JP2000015904A - Printer, control method therefor and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer in which work efficiency can be enhanced by utilizing a plurality of discharge sections effectively, a control method thereof and a memory medium. SOLUTION: If the size of a currently outputted sheet designated by a data included in a new print data received from a host computer is larger than the size of an already outputted sheet (of a job executed immediately before) (step S302), a decision is made whether a paper discharge bin is present below an already outputted paper discharge bin (step S303). If it is present, one paper discharge bin is designated (selected) as a current paper discharge bin (step S304). Consequently, an output sheet of larger size I discharged to a lower paper discharge bin.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having a plurality of print medium discharge units.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of discharge units such as a paper discharge bin for discharging print media such as recording paper and a plurality of paper feed units are provided, and a user can freely use these paper supply and discharge units. There is known a printing apparatus having a so-called paper handling function that can be selected. This apparatus is generally connected to a host device such as a plurality of computers and is shared by a plurality of users, accepts various print jobs, and performs printout on print media of various sizes and types desired by the user. it can.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional printing apparatus, when the number of users is large and the number of print jobs is diversified, each user has to spend time searching for the output result of his / her command from the discharge unit. In some cases, it was necessary.

For example, when an output recording sheet of A3 size is ejected to a bin having an ejection portion, and an output recording sheet of B5 or the like smaller than A3 is ejected to a bin immediately below the output section, B5 or the like is output. There is a possibility that a problem may occur that the output recording paper of the size is hidden by the output recording paper of the A3 size and is difficult to find. Similarly, it may be difficult to find the output result of a job with a small number of output sheets below the output result of a job with a large number of output sheets. Further, when there are a plurality of types of print media, it is troublesome to handle the bins to be ejected with the vertical relationship always different for each type. Therefore, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of improving work efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of effectively utilizing a plurality of discharge units to improve work efficiency and a control method thereof. Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus which prints out received print data on a print medium and discharges the print medium. A discharge unit control unit that controls a plurality of discharge units, wherein the discharge unit control unit discharges the print medium from the plurality of discharge units based on designated data included in the print data. It is characterized in that a discharge unit to be selected is selected.

In order to achieve the same object, a printing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to the first aspect, includes storage means for storing designated data included in print data of a print job that has been already executed, Comparing means for comparing the specified data stored by the storage means with the specified data included in the print data of the job to be executed this time, wherein the discharge unit control means performs the printing based on the comparison result by the comparing means It is characterized in that a discharge unit from which a medium is to be discharged is selected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the designated data is a size of a print medium.

In order to achieve the same object, a printing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the configuration according to the first or second aspect, the designated data is a type of a print medium.

In order to achieve the same object, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, the specified data is a type of a print medium, and the comparing means is a print medium. The comparison is performed based on the priority set in advance for each type.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the designated data is a type of a print job.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the type of the print job is the number of prints.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising the steps of: printing out received print data on a print medium; And a discharge unit control step of controlling a copy unit. The discharge unit control step discharges the print medium from the plurality of discharge units based on designated data included in the print data. It is characterized by selecting a discharge unit to be used.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the designated data included in the print data of the already executed print job is stored. And a comparison step of comparing the designated data stored in the storage step with the designated data included in the print data of the job to be executed this time, wherein the discharge unit control step is based on the comparison result of the comparison step. And selecting a discharge unit from which the print medium is to be discharged.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus according to the tenth aspect, wherein the designated data is a size of a print medium. I do.

In order to achieve the same object, a control method of a printing apparatus according to claim 11 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the configuration according to claim 8 or 9, the designated data is a type of a print medium. I do.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein the designated data is a type of a print medium, and the comparing step comprises the steps of: The comparison is performed based on a priority set in advance for each type of the print medium.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the designated data is a type of a print job. I do.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the type of the print job is the number of prints.

A storage medium according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a program used in a control method of a printing apparatus, wherein the storage medium is for a print output step of printing out received print data on a print medium. In a storage medium storing a program including a code and a code of a discharge unit control step of controlling a plurality of discharge units capable of discharging the print medium, the code of the discharge unit control step includes a designation included in the print data. It has a function of selecting a discharge unit from which the print medium is to be discharged from the plurality of discharge units based on data.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a mechanical configuration of a printing apparatus and an optional unit thereof according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, an example applied to a laser beam printer will be described. It should be noted that the printer is not limited to a laser beam printer, but may be another image recording type printer such as an ink jet printer. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 201 denotes a laser beam printer main body. Reference numeral 226 denotes an operation panel. In addition to operation switches, the operation panel 226 has an LED display and an LCD.
An indicator is provided (not shown). Operation panel 226
In, bitmap display is possible by LCD, and L
The status is indicated by ED.

Reference numeral 228 denotes a printer control unit (ejection unit control means) which controls the entire printer main body 201 and performs processing such as analyzing character information supplied from a host computer.

Reference numeral 230 denotes a paper cassette for holding the paper, which has a mechanism for electrically detecting the paper size by a partition plate (not shown). Reference numeral 231 denotes a cassette paper feed clutch (roller) that separates only the top sheet of the paper placed in the paper cassette 230 and transports the separated paper to the paper feed roller 204 by a driving unit (not shown). And rotates intermittently each time paper is fed,
Feed a sheet of paper.

Reference numeral 227 denotes a registration shutter which presses a sheet to stop sheet feeding. The paper feed roller 204 conveys the leading edge of the paper to the registration shutter 227. 202
Reference numeral denotes a manual feed tray, and reference numeral 203 denotes a manual feed clutch (roller). The paper feed clutch 203 transports the leading edge of the paper to the registration shutter 227.

The optional paper feed roller 233 feeds the recording paper S, which is one of the print media fed from a paper feed option unit 240 described later, to the printer main body 201.
Supply within. This makes it possible to selectively feed paper from the paper cassette 230, the manual paper feed tray 202, and the paper feed option 240.

The optional paper feed roller 204, together with the optional paper feed roller 233, transfers the recording paper S fed from the paper feed option unit 240 to the printer main body 201.
Supply within. Then, the manual paper feed roller 203, the main body cassette paper feed roller 231 and the optional paper feed roller 2
A registration roller pair 205, 204, 244 for synchronously transporting the recording paper S is provided downstream of the registration roller 205, and a laser scanner unit 206 is provided downstream of the registration roller 205.
An image recording unit 207 that forms a toner image on the recording paper S by using the laser light emitted from the recording paper S is provided.

Further, downstream of the image recording section 207, a fixing device 20 for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the recording paper S is provided.
8, a discharge sensor 209 that detects a paper conveyance state of a paper discharge unit, a conveyance roller 210 that conveys the recording paper S, and a conveyance direction of the recording paper S on which recording is completed are provided downstream of the fixing device 208. A flapper 211 and the like are provided.

When the flapper 211 is switched, the recording paper S passes through the discharge rollers 214 and 212 and is placed on the loading tray 2.
13 or paper ejection option unit 2
The sheet is conveyed to the flapper 254 for switching the face in the sheet discharge option unit 250 so as to be conveyed to the sheet discharge unit 50.

The laser scanner unit 206 includes a laser unit 215 that emits a laser beam modulated based on an image signal to be transmitted, and a polygon motor 216 that scans the photosensitive drum 220 with the laser beam from the laser unit 215. , A beam detector 217 for detecting the position of the laser beam in the scanning direction, an image forming lens group 218 and the folding mirror 2
19 and the like.

The image recording unit 207 includes a photosensitive drum 220, a pre-exposure lamp 221, and a photosensitive drum 220 necessary for a known electrophotographic process.
Primary charger 222, developing device 223, transfer charger 224,
It is composed of a cleaner 225 and the like.

Various optional units (paper feed optional unit 2) detachably connected to the printer body 201
40, the paper discharge option unit 250) will be described.

The printer main body 201 includes a paper feed relay conveyance (optional paper feed) roller 233 that relays the conveyance of the recording paper from the paper feed option unit 240, a paper feed relay conveyance path, and a paper conveyance to the paper discharge option unit 250. And a discharge relay conveyance roller and a discharge relay conveyance path for relaying the paper.

Reference numeral 240 denotes a large-capacity paper deck optional unit (paper feed optional unit) for storing the recording paper S, which includes a paper deck 241 which moves up and down, and which can record the recording paper S loaded on the deck as required. The paper is fed using a paper deck paper feed roller group 242. Further, it has a paper feed relay conveyance roller 243 and a paper feed relay conveyance path for relaying recording paper conveyance from another paper feed option unit.
Although other paper feed option units are not shown, the print media stored in the option unit 240 are the size (A3, B5, etc.) and type (plain paper, colored paper, OHP).
It is possible to store print media of different types such as paper and envelope.

A finisher option unit (discharge option unit) 250 includes a plurality of discharge bins (discharge units), that is, a first bin 251 and a second bin 2.
52 and a third bin 253, and sorts and stacks the recorded recording paper S. When the recording paper S is sorted into the bins, the bins are moved up and down by the bin elevating motor 260. The recording paper S is sorted by the flapper 211 in the printer main body 201, and the recording paper S sent to the finisher option unit 250 is sorted by the flapper 254 for switching the face of the paper.

In the case of face-up designation, the recording paper S
While the sheet is directly sent to the discharge port by the roller 255, if the face down is designated, the roller 256
The trailing edge of the sheet is pulled until it exceeds the roller 256. When the trailing edge of the sheet exceeds the roller 256, the roller 257 is turned over, is fed into the roller 258 from the trailing edge of the sheet, and is sent to the discharge port.

Here, when the staple is designated, the sheets are stored in a staple tray (not shown), the sheets are aligned, the staple is executed by the stapler 259, and then the first bin 251, the second bin 252 and the 3 bins 2
Discharge to any of 53 bins. When the shift of the sheet is designated, the sheets are stored in the staple tray as in the case of the staple, the sheets are aligned and shifted for each tray, and then the first bin 251, the second bin 252, and the third bin 252.
Discharge to one of bins 253. 1st bin 25
The distance of the paper discharged to any one of the first, second and third bins 252 and 253 is detected by the distance measuring sensor 261.

This finisher option unit 25
0 is controlled by the printer control unit 228, and the bin from which the print medium is discharged is selected by the processing described later.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the printing apparatus and a host computer connected to the printing apparatus. Printer control unit 2 of printer body 201
Reference numeral 28 is connected to the host computer 3000 via the bidirectional interface 21, and a printer control system is constructed by the printer main body 201 and the host computer 3000.

The host computer 3000 includes a control unit 2000, a keyboard 9, and a CRT display 1.
The control unit 2000 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 1, a RAM (random access memory) 2, a ROM (read only memory) 3, a system bus 4, and a keyboard controller (K).
BC) 5, a CRT controller (CRTC) 6, a memory controller (MC) 7, a printer controller (PRTC) 8, and the like. These components are connected to each other via a system bus 4, and
A keyboard 9 is connected to the keyboard controller 5, and a CRT display 10 is connected to the CRT controller 6.
Is connected to the memory controller 7 and the external memory 11
Is connected.

A bidirectional interface 21 is connected to the printer controller 8, and a printer main body 201 is connected via the interface 21.

The CPU 1 stores the program RO in the ROM 3
Based on the document processing program stored in M3b or the like,
It executes document processing of figures, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.), and controls the operation of each of the devices connected to the system bus 4 as a whole.

The CPU 1 has a CRT display 1
Based on a command instructed by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the display screen 0, various registered windows are opened and control for executing various data processing is performed.

The font ROM 3a of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used when performing the document processing, and the data ROM 3c stores various control data used when performing the document processing.

The RAM 2 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. Note that a display information RAM is provided on the RAM 2, and the outline font is rasterized on the display information RAM by the CPU 1, so that a WYSIWYG (wizy wig) method can be displayed on the CRT display 10. Have been.

The keyboard controller 5 controls a key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown) such as a mouse. The CRT controller 6 is a CRT
The display operation performed by the display 10 is controlled. The memory controller 7 includes a boot program, various application programs, font data, user files,
Hard disk (HD) that stores editing files, etc.
And an external memory 11 such as a floppy disk (FD) or the like.

The printer controller 8 executes a communication control process with the printer main body 201 via a predetermined bidirectional interface 21.

Next, each component of the printer main body 201 will be described. The printer main body 201 includes a printer control unit 228, a printing unit (printer engine) 17 (print output unit), an operation unit 1012, an external memory 14, and the like.

The printer control unit 228 includes a printer CPU 12 (comparing means), a RAM 19 (storage means),
It comprises an OM 13, a system bus 15, an input unit 18, a printing unit interface (I / F) 16, a memory controller (MC) 20, and the like. These components are connected to each other via the system bus 15, and a printing unit. The printing unit 17 is connected to the interface 16, and the external memory 14 is connected to the memory controller 20. An operation unit 1012 is connected to the system bus 15.

The printer CPU 12 is capable of communicating with the host computer 3000 via the bidirectional interface 21 by the input unit 18 and notifies the host computer 3000 of information in the printer and the like.
The printer CPU 12 generally controls access between the various devices connected to the system bus 15 and the host computer 3000 based on a control program stored in the program ROM 13 b of the ROM 13 or the external memory 14. Control is performed to output image information input from the 3000 to the printing unit 17 via the printing unit interface 16.

The font ROM 13a of the ROM 13 is
Font data and the like used when generating the image information are stored, and the data ROM 13c stores information used in the host computer 3000.

The RAM 19 is a memory functioning as a main memory or a work area of the CPU 12, and is used as an output information development area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM (non-volatile RAM), or the like. Also, the RAM 19
The memory capacity can be expanded by connecting an optional RAM to an additional port (not shown).

The external memory 14 is a memory connected as an option to the printer main body 201, and includes a hard disk (HD), an IC card, and the like. This external memory 1
Reference numeral 4 controls access by the memory controller 20 and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like.

The number of external memories that can be connected to the printer main body 201 is not limited to one. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a program for interpreting a printer control language having a different language system are stored. The configuration may be such that a plurality of external memories can be connected. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) is provided, and the operation unit 101 is provided.
2 may be stored.

In the printer control system configured as described above, when the CPU 12 is performing data processing or waiting for data from the host computer 3000,
When an event that initializes the printing environment in that state, for example, when an initialization instruction is issued via the operation unit 1012, the CPU 12 notifies the host computer 3000 of the current environment via the input unit 18. Thus, even when the initialization process is an unexpected event, the operator can easily return to the original printing environment.

In the present embodiment, information about a job executed based on print data received from the host computer 3000 is temporarily stored in the RAM 19.
For example, in addition to the size, type, number of prints (or data amount) of the print media specified by the instruction data included in the print data, the output bin actually discharged, the print media actually used for printing, R
It is stored in AM19. Then, by the processing described later, the instruction data is compared with each other at the next job execution, and
Select the output bin to be discharged. In addition, a paper sensor may be provided for each paper discharge bin, and the paper discharge bin actually discharged may be directly detected.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a print medium discharging process performed by the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present process, the output result of the job with a large paper size is controlled to be discharged to a lower discharge bin as much as possible, and the output result of the job with a small paper size is controlled to be discharged to an upper discharge bin as much as possible.

First, it is determined whether or not there is print data newly received from the host computer 3000 (step S301). If there is no print data, the determination is repeated. ,
It is determined whether the current output paper size specified by the instruction data included in the print data is larger than the size of the output paper that has already been output (for example, of the job executed immediately before) (step S302).

As a result of the determination, if the current output paper size specified by the instruction data is larger than the already output output paper size, it is determined whether there is a paper output bin below the already output paper output bin. (Step S
303), as a result of the determination, when there is a paper output bin below the already output paper output bin, one of the paper output bins is designated (selected) as the paper output bin for the current paper discharge. (Step S304), the process proceeds to step S306. As a result, a larger output sheet is discharged to a lower discharge bin.

When specifying the lower discharge bin, it is practical to target only the output bin on which no output paper is placed. If there are a plurality of discharge bins that can be discharged, the user can set in advance such as the discharge bin immediately below the output bin already output or the discharge bin below one. Or may be designated by the user each time.

Next, in step S306, a process of developing and outputting the print data is performed, and the recording paper S is stored in the selected discharge bin.
And returns to step S301.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S303 is that there is no output bin below the output bin that has already been output, the output bin above the output bin that has already been output is designated and to that effect. Host computer 300
0 and the operation unit 1012 (step S30).
5) The step S306 is executed. The above-mentioned fact is displayed as a message on the display of the operation unit 1012 described above.

As a result of the determination in step S302, if the current output paper size specified by the instruction data is smaller than the size of the output paper already output, a paper output bin higher than the already output paper output bin exists. Is determined (step S307). If the result of the determination is that there is an output bin higher than the output bin already output, the process proceeds to step S307.
One of the discharge bins is designated (selected) as a discharge bin for the current discharge (step S308), and the process proceeds to step S308.
Proceed to 306. As a result, the smaller the output paper is, the more the paper is discharged to the upper discharge bin. Note that it is practical to specify only an output bin on which no output paper is placed on the upper output bin, as in the case of step S303.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S307 is that there is no output bin higher than the output bin that has already been output, the output bin below the output bin that has already been output is designated and to that effect. Host computer 300
0 and the operation unit 1012 (step S30).
9), execute step S306.

According to this embodiment, based on the instruction data included in the received print data,
Since the smaller the size of the output sheet is, the higher the size of the output sheet is, the smaller the size of the output sheet is. Therefore, the working efficiency can be improved by effectively utilizing the plurality of discharge units.

(Second Embodiment) The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the discharge bin is selected according to the type of paper specified by the specified data. Are the same as in the first embodiment. As described above, the paper types include plain paper, colored paper, OHP
There are papers, envelopes, and the like, but in the present embodiment, as an example, the user sets priorities for each type in advance so that the paper type to be discharged to the lower discharge bin has a higher priority as much as possible. deep. This information is stored in the RAM 19.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a print medium discharging process by the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this process, the output result of the job with the higher priority of the paper type is output to the lower output bin as much as possible, and the output result of the job with the lower priority of the paper type is output to the upper output bin as much as possible. Controlled.

First, it is determined whether or not there is print data newly received from the host computer 3000 (step S401). If not, the determination is repeated. ,
It is determined whether or not the current output paper type specified by the instruction data included in the print data has a higher priority than the output paper type that has already been output (for example, the job executed immediately before) (step S402).

As a result of the determination, if the current output paper type specified by the instruction data has a higher priority than the output paper type already output, step S403
In steps S406 to S406, the same processing as steps S303 to S306 in FIG. 3 is performed, and the process returns to step S401. As a result, the higher the priority order, the lower the discharge bin.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S402, if the present output paper type specified by the instruction data has a lower priority than the type of output paper that has already been output, steps S407 to S409 are executed in steps S407 to S409 in FIG. The same processing as in steps S307 to S309 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S406. As a result, the lower the priority, the higher the discharge bin is.

According to the present embodiment, based on the instruction data included in the received print data,
The higher the priority of the output paper type, the higher the output paper is discharged to a lower discharge bin. Therefore, normally, for example, plain paper is discharged to the bottom discharge bin, and a special type such as OHP can be controlled to be discharged to the top, so that a desired output result is output from the discharge unit. Easy to find. Therefore, the working efficiency can be improved by effectively utilizing the plurality of discharge units.

(Third Embodiment) The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the discharge bin is selected according to the number of prints specified by the specified data. This is the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a print medium discharging process performed by the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this processing, the output result of the job with a large number of prints is controlled to be discharged to the lower discharge bin as much as possible, and the output result of the job with a small number of prints is controlled to be discharged to the upper discharge bin as much as possible.

First, it is determined whether or not there is print data newly received from the host computer 3000 (step S501). If not, the determination is repeated. ,
It is determined whether or not the number of prints specified by the instruction data included in the print data is greater than the number of prints of the output paper (for example, the job executed immediately before) (step 502).

If the result of this determination is that the current number of prints specified by the instruction data is greater than the number of prints already output, the same processing as steps S303 to S306 of FIG. 3 is executed in steps S503 to S506. The process returns to step S501. As a result, the larger the number of printed sheets, the more the sheets are discharged to a lower discharge bin.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S502 is that the current number of prints specified by the instruction data is smaller than the number of prints already output, step S5
In steps 07 to S509, the same processing as steps S307 to S309 in FIG. 3 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S506. As a result, the smaller the number of printed sheets, the higher the number of sheets discharged to the discharge bin.

According to the present embodiment, based on the instruction data included in the received print data,
The larger the number of printed sheets, the lower the discharge bin. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the situation in which the output result of the job having a small number of prints is not found behind the output of the job having a large number of prints. Therefore, the work efficiency can be improved by effectively utilizing the plurality of discharge units as in the first embodiment.

The type of print job is not limited to the number of prints, but may be, for example, a print mode or data amount.

In all of the embodiments, the number of discharge units is described as three. However, the number of discharge units is not limited to three.
The greater the number of discharge units, the greater the effect of the present invention.

In all the embodiments, when selecting the upper or lower discharge bin in accordance with the contents of the instruction data, the mode of selection is not limited to the illustrated one. If the mode of selection can be freely customized by the user, usability is further improved.

Further, the first, second, and third embodiments may all be configured to be feasible so that the user can freely select a mode when using the mode.

In the present embodiment, a storage medium storing a control program represented by software for achieving the present invention is stored in a host computer 300.
0, printer control system or printer body 201
The same effect can be obtained by reading the data in the same manner.

For example, a program used in a control method of a printing apparatus on a floppy disk (not shown) as a storage medium, the program including a printout process code for printing out received print data on a print medium; A program including “a discharge unit control step code” for controlling a plurality of discharge units capable of discharging the print medium is stored. The “code of the discharge unit control step” has a function of selecting a discharge unit from which the print medium is to be discharged from the plurality of discharge units based on designated data included in the print data.

The storage medium in these cases includes:
In addition to floppy disks, ROMs, hard disks,
An optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used.

[0086]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
According to the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, the printing apparatus control method according to the eighth aspect, or the storage medium according to the fifteenth aspect, the work efficiency can be improved by effectively utilizing the plurality of discharge units.

According to the printing apparatus of the second aspect or the control method of the printing apparatus of the ninth aspect, it is possible to select an optimal discharge unit in relation to a job executed immediately before, thereby improving work efficiency. be able to.

A printing apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 10.
According to the control method of the printing apparatus, for example, if the size of the print medium is larger, the smaller the size of the print medium is, the easier it is to find the smaller print medium.

A printing apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 11.
According to the method of controlling a printing apparatus according to the above, it is easy to find a necessary print medium.

A printing apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 13.
According to the control method of the printing apparatus according to the above, the print medium can be easily found.

A printing apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 14.
According to the control method of the printing apparatus, for example, if the number of prints is larger, the print medium is discharged to a lower discharge unit, so that a print medium of a job having a smaller number of prints can be easily found.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a mechanical configuration of a printing apparatus and an optional unit thereof according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of the device and a host computer connected to the device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a print medium discharging process performed by the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a print medium discharging process performed by a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a print medium discharging process performed by a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 8 Printer Controller 12 CPU 17 Printing Unit 18 Input Unit 201 Printer Body 228 Printer Control Unit 250 Discharge Option Unit 251 Discharge Bin 252 Discharge Bin 253 Discharge Bin 260 Bin Elevating Motor 3000 Host Computer

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A printing apparatus comprising: a print output unit that prints out received print data on a print medium; and a discharge unit control unit that controls a plurality of discharge units that can discharge the print medium. A printing apparatus, wherein the control means selects a discharge unit from which the print medium is to be discharged from the plurality of discharge units based on designated data included in the print data. 2. A storage unit for storing specified data included in print data of a print job that has been already executed, and comparing the specified data stored by the storage unit with the specified data included in print data of a currently executed job. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a comparing unit configured to select the discharging unit from which the print medium is to be discharged based on a comparison result by the comparing unit. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designated data is a size of a print medium. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designated data is a type of a print medium. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the designated data is a type of the print medium, and the comparing unit performs the comparison based on a priority set in advance for each type of the print medium. The printing device according to the above. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designated data is a type of a print job. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the type of the print job is the number of prints. 8. A control method for a printing apparatus, comprising: a print output step of printing out received print data on a print medium; and a discharge unit control step of controlling a plurality of discharge units capable of discharging the print medium. The discharge unit control step includes selecting a discharge unit from which the print medium is to be discharged from the plurality of discharge units based on designated data included in the print data. 9. A storage step of storing specified data included in print data of a print job that has been already executed, and comparing the specified data stored in the storage step with specified data included in print data of a currently executed job. 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of: controlling the discharge unit to select a discharge unit from which the print medium is to be discharged based on a result of the comparison. . 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the designated data is a size of a print medium. 11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the designated data is a type of a print medium. 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the designated data is a type of a print medium, and the comparing step performs the comparison based on a priority set in advance for each type of the print medium. The control method of the printing apparatus according to the above. 13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the designated data is a type of a print job. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the type of the print job is the number of prints. 15. A program used in a method of controlling a printing apparatus, the program controlling a code of a print output step of printing out received print data on a print medium, and controlling a plurality of discharge units capable of discharging the print medium. A storage medium storing a program including a code for a discharge unit control step, wherein the code for the discharge unit control step stores the print medium from among the plurality of discharge units based on designated data included in the print data. A storage medium having a function of selecting a discharge unit to be discharged.