus, a print control method, and a program for controlling a printing time of a printing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printer is known that predicts an output completion time from print data and reduces the image quality and improves the speed when the predicted time does not satisfy the user's request (for example, see Patent Document 1) .)
JP 2004-362125 A

  However, since the printing speed varies depending on the printing contents and the like, it has been difficult for the conventional printer to accurately predict the output completion time. Further, since the conventional printer cannot accurately predict the output completion time, there is a possibility that the quality is excessively deteriorated.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a print control device that controls a printing apparatus, a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data to be printed by the printing device, and a print data acquisition unit Based on the print data acquired by the above, an expected time calculation unit that calculates an expected time for each page when the print data is printed on a medium, a specified time reception unit that receives a specified time from the outside, and an expected time calculation unit A time determination unit that determines whether or not the total estimated time for each page calculated by the step falls within a predetermined time range with respect to the specified time received by the specified time reception unit, and a variable that affects print quality. A parameter changing unit for changing the parameter value, and when the time determining unit determines that the total predicted time does not fall within the predetermined time range, the time determining unit The parameter change unit changes the value of the variable parameter until it is determined that the sum of the values falls within the predetermined time range, and the time determination unit determines that the total expected time falls within the predetermined time range. A parameter output unit that outputs to the printing apparatus that the parameter value should be printed is further provided. After printing is started by the printing apparatus, the parameter changing unit predicts print data that has not yet been printed by the time determination unit. Change the parameter value and output the parameter until it is determined that the total time is within the specified time range for the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the print start time from the specified time received by the specified time reception unit For the print data that has not yet been printed after printing is started by the printing device, the total time estimated by the time determination unit is within a predetermined time range. The effect to be printed by the value of the parameter determined that entering the output to the printing apparatus.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the print quality is controlled before the start of printing so as to complete the printing within a predetermined time range with respect to the designated time, and the printing is performed so as to complete the printing within the predetermined time range with respect to the designated time. Control the print quality even after it has started. Thereby, according to the 1st form of this invention, printing can be completed at the designated time with high precision.

  In the print control apparatus, when the time determination unit determines that the total expected time is longer than the predetermined time range, the parameter change unit changes the parameter in a direction of decreasing the print quality. Printing can be completed at a specified time with high accuracy, and printing can be performed with higher quality.

  In the print control apparatus, when the time determination unit determines that the total expected time is shorter than the predetermined time range, the parameter change unit may change the parameter in a direction to increase the print quality. Printing can be completed at a specified time with high accuracy, and printing can be performed with higher quality.

  The print control apparatus further includes a priority storage unit that stores a priority for changing parameters in association with a plurality of parameters, and the time determination unit determines that the total expected time is longer than a predetermined time range. In this case, the parameter changing unit changes the parameter in either one of the order of the priority order stored in the priority order storage unit and the reverse order, and the total of the predicted time is shorter than the predetermined time range by the time determination unit. The parameter changing unit may change the parameter in the other order of the order of priority stored in the priority order storage unit and the reverse order. Thereby, the quality of printing can be changed efficiently.

  The print control apparatus may further include a warning output unit that warns that the parameter is changed when a parameter lower than a predetermined order is changed. It is possible to control according to an instruction from the user or the like whether the printing quality is changed and the printing is completed in the designated period, or whether the printing is not completed in the designated period without changing the printing quality.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, a print control method for controlling a printing apparatus, in which print data is printed on a medium based on a procedure for obtaining print data to be printed by the printing apparatus and the print data A procedure for calculating an estimated time for each page, a procedure for receiving a specified time from the outside, a procedure for determining whether the total estimated time for each page falls within a predetermined time range for the specified time, and printing The procedure for changing the value of a variable parameter that affects the quality of the product, and if it is determined that the total expected time does not fall within the predetermined time range, the total expected time falls within the predetermined time range. A procedure for changing the value of the variable parameter until it is determined, a procedure for outputting to the printing device that printing should be performed with the value of the parameter determined that the total expected time falls within a predetermined time range, and printing apparatus After printing is started, for print data that has not been printed yet, it is determined that the total expected time falls within a predetermined time range for the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the print start time from the specified time. Until the process of changing the parameter value and the parameter value determined that the total estimated time is within the predetermined time range for print data that has not yet been printed after printing is started by the printing apparatus. And a procedure for outputting information to be printed to a printing apparatus. Thereby, according to the 2nd form of this invention, the effect similar to a 1st form can be acquired.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling a printing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus prints print data on a medium based on a procedure for obtaining print data to be printed by the printing apparatus and the print data. The procedure for calculating the expected time for each page, the procedure for receiving the specified time from the outside, the procedure for determining whether the total expected time for each page falls within the predetermined time range for the specified time, the print quality A procedure for changing the value of a variable parameter that affects the time, when it is determined that the total expected time does not fall within the predetermined time range, the total predicted time is determined to fall within the predetermined time range Up to a variable parameter value, a procedure for outputting to the printing device that printing should be performed with a parameter value determined that the total expected time falls within a predetermined time range, and After printing is started, for print data that has not been printed yet, until the total estimated time is determined to fall within a predetermined time range for the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the print start time from the specified time , A procedure for changing the parameter value, and a parameter value for which the total estimated time is determined to fall within a predetermined time range for print data that has not yet been printed after printing is started by the printing apparatus. A procedure for outputting information to be printed to the printing apparatus is executed. Thereby, according to the 3rd form of this invention, the effect similar to a 1st form can be acquired.

  The above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be the invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the scope of claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are included. It is not necessarily essential for the solution of the invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a printing apparatus 10 and a printing control apparatus 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing apparatus 10 prints characters and images shown in the print data on the medium 30. The print control apparatus 20 supplies print data to the printing apparatus 10 and controls the operation of the printing apparatus 10. The print control device 20 includes a control device main body 22 that executes a program for controlling the print control device 20. The print control device 20 further includes a display 24 that displays to the user based on the output from the control device main body 22, and a keyboard 26 and a mouse 28 as examples of input means for the control device main body 22 from the user. Good.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the printing apparatus 10. The printing apparatus 10 in FIG. 2 shows a state where the cover 110 is opened from the main body 100. The printing apparatus 10 prints on the medium 30 by ejecting ink onto the medium 30. In this case, the printing apparatus 10 may receive image data or a print job from an image distribution server or a PC that can communicate with the printing apparatus 10, or an insertion slot for inserting a memory card is provided in the printing apparatus 10, The image data read from the memory card inserted into the insertion slot may be developed by the printing apparatus 10 and printed as a print job.

  The printing apparatus 10 in FIG. 2 includes, in order from the conveyance direction of the medium 30, a placement unit 120 that places the medium 30, and a medium conveyance unit 130 that conveys the medium 30 placed on the placement unit 120 in the conveyance direction. A medium printing unit 150 that performs printing by ejecting ink onto the medium 30 conveyed by the medium conveyance unit 130.

  FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the medium conveyance unit 130 and the medium printing unit 150 of the printing apparatus 10, and FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the medium printing unit 150 viewed from the medium 30 side. As shown in FIG. 3, the medium conveyance unit 130 is arranged to oppose each other on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the medium 30, on the conveyance drive roller 132, on the conveyance driven roller 134, and on the downstream side. And a discharge driven roller 136 and a discharge driven roller 138. The conveyance drive roller 132 and the conveyance driven roller 134 sandwich the medium 30 placed on the placement unit 120 in FIG. In this state, the conveyance driving roller 132 is rotationally driven by a motor or the like, so that the conveyance driving roller 132 and the conveyance driven roller 134 convey the medium 30 below the medium printing unit 150. When the medium 30 is further conveyed and reaches the discharge driving roller 136 and the discharge driven roller 138, the discharge driving roller 136 and the discharge driven roller 138 sandwich the medium 30. Further, in this state, the discharge driving roller 136 is rotationally driven by a motor or the like to discharge the medium 30 from the printing apparatus 10.

  Further, the medium printing unit 150 is arranged in the conveyance direction of the medium 30 by a guide plate 152 that is stretched in the lateral direction of the printing apparatus 10 and a belt that is stretched along the guide plate 152 by a motor (not shown). A carriage 154 that is driven to reciprocate in the intersecting direction, a cartridge 156 that contains ink and is detachably mounted on the carriage 154, and a print head 158 that discharges ink supplied from the cartridge 156 toward the medium 30. . As shown in FIG. 4, the print head 158 has a plurality of nozzles 160, and ink is ejected from these nozzles 160 at a predetermined timing. As a result, the medium printing unit 150 prints characters and print images to be printed on the medium 30 on the medium 30.

  FIG. 5 shows a functional block configuration of the control device main body 22 together with the printing device 10. The control device main body 22 includes an application unit 210 and a print control unit 220. The application unit 210 generates print data including images and characters to be printed on the medium 30. The print control unit 220 inputs the print data generated by the application unit 210 and outputs it to the printing apparatus 10. Further, the print control unit 220 changes the value of the parameter that controls the operation of the printing apparatus 10 and outputs to the printing apparatus 10 that printing should be performed based on the value of the parameter. The print control unit 220 may output print data input from other than the application unit 210 to the printing apparatus 10 instead of the print data generated by the application unit 210. Further, if the printing apparatus 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, the printing control unit 220 may be provided in the printing apparatus 10.

  More specifically, the print control unit 220 includes a parameter storage unit 224, a print data acquisition unit 226, an expected time calculation unit 228, a parameter change unit 229, a specified time reception unit 230, and a time determination unit 232. A parameter output unit 234, a priority order storage unit 236, a warning output unit 238, a printing speed characteristic acquisition unit 240, and a printing speed characteristic storage unit 242. The parameter storage unit 224 stores variable parameter values that affect print quality. For example, the parameter storage unit 224 determines whether to perform interlaced printing, whether to perform bidirectional printing, whether to perform automatic image quality adjustment, image quality mode (resolution, paper feed amount, number of nozzles), edge The distinction between margins, paper type, color / monochrome distinction, presence / absence of use of composite black, and the like are stored as parameter values.

  The print data acquisition unit 226 acquires print data to be printed by the printing apparatus 10. The estimated time calculation unit 228 calculates the estimated time for each page when the print data is printed on the medium 30 based on the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 226 and the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 224. To do. That is, the expected time calculation unit 228 calculates the expected time from the start of printing to the completion of printing for each page. The parameter changing unit 229 changes the value of a variable parameter that affects the print quality stored in the parameter storage unit 224 based on the determination result by the time determination unit 232. When the parameter value is changed, the expected time calculation unit 228 again prints the print data on the medium 30 based on the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 226 and the changed parameter value. Calculate the expected time for each page.

  The specified time reception unit 230 receives a specified time from the outside. For example, the designated time receiving unit 230 receives a desired printing time from the start of printing to the completion of printing set by the user or the like as the designated time. The time determination unit 232 determines whether or not the total predicted time for each page calculated by the expected time calculation unit 228 falls within a predetermined time range with respect to the specified time received by the specified time reception unit 230. In other words, the time determination unit 232 sets the time range in consideration of the margin time with respect to the specified time as a predetermined time range, and within the predetermined time range, the total expected time (when print data is printed for all pages) It is determined whether or not an expected value of the time taken for the

  If the total estimated time does not fall within the predetermined time range, the time determination unit 232 feeds back to that effect to the parameter change unit 229. The parameter changing unit 229 changes the value of a variable parameter that affects the print quality when the total expected time does not fall within a predetermined time range. Then, the predicted time calculation unit 228 calculates the predicted time for each page again based on the parameter changed by the parameter change unit 229 and outputs it to the time determination unit 232. When the estimated time for each page is input again, the time determining unit 232 determines again whether or not the total estimated time falls within a predetermined time range. Then, the predicted time calculation unit 228, the parameter change unit 229, and the time determination unit 232 repeat the above processing until the total predicted time is within a predetermined time range. When the total estimated time is within the predetermined time range, the time determination unit 232 notifies the parameter output unit 234 to that effect.

  When the parameter output unit 234 receives a notification that the total predicted time is within the predetermined time range, the parameter output unit 234 uses the parameter value determined by the time determination unit 232 to be within the predetermined time range. The fact that printing is to be performed is output to the printing apparatus 10. That is, the parameter output unit 234 indicates that printing should be performed with the value of the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit 224 when the time determination unit 232 determines that the total expected time is within a predetermined time range. 10 is output.

  The priority order storage unit 236 stores priorities for changing parameters in association with a plurality of parameters whose values are changed by the parameter change unit 229. The parameter changing unit 229 selects a parameter to be changed according to the priority order stored in the priority order storage unit 236 when changing the value of the parameter that affects the print quality. The warning output unit 238 warns that when the parameter changing unit 229 changes a parameter equal to or lower than the predetermined order stored in the priority order storage unit 236.

  The printing speed characteristic acquisition unit 240 acquires the characteristics of the printing apparatus 10 relating to the printing speed (hereinafter referred to as printing speed characteristics) from the printing apparatus 10 and writes them in the printing speed characteristic storage unit 242. The printing speed characteristic storage unit 242 stores the printing speed characteristic acquired by the printing speed characteristic acquisition unit 240. The printing speed characteristic storage unit 242 reads the printing speed characteristic stored by the expected time calculation unit 228 when calculating the expected time. The predicted time calculation unit 228 may calculate the predicted speed for each page with reference to the printing speed characteristic written in the printing speed characteristic storage unit 242.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the priority order of parameters stored in the priority order storage unit 236. When the parameter changing unit 229 changes a plurality of parameters for the purpose of raising or lowering the print quality, the priority order storage unit 236 may store the priority order of change for the plurality of parameters. For example, the priority order storage unit 236 may set the order in which the difference in print results is less noticeable before and after the change as the priority order when the value is changed in the direction of decreasing the quality.

  As an example of the priority order when the value is changed in the direction of decreasing the quality, the priority order storage unit 236 determines whether or not to perform interlace (first order) or whether to perform bidirectional printing (second order). , Whether to perform automatic image quality correction (3rd order), change of image quality mode (change of resolution and paper feed amount) (4th order), change of image quality mode (number of nozzles) (5th order), border -Borderless printing (sixth order), paper type change (seventh order), color / monochrome change (eighth order), and presence / absence of use of composite black (seventh order) may be stored. Further, the priority order storage unit 236 may store, as an example of the priority order when the value is changed in the direction of increasing the quality, the reverse order of the priority order when the value is changed in the direction of decreasing the quality.

  Since the print control unit 220 can change the values in order from the effective parameters by changing the parameters in accordance with the priority order in this way, the print quality can be changed efficiently as a result.

  Further, the warning output unit 238 may warn that when the parameter changing unit 229 changes a parameter of a predetermined order or lower. For example, the warning output unit 238 warns that effect by displaying a warning screen on the display 24. Further, the warning output unit 238 may accept permission / non-permission of parameter change according to the warning, for example. The warning output unit 238 causes the parameter changing unit 229 to change the parameter when permitted by the user, and does not cause the parameter changing unit 229 to change the parameter when not permitted by the user. You may control.

  In the example in which the parameters shown in FIG. 6 are set, the warning output unit 238 may give a warning when changing the parameters of the fourth priority or lower as an example. That is, the warning output unit 238 changes the image quality mode (change in resolution and paper feed amount) (fourth order), changes the image quality mode (number of nozzles) (fifth order), and prints with and without borders (first order). (6 rank), change of paper type (seventh rank), color / monochrome change (8th rank), and presence / absence of use of composite black (9th rank) may be warned.

  By giving the warning as described above, the print control unit 220 determines whether the user can change the quality and complete the printing in the designated period, or whether the printing can be completed in the designated period without changing the printing quality. It is possible to control in accordance with such an instruction.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of the print control unit 220 during printing. The print control unit 220 starts the operation of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7 when printing on the medium 30 is requested.

  First, the print data acquisition unit 226 acquires print data from the outside (S110). Next, the expected time calculation unit 228 acquires the parameter value of the currently set reference quality from the parameter storage unit 224 (S120). Next, based on the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 226 and the parameter value acquired from the parameter storage unit 224, the expected time calculation unit 228 calculates the expected time for each page (from the start of printing to the completion of the page). Time).

As an example, the predicted time calculation unit 228 may calculate the predicted time for each page based on the following formula (1).
Estimated time of one page = (reference printing time for set quality) × (paper area of print data) / (paper area of reference paper) (1)
Note that (reference print time in set quality) refers to a print time when printing is performed on a reference sheet using currently set parameters. For example, the expected time calculation unit 228 may store (reference printing time in set quality) in advance for each set of parameter combination patterns that can be set.

  Next, the specified time reception unit 230 receives a specified time input from the user, for example, from the outside (S130). Next, the time determination unit 232 calculates a predetermined time range (a time range in which a margin time is considered with respect to the specified time) from the specified time received by the specified time receiving unit 230 (S140).

  Next, the time determination unit 232 determines whether or not the total expected time of each page calculated in step S130 falls within the predetermined time range calculated in step S140 (S150). Further, in step S150, when the time determining unit 232 determines that the total predicted time does not fall within the predetermined time range, the parameter changing unit 229 determines that the total estimated time is equal to the predetermined time. The variable parameter value that affects the print quality stored in the parameter storage unit 224 is changed until it is determined that it falls within the range. Then, the predicted time calculation unit 228 calculates the predicted time again based on the changed parameter.

  Here, there is a correlation between printing quality and printing time. Specifically, there is a relationship in which the printing time is shortened when the printing quality is lowered, and the printing time is lengthened when the printing quality is raised. In step S150, the parameter change unit 229 stores the parameter change unit 229 in the parameter storage unit 224 so as to reduce the print quality when the time determination unit 232 determines that the total expected time is longer than the predetermined time range. Parameters may be changed. On the other hand, when the time determination unit 232 determines that the total estimated time is shorter than the predetermined time range, the parameter change unit 229 changes the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 224 in the direction of increasing the print quality. You may change it.

  Further, in step S150, when the time determining unit 232 determines that the total estimated time is longer than the predetermined time range, the parameter changing unit 229 determines the order of priority stored in the priority storing unit 236 and The parameters may be selected one by one in the reverse order to change the values, and this may be repeated until the total expected time falls within a predetermined time range. More specifically, if it is determined that the total expected time is longer than the predetermined time range, the priority storage unit 236 stores the priority when the value is changed in the direction of lowering the quality, The parameter changing unit 229 selects parameters one by one in the order of priority stored in the priority storage unit 236, and changes the selected values in order. If the priority storage unit 236 stores the priority when the value is changed in the direction of increasing the quality, the parameter changing unit 229 sets the parameters in the reverse order of the priority stored in the priority storage 236. Select one by one and change the selected values in order.

  Further, the parameter changing unit 229, when the time determining unit 232 determines that the total expected time is shorter than the predetermined time range, the other of the order of priority stored in the priority storing unit 236 and the other of the reverse order. The parameters may be selected one by one in order to change the value, and this may be repeated until the total expected time falls within a predetermined time range. More specifically, if it is determined that the total expected time is shorter than the predetermined time range, if the priority storage unit 236 stores the priority when the value is changed in the direction of reducing the quality, The parameter changing unit 229 selects the parameters one by one in the reverse order of the priority order stored in the priority order storage unit 236, and changes the selected value. Further, if the priority storage unit 236 stores the priority when the value is changed in the direction of increasing the quality, the parameter changing unit 229 sets the parameters in the order of the priority stored in the priority storage unit 236. Select one by one to change the selected value.

  When the process of step S150 is completed, the parameter output unit 234 starts the printing process (S160). Specifically, the parameter output unit 234 outputs the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 226 to the printing apparatus 10 and outputs to the printing apparatus 10 that printing should be performed with the parameter value set in step S150. To do. As a result, the printing apparatus 10 starts printing on the medium 30.

  Next, when printing is started by the printing apparatus 10 and then printing for one page or a predetermined number of pages is completed, the expected time calculation unit 228 is still based on the actual printing time of the page for which printing has been completed. The estimated time for each page for the unprinted page is calculated again (S170). For example, the expected time calculation unit 228 calculates a difference between an actual printing time of a page for which printing has been completed and an expected time for a page for which printing has been completed, and printing has not been performed based on the difference. Correct the expected time for each page.

  Next, the time determination unit 232 calculates the remaining time by subtracting the elapsed time from the print start time from the specified time received by the specified time receiving unit 230. Then, the time determination unit 232 calculates a predetermined time range from the calculated remaining time (S180).

  Next, the time determination unit 232 determines whether or not the total of the recalculated predicted times of each page calculated in step S170 falls within the predetermined time range calculated in step S180 (S190). . After printing is started by the printing apparatus 10, the parameter change unit 229 determines that the total estimated time by the time determination unit 232 for print data that has not been printed from the specified time received by the specified time reception unit 230. The parameter value is changed until it is determined that it falls within a predetermined time range with respect to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the print start time. Then, the predicted time calculation unit 228 calculates the predicted time based on the changed parameter (S190). The predicted time calculation unit 228, the parameter change unit 229, and the time determination unit 232 can perform the process of step S190 by performing the same process as step S150.

  When the process of step S190 is completed, the expected time calculation unit 228 returns the process to step S160. Next, the designated time reception unit 230 should print the print data that has not yet been printed with the parameter values determined in step S190 by the time determination unit 232 that the total expected time is within the predetermined time range. A message to the effect is output to the printing apparatus 10 (S160). Then, the print control unit 220 repeats the processes from step S160 to step S190 until printing is completed for all pages.

  As described above, the print control unit 220 first controls the print quality before the start of printing so that printing is completed within a predetermined time range. Further, the print control unit 220 sets the print quality for the pages that have not been printed based on the actual print time so that the print is completed within a predetermined time range with respect to the specified time even after printing is started. Control. Thereby, according to the print control part 220, printing can be completed within the predetermined time range correctly with respect to the designated time.

  In addition, the print control unit 220 reduces the print quality when the total estimated time is longer than the predetermined time range with respect to the specified time before the start of printing and after the start of printing. If it is determined that the time is shorter than the predetermined time range for the specified time, the print quality is increased. As a result, according to the print control unit 220, printing can be completed within a predetermined time range with high accuracy, and printing can be completed within a predetermined time range without excessively reducing the quality. Can print with high quality.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in steps S150 and S190 in FIG. First, the time determination unit 232 determines whether or not the total expected time of each page falls within a predetermined time range (S151). If the total predicted time of each page does not fall within the predetermined time range (No in S151), then the time determination unit 232 determines whether the total predicted time is longer or shorter than the predetermined time range. (S152).

  When the time determination unit 232 determines that the total estimated time is longer than the predetermined time range (Yes in S152), the parameter change unit 229 reads the priority stored in the priority storage 236, Select the parameter with the next priority of the previously changed parameter. Then, the parameter changing unit 229 changes the value stored in the parameter storage unit 224 in the direction of decreasing the print quality for the selected parameter (S153). In addition, when a warning is necessary for changing the parameter in step S153, the warning output unit 238 may output a warning.

  On the other hand, when the time determination unit 232 determines that the total expected time is shorter than the predetermined time range (No in S152), the parameter change unit 229 reads the priority stored in the priority storage 236. To select the parameter of the next priority of the parameter that has been changed previously. Then, the parameter change unit 229 changes the value stored in the parameter storage unit 224 in the direction of increasing the print quality for the selected parameter (S154). In addition, when a warning is necessary for changing the parameter in step S154, the warning output unit 238 may output a warning.

  In step S153 and step S154, for example, the parameter changing unit 229 lowers the quality by changing from “interlaced printing” to “not performing interlaced printing”, and the quality is changed by changing in reverse. You can raise it. Also, the quality may be lowered by changing from “perform bi-directional printing” to “do not perform bi-directional printing”, and vice versa. Further, the quality may be lowered by changing from “automatic image quality adjustment” to “no automatic image quality adjustment” and vice versa. Further, the quality may be lowered by changing the “image quality mode (resolution / paper feed amount, number of nozzles)” in the direction of low image quality, and the quality may be improved by changing in the direction of high image quality.

  Further, the parameter changing unit 229 may lower the quality by changing from “printing with a border” to “printing without a border”, and may increase the quality by changing the printing in reverse. Further, the quality may be lowered by changing the type of the medium 30 from “dedicated paper” to “plain paper” and vice versa. In addition, the quality may be lowered by changing from “color printing” to “monochrome printing”, and the quality may be raised by changing the print data when the printing data is color. Further, when the print data is color, the quality may be lowered by changing from “use composite black” to “do not use composite black”, and vice versa.

  When the parameter change is completed in step S153 or step S154, the predicted time calculation unit 228 next calculates the predicted time again based on the changed parameter value (S155). When the process of step S155 is completed, the predicted time calculation unit 228 returns the process to step S151, and thereafter, the predicted time calculation unit 228, the parameter change unit 229, and the time determination unit 232 calculate the total predicted time in step S151. Until it falls within the predetermined time range (Yes in S151), steps S152 to S155 are repeated. As a result, the print control unit 220 can change the parameter value so that the total expected time is within the predetermined time range.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for acquiring the printing speed characteristic from the printing apparatus 10. The print control unit 220 starts the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 when the print speed characteristic acquisition process is started.

  First, the printing speed characteristic acquisition unit 240 acquires the printing speed characteristic from the printing apparatus 10 (S210). In this case, for example, the printing speed characteristic acquisition unit 240 measures the printing speed characteristic in advance when the printing apparatus 10 is shipped, and reads information stored in advance in a memory or the like in the printing apparatus 10. In addition, when the printing speed characteristic varies depending on the individual and it is necessary to correct this value, the printing speed characteristic acquisition unit 240 may measure the printing speed characteristic by causing the printing apparatus 10 to perform a test operation. The print speed characteristic may be measured while printing some print data.

  As an example of the printing speed characteristic, the printing speed characteristic acquisition unit 240 includes the number of parameter stages related to quality that can be changed by the printing apparatus 10, the number of main scans per sub-scan according to the parameter stage, and the number of main scans per reference sheet. , Time per sub-scan on the reference paper, paper start processing time on the reference paper, paper end processing time on the reference paper, and the like may be acquired. In addition, when the processing for the upper end and the lower end at the time of borderless printing is different from the characteristics at the time of printing with borders, the printing speed characteristic acquisition unit 240 adds the respective printing speeds at the time of borderless printing. Characteristics may be acquired.

  Next, the printing speed characteristic storage unit 242 stores the printing speed characteristic acquired by the printing speed characteristic acquisition unit 240 (S220). The printing speed characteristic stored in the printing speed characteristic storage unit 242 is read by the predicted time calculation unit 228 when calculating the predicted time.

  The expected time calculation unit 228 calculates the expected time for the print data using the read print speed characteristic. For example, the expected time calculation unit 228 obtains the time for one main scan of the print data from the ratio of the paper width of the print data to the reference paper width, and prints the print data from the ratio of the paper height of the print data to the reference paper height. The time per sub-scan of data is obtained. Then, the predicted time calculation unit 228 may calculate the predicted time using these times. Further, since the paper start processing time and the paper end processing time are less affected by the difference in paper, the expected time calculation unit 228 is used for calculating the expected time without correcting the paper start processing time and the paper end processing time. You can do it. By acquiring the print speed characteristic in this way, the print control unit 220 can calculate the expected time more accurately.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a printing apparatus 10 and a printing control apparatus 20. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a printing apparatus 10 with a cover 110 opened. 2 is a side view schematically showing a medium transport unit and a medium printing unit 150 of the printing apparatus 10. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the medium printing unit 150 as viewed from the medium 30 side. FIG. The configuration of the functional blocks of the control device main body 22 is shown together with the printing device 10. An example of the priority order of parameters stored in the time determination unit 232 is shown. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the print control unit 220 during printing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process of step S150 of FIG. 7, and step S190. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing for acquiring printing speed characteristics from the printing apparatus 10;

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing apparatus, 20 Print control apparatus, 22 Control apparatus main body, 24 Display, 26 Keyboard, 28 Mouse, 30 Medium, 100 Main body, 110 Cover, 120 Mounting part, 130 Medium conveyance part, 132 Conveyance drive roller, 134 Conveyance follower Roller, 136 discharge driving roller, 138 discharge driven roller, 150 medium printing unit, 152 guide plate, 154 carriage, 156 cartridge, 158 print head, 160 nozzle, 210 application unit, 220 print control unit, 224 parameter storage unit, 226 printing Data acquisition unit, 228 Expected time calculation unit, 229 Parameter change unit, 230 Designated time reception unit, 232 Time determination unit, 234 Parameter output unit, 236 Priority order storage unit, 238 Warning output unit, 240 Print speed characteristic acquisition unit 242 Print speed characteristic storage

Claims (7)

A printing control device for controlling a printing device,
A print data acquisition unit for acquiring print data to be printed by the printing apparatus;
Based on the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit, an expected time calculation unit that calculates an expected time for each page when the print data is printed on a medium;
A designated time reception unit for receiving a designated time from the outside,
A time determination unit that determines whether the total of the predicted times for each page calculated by the predicted time calculation unit falls within a predetermined time range for the specified time received by the specified time reception unit;
A parameter changing unit that changes the value of a variable parameter that affects print quality,
When the time determination unit determines that the total expected time does not fall within the predetermined time range, the time determination unit determines that the total predicted time falls within the predetermined time range. Until the parameter changing unit changes the value of the variable parameter,
A parameter output unit that outputs to the printing device that printing is to be performed with the value of the parameter determined by the time determination unit so that the total of the expected times falls within the predetermined time range;
After printing is started by the printing apparatus, the parameter changing unit prints the total estimated time by the time determination unit from the specified time received by the specified time receiving unit for print data that has not yet been printed. Change the value of the parameter until it is determined that it falls within a predetermined time range for the remaining time minus the elapsed time from the start time,
The parameter output unit determines that the sum of the estimated times falls within the predetermined time range by the time determination unit for the print data that has not been printed yet after printing is started by the printing apparatus. A print control apparatus that outputs to the printing apparatus that printing should be performed with the parameter value.   The parameter changing unit changes the parameter in a direction to lower the printing quality when the time determining unit determines that the total of the expected times is longer than the predetermined time range. Print control device.   3. The parameter changing unit changes the parameter in a direction of increasing the print quality when the time determining unit determines that the total of the estimated times is shorter than the predetermined time range. The printing control apparatus according to 1. In correspondence with a plurality of the parameters, further comprising a priority storage unit storing a priority for changing the parameters,
When the time determination unit determines that the total expected time is longer than the predetermined time range, the parameter change unit may select either the order of the priorities stored in the priority storage unit or the reverse order. Change the parameters in either order,
When the time determination unit determines that the total predicted time is shorter than the predetermined time range, the parameter changing unit is configured to select the other of the order of priority and the reverse order stored in the priority storage unit. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameters are changed in the following order.   The print control apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a warning output unit that warns when the parameter of a predetermined order or less is changed. A printing control method for controlling a printing apparatus,
Obtaining print data to be printed by the printing apparatus;
A procedure for calculating an expected time for each page when the print data is printed on a medium based on the print data;
The procedure to accept the specified time from outside,
A procedure for determining whether or not the total of the expected times for each page falls within a predetermined time range for the specified time;
A procedure for changing the values of variable parameters that affect print quality,
When it is determined that the total expected time does not fall within the predetermined time range, the value of the variable parameter is changed until it is determined that the total expected time falls within the predetermined time range. And the steps to
A step of outputting to the printing apparatus that printing is to be performed with the value of the parameter determined that the sum of the expected times falls within the predetermined time range;
For print data that has not yet been printed after printing is started by the printing apparatus, the total expected time is within a predetermined time range with respect to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the print start time from the specified time. Changing the value of the parameter until it is determined to enter,
After printing is started by the printing device, the print data that has not yet been printed is to be printed with the value of the parameter that is determined that the sum of the expected times falls within the predetermined time range. A printing control method comprising: a procedure for outputting to a printing apparatus. A program for controlling a printing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus includes:
A procedure for acquiring print data to be printed by the printing apparatus;
A procedure for calculating an expected time for each page when the print data is printed on a medium based on the print data;
Procedure to accept the specified time from outside,
A procedure for determining whether the sum of the expected times for each page falls within a predetermined time range for the specified time;
A procedure for changing the values of variable parameters that affect print quality,
When it is determined that the total expected time does not fall within the predetermined time range, the value of the variable parameter is changed until it is determined that the total expected time falls within the predetermined time range. The steps to
A step of outputting to the printing device that printing is to be performed with the value of the parameter determined that the total of the expected times falls within the predetermined time range;
For print data that has not yet been printed after printing is started by the printing apparatus, the total expected time is within a predetermined time range with respect to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the print start time from the specified time. A procedure for changing the value of the parameter until it is determined to enter, and
After printing is started by the printing device, the print data that has not yet been printed is to be printed with the value of the parameter determined that the total expected time is within the predetermined time range. A program that executes the procedure to output to the printer.

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