JP2009298163A - Ink-jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent printing on a non-printing region when two media having a printing region to be printed and a non-printing region not to be printed have the same size and have different printing regions. <P>SOLUTION: A printing control device has a detection means detecting the printing region provided in the medium in the printing control device printing on the medium having the printing region to be printed and the non-printing region not to be printed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, a printing method, and a computer system.

In a conventional printing apparatus, printing is performed on the surface of a medium such as a CD-R (see Patent Document 1).
Moreover, the size detection of the medium was performed (refer patent document 2).

JP 2002-127520 A JP-A-3-292175

  However, in the conventional technology, when there are two media having a printing area to be printed and a non-printing area that should not be printed, and their sizes are the same and the printing areas are different from each other, the two cannot be distinguished. . For this reason, the printing apparatus may erroneously print in the non-printing area. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent printing in a non-printing area.

  A main invention for achieving the above object is to provide a print control apparatus that performs printing on a medium having a print area to be printed and a non-print area that should not be printed. A print control apparatus is provided with a detection means for detecting.

  According to the present invention, when two media having a print area to be printed and a non-print area not to be printed have the same size and different print areas, printing to the non-print area is prevented. Can do.

The figure which showed the external appearance structure of the computer system containing the printing control apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment Block diagram showing the configuration of a printing control apparatus in a computer system 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a printing system including a printing control apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printing control apparatus in a printing system. It is the perspective view which showed the external appearance of the inkjet printer which is a printing apparatus. It is principal part sectional drawing of an inkjet printer. It is the perspective view which showed the structure of the carriage periphery of an inkjet printer. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a reflection type optical sensor. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a state in which P-CD-R, which is a disk-shaped medium having a printing area and a non-printing area, is printed. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a state in which a CD-R having the same size as the P-CD-R and having a print area smaller than the P-CD-R is printed. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a difference in surface treatment between a printing area and a non-printing area. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a difference in material between the printing area and the non-printing area. FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating a difference in cross-sectional structure between the printing area and the non-printing area. It is a figure which shows a mode that a sensor detects the printing area | region of a medium. It is a figure which shows a mode that a sensor detects the printing area | region of a medium toward the circumference side of a medium from the center side of the circular hole of a medium. It is a figure which shows a mode that a sensor detects the non-printing area | region of a medium. Illustration of print driver user interface FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating an example in which the notifying unit is notified by sound. FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating an example in which the notifying unit performs notification by characters. Flowchart for explaining the process from detecting the print area of the medium until printing on the medium Flowchart explaining from detection of non-printing area of medium until printing on medium Block diagram showing the configuration of a computer system

=== Summary of disclosure ===
At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  In a printing control apparatus for performing printing on a medium having a printing area to be printed and a non-printing area to be not printed, a detection means for detecting the printing area provided on the medium is provided. Print control device.

  According to such a print control apparatus, printing on a non-printing area can be prevented by detecting the printing area when printing on a medium having a printing area and a non-printing area.

In such a print control apparatus, determination is made as to whether or not the print area having area information indicating an area to be printed on the medium is the same size as the area indicated by the area information. It may be done.
According to such a print control apparatus, by determining whether or not the area indicated by the area information and the print area detected by the detection unit are the same size, the area indicated by the area information is not the same size. Printing on a non-printing area of a medium having a printing area can be prevented.

In such a print control apparatus, the area information includes first area information indicating a first area to be printed and second area information indicating a second area narrower than the first area for a medium having the same size, It is good also as having.
According to such a print control apparatus, the area information includes first area information indicating a first area to be printed and second area information indicating a second area narrower than the first area for a medium having the same size. Therefore, using these pieces of information, it is possible to prevent printing on a non-printing area of a medium having a printing area that is not the same size as the first area or the second area.

In such a print control apparatus, a selection for allowing a user to select a first medium having a print area having the same size as the first area and a second medium having a print area having the same size as the second area. Display means for displaying information may be provided.
According to such a print control apparatus, the selection for allowing the user to select the first medium having the same print area as the first area and the second medium having the same print area as the second area. Displaying information improves user operability during printing.

In this print control apparatus, when the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, it is determined whether the print area detected by the detection unit is the same size as the first area, and the selection is performed. When the user selects the second medium according to the information, it may be determined whether the print area detected by the detection unit is the same size as the second area.
According to the print control apparatus, when the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, it is determined whether the print area detected by the detection unit is the same size as the first area, and the selection is performed. When the user selects the second medium according to the information, it is determined whether or not the print area detected by the detection unit is the same size as the second area. Printing on a non-printing area of a medium having a printing area that is not the same size as the area to be printed can be prevented.

In such a print control apparatus, when the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the first area, the medium is transferred to the medium. When the user selects the second medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the second area, the medium is transferred to the medium. It is also possible to cancel printing.
According to such a print control device, when the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the first area, When it is determined that the print area detected by the detection means is not the same size as the second area when printing on the medium is stopped and the user selects the second medium according to the selection information, By stopping printing on the medium, it is possible to reliably prevent printing on a non-printing area of a medium having a printing area that is not the same size as the area to be printed on the medium selected by the user.

In this print control apparatus, when the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the first area, The print area detected by the detection means when the area is not the same size as the print area detected by the detection means, and the user selects the second medium according to the selection information However, when it is determined that the size of the second area is not the same as that of the second area, there is provided an informing means for informing that the second area and the print area detected by the detecting means are not the same size. Also good.
According to such a print control device, when the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the first area, The first area and the print area detected by the detection unit are informed that the sizes are not the same, and the user has detected the detection unit when the user has selected the second medium according to the selection information. When it is determined that the print area is not the same size as the second area, the user selects that the second area and the print area detected by the detection means are not the same size. This makes it possible for the user to know that the medium has a print area that is not the same size as the area to be printed.

In this print control apparatus, when the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the first area, When the area and the print area detected by the detection means are not the same size, printing on the medium is stopped, and the user selects the second medium according to the selection information When it is determined that the print area detected by the detection means is not the same size as the second area, the second area and the print area detected by the detection means are not the same size. This may be notified, and printing on the medium may be stopped.
According to such a print control device, when the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the first area, Notifying that the first area and the print area detected by the detection means are not the same size, printing on the medium is stopped, and the user selects the second medium based on the selection information When it is determined that the print area detected by the detection means is not the same size as the second area, the second area and the print area detected by the detection means are the same size. If the medium has a print area that is not the same size as the area to be printed on the medium selected by the user, the printing on the medium is stopped. Together reliably prevent printing on the printing area, the user is a medium having the same non-size print area and the printing area to be the selected medium is provided can know the user.

In such a printing control apparatus, the notification unit may notify by sound.
According to such a printing control apparatus, the notification means notifies the user with sound, so that the user can be surely notified.

In the printing control apparatus, the detection unit may be an optical sensor.
According to such a printing control apparatus, since the detection means is an optical sensor, the print area of the medium can be detected with high accuracy.

In the printing control apparatus, the optical sensor may include a light emitting element that emits light and a light receiving element that receives the light.
According to such a printing control apparatus, the optical sensor includes the light emitting element that emits light and the light receiving element that receives the light, so that the print area of the medium can be accurately detected.
In addition, the sensor can be made smaller and the cost can be reduced.

In such a print control apparatus, the print area and the non-print area of the medium may have different cross-sectional structures of the medium.
According to such a printing control apparatus, the print area and the non-print area of the medium have different cross-sectional structures, so that the sensor can easily distinguish the print area and the non-print area.

In such a print control apparatus, the material of the medium may be different between the print area and the non-print area of the medium.
According to such a print control device, the print area and the non-print area of the medium are made of different materials, so that the sensor can easily distinguish the print area and the non-print area.

In this print control apparatus, the print area and the non-print area of the medium may be different in surface treatment of the medium.
According to such a print control device, the print area and the non-print area of the medium are different in surface treatment, so that the sensor can easily distinguish the print area and the non-print area.

In the printing control apparatus, the medium may be a disk shape.
According to such a printing control apparatus, printing on a non-printing area can be prevented even with a disk-shaped medium.

In such a printing control apparatus, the medium having a disk shape includes a circular hole in a central portion of the medium, and the detection unit is configured to print the printing region from the central side of the circular hole toward the circumferential side of the medium. It is good also as detecting.
According to such a printing control apparatus, the printing area is detected from the center side of the circular hole provided in the center portion of the medium toward the circumferential side. Therefore, the printing area can be detected in a short time.

In the printing control apparatus, the non-printing area may be located closer to the center of the medium than the printing area.
According to such a printing control apparatus, the printing area can be widened by positioning the non-printing area closer to the center of the medium than the printing area.

In this printing control apparatus, a medium transport tray for transporting the medium having a disk shape may be provided.
According to such a printing control apparatus, it is possible to prevent printing in a non-printing area on a disk-shaped medium conveyed by the conveyance tray.

In addition, in a print control apparatus that performs printing on a medium having a print area that should be printed and a non-print area that should not be printed, a detection means for detecting the print area provided on the medium is provided. This is a featured print control apparatus.
According to such a print control apparatus, when printing on a medium having a print area and a non-print area, printing in the non-print area can be prevented by detecting the non-print area.

In a printing method for printing on a medium having a print area to be printed and a non-print area to be not printed, the print area provided on the medium is detected before printing is performed. A printing method characterized by the above.
According to such a printing method, it is possible to prevent printing in a non-printing area by detecting the printing area before executing printing on a medium having a printing area and a non-printing area.

In addition, in a computer system that includes a computer main body and a printing device that can be connected to the computer main body, and performs printing on a medium having a printing area to be printed and a non-printing area that should not be printed, the medium includes A computer system comprising a detecting means for detecting the printed area.
According to such a computer system, when printing on a medium having a print area and a non-print area, printing in the non-print area can be prevented by detecting the print area.

=== First Embodiment ===
Hereinafter, with regard to the first embodiment of the present invention, “a configuration of a printing control device”, “an outline of an inkjet printer”, “a configuration of a paper feed mechanism”, “a configuration around a carriage”, “a configuration of a reflective optical sensor”, The description will be made in the order of “medium configuration”, “medium print area detection”, “selection information”, “notification means”, “operation of print control apparatus”, “computer system configuration”.

=== Configuration of Print Control Apparatus ===
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a computer system including a print control apparatus according to the present embodiment.
The computer system 1000 includes a computer main body 1102, a display device 1104, a printer 1106 that is a printing device, an input device 1108, and a reading device 1110. In this embodiment, the computer main body 1102 is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited thereto. The display device 1104 is generally a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the printer 1106 is an ink jet printer, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the input device 1108 is a keyboard 1108A and a mouse 1108B, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the reading device 1110 uses a flexible disk drive device 1110A and a CD-ROM drive device 1110B. However, the reading device 1110 is not limited to this. Disk) etc. may be used.

  In the above description, the printer 1106 is connected to the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110 to configure the computer system. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the computer system may include a computer main body 1102 and a printer 1106, and the computer system may not include any of the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the print control apparatus 1050 in the computer system 1000.
As shown in FIG. 2, a print control apparatus 1050 includes a buffer memory 250 that receives a signal supplied from the computer main body 1102, an image buffer 252 that stores print data, and a system that controls the operation of the entire printer. A controller 254, a main memory 256, and an EEPROM 258 are provided. The system controller 254 further includes a main scanning drive circuit 261 that drives the carriage motor 41, a sub-scanning drive circuit 262 that drives the paper feed motor 43, a head drive circuit 263 that drives the print heads IH1 to IH4, and an alarm. 16 is connected to a notification means control circuit 264 that controls the optical sensor 29 and a detection means control circuit 265 that controls the optical sensor 29.

  The print data to be printed on the medium transferred from the computer main body 1102 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 250. In the printer, the system controller 254 reads necessary information from the print data from the buffer memory 250, and based on this, the main scanning drive circuit 261, the sub-scanning drive circuit 262, the head drive circuit 263, and the notification means control circuit. 264, a control signal is sent to the detection means control circuit 265.

  The image buffer 252 stores print data of a plurality of color components received by the buffer memory 250. The head drive circuit 263 reads the print data of each color component from the image buffer 252 in accordance with a control signal from the system controller 254, and drives the nozzle array of each color provided in the print heads IH1 to IH4 accordingly.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system 2000 including the printing control apparatus according to the present embodiment.
The printing system 2000 includes a display unit 2104, a printer unit 2106, an input unit 2108, and a reading unit 2110. The display unit 2104 is generally a liquid crystal panel, but is not limited thereto. The printer unit 2106 is an inkjet printer in this embodiment, but is not limited to this. The input unit 2108 uses the button 2108A in this embodiment, but is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the reading unit 2110 uses a slot 2110A into which a memory card (not shown) as a storage medium can be inserted. However, the reading unit 2110 is not limited to this.
Although not shown, a monitor as a display device can be attached to the printing system. Thereby, the print data in the memory card can be confirmed.
Although not shown, an external storage device such as an MO (Magnet Optical) disk drive device can be connected to the printing system. Thereby, it is possible to directly read and print data stored in the external storage device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the print control apparatus 2050 in the printing system 2000.
As shown in FIG. 4, the print controller 2050 includes a system controller 354 that receives a signal supplied from the input unit 2108, reads print data from the reading unit 2110, and controls the operation of the entire printer, and a main controller 354. A memory 356 and an EEPROM 358 are provided. The system controller 354 further includes a main scanning drive circuit 361 that drives the carriage motor 41, a sub-scanning drive circuit 362 that drives the paper feed motor 43, a head drive circuit 363 that drives the print heads IH1 to IH4, and an alarm. 16 is connected to a notifying means control circuit 364 for controlling 16 and a detecting means control circuit 365 for controlling the optical sensor 29.

  The system controller 354 controls the main scanning drive circuit 361, the sub-scanning drive circuit 362, the head drive circuit 363, the notification means control circuit 364, and the detection means control circuit 365 based on the print data read from the reading unit 2110. Send a signal.

  The system controller 354 stores print data for a plurality of color components. The head drive circuit 363 reads the print data of each color component from the system controller 354 in accordance with the control signal from the system controller 354, and drives the nozzle arrays of the respective colors provided in the print heads IH1 to IH4 according to this.

=== Outline of Color Inkjet Printer ===
Next, the color inkjet printer of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a color inkjet printer.

  The color printer 10 is an ink jet printer capable of outputting a color image. For example, the color ink of four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) is used as a cut sheet. This is an ink jet printer that forms an image by discharging dots onto a printing medium to form dots. In addition to the above four colors, light cyan (light cyan, LC), light magenta (light magenta, LM), and dark yellow (dark yellow, DY) may be used as the color ink.

As shown in FIG. 5, the color printer 10 includes a paper feed structure that discharges the medium supplied from above the rear side from the front side. An operation panel 11 and a paper discharge unit 12 are provided on the front surface of the printer main body 10, and a paper supply unit 13 is provided on the back surface. Various operation buttons 111 and a display lamp 112 are provided on the operation panel 11. The paper discharge unit 12 includes a paper discharge tray 121 that closes the paper discharge port when not in use.
The paper feed unit 13 includes a paper feed tray 131 that holds a medium (not shown).

=== Configuration of Paper Feed Mechanism ===
In particular, the color printer 10 of the present embodiment has a configuration having another sheet feeding path (not shown in FIG. 5) called a straight path. This is a paper feed mechanism that manually feeds a medium having a certain thickness or hardness, such as cardboard. With this straight path mechanism, it is possible to perform printing by placing and supplying an irregularly sized and shaped medium such as a CD-R on a medium carrying tray. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the printer 10 for explaining these two sheet feeding mechanisms.

  The color printer 10 is provided with a carriage 40 that is supported by a sliding shaft 44 and moves in the sliding axis direction (main scanning direction) as means for printing on the medium. The heads IH1 to IH4 that perform printing by discharging ink are mounted. A platen 42 that defines the gap between the head surfaces of the heads IH1 to IH4 and the medium is provided facing the heads IH1 to IH4. The heads IH1 to IH4 eject ink onto the medium while the carriage 40 is conveyed in the main scanning direction and the medium is intermittently conveyed in the sub-scanning direction Y between the carriage 40 and the platen 42. Printing is performed.

  The paper feed tray 131 is configured to be able to supply a medium, and is provided with an ASF (auto sheet feeder) for automatically supplying the medium. The ASF is an automatic paper feed mechanism having a paper feed roller 132 provided on the paper feed tray 131 and a separation pad (not shown). The paper feed roller 132 has a substantially D-shaped cross-sectional shape, and is rotationally controlled by a rotational driving force such as a stepping motor. A plurality of media are prevented from being fed at a time by the rotational driving force of the paper feed roller 132 and the frictional resistance of the separation pad.

  Then, the medium automatically fed by the ASF along the path indicated by the arrow A is directed toward the print execution area by the medium conveyance positioning means disposed downstream of the paper feed roller 132 in the sub-scanning direction Y. The paper is intermittently conveyed at a predetermined paper feed amount.

  A transport driving roller 61 and a transport driven roller 62 are provided as transport positioning means for transporting and positioning the medium intermittently in the sub-scanning direction Y. The conveyance driving roller 61 is controlled to rotate by a paper feed motor such as a stepping motor, and the medium is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction Y by the rotation of the conveyance driving roller 61. The transport driven roller 62 is pivotally supported by a plurality of transport driven roller holders 621. When the medium is transported by the rotation of the transport driving roller 61, the transport driven roller 62 is driven to rotate.

  A paper detector 63 is provided between the paper feed roller 132 and the conveyance drive roller 61. The paper detector 63 is provided with a lever 631 that is provided with a self-returning behavior to a standing posture and is pivotally supported in a state of protruding into the medium conveyance path so as to be able to rotate only in the recording paper conveyance direction. When the tip of the lever 631 is pushed by the medium, the lever 631 is rotated to thereby detect the medium. The paper detector 63 detects the start end position and the end position of the medium fed from the paper feed roller 132, determines the print area according to the detected position, and executes printing.

  On the other hand, a paper discharge driving roller 64 and a paper discharge driven roller 65 are provided as means for discharging the printed medium. The paper discharge driving roller 64 is rotationally controlled by a rotational driving force such as a stepping motor, and the medium is discharged in the sub-scanning direction Y by the rotation of the paper discharge driving roller 64. The paper discharge driven roller 65 is a toothed roller having a plurality of teeth around it and sharply sharpened so that the tip of each tooth is in point contact with the recording surface of the medium. When the paper is discharged by the rotation of the roller 64, the roller 64 is driven and rotated.

  Further, in addition to the ASF paper feed path (the path indicated by the arrow A), the printer 10 is supplied with a less flexible substrate such as a CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable). A paper feed path is provided. In the figure, this paper feed path is indicated by an arrow B. The printer 10 can also execute printing on the medium fed from the paper feed path indicated by the arrow B in the same manner as the medium fed from the ASF.

  Further, the printer 10 includes a transport driven roller release mechanism (not shown). When the medium is set at the set position, the transport driven roller 62 is held in a state separated from the transport drive roller 61 (release state), and the medium is inserted into the paper feed path and set at the print set position. After the alignment to the position is completed, the release state is released, and the conveyance driven roller 62 returns to a state where it is urged by the conveyance driving roller 61.

=== Configuration around the carriage ===
Next, the carriage 40 in the inkjet printer 10 and the configuration around it will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration around the carriage 40.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the carriage 40 is connected to a carriage motor 41 via a pulley 46 by a driving belt 45, and is driven so as to move parallel to the platen 42 while being guided by a sliding shaft 44. Heads IH1 to IH4 each having a nozzle row for ejecting black ink and a nozzle row for ejecting color ink are provided on the surface of the carriage 40 facing the medium. Each nozzle receives ink supply from the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2. Then, ink droplets are ejected onto the medium to print characters and images.

  In the non-printing area of the carriage 40, a capping device 25 for sealing the nozzle openings of the heads IH1 to IH4 during non-printing and a pump unit 26 having a pump motor (not shown) are provided. When the carriage 40 moves from the print area to the non-print area, the carriage 40 comes into contact with a lever (not shown), and the capping device 25 moves upward to seal the heads IH1 to IH4.

  When the nozzle openings of the heads IH1 to IH4 are clogged, or when the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 are replaced and the ink is forcibly ejected from the heads IH1 to IH4, the heads IH1 to IH4 are sealed. In this state, the pump unit 26 is operated, and the negative pressure from the pump unit 26 sucks out ink from the nozzle opening row. As a result, dust and paper dust adhering to the vicinity of the nozzle opening row are washed, and bubbles in the heads IH1 to IH4 are discharged together with the ink to the cap 27.

  A reflective optical sensor 29 is attached to the carriage. As the carriage moves, the reflective optical sensor 29 can detect the print area of the medium.

  Further, in the case of a disk-shaped medium, as shown in the figure, a disk-shaped medium 83 is set on the medium transport tray 93 and printing is performed on the disk-shaped medium 83.

=== Configuration of Reflective Optical Sensor ===
Next, a reflection type optical sensor will be described as an example of the detection means. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the reflective optical sensor 29.

  The reflection type optical sensor 29 includes a light emitting element 38 as an example of a light emitting means including a light emitting diode, and a light receiving element 39 as an example of a light receiving sensor including a phototransistor. Light emitted from the light emitting element 38, that is, incident light is reflected by the platen 26 when the medium 83 is not present in the traveling direction of the medium 83 or the emitted light, and the reflected light is received by the light receiving element 39, and an electric signal Is converted to And the magnitude | size of an electrical signal is measured as an output value of the light receiving sensor according to the intensity of the received reflected light.

  In the above, in order to obtain the intensity of the received reflected light, the magnitude of the electric signal is measured after converting the reflected light into an electric signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is only necessary to measure the output value of the light receiving sensor according to the intensity of the reflected light.

=== Configuration of medium ===
Next, as an example of the medium, a disk-shaped medium will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a P-CD-R (first medium), which is a disk-shaped medium having a print area and a non-print area, is printed. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a state in which a CD-R (second medium) having the same size as the P-CD-R and having a printing area smaller than the P-CD-R is printed.
Comparing FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the image is printed to the center side of the medium in the P-CD-R than in the CD-R. Thus, P-CD-R can print over a wider range than CD-R. A circular hole 85 having the same size is provided at the center of P-CD-R and CD-R.
In this embodiment, the P-CD-R and CD-R print areas are detected.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a difference in surface treatment between a printing area and a non-printing area. The surface treatment 1 is performed on the print area, but the surface treatment is not performed on the non-print area. For example, the portion of the printing area where the surface treatment 1 is performed diffuses the incident light from the light emitting element 38, but the portion of the non-printing area where the surface treatment is not performed emits light more than the portion of the printing area. Incident light from the element 38 is not diffused. Therefore, when incident light is reflected by the print area, the light receiving amount of the light receiving element 39 is small. On the other hand, when incident light is reflected by the non-printing region, the light receiving element 39 has a large amount of light received. If this property is used, the print area can be detected. Here, the surface treatment means, for example, attaching an antireflection film to the surface of the medium, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the surface treatment may include an ink absorption layer and the like, so that the ink may be absorbed during printing. Further, in FIG. 10A, the surface treatment is performed only on the print region, but the surface treatment may be performed also on the non-print region. For example, the case where the surface treatment 1 is performed on the printing region and the surface treatment 2 different from the surface treatment 1 is performed on the non-printing region is applicable.

The difference between the print area and the non-print area may be in the following form.
FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a difference in material between the printing area and the non-printing area. Here, the material A and the material B are materials having a difference in reflectance with respect to incident light from the light emitting element 38 of the sensor. For example, the material A is a material having a rough surface such as plain paper, and the material B is a material having high smoothness such as glossy paper. And the printing area | region can be detected using the reflectance of this material.

FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating a difference in cross-sectional structure between the printing area and the non-printing area.
As shown in the figure, the thickness a of the medium in the printing area portion is larger than the thickness b of the medium in the non-printing area portion. In this case, the trajectory of the reflected light path in the print region portion is different from the trajectory of the reflected light path in the non-print region portion. If the light receiving element 39 is in a position where the reflected light is normally received in the printing area portion, some of the reflected light in the non-printing area portion is not received by the light receiving element 39. Therefore, there is a difference in the amount of light received by the light receiving element 39 between the printing area and the non-printing area. Thereby, it is possible to detect the print area.

=== Detection of print area of medium ===
Next, detection of the print area of the reflective optical sensor will be described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating how the sensor detects the print area of the medium.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the sensor detects the print area of the medium from the center side of the circular hole of the medium toward the circumferential side of the medium.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the sensor 29 provided in the carriage 40 moves in the main scanning direction. Then, as described above, the incident light from the light emitting element 38 of the sensor receives the reflected light reflected by the medium by the light receiving element 39, thereby detecting the print area. At this time, in the case of a disk-shaped medium, the sensor may be moved so as to pass through the center of the medium. This is because the print area is surrounded by a circle, so that erroneous detection of the print area range can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the circular hole 85 is provided at the center of the disk-shaped medium, the sensor 29 provided in the carriage 40 is moved from the center side of the medium in the main scanning direction shown in the figure. Move toward the circumference. In this way, the movement distance of the sensor can be suppressed to about half of the movement distance of the sensor shown in FIG. Thereby, the detection time can be shortened.

  Conventionally, in the case of a disk-shaped medium, a positioning sensor or the like that positions the medium before printing is used. Therefore, the reflective optical sensor and the positioning sensor may be shared. If it does so, it can contribute to size reduction of an apparatus. Further, if the central portion of the medium is also detected at the time of positioning, the detection of the reflective optical sensor can be instantaneously started. As a result, the detection time can be further shortened.

=== Selection information ===
Next, selection information for allowing the user to select a medium will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a user interface of the printer driver displayed on the screen of the display device 1104 connected to the print control device. The user can make various settings of the printer driver using the input device 1108.

The user can select a medium using the selection information from this screen. For example, the user can select display (information) “P-CD-R” indicating the first medium or display (information) “CD-R” indicating the second medium.
The print control apparatus has area information corresponding to each medium that can be selected by the user. Here, the area information indicates an area to be printed on the medium. For example, the first medium has first area information, and the second medium has second area information. When the user selects the first medium, the first area information indicating the first area having the same size as the print area indicated by the first medium is recognized as the area information. When the user selects the second medium, the second area information indicating the second area having the same size as the print area indicated by the second medium is recognized as the area information. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether the print area detected by the sensor and the area indicated by the area information are the same size.

=== Notification means ===
Next, an informing means for informing the user that the area indicated by the area information corresponding to the medium selected by the user and the print area detected by the reflective optical sensor 29 are not the same size will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

FIG. 15A shows an example in which the notification means is notification by sound.
The user is notified by an alarm 16 attached to the printing apparatus 10. This makes it possible for the user to hear it audibly.
FIG. 15B shows an example in which the notification means is notification by characters.
A text message is displayed on the screen of the display device 1104 to prompt the user to set a correct medium. This makes it possible for the user to visually understand.
In the above description, the alarm and the text notification have been described separately, but naturally two notification means may be performed in a series of flows. This makes it possible for the user to know more reliably.

=== Operation of Print Control Device ===
Next, the operation of the print control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a control flow from when a print area of a medium is detected to when printing is performed on the medium.

  First, the print control device 1050 selects various types of media on the screen of the display device 1104, in particular, a P-CD-R indicating the first medium and a CD-R indicating the second medium. Information is displayed (step s100). As a result, the user can select the display (information) “P-CD-R” or the display (information) “CD-R”.

Next, in order to recognize the selection information, the print control apparatus 1050 waits for the user to select either the display (information) “P-CD-R” or the display (information) “CD-R”. (Step s102).
If the user selects display (information) “P-CD-R”, the first region information is recognized as region information, and if the user selects display (information) “CD-R”, 2. Recognize region information as region information.

<When the user selects the first medium>
Next, when the user selects the display (information) “P-CD-R” indicating the first medium, the print control apparatus 1050 recognizes the first area information indicating the first area as the area information (step). s110). As a result, the first area becomes a criterion for determination to be described later.

  Next, the print control apparatus 1050 detects the print area of the medium with the optical sensor (step s112). The detection method is as described above. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether or not the detected print area and the first area are the same size.

  Next, the print control apparatus 1050 determines whether or not the print area detected by the optical sensor and the first area are the same size (step s114). As a result of this determination, it is determined whether to print on the medium or to cancel.

  Next, if the print area detected by the optical sensor and the first area are not the same size, the print control apparatus 1050 stops printing on the medium (step s116). Thereby, printing to a non-printing area can be prevented.

Next, the print control apparatus 1050 notifies the user that the print area detected by the optical sensor and the first area are not the same size (step s118). Thus, the user can surely know that the print area detected by the optical sensor and the first area are not the same size.
Note that the above steps s116 and s118 may be switched in order. Further, only one of steps s116 and s118 may be implemented.

  When the user exchanges the medium, the print control apparatus 1050 detects the print area of the medium again by the optical sensor (step s112). Then, the print control apparatus 1050 determines again whether or not the print area detected by the optical sensor and the first area have the same size (step s114). If the print area detected by the optical sensor and the first area are not the same size, step s116 or step s118 is performed again. That is, step s112 to step s118 are repeated until the print area detected by the optical sensor and the first area have the same size.

  On the other hand, when the print area detected by the optical sensor and the first area have the same size, the print control apparatus 1050 performs drive control of the carriage motor 41, the paper feed motor 43, and the print heads IH1 to IH4. Then, printing on the medium is performed (step s104). As a result, a series of control is completed.

<When the user selects the second medium>
Next, when the user selects the display (information) “CD-R” indicating the second medium, the print control apparatus 1050 recognizes the second area information indicating the second area as the area information (step s130). . As a result, the second area becomes a criterion for determination to be described later.

  Next, the print control apparatus 1050 detects the print area of the medium with the optical sensor (step s132). The detection method is as described above. This makes it possible to determine whether the detected print area and the second area are the same size.

  Next, the print control device 1050 determines whether or not the print area detected by the optical sensor and the second area are the same size (step s134). As a result of this determination, it is determined whether to print on the medium or to cancel.

  Next, when the print area detected by the optical sensor and the second area are not the same size, the print control apparatus 1050 stops printing on the medium (step s136). Thereby, printing to a non-printing area can be prevented.

Next, the printing control apparatus 1050 notifies the user that the printing area detected by the optical sensor and the second area are not the same size (step s138). Thus, the user can surely know that the print area detected by the optical sensor and the second area are not the same size.
Note that steps s136 and s138 may be switched in order. Further, only one of steps s136 and s138 may be implemented.

  When the user exchanges the medium, the print control apparatus 1050 detects the print area of the medium again by the optical sensor (step s132). Then, the print control apparatus 1050 determines again whether or not the print area detected by the optical sensor and the second area have the same size (step s134). If the print area detected by the optical sensor and the second area are not the same size, step s136 or step s138 is performed again. That is, step s132 to step s138 are repeated until the print area detected by the optical sensor and the second area have the same size.

  On the other hand, when the print area detected by the optical sensor and the second area have the same size, the print control device 1050 performs drive control of the carriage motor 41, the paper feed motor 43, and the print heads IH1 to IH4. Then, printing on the medium is performed (step s104). As a result, a series of control is completed.

In the above description, the description of the image data is omitted. However, the image data of the print control apparatus may be recognized before printing on the medium, and is not necessarily performed in the above-described series of controls. There is no.
Further, the image data may be processed in accordance with the first area or the second area. For example, when the area indicated by the image data and the first area or the second area are not the same size, a part of the image data may be deleted.

  P-CD-R and CD having a print area that should be printed and a non-print area that should not be printed, the same size, and different print area sizes by a series of operations of the print control apparatus described above. In -R, printing in a non-printing area can be prevented.

=== Configuration of Computer System ===
Next, a computer system which is an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The external configuration of the computer system is as described above.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer system shown in FIG. An internal memory 1202 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 1204 are further provided in a housing in which the computer main body 1102 is housed.
The computer program for controlling the operation of the printer described above can be downloaded to a computer 1000 or the like connected to the printer 1106 via a communication line such as the Internet, and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. It can also be distributed. As the recording medium, for example, various recording media such as a flexible disk FD, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk MO, a hard disk, and a memory can be used. Note that information stored in such a storage medium can be read by various reading devices 1110.
The computer system realized in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole system.

=== Second Embodiment ===
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The first embodiment is characterized by detecting a print area of a medium, whereas the second embodiment is characterized by detecting a non-print area of the medium.
Therefore, hereinafter, “detection of non-printing area of medium”, “selection information”, “notification unit”, and “operation of printing control apparatus”, which are different from the first embodiment due to the above differences, will be described.

=== Detection of non-printing area of medium ===
First, detection of a non-printing area of the reflective optical sensor will be described.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining detection of a non-printing area of a medium.

As shown in FIG. 13, the sensor 29 provided on the carriage 40 moves in the main scanning direction. As described above, the incident light from the light emitting element 38 of the sensor receives the reflected light reflected by the medium by the light receiving element 39, thereby detecting the non-printing area. In this case, detection can be performed in a shorter time than when the print area is detected.
In the case of a disk-shaped medium, the sensor may be moved so as to pass through the center of the medium. This is because the non-printing area is surrounded by a circle, so that erroneous detection of the non-printing area range can be prevented.

  Although not shown in the drawings, even when a non-printing area is detected, if there is a circular hole in the center of the disk-shaped medium, the sensor 29 provided in the carriage is moved to the center of the medium in the main scanning direction. A configuration may be adopted in which a non-printing area of the medium is detected by moving from the side toward the circumferential side of the medium. The movement distance of the sensor can be suppressed to about half of the movement distance of the sensor shown in FIG. Thereby, the detection time can be shortened.

=== Selection information ===
Next, selection information for allowing the user to select a medium will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a user interface of the printer driver displayed on the screen of the display device 1104 connected to the print control device. The user can make various settings of the printer driver using the input device 1108.

The user can select a medium using the selection information from this screen. For example, the user can select display (information) “P-CD-R” indicating the first medium or display (information) “CD-R” indicating the second medium.
The print control apparatus has area information corresponding to each medium that can be selected by the user. Here, the area information indicates an area that should not be printed on the medium. For example, the first medium has third area information, and the second medium has fourth area information. When the user selects the first medium, the third area information indicating the third area having the same size as the non-printing area indicated by the first medium is recognized as the area information. When the user selects the second medium, the fourth area information indicating the fourth area having the same size as the non-printing area indicated by the second medium is recognized as the area information. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether the non-printing area detected by the sensor and the third area or the fourth area, which are areas indicated by the area information, are the same size.

=== Notification means ===
Next, an informing means for informing the user that the area indicated by the area information corresponding to the medium selected by the user and the non-printing area detected by the reflective optical sensor 29 are not the same size will be described with reference to FIG. explain.

FIG. 15A shows an example in which the notification means is notification by sound.
The user is notified by an alarm 16 attached to the printing apparatus 10. This makes it possible for the user to hear it audibly.
FIG. 15B shows an example in which the notification means is notification by characters.
A text message is displayed on the screen of the display device 1104 to prompt the user to set a correct medium. This makes it possible for the user to visually understand.
In the above description, the alarm and the text notification have been described separately, but naturally two notification means may be performed in a series of flows. This makes it possible for the user to know more reliably.

=== Operation of Print Control Device ===
Next, the operation of the print control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a control flow until the print control apparatus 1050 detects a non-print area of a medium and prints on the medium.

  First, the print control apparatus 1050 displays selection information for allowing the user to select a P-CD-R indicating the first medium and a CD-R indicating the second medium on the screen of the display apparatus 1104 (step s100). ). As a result, the user can select the display (information) “P-CD-R” or the display (information) “CD-R”.

Next, in order to recognize the selection information, the print control apparatus 1050 waits for the user to select either the display (information) “P-CD-R” or the display (information) “CD-R”. (Step s202).
If the user selects display (information) “P-CD-R”, the third region information is recognized as region information, and if the user selects display (information) “CD-R”, Recognize 4 area information as area information.

<When the user selects the first medium>
Next, when the user selects the display (information) “P-CD-R”, which is the first medium, the print control apparatus 1050 recognizes the third area information indicating the third area as the area information (step). s210). As a result, the third region serves as a criterion for determination described later.

  Next, the printing control apparatus 1050 detects a non-printing area of the medium with an optical sensor (step s212). The detection method is as described above. By detecting the non-printing area, it is possible to determine whether the non-printing area and the third area are the same size.

  Next, the print control device 1050 determines whether or not the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the third area have the same size (step s214). As a result of this determination, it is determined whether to print on the medium or to cancel.

  Next, when the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the third area are not the same size, the printing control apparatus 1050 stops printing on the medium (step s216). Thereby, it is possible to prevent printing in the non-printing area.

Next, the printing control apparatus 1050 notifies the user that the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the third area are not the same size (step s218). Accordingly, the user can surely know that the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the third area are not the same size.
Note that steps s216 and s218 may be switched in order. Further, only one of steps s216 and s218 may be implemented.

  When the user exchanges the medium, the print control apparatus 1050 detects the non-printing area of the medium again with the optical sensor (step s212). Then, the print control device 1050 determines again whether or not the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the third area have the same size (step s214). If the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the third area are not the same size, step s216 or step s218 is performed again. That is, step s212 to step s218 are repeated until the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the third area have the same size.

  On the other hand, when the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the third area have the same size, the print control device 1050 performs drive control of the carriage motor 41, the paper feed motor 43, and the print heads IH1 to IH4. Thus, printing on the medium is performed (step s204). As a result, a series of control is completed.

<When the user selects the second medium>
Next, when the user selects the display (information) “CD-R” as the second medium, the print control apparatus 1050 recognizes the fourth area information indicating the fourth area as the area information (step s210). . As a result, the fourth region becomes a criterion for determination described later.

  Next, the printing control apparatus 1050 detects a non-printing area of the medium with an optical sensor (step s212). The detection method is as described above. By detecting the non-printing area, it is possible to determine whether or not the non-printing area and the fourth area are the same size.

  Next, the print control apparatus 1050 determines whether or not the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the fourth area have the same size (step s234). Based on the result of this determination, it is determined whether to print on the medium or to cancel.

  Next, when the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the fourth area are not the same size, the printing control apparatus 1050 stops printing on the medium (step s236). Thereby, it is possible to prevent printing in the non-printing area.

Next, the printing control apparatus 1050 notifies the user that the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the fourth area are not the same size (step s238). Thereby, the user can surely know that the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the fourth area are not the same size.
Note that steps s236 and s238 described above may be switched in order. Further, only one of steps s236 and s238 may be implemented.

  When the user exchanges the medium, the print control apparatus 1050 detects the non-printing area of the medium again by the optical sensor (step s232). Then, the print control apparatus 1050 determines again whether or not the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the fourth area have the same size (step s234). If the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the fourth area are not the same size, step s236 or step s238 is performed again. That is, step s232 to step s238 are repeated until the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the fourth area have the same size.

  On the other hand, when the non-printing area detected by the optical sensor and the fourth area have the same size, the print control device 1050 performs drive control of the carriage motor 41, the paper feed motor 43, and the print heads IH1 to IH4. Thus, printing on the medium is performed (step s204). As a result, a series of control is completed.

P-CD-R and CD having a print area that should be printed and a non-print area that should not be printed, the same size, and different print area sizes by a series of operations of the print control apparatus described above. In -R, printing in a non-printing area can be prevented.

=== Other Embodiments ===
As described above, the printing apparatus and the like according to the present invention have been described based on some embodiments. However, the above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is limited. Not what you want. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

<About detection means>
In the above-described embodiment, the reflective optical sensor is used as the medium print area / non-print area detection unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the print area and the non-print area of the medium can be distinguished. For example, a transmissive optical sensor or a mechanical sensor may be used.

<About media>
In the above-described embodiment, a disk-shaped medium is used, but it goes without saying that sheet-like printing paper or the like is included. In addition, a medium that stores data or the like on one side of the front and back sides and prints on the other side is also included. For example, a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Videodisk), or the like is applicable.

<About selection information>
In the above-described embodiment, the characters “CD-R” and “P-CD-R” are used as the selection information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Etc. may be included.

<Notification means>
In the above-described embodiment, alarms and text notifications are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods may be used as long as the user can understand.

<About printing devices>
In each of the above embodiments, an inkjet printer is used as a printing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the printing apparatus can perform printing processing on a medium. For example, the present invention may be applied to a monochrome printer, a laser printer, a facsimile, or the like. good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printer main body 11 Operation panel 111 Operation button 112 Indicator lamp 12 Paper discharge part 121 Paper discharge tray 13 Paper feed part 131 Paper feed holder 132 Paper feed roller 16 Alarm 25 Capping device 26 Pump unit 27 Cap 29 Reflective optical sensor 38 Light emitting element 39 Light-receiving element 40 Carriage 41 Carriage motor 42 Platen 43 Paper feed motor
44 Slide shaft 45 Drive belt 46 Pulley 61 Conveyance drive roller 62 Conveyance driven roller 621 Conveyance driven roller holder 63 Paper detector 631 Lever 64 Discharge drive roller 65 Discharged driven roller 82 Medium 83 Disc-shaped medium 85 Circular hole 93 Medium Transport tray 154 CPU 156 RAM
158 ROM 250 Buffer memory 252 Image memory 254 System controller 256 Main memory 258 EEPROM
261 Main scan drive circuit 262 Sub scan drive circuit 263 Head drive circuit 264 Notification means control circuit 265 Detection means control circuit 350 Buffer memory 352 Image memory 354 System controller 356 Main memory 358 EEPROM
361 Main scanning drive circuit 362 Sub scanning drive circuit 363 Head drive circuit 364 Notification means control circuit 365 Detection means control circuit 1000 Computer system 1050 Print control device 1102 Computer main body 1104 Display device 1106 Printer 1108 Input device 1108A Keyboard 1108B Mouse 1110 Reading device 1110A Flexible disk drive device 1110B CD-ROM drive device 2000 Printing system 2050 Print control device 2104 Display unit 2106 Printing unit 2108 Input unit 2108A Button 2110 Reading unit 2110A Slot INC1, INC2 Ink cartridges IH1, IH2, IH3, IH4 Print head

Claims (21)

In a print control apparatus that performs printing on a medium having a print area to be printed and a non-print area that should not be printed,
A printing control apparatus comprising: a detection unit configured to detect the printing area provided in the medium. The print control apparatus according to claim 1,
Having area information indicating an area to be printed on the medium;
A print control apparatus that determines whether or not the print area detected by the detection means is the same size as the area indicated by the area information. The print control apparatus according to claim 2,
The area information includes first area information indicating a first area to be printed and second area information indicating a second area narrower than the first area for a medium having the same size. A printing control device. The print control apparatus according to claim 3,
Display means for displaying selection information for allowing a user to select a first medium having a print area having the same size as the first area and a second medium having a print area having the same size as the second area. A printing control apparatus characterized by comprising: The print control apparatus according to claim 4.
When the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, it is determined whether the print area detected by the detection unit is the same size as the first area;
When the user selects the second medium according to the selection information, the print control apparatus determines whether or not the print area detected by the detection unit is the same size as the second area. The printing control apparatus according to claim 5,
When the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the first area,
Stop printing on the medium,
When the user selects the second medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the second area,
A printing control apparatus, wherein printing on the medium is stopped. The printing control apparatus according to claim 5,
When the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the first area,
Informing that the first area and the print area detected by the detection means are not the same size,
When the user selects the second medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the second area,
A printing control apparatus comprising: a notification unit that notifies that the second area and the printing area detected by the detection unit are not the same size. The printing control apparatus according to claim 5,
When the user selects the first medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the first area,
Informing that the first area and the print area detected by the detection means are not the same size, and stop printing on the medium,
When the user selects the second medium according to the selection information, when it is determined that the print area detected by the detection unit is not the same size as the second area,
A print control apparatus that notifies that the second area and the print area detected by the detection unit are not the same size, and stops printing on the medium. In the printing control apparatus according to claim 7 or 8,
The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies by sound. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The print control apparatus, wherein the detection means is an optical sensor. The print control apparatus according to claim 10.
The optical control device includes a light emitting element that emits light and a light receiving element that receives the light. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print area and the non-print area of the medium have different cross-sectional structures of the medium. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a material of the medium is different between the printing area and the non-printing area of the medium. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a surface treatment of the medium is different between the print area and the non-print area of the medium. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The printing control apparatus, wherein the medium has a disk shape. The print control apparatus according to claim 15, wherein
The medium having a disk shape includes a circular hole in the center of the medium,
The print control apparatus, wherein the detection unit detects the print area from a center side of the circular hole toward a circumference side of the medium. The print control apparatus according to claim 15 or 16,
The non-printing area is positioned closer to the center of the medium than the printing area. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17,
A printing control apparatus comprising a medium transport tray for transporting the disk-shaped medium. In a print control apparatus that performs printing on a medium having a print area to be printed and a non-print area that should not be printed,
A printing control apparatus comprising: a detection unit configured to detect the printing area provided in the medium. In a printing method for printing on a medium having a print area to be printed and a non-print area to be not printed,
A printing method comprising: detecting the print area provided on the medium before executing printing. A computer main body, and a printing apparatus connectable to the computer main body,
In a computer system for printing on a medium having a print area to be printed and a non-print area to be not printed,
A computer system comprising detection means for detecting the print area provided in the medium.

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