JP2002211081A - Printer and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer and a printing method in which print efficiency can be prevented from lowering even if the sheet size is different when the possibility of collapse of stacked sheets is low by performing printing continuously. SOLUTION: A print size comparing means 172 compares a first print size with a second print size and when the stacked sheets do not collapse, a print control means 173 performs second printing continuously to first printing. On the other hand, a print size comparing means compares the first print size with the second print size and, based on the comparison results, a sheet discharge control means determines a section for containing a sheet subjected to second printing thus eliminating the labor for designating a sheet stacking section one by one. When the stacked sheets does not collapse, the sheet subjected to second printing can be contained in the section containing a sheet subjected to first printing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method for directly printing digital data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a printing machine for printing a large amount of printed matter, printed printing paper is discharged to an attached stocker and then sent to post-processing such as a bookbinding process.
Here, the printing machine can perform printing on paper of various sizes. Accordingly, when printing papers of different sizes are accumulated in the stocker, for example, when a large amount of A3 printing paper is discharged after discharging a large amount of A4 printing paper, an accidental collapse of the printing paper is likely to occur. . In order to prevent such an accident, when printing paper is accumulated, it is desirable to continuously perform printing with a uniform paper size as much as possible. If the paper sizes are uniform, even if a large amount of printing paper is accumulated in the stocker, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of stacking collapse. Also, in order to prevent a collapse accident, if paper that has been printed earlier is stacked on the stocker, the paper is stacked before printing on paper of a different size from the paper that was printed earlier. Some printing presses have a function to prompt the user to remove the paper sheet.

[0003]

Most of the printing presses conventionally used are plate printing presses, that is, printing presses in which a colorant such as ink is applied to a printing plate for forming a print image. Therefore, in order to print on paper of a different size from the previously printed paper, the previously printed plate had to be replaced, and the printing machine had to be stopped for the plate replacement time. . Therefore, while the printing press is stopped, it is possible to take time to remove the paper accumulated in the stocker. However, without a plateless printing press that has recently become widespread, that is, without a plate that forms a printed image,
In the case of a printing press that prints by directly forming a print image with a colorant on the plate cylinder and transferring it to paper, there is virtually no time to change the plate, so it is necessary to remove the paper that has accumulated in the stocker. The press must be stopped just to take the time. In particular, plateless printing presses often perform booklet printing in small lots, so stopping the operation of the printing press directly leads to a reduction in printing efficiency.

[0004] Since such a problem occurs because there is only one stocker of the printing press, depending on the printing press,
There is an object that includes a plurality of stockers, and stacks sheets of different sizes on a stocker basis. However, when a plurality of stockers are provided, it is necessary to specify which size paper is to be stacked on which stocker. Also, even if the sizes are different, for example, A
After the accumulation of three sheets, the A4 sheets can be accumulated. There has been a demand that the stocker be used as effectively as possible so that the use of two stockers can be avoided if such paper accumulation is possible.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art, and to continuously print when the possibility of stacking is small even when the paper size is different, by performing continuous printing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of preventing a decrease in printing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of effectively using a stocker without having to specify each stocker for stacking sheets when a plurality of stockers are provided. It is to provide.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus capable of printing the contents represented by a plurality of print data on sheets of different sizes. A print size obtaining means for obtaining a first print size at the time of the first printing and a second print size at the time of the second printing for performing printing after the first printing; A print size comparison unit that compares the second print size with the print size comparison unit, and a print control unit that stops the second print when the second print size is larger than the first print size as a result of the comparison by the print size comparison unit. , Is characterized.

In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, the first print size and the second print size for performing printing after the first printing are obtained by the print size obtaining means, and the first print size is obtained by the print size comparing means. Is compared with the second print size. As a result, when the second print size is larger than the first print size, the print control unit stops the second print in order to prevent the stacked print sheets from collapsing. That is, in the case where stacking does not occur, the second printing can be continuously performed after the first printing, so that it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that does not reduce the printing efficiency.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, the print control means is configured such that the second print size is larger than the first print size and the first print size is smaller than the first print size. When the difference from the second print size is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the second print is stopped.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the print control means has a second print size larger than the first print size,
When the difference between the first print size and the second print size is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the second printing is stopped. That is, when the difference in print size is not large, the second printing can be performed continuously after the first printing on the assumption that stacking does not occur. Can be provided.

The invention according to a third aspect is the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the first print size and the second print size acquired by the print size acquiring means are the first print size and the second print size.
And the paper size specified in the print data for performing the second print and the print data for performing the second print.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the print size obtaining unit sets the paper size specified in the print data for performing the first print and the print data for performing the second print to the first size.
It is acquired as the print size and the second print size. That is, since the second printing is stopped based on the difference in the paper size, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that does not reduce the printing efficiency.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the first print size and the second print size acquired by the print size acquiring means are the first print size and the second print size.
And print data for performing the second print and print data for performing the second print.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the print size obtaining means sets the print image expression size based on the print data for performing the first print and the print data for performing the second print to the first size.
It is acquired as the print size and the second print size. That is, since the second printing is stopped based on the difference in the expression size of the print image, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that does not lower the printing efficiency.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, the print control means, when stopping the second printing, in a storage unit provided in the printing apparatus. It is characterized by confirming that there is a sheet on which the first printing has been performed.

In the printing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the second printing is stopped after the printing control means confirms whether or not the paper by the first printing remains in the storage section provided in the printing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that does not lower the printing efficiency.

[0017] In addition, the invention according to claim 6 is a printing method in a printing apparatus capable of printing the contents expressed by a plurality of print data on paper of different sizes. Obtaining a first print size of the first print size, obtaining a second print size at the time of a second print in which printing is performed after the first print, and obtaining the first print size and the second print size.
Comparing the first print size with the second print size and stopping the second print when the second print size is larger than the first print size as a result of the comparison between the first print size and the second print size. And having the following.

According to the printing method of the present invention, the first print size and the second print size for performing printing after the first printing are obtained, and the first print size and the second print size are compared by the step of comparing the print sizes. Compare with the second print size. as a result,
When the second print size is larger than the first print size, the method includes a step of stopping the second printing in order to prevent the stacked printing paper from being collapsed. That is, in the case where stacking does not occur, the second printing can be performed continuously after the first printing, so that a printing method that does not reduce the printing efficiency can be provided.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the contents represented by the plurality of print data can be printed on sheets of different sizes, and the plurality of storage sections for storing printed sheets of different sizes. A print size obtaining means for obtaining a first print size at the time of first printing and a second print size at the time of second printing for performing printing after the first printing, and the first printing A print size comparison unit that compares a size with a second print size; and a second print from the plurality of storage units based on a comparison between the first print size and the second print size by the print size comparison unit. And a paper discharge control means for determining a storage unit to be a storage destination of the printed paper on which the printing has been performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the first print size and the second print size for performing printing after the first printing are obtained by the print size obtaining means, and the first print size is obtained by the print size comparing means. Is compared with the second print size, and based on the result, the paper discharge control means determines a storage unit to store the printed paper on which the second printing has been performed. Therefore, when the printing apparatus has a plurality of storage units, it is not necessary to specify the storage units for storing the sheets one by one. In addition, when the paper does not collapse, the printed paper on which the second printing has been performed can be stored in the same storage unit as the storage unit of the printed paper on which the first printing has been performed. With these, the storage unit can be used effectively,
A printing device that does not reduce printing efficiency can be provided.

Further, in the invention according to claim 8, claim 7
Wherein the first print size and the second print size obtained by the print size obtaining means are specified in the print data for performing the first print and the print data for performing the second print. Paper size.

In the printing apparatus according to the present invention, the print size obtaining means sets the paper size specified in the first print data and the second print data to the first print data.
It is acquired as the print size and the second print size. By performing a comparison based on these, the storage unit that is to store the printed paper on which the second printing has been performed is determined, so that the storage unit can be used effectively and the printing efficiency does not decrease. A printing device can be provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the first print size and the second print size obtained by the print size obtaining means are different from the first print size. The print data to be printed and the print data to be subjected to the second printing are represented by an expression size.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the print size acquiring means sets the print image representation size by the first print data and the second print data to the first print data.
It is acquired as the print size and the second print size. By performing a comparison based on these, the storage unit that is to store the printed paper on which the second printing has been performed is determined, so that the storage unit can be used effectively and the printing efficiency does not decrease. A printing device can be provided.

In addition, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the print size acquiring unit is a printing source which is a printing source of the printed paper stored in each of the plurality of storage units. The print size of each data is
It is obtained as a print size.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the print size obtaining means obtains, as the first print size, the size of each print data serving as a printing source of the printed paper stored in each of the plurality of storage units. By comparing the plurality of first print sizes with the second print size, the storage unit that stores the printed paper on which the second printing has been performed is determined, so that the storage unit can be effectively used, A printing device that does not reduce printing efficiency can be provided.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the contents represented by a plurality of print data can be printed on sheets of different sizes, and a plurality of storage sections for storing printed sheets of different sizes. A printing method for a printing apparatus having: a step of acquiring a first print size at the time of first printing; and a second step of performing printing after the first printing.
Obtaining a second print size at the time of printing;
Comparing the print size with the second print size; and comparing the first print size with the second print size.
Determining a storage unit to be a storage destination of the printing paper on which the second printing has been performed from the plurality of storage units.

[0028] The printing method according to the eleventh aspect includes a step of obtaining a first print size and a second print size for performing printing after the first printing, and comparing the print size with the first print size. And comparing the second print size with the second print size, and based on the result, determining a storage unit to store the printed paper on which the second printing has been performed. Therefore, when the printing apparatus has a plurality of storage units, it is not necessary to specify the storage units for storing the sheets one by one.
In addition, when the paper does not collapse, the printed paper on which the second printing has been performed can be stored in the same storage unit as the storage unit of the printed paper on which the first printing has been performed. Thus, a printing method can be provided in which the storage unit can be effectively used and the printing efficiency is not reduced.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a printing system using the printing apparatus of the present invention. The printing system 100 includes a controller 1, a digital printing machine 2, and an image processing terminal 4, and the controller 1 and the image processing terminal 4 are connected by a network 3. Further, the controller 1 and the digital printing machine 2 are connected by a communication line CL.

The image processing terminal 4 creates page data PD for printing a printed matter composed of a plurality of pages or book data BD composed of a plurality of page data PD. The controller 1 receives the page data PD or the book data BD created by the image processing terminal 4 via the network 3. The controller 1 performs a rasterizing process on the received page data PD or book data BD. The controller 1 sends the print data RPD representing the resulting print image to the communication line C.
L to the digital printing press 2 connected by L.

The digital printing machine 2 performs printing under the control of the controller 1. The digital printing press 2 includes a control unit 2
1. A stocker 22 and a detecting unit 23 are provided in addition to a sheet feeding unit, a transport path, and a printing unit (not shown). The control unit 21 controls the entire digital printing press 2. The print data RPD transmitted from the controller 1 via the communication line CL is received by the control unit 21, converted to binary hatched data, and transmitted to the printing unit. When a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit (not shown) is supplied to a printing unit via a transport path, a printing image represented by hatching is transferred to the sheet by the printing unit. The printed paper 24 is further stored in the stocker 22 via the transport path. In addition, the control signal CD transmitted via the communication line CL is also received by the control unit 21 to control each unit of the digital printing machine 2. Further, the control unit 21 notifies the controller 1 of the state of the digital printing machine 2 by transmitting a status signal SD via the communication line CL.

The stocker 22 stores printed paper 24 on which printing has been performed by a printing unit (not shown). The stocker floor of the stocker 22 is painted black for determination by the detection unit 23 described later.

The stocker 22 is provided with a detection unit 23. The detecting unit 23 includes the light emitting device 231 and the light receiving device 23
2, the light emitted by the light emitter 231 is reflected on the stocker floor of the stocker 22 or the printed paper 24. Since the stocker floor of the stocker 22 is black, the illuminance of the reflected light is different between the case where the printed paper 24 is accumulated in the stocker 22 and the case where the printed paper 24 is not accumulated. By detecting such a change in the illuminance of the reflected light, the detecting unit 23
The presence or absence of the printed paper 24 can be detected. The detection unit 23 communicates information about the presence or absence of the printed paper 24 to the control unit 21 via the communication line 25. For example,
If the printed paper 24 is accumulated in the stocker 22, “1” is detected, and if not, “0” is detected.
Communicates with the control unit 21. The control unit 21 notifies the controller 1 of the presence or absence of the printed paper 24 in the stocker 22 by adding the information to the status signal SD transmitted via the communication line CL. The method of detecting the printed paper 24 in the stocker 22 by the detection unit 23 is not limited to this example, and may include a detection unit that performs transmission detection instead of reflection detection as described above. .

As for the printed paper 24, the control unit 21, a paper feed unit (not shown), a conveyance path, and a printing unit repeatedly operate, and a print image represented by the print data RPD is printed on a plurality of papers. Product. This printed paper 2
4 is the print data RP when printing the print data RPD.
If the size of the print image represented by D is “A4”, the print paper 24a is “A4” size, and if the print image size is “A3”, the print paper 24b is “A3” size. It is. Alternatively, if the print size is “A4” in the setting of the page data PD, “A4”
If the print size is “A3” in the size of the printed paper 24a and the page data PD is set, “A3”
3 "size printed paper 24b. The printed paper 24 accumulated in the stocker 22 may be inserted between the printed papers 24a and 24b for distinction.
It is desirable to shift the storage position of the printed sheets 24a and 24b.

The signal line 25 is connected to the stocker 22
Is used to transmit information on whether or not the printed paper 24 is stored in the controller 21 to the controller 21.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the controller 1. The controller 1 is a personal computer generally used, and includes a CPU 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a network I / F 14, a media drive 15, a storage unit 16, a memory 17, and a communication line CL. . The CPU 11 controls the entire controller 1, and realizes the function of the controller 1 by executing, in the memory 17, a program recorded on a media disk 18 inserted in the media drive 15. The display unit 12 displays information necessary for the operation of the controller 1. The input unit 13 includes a mouse and a keyboard, and is used by an operator to input an instruction to the controller 1. The network I / F 14 is for connecting the controller 1 and the network 3. Network I / F14
, The controller 1 receives page data PD or book data BD from the image processing terminal 4 connected to the network 3. Further, a program for realizing the function of the controller 1 can be downloaded from a server (not shown). Further, when the digital printing press 2 is connected to the controller 1 via the network 3, the print data RPD and the control signal CD are transmitted to the digital printing press 2 via the network I / F 14, and the digital printing is performed. The status signal SD transmitted from the device 2 is received. The media drive 15
It is used to read a program recorded on the media disk 18. The functions of the controller 1 are realized by the program read by the media drive 15. When the controller 1 is operated offline with the image processing terminal 4, the page data PD or the book data BD created by the image processing terminal 4 is recorded on the media disk 18, and the media drive 15 transfers the media disk 18. Subsequent processing may be performed by reading. The storage unit 16 stores a program read by the media drive 15.
The storage unit 16 also stores page data PD, book data BD, and print data RPD. The communication line CL is
The digital printer 2 is connected to the digital printer 2 and is used for transmitting print data RPD and a control signal CD to the controller 21 and receiving a status signal SD transmitted from the digital printer 2.

The memory 17 is a work area for the CPU 11 to execute the program stored by the storage unit 16. As a result of the execution of the program by the CPU 11, the print size acquisition unit 17 is stored in the memory 17.
1. The functions of the print size comparison unit 172 and the paper feed control unit 173 are realized.

The print size obtaining unit 171 obtains print sizes for at least two pieces of print data RPD, and stores the print sizes. The print size obtaining unit 171 includes a print image size obtaining unit 1711 and a page size obtaining unit 1712 to obtain a print size.

The print image size acquisition unit 1711 converts the page data PD created by the image processing terminal 4 into a print image represented by the print data RPD created as a result of rasterizing the data by a RIP unit (not shown) of the controller 1. Get the size. The print image size obtaining unit 1711 obtains the size in the XY directions of the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD.

The page size obtaining unit 1712 obtains a page size specified by the page data PD or the book data BD created by the image processing terminal 4. When the operator of the image processing terminal 4 specifies a paper size on which to print the page data PD or book data BD, the paper size information is stored in the page data PD or book data BD. The page size acquisition unit 1712
The paper size information stored in the specified page data PD or book data BD is obtained.

The print size obtaining section 171 is provided with a print image size obtaining section 1711 and / or a page size obtaining section 1.
By using the function 712, the print size of the print data RPDF previously printed (hereinafter referred to as the first print size SF)
) And the print size of the print data RPDB to be printed later (hereinafter, referred to as a post-print size SB), and store the print size.

The print size comparison unit 172 compares the first print size SF and the second print size SB acquired by the print size acquisition unit 171. Based on the result of comparing these print sizes, the print control unit 173 determines whether the digital printing press 2 can be continuously operated.

The print control unit 173 stores the print data RPDF
By determining whether or not to execute printing of the print data RPDB continuously after the printing, it is determined whether or not the digital printing machine 2 can be continuously operated. Further, the print control unit 173 provides the operator of the controller 1 with the digital printing machine 2.
Is displayed for prompting an instruction as to whether or not continuous operation is possible. Further, when determining whether or not the digital printing press 2 can be continuously operated, the print control unit 173 makes a determination based on whether or not the printed paper 24 has accumulated in the stocker 22 by the detection unit 23 of the digital printing press 2. That is, stocker 2
If the printed paper 24 does not accumulate in the printer 2, there is no possibility that the printed paper 24 will collapse. Therefore, the controller 1 does not perform any specific control on the continuous operation of the digital printing machine 2. However, if the detection unit 23 notifies that the printed paper 24 has accumulated in the stocker 22, the controller 1 performs the operations of the print size acquisition unit 171, the print size comparison unit 172, and the print control unit 173. , And controls the continuous operation of the digital printing press 2.

The print control unit 173 includes an allowable value table 1731. The permissible value table 1731 stores a plurality of permissible values for the difference resulting from the comparison between the first print size SF and the second print size SB. Depending on the type and strength of the paper or the number of printed papers 24, if there is any difference in the comparison between the first print size SF and the second print size SB in the print size comparison unit 172, if there is a slight difference, For example, the printed papers 24 of different paper sizes do not collapse in the stocker 22, so that the digital printing machine 2 can continuously print the post-print data RPDF and subsequently the post-print data RPDB. Therefore, the print control unit 173 sets the allowable value table 17
By referring to one of the plurality of allowable values stored in the storage unit 31, the comparison result of the print size comparing unit 172 determines that the difference between the first print size SF and the second print size SB If it is within the range, the first print data R
It is determined that the post-print data RPDB is to be continuously printed after the PDF. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the allowable value table 1731. Note that the allowable value table 1731 may be configured by an arbitrary numerical value input by the operator of the controller 1.

As described above, the controller 1 determines whether or not continuous operation of the digital printing machine 2 is possible. 1) First print size SF of print data RPDF to be printed first and print data RPDB of print data RPDB to be printed later Acquire the post-print size SB 2) Compare the pre-print size SF with the post-print size SB 3) If the comparison result is within the allowable value, the pre-print data R
4) It is determined that the post-print data RPDB is to be continuously printed after the PDF. 4) If the printed paper 24 is not stored in the stocker 22 of the digital printing machine 2, the judgments 1) to 3) are made. Without waiting for the printing of the post-print data RPDB.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing system 100, particularly the operation of the controller 1 and the digital printing machine 2.

In step S1, the controller 1
Receives the page data PD or book data BD created by the image processing terminal 4 and performs a rasterization process to create print data RPD, and performs printing by the digital printer 2. The print data RPD used for printing performed in step S1 is used for the earliest printing in the printing system 100, and thus becomes the first print data RPDF.

In step S2, the print size obtaining unit 17
1 obtains the print size from the previous print data RPDF. The print size acquisition unit 171 is a print image size acquisition unit 1
By operating the 711 or the page size obtaining unit 1712, the first print size SF can be obtained from the first print data RPDF. Here, the print size acquisition unit 171 uses the print image size acquisition unit 1711 to set the X of the area occupied by the print image represented by the previous print data RPDF.
It is assumed that the size in the Y direction is acquired as the first print size SF and stored.

When the print size obtaining unit 171 functions as the page size obtaining unit 1712 to obtain the first print size SF, the page size obtaining unit 1712 sets the page data P which is the source of the rasterization processing of the first print data RPDF.
D or the book data BD is analyzed, and a description about the page size stored therein is searched. The print size obtaining unit 171 may obtain the content of the description of the searched page size as the first print size SF by the page size obtaining unit 1712, and store it.

A step S3 decides whether or not the controller 1 has newly received page data PD or book data BD. If the controller 1 receives page data PD or book data BD different from the previously printed page data PD or book data BD from the image processing terminal 4 via the network 3, the controller 1 receives the received page data PD or book data BD. The rasterizing process is performed on the page data PD or the book data BD to create print data RPD. The print data RPD used for printing in the processing after step S3 is printed after the previous print data RPDF previously printed in step S1, and thus becomes the post-print data RPDB. The controller 1 newly sets page data PD or book data B
If D has been received, the process proceeds to step S4. If not, the process ends.

In step S4, the controller 1 checks whether or not the printed paper 24 is accumulated in the stocker 22 of the digital printing machine 2. The print control unit 173 issues a control signal CD to the control unit 21 of the digital printing machine 2 via the communication line CL in order to check the state of the stocker 22. The control unit 21 of the digital printing press 2 that has received the control signal CD receives a signal generated by the detection unit 23 via the signal line 25. If the signal generated by the detection unit 23 is “1”, the printed paper 24 is accumulated in the stocker 22,
If “0”, the control unit 21 determines that the printed paper 24 is not accumulated in the stocker 22. By adding the information to the status signal SD issued by the control unit 21, the status of the stocker 22 is transmitted to the controller 1.

If the printed paper 24 has not accumulated in the stocker 22, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the print size acquisition unit 171 sets the destination print size SF stored in step S2 to 0. This is the stocker 22
Since the printed paper 24 does not accumulate in step S3,
This is because the printing by the print data RPDB created in the above is substantially the first printing. When the process in step S5 is completed, the process proceeds to step S12, and the post-print data RPDB is printed.

If the printed paper 24 is accumulated in the stocker 22, the processing from step S6 is executed. In step S6, the print size acquisition unit 171 acquires the post-print size SB from the post-print data RPDB. The print size obtaining unit 171 can obtain the post-print size SB from the post-print data RPDB by causing the print image size obtaining unit 1711 or the page size obtaining unit 1712 to function. Here, as in step S1, the print size obtaining unit 171 obtains, by the print image size obtaining unit 1711, the size in the XY direction of the area occupied by the print image represented by the post-print data RPDB as the post-print size SB, and stores it. Shall be.

When the print size obtaining unit 171 functions as the page size obtaining unit 1712 to obtain the post-print size SB, the page size obtaining unit 1712 sets the page data P which is the rasterization process source of the post-print data RPDB.
D or the book data BD is analyzed, and a description about the page size stored therein is searched. The print size acquisition unit 171 may acquire the content of the description of the retrieved page size as the post-print size SB by the page size acquisition unit 1712 and store it.

In step S7, the print control unit 173
Reads the allowable value C from the allowable value table 1731. The operator of the controller 1 is a digital printing press 2
The allowable values to be referred to when comparing the first print size SF and the second print size SB from the plurality of allowable values stored in the allowable value table 1731 in consideration of the type and strength of the paper used in the process. Select C. Note that the allowable value C is X
It consists of an allowable value Cx in the direction and an allowable value Cy in the Y direction.

Steps S8 and S9 correspond to the first print size SF.
And a process for comparing the post-print size SB with the post-print size SB. In step S8, the size of the first print size SF in the X direction is compared with the size of the second print size SB in the X direction. This comparison can be made by calculation as in the following equation (1). Expression (1) SFx− (SBx + Cx) ≧ 0 Here, Expression (1) is the first print size SF and the second print size S
It is an equation for comparing with the sum of the allowable values Cx in the B and X directions. If the result of the calculation of the expression (1) is positive or 0, it means that the size of the first print size SF in the X direction is sufficiently larger than the size of the second print size SB in the X direction. Move on. If the result is negative, the first print size SF is smaller than the second print size SB, and there is a possibility of stacking collapse.
Move to 0.

In the comparison in step S8, a calculation such as the following equation (2) may be performed. Formula (2) SFx−SBx ≦ Cx Here, when the size of the first print size SF and the size of the second print size SB in the X direction are compared, the difference is within the range of the allowable value Cx in the X direction. This is an expression for determining whether or not there is. If the result of the calculation of the equation (2) is smaller than Cx or 0, the post-print size SB becomes the post-print size S
Even if it is larger than F, it is determined that there is no possibility of collapse of the stack, and the process proceeds to the determination in step S9. If the result is larger than Cx, it is determined that there is a possibility of collapse of the stack, and the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S9, the first print size SF is compared with the second print size SB in the Y direction. Also in step S9, the size comparison between the first print size SF and the second print size SB can be performed by the following Expression (3) or Expression (4). Expression (3) SFy−SBy ≧ 0 or Expression (4) SFy−SBy ≦ Cy As shown in the drawing, Expression (3) or Expression (4) differs from Expression (1) or Expression (2) in the comparison direction. Only. Therefore, as in the comparison of step S8, the comparison of the expression (3) or the expression (4) leads to step S12 when there is no possibility of collapse, and to step S10 when there is a possibility of collapse. .

In step S10, the print controller 17
3 displays on the display unit 12 a message instructing the operator of the controller 1 to remove the printed paper 24 accumulated in the stocker 22 of the digital printing press 2. As a result of the comparison in step S8 or step S9, when it is determined that the post-print size SB is larger than the pre-print size SF, and if the printing process of the post-print data RPDB is continued, the stack of the printed sheets 24 collapses. May occur. Therefore, the print control unit 173
A message such as "Please take out the printed paper accumulated in the stocker of the printing press" is displayed on the display unit 12, and the operator of the controller 1 operates the stocker 22.
The user is prompted to remove the printed paper 24 that has accumulated in the printer.

When the message in step S10 is displayed, the print control unit 173 checks the status of the stocker 22 via the control unit 21 of the digital printing machine 2 (step S11). If the printed paper 24 remains in the stocker 22, there is still a possibility of collapse of the stack. Therefore, the print control unit 173 returns to the process of step S10 without performing the printing process of the post-print data RPDB. Therefore, as long as the printed paper 24 remains in the stocker 22, the printing process of the post-print data RPDB is not performed, and the stacking does not occur. The printed paper 24 by the operator of the controller 1
The time for taking out can be secured.

If it is determined in step S11 that there is no printed paper 24 in the stocker 22, the print control unit 173 stops displaying on the display unit 12 and proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the controller 1
Is determined by the print control unit 173 that there is no possibility that the printed paper 24 may collapse.
Execute printing of the DB. The CPU 11 of the controller 1 transmits the post-print data RPDB to the digital printing press 2 via the communication line CL, and the control unit 21 of the digital printing press 2 operates a paper feeding unit, a conveyance path, and a printing unit (not shown) by , Prints the post-print data RPDB.

When the printing of the post-print data RPDB is completed, the flow shifts to step S13, where the print size comparing section 17
2 again compares the first print size SF with the second print size SB. Specifically, the X-direction size SFx and the Y-direction size SFy of the first print size SF and the second print size SB
Of the X-direction size SBx and the Y-direction size SBy
The print size comparing unit 172 makes a comparison. As a result, when the post-print size SB is smaller than the pre-print size SF, the post-print size SF stored in the print size acquisition unit 171 is replaced with the post-print size SB (step S14).

That is, if the operation of the flowchart of FIG. 4 is repeated, the post-print data RPDB becomes the pre-print data RPDF for the next print data RPD. Therefore, it seems good to always replace the first print size SF with the second print size SB. However, in such a case, depending on how the allowable value C is specified,
As a result of repeating the printing process, the size of the latest printed paper 24 accumulated in the stocker 22 is changed to the size of the first printed paper 2
For 4, the allowable value C is exceeded, and there is a possibility that stack collapse may occur.

The processing in steps S13 and S14 is performed to prevent the collapse of stacking that may occur as a result of the accumulation of the printed paper 24 in the stocker 22 by always setting the minimum print size to the first print size SF. Done. If the paper size that can be used in the digital printing machine 2 is limited, only the process of step S14 of always replacing the first print size SF with the second print size SB may be performed. Upon completion of the process in the step S14, the process returns to the step S3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for specifically explaining the operation of the printing system 100 according to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the types of paper that can be used in the digital printer 2 in the printing system 100 of FIG. 1 are “A3w”,
“A3” and “A4”. It should be noted that the type of paper “A3w” has slightly larger dimensions in the x and y directions than “A3”.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a state in which printing based on the print data RPD1 has been performed in the printing system 100 as the earliest printing. Here, the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD1 is “A3
w "size. At the time of FIG.
Since there is no printed paper 24 accumulated in the stocker 22 of the digital printing machine 2, the printing of the print data RPD1 is the earliest printing. The printed paper 24a of "A3w" size is accumulated. At this time, the print size acquisition unit 1
The first print size SF stored in 71 is the same as the “A3w” size, SFx = 318 (mm), SFy = 469
(Mm).

FIG. 5B shows the print data RPD2.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which printing based on the image is performed. Here, it is assumed that the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD2 is “A3” size. At the time of FIG. 5B, since the printed paper 24a of “A3w” size is accumulated in the stocker 22 of the digital printing machine 2, the controller 1 sets the print data RPD1 as the first print data RPDF and the print data RPD2. Is executed as the post-print data RPDB, and the processing after step S3 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is executed. At this time, the post-print size SB stored in the print size acquisition unit 171 is the same as the “A3” size.
Bx = 297 (mm) and SBy = 420 (mm) are stored. Here, for simplicity of explanation, the allowable value C is set to 0 for both Cx and Cy. Print size comparison unit 17
2 compares the first print size SF with the second print size SB.
In this case, since SF> SB, the controller 1 performs printing based on the print data RPD2, and thus “A3”
The printed paper 24b of the size is accumulated on the printed paper 24a of the stocker 22. Then, since SF> SB, the first print size SF stored in the print size acquisition unit 171 is replaced with the second print size SB. That is, the first print size S
F is SFx = 297 (mm), SFy = 420 (mm)
Is replaced by

FIG. 5C shows the print data RPD3
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which printing based on the image is performed. Here, it is assumed that the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD3 is “A4” size. At the time of FIG. 5C, the stocker 22 of the digital printing machine 2 displays “A3
The “w” size printed paper 24a and the “A3” size printed paper 24b are accumulated. The controller 1 converts the print data RPD2 into the first print data RPDF and the first print data R
The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is performed using the PD 3 as the post-print data RPDB. Also in this case, since SF> SB, the controller 1 sets the print data RP
D3 printing is performed, and “A4” size printed paper 24
c accumulates on the printed paper 24b of the stocker 22.
Also, in FIG. 5C, since SF> SB, the first print size SF is the same as the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD3, SFx = 210 (mm), SFy = 29.
7 (mm).

FIG. 5D is a diagram showing a state where an attempt is made to perform printing based on the print data RPD4. Here, it is assumed that the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD4 has the “A3w” size again. FIG.
At the time point (d), printed papers 24a, 24b, and 24c are accumulated in the stocker 22 of the digital printing machine 2. The controller 1 converts the print data RPD3 into the first print data RPDF and the print data RPD4 into the second print data RPDF.
As the DB, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. At this time, the first print size SF is "A
Print size acquisition unit 171
Is obtained, the print size SB becomes the “A3w” size, so that SF <SB. Therefore, when printing based on the print data RPD4 is performed in a state where the printed sheets 24a, 24b, and 24c are accumulated in the stocker 22, the printed sheets 24a, 24b, and 24c are printed.
May collapse. Therefore, the print control unit 173 displays on the display unit 12 an instruction to remove the printed paper accumulated in the stocker 22, and the detection unit 23 of the stocker 22 detects that the printed paper 24 has been removed. Until printing is detected, the printing of the print data RPD4 is stopped.

As described above, the printing system 1 shown in FIG.
At 00, the controller 1 and the digital printing press 2 shown in FIG. 2 operate as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 so that even if the paper size is different, there is little possibility of stacking collapse. Can provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can prevent a decrease in printing efficiency by performing continuous printing.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of another printing system using the printing apparatus of the present invention. The printing system 200 includes the controller 20
1, a digital printing machine 202 and an image processing terminal 204, and a controller 201 and an image processing terminal 20
4 is connected by a network 203. Further, the controller 201 and the digital printing machine 202 are connected by a communication line CL.

The image processing terminal 204 has the same function as the image processing terminal 4 described with reference to FIG. 1, and a description thereof will be omitted. The controller 201 stores the page data PD or the book data B transmitted from the image processing terminal 204.
A rasterizing process is performed on D. The print data RPD representing the print image obtained as a result is stored in the controller 2.
01 is transmitted to the digital printer 202 connected by the communication line CL. Further, as described later, the controller 201 controls the selector 2022 to store one of the plurality of stockers 2023 in the printed paper 2024.
Control the operation of.

The digital printing machine 202 includes the controller 2
The printing is performed under the control of “01”. Digital printing machine 202
Is provided with a selector 2023 and a plurality of stockers 2024 in addition to the control unit 2021, the paper feeding unit and the printing unit. The control unit 2021 controls the entire digital printing machine 202. The print data RPD transmitted from the controller 201 via the communication line CL is received by the control unit 2021,
After being converted to binary hatched data, it is transmitted to the printing unit. The paper fed from the paper feeding unit is supplied to the printing unit via the transport path 2022, and the print image represented by the hatching is transferred to the paper. The printed paper 2025 to which the print image has been transferred by the printing unit is further conveyed from the printing unit via the conveyance path 2022, and the stocker 2025 selected by the selector 2023.
24. The control signal CD transmitted via the communication line CL is also transmitted to the control unit 202 in the same manner.
1 to control each part of the digital printing machine 202. Further, the control unit 2021 notifies the controller 201 of the state of the digital printing machine 202 by transmitting a status signal SD via the communication line CL.

The selector 2023 is connected to the controller 201
2021 receiving control signal CD transmitted from
Paper 2 printed by the printing unit under the control of
Then, the stocker 2024 that stores 025 is selected. The printed paper 2025 is conveyed from the printing unit by the conveyance path 2022, and the stocker 2024 selected by the selector 2023.
Stored in any one of

The stocker 2024 is a digital printer 20
2, a plurality of printed papers 2025
To store. Each stocker 2024 is provided with a unique identification code for distinction. For example, Stocker 2
When the number of 024 is two, identification codes “a” and “b” are assigned. If there is no special designation, the stocker 2024 uses them in the order of the identification code.
A detection unit 2026 is attached to the stocker 2024 in the same manner as the stocker 22 described with reference to FIG. 1, and the printed paper 2 in the stocker 2024 is connected via a signal line 2028.
025 is transmitted to the control unit 2021.

The printed paper 2025 is stored in the control unit 2021,
This is a product generated as a result of the paper feed unit and the printing unit repeatedly operating and printing images represented by the print data RPD on a plurality of papers, respectively. This printed paper 2025 is
When printing the print data RPD, if the size of the print image represented by the print data RPD is “A4”, it is the printed paper 2025a of “A4” size, and if the size of the print image is “A3”. For example, it is “A3” size printed paper 2025b. Alternatively, page data PD
If the print size is “A4” in the setting of “
If the print size is “A3” in the setting of the page data PD, it is the “A3” size printed paper 2025b. Note that the printed paper 2025 is 2
025a, 2025b, or
It is desirable to shift the storage positions of a and 2025b.

The signal line 2027 is used by the control unit 2021 to control the selector 2023. Control unit 20
Reference numeral 21 denotes a selector 2 which outputs a control signal via a signal line 2027
023, the selector 2023 selects the stocker 2024.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of the controller 201. The controller 201 is a personal computer that is generally used.
1, display unit 212, input unit 213, network I / F
214, a media drive 215, a storage unit 216, a memory 217, and a communication line CL. The configuration of the controller 201 is the same as that of the controller 1 described with reference to FIG.

The memory 217 is a work area for the CPU 211 to execute the program stored by the storage unit 216. As a result of the execution of the program by the CPU 211, the functions of the print size acquisition unit 2171, print size comparison unit 2172, and paper discharge control unit 2173 are realized in the memory 217.

The print size acquiring section 2171 is provided for the stocker 2
024 for the first print size SF and the second print size SB
Are obtained, and the print sizes are stored. The print size obtaining unit 2171 includes a print image size obtaining unit 1711 and a page size obtaining unit 21712 in order to obtain a print size.

The print image size acquisition unit 21711 converts the page data PD created by the image processing terminal 204 into a print image represented by the print data RPD created as a result of the rasterization process performed by a RIP unit (not shown) of the controller 201. Get the size. The print image size acquisition unit 21711 acquires the size in the XY directions of the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD.

The page size obtaining section 21712 obtains the page size specified by the page data PD or the book data BD created by the image processing terminal 204. The operator of the image processing terminal 204 operates the page data P
When a paper size for printing D or book data BD is designated, the paper size information is stored in page data PD or book data BD. The page size acquisition unit 21712 acquires the sheet size information stored in the page data PD or book data BD specified in this way.

The print size obtaining unit 2171 uses the function of the print image size obtaining unit 21711 and / or the page size obtaining unit 21712 to obtain the stocker 2.
For each 024, the print size of the print data RPDF printed first (hereinafter referred to as the first print size SF) and the print size of the print data RPDB to be printed later (hereinafter referred to as the post print size SB) are acquired. Each print size is stored.

The function of the print size comparing section 2172 is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

The print control unit 2172 compares the first print size SF of the first print data RPDF acquired by the print size acquisition unit 2171 with the second print size SB of the second print data RBDB. Is controlled via the control unit 2021 of the digital printing machine 202 based on the
25 is selected. For this purpose, the paper discharge control unit 2173 includes a counter i and a stocker register n. The counter i is a stocker 2024
Stores the number of selections. The stocker register n is for storing the selection number value of the stocker 2024 that stores the printed paper 2025. That is, when the value stored in the stocker register n is “1”, the printed paper 2
The stocker 2024 storing the printed paper 2025 is the second in the case of “2”. Also, the paper discharge control unit 21
Reference numeral 73 stores the number m of stockers. Stocker number m
Is the number of the plurality of stockers 2024 provided in the digital printing machine 202. Further, a print control unit 2173
Displays a message prompting the operator of the controller 201 to instruct whether or not the digital printing machine 202 can be continuously operated.

The paper discharge control unit 2173 controls the allowable value table 2
1731. The permissible value table 21732 stores a plurality of permissible values for the difference resulting from the comparison between the first print size SF and the second print size SB, and is similar to the permissible value table 1731 described with reference to FIG. The print size comparing unit 217 refers to one of the plurality of allowable values stored in the allowable value table 21732.
2, the first print size SF and the second print size SB
If the difference is within the range of the referred allowable value, the discharge control unit 2173 outputs the selector 2 of the digital printing machine 202.
023, the subsequent print data RPDB is stored in the same stocker 2024 following the previous print data RPDF.

As described above, the controller 201 determines whether or not continuous operation of the digital printing machine 202 is possible: 1) First print size SF of print data RPDF to be printed first and print data RPDB of print data RPDB to be printed later. Acquire the post-print size SB 2) Compare the pre-print size SF with the post-print size SB 3) If the comparison result is within the allowable value, the pre-print data R
After the PDF, the post-print data RPDB is stored in the same stocker 2
4) If the result of the comparison is out of the allowable value, the selector 2
023 to change the stocker 2024 that is the storage destination of the printed paper 2025.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing system 200, particularly the operation of the controller 201 and the digital printing machine 202. In step S101, “1” is set to the counter i and the stocker register n of the paper discharge control unit 2173. This means that in the printing system 200, one stocker 2024 for storing the printed paper 2025 is always used.
Also, since one stocker 2024 is always used,
The number of changes of the stocker 2024 is also one.

In step S 102, the controller 201 receives the page data PD or book data BD created by the image processing terminal 204, performs rasterization processing, creates print data RPD, and performs printing with the digital printer 202. . The print data RPD used for printing performed in step S102 is used for the earliest printing in the printing system 200, and thus becomes the first print data RPDF. Step S102
Is the earliest printing, so that the plurality of stockers 2024 of the digital printing machine 202
Is not stored. Accordingly, the paper discharge control unit 2173 issues a control signal CD and causes the control unit 2021 of the digital printing machine 202 to operate the selector 2023,
The stocker 2024 is selected in the order of the identification code given to the stocker 2024, and is set as the storage destination of the first print data RPDF. For example, if the digital printing machine 202 is the stocker 2
In the case of having the printers 024a and 2024b, the paper discharge controller 2173 operates the selector 2023 to store the printed paper 2025 printed in the process of step S101 in the stocker 2024a in the order of the identification code.

In step S103, the print size acquisition unit 2171 stores the print size of the printed material stored in the stocker 2024a as the stocker destination print size SFn. The destination print size SFn for each stocker can be identified with reference to the stocker register n of the paper discharge control unit 2173. For example, as the first print, the first print data RP
When DF is printed, "1" is stored in the stocker register.
Is stored. Therefore, the destination print size S for each stocker
Fn becomes “SF1”. Thus, the first print data R
The print size of the PDF is stored in the print size acquisition unit 2171 as the destination print size SFn for each stocker.

The operations in steps S104 to S106 are as follows.
Step S3 and steps S6 to S7 in FIG.
Since the operation is similar, the description is omitted.

Steps S107 and S108 correspond to the first print size SFn for each stocker and the second print size SB.
Compare with The print size acquisition unit 2171 stores the destination print size SFn for each stocker 2024. Therefore, steps S107 and S107
In 108, the stocker 2024 to be the storage location of the post-print data RPDB is determined in the subsequent step by comparing each of the stocker-specific print sizes SFn with the post-print size SB.

If the conditions of steps S107 and S108 are satisfied, that is, if the difference between the post-print size SB and the stocker-specific destination print size SFn is within the range of the allowable value C, the process proceeds to step S116. In step S116, the paper discharge control unit 2173 specifies the stocker 2024 corresponding to the stocker-specific destination print size SFn that satisfies the conditions of steps S107 and S108 as the storage location of the printed paper 2025 of the post-print data RPDB. The discharge control unit 2173 outputs the stocker destination print size SF satisfying the conditions of steps S107 and S108.
n, the destination print size S for each stocker
The stocker 2024 corresponding to Fn is specified. For example,
If the stocker-specific destination print size SFn that satisfies the conditions of steps S107 and S108 is “SF1”, the paper discharge control unit 2173 determines that the stocker-specific destination print size S
The stocker 2024 corresponding to F1 is printed on the printed paper 2025.
Is changed to “1” in order to make the storage destination of “1”. Similarly, when the stocker 2024 corresponding to the stocker destination print size SF2 is set as the storage destination of the printed paper 2025, the stocker register n is changed to “2”. Then, in response to the change of the stocker register n, the paper discharge control unit 2173 issues a control signal CD and operates the selector 2023 of the digital printing machine 202 to specify the storage destination stocker 2024 for the printed paper 2025. .

Thereafter, in step S117, CPU 2
Reference numeral 11 executes printing by transmitting the post-print data RPDB to the digital printer 202. At this time, the printed paper 2025 on which the post-print data RPDB is printed is
In step S116, the paper is stored in the stocker 2024 specified by the paper discharge control unit 273.

In step S118, step S117
Print size SB after printing with print data RPDB
Is compared with the destination print size SFn for each stocker. Here, the stocker-specific destination print size SFn to be compared with the post-print size SB is the stocker-specific destination print size SFn corresponding to the stocker 2024 that stores the printed paper 2025 printed in step S117.

As a result of the comparison, if “SB ≧ SFn”, the flow returns to step S104. If “SB <SFn”,
In step S119, the print size acquisition unit 2171
Is replaced with the subsequent print size SB. Here, the stocker-based destination print size SFn to be replaced with the post-print size SB is the stocker-based destination print size SFn that has been compared in step S119.

As a result of the comparison in S107 or S108,
First print size SFn and second print size S for all stockers
If the difference of B is outside the range of the allowable value C, step S
Move to 109. The process from step S109 is for changing to a stocker for newly storing printed paper, which is different from the stocker for storing printed paper in the previous steps. If the printed paper 2025 of the print data RPDB that does not satisfy the condition of step S107 or step S108 is stored in any of the plurality of stockers 2024 that have already stored the printed paper 2025, stacking collapse occurs. there is a possibility. This is a process performed to prevent this.

In step S109, the paper discharge control unit 2173
Adds “1” to the counter i. That is, every time a new stocker 2024 is selected, the counter i is set to “1”.
Will be added.

In step S110, the value of the counter i is compared with the number m of stockers provided in the digital printing machine 202. If the result of the comparison is “i ≦ m”, the flow shifts to step S111 to write the value of the counter i into the stocker register n.

Since the value of the counter i is written in the stocker register n, one stocker 2024 used in the digital printing machine 202 is added. Therefore, in step S112, the paper discharge control unit 2173
Is the printed paper 2 of the print data RPDB after the condition of step S107 or step S108 is not satisfied.
The selector 2023 is operated in order to select a new stocker 2024 in the order of the identification code as the storage destination of 025. For example, the digital printing machine 202 is
a and 2024b, the paper discharge control unit 2173 stores the printed paper 2025 in the stocker 2024b next to the stocker 2024a in accordance with the identification code order.
Operate the selector 2023. By operating the selector 2023, the post-print data RPD
The stocker 202 as a storage destination of the printed paper 2025 of B
If No. 4 is determined, the flow shifts to step S117 to execute printing.

If the result of the comparison between the counter i and the number m of stockers in step S110 is "i>m", the paper discharge control unit 2173 executes the process from step S113. In step S113, the paper discharge control unit 2173 transmits the printed paper 2 from all the stockers 2024.
A message instructing the user to remove 025 is displayed on the display unit 212 to urge the operator of the controller 201 to intervene. If the comparison result of the counter i and the stocker number m in step S110 is “i> m”,
This means that the number of stocker selections exceeds the number of stockers, that is, that the digital printing machine 202 does not have a newly selectable stocker 2024. Therefore,
The paper discharge control unit 2173 provides the operator of the controller 201 with the printed paper 2 from all the stockers 2024.
025 is displayed, and the printing process of the print data RPDB is temporarily stopped after the condition of step S107 or S108 is not satisfied.

In step S114, the discharge control unit 2
173 indicates the printed paper 20 from all the stockers 2024;
It is determined whether or not 25 has been taken out. The detection unit 2026 installed in each of the plurality of stockers 2024 detects the printed paper 20 stored in each of the stockers 2024.
25 is detected, and the control unit 2021 notifies each stocker 20
24 state is transmitted. Detecting unit 2026 that printed paper 2025 remains in any of stockers 2024
As long as is detected, the paper discharge control unit 2173 proceeds to step S
The state of 113 is maintained. If each of the detection units 2026 detects that the printed paper 2025 is not stored in all the stockers 2024, the control unit 2021 issues a status signal SD based on the notification, and changes the state to the discharge control unit. 2173. Even if the printed paper 2025 is not taken out from all the stockers 2024, the printed paper 2
If the storage No. 025 is removed, the selector 2023 may be operated with the stocker 2024 as the storage destination of the paper discharge control unit 2173.

In step S115, all the stockers 20
In response to the removal of the printed paper 2025 from the sheet 24, the paper discharge control unit 2173 sets “1” to the counter i and the stocker register n again. That is, since the printed paper 2025 is not stored in each of the plurality of stockers 2024, the process from step S115 means that the post-print data RPDB is printed as the earliest print as in steps S101 to S102. . Subsequently, the paper discharge control unit 2173 issues a control signal CD and causes the control unit 2021 of the digital printing machine 202 to operate the selector 2023, thereby causing the stocker 202 to operate.
4, the stocker 2024 is selected in the order of the identification codes, and the print data R
The storage destination of the printed paper 2025 of the PDB. And
The process proceeds to step S117 to execute printing of the post-print data RPDB.

If the printing in step S117 is executed through the process from step S109, the process proceeds to step S1.
The destination print size SFn for each stocker to be compared at 18 is “0”. That is, since the stocker 2024 is newly designated as the storage destination of the printed paper 2025, there is no previous print data RPDF that is the source of the printed paper 2025. Thereafter, the process returns to step S104, and a series of printing processes is repeatedly performed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining the operation of the printing system 200 according to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the type of paper that can be used in the printing press 2 in the printing system 200 in FIG.
w "," A3 ", and" A4 ".

FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a state in which printing based on the print data RPD11 has been performed in the printing system 200 as the earliest printing. Here, the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD11 is “A
4 "size. At the time of FIG.
Since there is no printed paper 2025 that has accumulated in any of the plurality of stockers 2024 of the printing machine 202, the printing of the print data RPD11 is the earliest printing. Therefore, the paper discharge control unit 2173 sets the counter i = 1, the stocker register n = 1, and the stocker number m = 2. As a result of the controller 201 executing printing, “A4” size printed paper 2024a is stored in the stocker 2024a.

FIG. 9B shows the print data RPD1.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which printing based on No. 2 is performed. Here, the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD12 is assumed to be “A3” size. At the time of FIG. 9B, “A4” is displayed in the stocker 2024a of the printing press 202.
Since printed paper 2025a of the size is stored,
The controller 201 executes the processing after step S104 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 using the print data RPD11 as the first print data RPDF and the print data RPD12 as the second print data RPDB. At this time, the destination print size SFn for each stocker stored in the print size obtaining unit 2171 is SF1 as corresponding to the stocker 2024a because the stocker register n = 1.
The same value as the size of the area “A4” occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD11 is stored. The post-print size SB stored in the print size acquisition unit 2171 is “A
The same value as the “3” size is stored. Here, the allowable value C is 50 (mm) for both Cx and Cy. The print size comparing unit 2172 compares the stocker-specific first print size SF1 with the second print size SB. Since SF1 <SB,
When printing based on the print data RPD12, the paper discharge control unit 2173 determines that the printed paper 2025 by the post-print data RPDB cannot be accumulated on the printed paper 2025a accumulated in the stocker 2024a. ,
The controller 201 proceeds to step S109.
The discharge control unit 2173 adds “1” to the counter i and compares it with the number m of stockers. Since “i ≦ n”, the paper discharge control unit 2173 sets the stocker register n to “2” and operates the selector 2023 to change the storage destination of the printed paper 2025 discharged from the printing unit according to the order of the stocker identification code. Change to stocker 2024b. After that, the controller 201 executes printing of the print data RPD12 by the process of step S117, and the printed paper 2025b generated as a result is stored in the stocker 2024b. In step S119, the destination print size SFn for each stocker is SF2 as the one corresponding to the stocker 2024b because the stocker register n = 2. Is stored.

FIG. 9C shows the print data RPD1.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which printing based on No. 3 is performed. Here, the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD13 is assumed to be “A3w” size. FIG. 9 (c)
At the point of time, the printed paper 2025a of “A4” size is stored in the stocker 2024a of the printing press 202,
A printed paper 2025b of “A3” size is stored in 24b. The controller 201 controls the print data RP
The area occupied by the print image represented by D11 and the print data RPD12 is the destination print size SFn by stocker, respectively.
The area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD13 is set as the post-print size SB, and the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed. In this case, SF1 <SB and SF2 <SB, but the destination print size SF per stocker
“A3” size of 2 is X = 297 (mm), Y = 4
20 (mm), the “A3w” size, which is the post-print size SB, is X = 318 (mm) and Y = 469.
(Mm), which are both within the range of the allowable value C, the storage destination of the printed paper 2025c is the stocker 2024b corresponding to the stocker destination print size SF2.
The controller 201 executes printing of the print data RPD13, and the printed paper 2025c generated as a result is accumulated on the printed paper 2025b of the stocker 2024b.

FIG. 9D is a diagram showing a state in which printing based on the print data RPD14 has been performed. Here, the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD14 is
It is assumed that the size is “A4” again. Controller 2
8 also shows the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD11 and the print data RPD13 as the destination print size SFn for each stocker, and the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD14 as the post-print size SB, respectively, as shown in FIG. The operation shown in the flowchart is executed. At this time, since SF1 ≧ SB, the discharge control unit 217
3 operates the selector 2023 to set the stocker 2024a corresponding to the stocker-specific destination print size SF1 as the storage destination of the printed paper 2025d of the print data RPD14. The controller 201 executes printing of the print data RPD14, and the printed paper 2025d of “A4” size is
The paper is accumulated on the printed paper 2025a of the stocker 2024a.

FIG. 9E is a diagram showing a state in which printing based on the print data RPD15 has been performed. It is assumed that the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD15 has the “A3” size again. Controller 201
4 (c) and (d), the print data RPD14
The area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD13 is defined as the destination print size SFn for each stocker, and the area occupied by the print image represented by the print data RPD15 is defined as the post-print size SB. Execute. Also in this case, SF1 <SB
However, since SF2 ≧ SB, the discharge control unit 2
The controller 201 operates the selector 2023 to set the stocker 2024b corresponding to the stocker-specific destination print size SF2 as the storage destination of the printed paper 2025e of the print data RPD15 and the print data RPD1 by the controller 201.
5 is executed.

As described above, the printing system 2 shown in FIG.
At 00, the controller 201 and the printing press 202 shown in FIG. 7 operate as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, and when the paper size is different, the storage destination of the printed paper is changed and the paper size is changed. Even if the printing is different, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can prevent a decrease in printing efficiency by performing continuous printing when the possibility of stacking collapse is small.

[Modification] The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above description. In the description of the embodiments, it has been described that the controller and the digital printing machine are separate, but these may be integrated. Further, the present invention may be implemented in such a form that the image processing terminal has the same function as the controller and controls the digital printing machine via the network. Further, the present invention can be implemented even in a mode in which printed paper is supplied to a connected post-processing machine (folding, binding, cutting machine, or the like) without being accumulated. In addition, when comparing the first print size and the second print size, the print control unit may refer to the allowable value table based on the type of paper loaded in the digital printing machine 2 without requiring an operator's designation. It may be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a printing system 100. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a controller 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an allowable value table 1731;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing system 100, particularly the operation of the controller 1 and the printing press 2.

FIG. 5 is a printing system 10 according to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining the operation of the “0”.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of a printing system 200.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a controller 201.

FIG. 8 shows a printing system 200, in particular, a controller 201.
4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing machine 202.

FIG. 9 is a printing system 20 according to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining the operation of the “0”.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 201 Controller 2, 202 Printing machine 3, 203 Network 4, 204 Image processing terminal 11, 211 CPU 12, 212 Display unit 13, 213 Input unit 14, 214 External network I / F 15, 215 Media drive 16, 216 Storage Unit 17, 217 Memory 18, 218 Media disk 21, 2021 Control unit 2022 Transport path 2023 Selector 22, 2024 Stocker 23, 2026 Detecting unit 24, 2025 Printed paper 100, 200 Printing system 171, 2171 Print size acquisition unit 172, 2172 Print size comparison unit 173 Print control unit 2173 Discharge control unit 1711, 21711 Print image size acquisition unit 1712, 21712 Page size acquisition unit 1731, 21732 Allowable amount table BD Book data C Control signal CL communication line i counter m stocker number n stocker register PD page data RPD print data RPDB after print data RPDF first print data SB after print size SF first print size SFn stocker another destination print size

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A printing apparatus capable of printing contents represented by a plurality of print data on paper of different sizes, wherein the first print size is the first print size and the first print size is the first print size. A print size obtaining unit that obtains a second print size at the time of second printing for printing, a print size comparison unit that compares the first print size with the second print size, and a comparison by the print size comparison unit As a result, when the second print size is larger than the first print size, a print control unit that stops the second printing is provided. 2. The print control means according to claim 1, wherein said second print size is larger than said first print size and said difference between said first print size and said second print size is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing of the printing apparatus is stopped. 3. The first print size and the second print size obtained by the print size obtaining means are paper sizes specified in the print data for performing the first print and the print data for performing the second print. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first print size and the second print size obtained by the print size obtaining means are expression sizes based on the print data for performing the first print and the print data for performing the second print. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The printing control device according to claim 1, wherein when the second printing is stopped, the first printing is performed in a storage unit provided in the printing apparatus.
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is confirmed that there is a sheet on which the printing has been performed. 6. A printing method in a printing apparatus capable of printing contents represented by a plurality of print data on paper of different sizes, wherein a first print size at the time of first printing is acquired. A step of obtaining a second print size at the time of second printing, in which printing is performed after the first printing, and a step of comparing the first print size with the second print size;
Stopping the second printing when the second print size is larger than the first print size as a result of the comparison between the first print size and the second print size. . 7. A printing apparatus having a plurality of storage sections capable of printing contents represented by a plurality of print data on sheets of different sizes, and storing printed sheets of different sizes. Print size obtaining means for obtaining a first print size at the time of first printing and a second print size at the time of second printing for performing printing after the first printing; and the first print size and the second print size. And a printed sheet on which the second printing has been performed from the plurality of storage units based on a comparison between the first printing size and the second printing size by the printing size comparing means. And a paper discharge control unit that determines a storage unit that is a storage destination of the printing apparatus. 8. The first print size and the second print size obtained by the print size obtaining means are paper sizes specified in the print data for performing the first print and the print data for performing the second print. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first print size and the second print size obtained by the print size obtaining means are expression sizes based on the print data for performing the first print and the print data for performing the second print. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein 10. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said print size obtaining means obtains, as a first print size, a print size of each print data serving as a printing source of a printed sheet stored in each of a plurality of storage sections. The printing device according to claim 7. 11. A printing apparatus having a plurality of storage units capable of printing contents represented by a plurality of print data on paper of different sizes and storing printed papers of different sizes. The method
Obtaining a first print size at the time of first printing;
Obtaining a second print size at the time of the second printing for performing printing after printing, a step of comparing the first print size and the second print size, and a step of comparing the first print size with the second print size. Determining, from the plurality of storage units, a storage unit to be a storage destination of the printing paper on which the second printing has been performed, based on the comparison of the above.