JP2011203870A - Print control device, print system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To continue print even if one of two print parts comes into a non-printable state or a state close to the non-printable state.SOLUTION: Two first and second print parts 12, 13 each including a carry-in port 40 in which a recording medium is carried and a carry-out port 42 from which the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port 40 is carried out, and each can perform single-face printing and double-face printing onto the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port 40 control a printer 11 such that printing of the printer 11 is stopped when one of the first and second print parts 12, 13 comes into the non-printable state or the state close to the non-printable state during execution of the printing in the printer 11 connected such that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port 42 of the first print part 12 of the preceding stage is carried to the carry-in port 40 of the second print part 13 of the subsequent stage, and control the printer 11 such that the stopped printing is resumed in the other print part and that the printing is not resumed in one print part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing control apparatus, a printing system, and a program.

  Two printers having only one mechanism unit for transferring and printing the toner image developed on the endless recording medium only on one side of the paper, the transfer parts of the endless recording body face each other on the front and back of the paper. The paper is transported from the paper outlet of one printer to the paper inlet of the other printer without reversing the paper, and one printer continuously prints on the front side of the paper and the other printer on the back side of the paper. A double-sided printer having a configuration is known (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-9-54465

  The present invention includes a carry-in port through which a recording medium is carried in and a carry-out port through which the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port is carried out, so that single-sided printing and double-sided printing can be performed on the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port. Two printing units cannot print on one of the two printing units in a printing apparatus connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit An object of the present invention is to provide a printing control apparatus, a printing system, and a program that can continue printing even when the printing state becomes almost unprintable or nearly unprintable.

  The invention of claim 1 comprises a carry-in port through which a recording medium is carried in and a carry-out port through which the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port is carried out, and single-side printing and printing on the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port, Two printing units capable of duplex printing execute printing with a printing device connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit A first control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing of the printing apparatus is stopped when one of the two printing units is in an unprintable state or nearly unprintable state; and A printing control apparatus comprising a control unit that performs a second control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing stopped by the first control is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the one printing unit. is there.

  The invention of claim 2 is provided with a carry-in port through which a recording medium is carried in and a carry-out port through which the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port is carried out. Two printing units capable of duplex printing execute printing with a printing device connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit When one of the two printing units becomes nearly incapable of printing, the printing apparatus is controlled so that printing by the printing apparatus is stopped when a predetermined time arrives. And control means for performing second control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing stopped by the first control is resumed by the other printing unit and printing is not resumed by the one printing unit. Printing control apparatus.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printing control apparatus according to the first or second aspect, each of the printing units is provided with a printing mechanism for printing the conveyed recording medium, and is loaded from the carry-in port. A first transport path for transporting the recorded recording medium to the carry-out port side, and a second transport path for transporting the recording medium loaded from the carry-in port to the carry-out port side, bypassing the first transport path In the second control, the control unit further includes a recording medium carried into the carry-in port of the one printing unit via the second transport path. The one printing unit is controlled to be conveyed to the carry-out port.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the control unit is configured to give an instruction to restart the stopped printing by the other printing unit from a user. Accordingly, the second control is performed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the control means includes a time zone when the state is detected, a content of the detected state, In response to at least one of the operation histories of the printing apparatus, the second control is performed in response to an instruction from the user to resume the stopped printing in the other printing unit, or from the user The second control is performed without waiting for the instruction.

  The invention of claim 6 includes a carry-in port through which a recording medium is carried in and a carry-out port through which the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port is carried out, and single-side printing and printing on the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port A printing apparatus in which two printing units capable of duplex printing are connected such that a recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit, and the printing The printing apparatus is controlled so that printing of the printing apparatus is stopped when one of the two printing units becomes unprintable or nearly unprintable while printing is being performed by the apparatus. A print control device that performs a control of 1 and a second control that controls the printing device so that printing stopped by the first control is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the one printing unit; , A printing system.

  The invention of claim 7 is provided with a carry-in port through which a recording medium is carried in and a carry-out port through which the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port is carried out. A printing apparatus in which two printing units capable of duplex printing are connected such that a recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit, and the printing The printing device is configured to stop printing when a predetermined time arrives when one of the two printing units becomes nearly unprintable while printing is being performed by the device. A first control for controlling the apparatus, and a second control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing stopped by the first control is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the one printing unit. A printing control device for performing printing with It is a stem.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the computer includes a carry-in port into which the recording medium is carried in and a carry-out port through which the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port is carried out, with respect to the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port. A printing apparatus in which two printing units capable of single-sided printing and double-sided printing are connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit A first control unit that controls the printing apparatus so that printing of the printing apparatus is stopped when one of the two printing units becomes unprintable or close to unprintable during printing. In order to function as control means for performing control and second control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing stopped by the first control is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the one printing unit. Program .

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer including a carry-in port into which a recording medium is carried in and a carry-out port through which the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port is carried out, with respect to the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port. A printing apparatus in which two printing units capable of single-sided printing and double-sided printing are connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit When one of the two printing units becomes nearly incapable of printing during printing, the printing apparatus is set to stop printing when a predetermined time arrives. A first control for controlling and a second control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing stopped by the first control is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the one printing unit. To function as a means Is a program.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to continue printing even when one of the two printing units is in an unprintable state or nearly incapable of printing.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, even if one of the two printing units becomes almost incapable of printing, the printing is not stopped immediately, for example, the difference in print quality between before printing is stopped and after printing is resumed. The printing can be stopped when a predetermined time has arrived so that it may occur, and printing can be resumed at the other printing unit to continue.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the recording paper can be carried out via the second conveyance path when printing is not resumed by one of the printing units.

  According to invention of Claim 4, it can control according to a user's instruction | indication.

  According to invention of Claim 5, control according to a condition can be performed.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, printing can be continued even when one of the two printing units is in an unprintable state or nearly unprintable.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, even if one of the two printing units becomes nearly incapable of printing, the printing is not stopped immediately. For example, there is a difference in print quality before printing is stopped and after printing is resumed. The printing can be stopped when a predetermined time has arrived so that it may occur, and printing can be resumed at the other printing unit to continue.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to continue printing even when one of the two printing units is in an unprintable state or nearly unprintable.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, even if one of the two printing units becomes nearly incapable of printing, the printing is not stopped immediately, for example, the difference in print quality before printing is stopped and after printing is resumed. The printing can be stopped when a predetermined time has arrived so that it may occur, and printing can be resumed at the other printing unit to continue.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the printing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the mechanical structure of a 1st printing part and a 2nd printing part. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a main controller. It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of a 1st printing part and a 2nd printing part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing routine performed with a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing routine performed with a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing routine performed with a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing routine performed with a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing routine performed with a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing routine performed with a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing routine performed with a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing routine performed with a main controller. It is a figure which shows the structure of the printing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the mechanical structure of a 1st printing part and a 2nd printing part. It is a figure which shows an example of each whole structure of the 1st printing part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and a 2nd printing part.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  [First Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. The printing system according to the present embodiment includes a main controller 10 as a print control device, and a printing device 11 including a first printing unit 12 and a second printing unit 13. FIG. 1 also shows the mechanical configuration of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13.

  The main controller 10 analyzes print information received from a terminal device (not shown) (for example, described in a page description language) and generates image data (raster data) used for printing in the printing device 11 (RIP processing). : Raster Image Process) and output to the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 of the printing apparatus 11. The main controller 10 also generates and outputs a control signal that controls the printing operation of the printing apparatus 11.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the main controller 10.

  The main controller 10 of this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, an IF (Interface) 23, an image processing unit 24, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). ) 25, the display unit 26, and the operation unit 27 are connected via a bus 38.

  The CPU 20 executes a program stored in the ROM 21 or the HDD 25 (for example, a processing routine program shown in FIGS. 4 to 11 described later) and controls the operation of the main controller 10 as a whole. The ROM 21 stores programs executed by the CPU 20, data necessary for the processing of the CPU 20, and the like. The ROM 21 is used as a work memory. The ROM 21 is also provided with an area as an image memory for storing image data generated by the RIP process.

  The HDD 25 stores programs executed by the CPU 20 and various data.

  Note that the storage medium for storing the program executed by the CPU 20 is not limited to the HDD 25 or the ROM 21. For example, it may be a flexible disk, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, a USB memory (universal serial bus memory) or the like (not shown), or another device connected via a communication means such as a network or a communication line. It may be a storage device.

  The IF 23 is an interface for connecting to the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 of the printing apparatus 11.

  The image processing unit 24 performs various image processes including the RIP process described above.

  The display unit 26 is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays various images, messages, and the like under the control of the CPU 20. The operation unit 27 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and various types of information are designated when the user operates the operation unit 27.

  The printing apparatus 11 performs printing based on image data and control signals output from the main controller 10.

  Each of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 includes a carry-in port 40 into which recording paper as a recording medium is carried in, and a carry-out port 42 through which the recording paper carried in from the carry-in port 40 is carried out. The recording paper carried out from the carry-out port 42 of the first printing unit 12 provided in the printer is connected so as to be conveyed to the carry-in port 40 of the second printing unit 13 provided in the subsequent stage.

  A paper feeding unit 50 is provided in the front stage of the first printing unit 12, and recording paper is carried from the paper feeding unit 50 to the carry-in port 40 of the first printing unit 12. In addition, a paper discharge unit 52 is provided at the subsequent stage of the second printing unit 13 and stores the recording paper carried out from the carry-out port 42 of the second printing unit 13.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 of the printing apparatus 11. Since the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 have the same configuration, the first printing unit 12 will be described as a representative here.

  The first printing unit 12 includes an IF (Interface) 30, a control unit 31, an image forming unit 32, a paper transport unit 33, a detection unit 34, and a UI (User Interface) 35.

  The IF 30 is an interface for connecting to the main controller 10.

  The control unit 31 controls the printing operation of the first printing unit 12 based on image data and control signals input from the main controller 10 via the IF 30. The control unit 31 may be configured by, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), may be configured by a CPU, or may include both the ASIC and the CPU.

  The image forming unit 32 is a printing mechanism unit that forms (that is, prints) an image on the conveyed recording paper, and as shown in FIG. 1, the photosensitive member 1 is charged by a charger 2 and charged. The exposed photosensitive member 1 is exposed by the exposure device 2 based on the image data, the electrostatic latent image generated by the exposure is developed with toner by the developing device 4, and the developed image is transferred to a recording sheet by the transfer device 5. May be an electrophotographic image forming unit that transfers the transferred image by a fixing device 6 having a heating roll and a pressure roll, and ejects ink droplets onto a recording medium based on the image data. An inkjet image forming unit may be used. Further, the image forming unit may form a color image using a plurality of colors of toner. Alternatively, the image forming unit 32 may perform the primary transfer of the developed image using the transfer belt and then the secondary transfer from the transfer belt to the recording paper.

  The paper transport unit 33 includes a plurality of transport rollers or a transport belt, and transports recording paper.

  In the first printing unit 12, the image forming unit 32 is disposed in the middle of the path along which the recording sheet is conveyed by the sheet conveying unit 33, and the recording sheet carried in from the carry-in port 40 is on the carry-out side 42. A first conveyance path 44 that is conveyed to the first conveyance path 44, and a reverse conveyance path 46 that feeds the recording paper printed by the image forming unit 32 to the first conveyance path 44 again.

  When single-sided printing is performed by the first printing unit 12, the recording sheet is printed by the image forming unit 32 disposed in the first conveyance path 44 and is unloaded from the unloading port 42 as it is. When double-sided printing is performed by the printing unit 12, first, the front surface is printed, and then the recording paper on which the front surface is printed is reversed by the paper reversing unit 33 a included in the paper conveying unit 33, and the reversing conveyance path 46 performs the reversal. The fed recording sheet is fed, and the recording sheet is conveyed again from the reverse conveying path 46 to the first conveying path 44 to print the back surface.

  The detection unit 34 detects the remaining amount (or usage amount) of the consumables provided in the first printing unit 12 and the actual usage amount of replacement parts (not shown in FIG. 1). The consumables refer to, for example, toner used for developing by the developing device 4, staples for binding printed matter, and the like. The replacement parts refer to, for example, a toner collection bottle in which used toner is accumulated, the photoreceptor 1, a cleaning web (cloth-like member) of the fixing device 6, a transfer belt, a heating roll of the fixing device 6, and the like.

  The cleaning web of the photosensitive member 1 and the fixing device 6 is also a consumable item in a broad sense, but in this embodiment, an item whose amount is reduced by use is called a consumable item and needs to be replaced due to deterioration or full capacity. This is called a replacement part.

  For example, the remaining amount of toner is detected by a sensor. The detection result is stored in a memory (not shown). For replacement parts such as the photoconductor 1, a counter corresponding to each of the replacement parts is provided in advance, and the number of printed sheets after the replacement is counted, and this count value is detected as the actual usage amount. . The count value is stored in a memory (not shown). The amount of staple needle used is also counted in the same manner. When the cumulative value (the count value) of the number of printed sheets after the replacement part is replaced reaches the upper limit value determined in advance for each replacement part, it is assumed that the replacement part has reached the end of its life.

  In addition, the object detected by the detection unit 34 is not limited to these, and may include the remaining amount and usage of other consumables, the actual usage of other replacement parts, and at least of the above. There may be one.

  The UI 35 includes, for example, a touch panel display in which a touch panel is superimposed on a display, operation buttons, and the like (not illustrated in FIG. 1). Various information is displayed on the UI 35, and various information and settings are input by the user's operation.

  In the printing apparatus 11, when the first printing unit 12 prints the front surface of the recording paper and the second printing unit 13 prints the back surface of the recording paper, double-sided printing is performed. After the surface is printed by the printing unit 12, the sheet is reversed by the sheet reversing unit 33a of the first printing unit 12, and the recording sheet is conveyed again from the reversing conveyance path 46 via the first conveyance path 44 to the carry-out port. Control is performed so that the back side of the recording paper is printed by the second printing unit 13.

  Next, the flow of printing control in the present embodiment will be described.

  When the main controller 10 receives the print information from the terminal device, the main controller 10 performs RIP processing based on the received print information. The image data generated by the RIP process and the control signal for printing the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 in synchronization are the first printing unit 12 and the second printing of the printing apparatus 11. The data is output to each control unit 31 of the unit 13. When printing is performed by either one of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13, the image data generated by the RIP process is output to the printing unit that performs printing. . The printing apparatus 11 performs printing based on image data and control signals from the main controller 10. Further, the main controller 10 requests the detection results of the detection unit 34 from the control units 31 of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 of the printing apparatus 11 at predetermined time intervals. To do. In response to the request, the control unit 31 of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 reads the detection result from the memory storing the detection result and notifies the main controller 10 of the detection result.

  When printing is started by the printing apparatus 11, the main controller 10 starts a processing routine shown in FIG.

  In step 100, based on the detection result of the detection unit 34 received from each control unit 31 of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 of the printing apparatus 11, the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 12. It is determined whether any one of the printing units 13 is in an unprintable state. In this embodiment, the non-printable state means that at least one of the consumables has a remaining amount of consumables of 0, or the amount of consumables used is a usage amount of which the remaining amount is 0. State, or at least one state where at least one of the replacement parts has reached the end of its life.

  If a negative determination is made in step 100, the waiting state is continued until the next timing for requesting the detection result to the detection unit 34.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 100, the process proceeds to step 110 and printing on the printing apparatus 11 is stopped.

  In step 120, the recording paper remaining in the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 is operated to operate the respective paper transport units 33, and the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit. 13 is discharged to a purge section (not shown) provided in each of the recording sheets, and the recording sheet discharged last in the other printing section before the printing is stopped by the discharge section 52. The image data and the control signal are output so that printing is resumed from the page immediately after the page printed on the printer, and the control signal is output so that printing is not resumed in one of the printing units determined to be unprintable. Output.

  Specifically, one-side printing is performed on one side of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13, and the one-side printing is performed on the other side in a state where the recording paper is transported and printing is not performed. When the printing section that has been used becomes unprintable, the one-side printing is performed by the other printing section, and the one printing section is controlled so as to only carry the recording paper and not perform the printing. .

  Further, when two-side printing is performed using the two printing units of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13, when one printing unit becomes unprintable, the other printing unit Then, double-sided printing is performed using the paper reversing unit 33a, and the one printing unit is controlled so that only the recording paper is conveyed and printing is not performed.

  As a result, in the other printing unit, the image forming unit 32 and the paper conveying unit 33 operate to perform printing, and in the one printing unit, the image forming unit 32 does not operate and only the paper conveying unit 33 operates. The paper is then conveyed.

  In step 130, it is determined whether or not printing based on the print information received from the terminal device has been completed. If the printing has been completed, the processing routine is terminated.

  The flow of printing control is not limited to the processing routine shown in FIG. For example, the processing routine shown in FIG. 5 may be executed. In FIG. 5, steps that perform the same processing as in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers as in FIG. 4, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  After affirmative determination is made in step 100 and printing is stopped in step 110, the process proceeds to step 112.

  In step 112, a warning to the effect that one of the printing units has become unprintable is displayed on the display unit 26 of the main controller 10. At this time, the contents of the unprintable state, for example, the type of consumables whose remaining amount becomes 0, the type of replacement parts that have reached the replacement time, and the like may be notified. Further, a warning may be displayed on the UI 35 of the printing unit that is determined to be unprintable.

  In step 113, it is determined whether or not one of the printing units determined to be unprintable is ready to continue printing. For example, in response to the warning, when a replacement part that has been replenished with consumables and has reached a replacement period is determined to be ready to continue printing. When the consumable item is replenished or the replacement part is replaced, the detection unit 34 detects this and the control unit 31 notifies the main controller 10 to that effect. If an affirmative determination is made in step 113, the process proceeds to step 116.

  In step 116, a control signal is output so that the stopped printing is resumed in the printing unit that was operating before the printing was stopped. Specifically, for example, when double-sided printing is performed by the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 before the printing is stopped, the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 are stopped. Resume printing. Further, for example, when printing is performed by one of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 before the printing is stopped, the stopped printing is resumed by the one printing unit that was printing.

  If a negative determination is made in step 113, it is determined in step 114 whether or not there has been an instruction for printing on the other printing unit from the user via the operation unit 27 of the main controller 10. If an affirmative determination is made in step 114, control is performed in step 120 so that the stopped printing is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in one printing unit. If a negative determination is made in step 114, the process returns to step 113.

  After step 116 and step 120, the process proceeds to step 130, where it is determined whether printing based on the print information received from the terminal device has been completed. If it has been completed, this processing routine is terminated.

  Further, the processing routine shown in FIG. 6 may be executed. In FIG. 6, steps that perform the same processing as in FIGS. 4 and 5 are assigned the same step numbers as in FIGS. 4 and 5, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  Steps 100 to 113 are the same as those shown in FIG.

  If a negative determination is made in step 114, the process proceeds to step 115 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the warning was displayed. This time may be set in advance by the user, or may be fixed for each apparatus. If a negative determination is made in step 115, the process returns to step 113. If the determination in step 115 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 120 and control is performed so that the stopped printing is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the other printing unit.

  Further, in the above description, an example in which printing is stopped when it is determined that one of the printing units has become unprintable has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the processing routine illustrated in FIG. It may be. In FIG. 7, steps that perform the same processing as in FIG. 4 are assigned the same step numbers as in FIG. 4, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In step 102, the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 12 based on the detection result of the detection unit 34 received from the control unit 31 of each of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 of the printing apparatus 11. It is determined whether any one of the printing units 13 is in a state where printing is impossible. In the present embodiment, the state close to being unprintable means a state in which at least one remaining amount of consumables has reached a predetermined lower limit value according to the consumables, and at least one actual usage amount of replacement parts is It means at least one state that has reached a predetermined value according to the replacement part (however, a value smaller than the upper limit value determined as the life).

  If a negative determination is made in step 102, the waiting state is continued until the next timing for requesting the detection result to the detection unit 34.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 102, it is determined in step 104 whether or not a print stop timing has come. For example, if the printing unit that performs printing differs between before printing is stopped and after printing is resumed, there may be a difference in print quality. Accordingly, a plurality of pages of image data (that is, a plurality of recording sheets to be printed) are generated based on the print information received from the terminal device, and a plurality of pages are printed when printing is performed based on the image data. Rather than stopping printing halfway and switching the printing part to print, it is better to stop after printing based on the received printing information and switch the printing part when starting printing based on the next printing information. Even if the print quality varies before and after the printing stop, the influence is small. Also, when printing a plurality of copies, the switching between the cuts in the number of copies is not noticeable even if there is a variation between before and after the printing is stopped.

  Therefore, the print stop timing is determined in advance so that there may be a difference between the print quality before the print stop and after the print restart, and the print stop timing is waited until the print stop timing arrives. I try to stop. The printing stop timing may be set in advance by the user.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 104, the process proceeds to step 110, and printing on the printing apparatus 11 is stopped.

  In step 120, control is performed so that the stopped printing is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the other printing unit.

  Further, the processing routine shown in FIG. 8 may be executed. In FIG. 8, steps that perform the same processing as in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 are assigned the same step numbers as in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 102, it is determined in step 104 whether or not a print stop timing has come.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 104, the process proceeds to step 110, and printing on the printing apparatus 11 is stopped.

  In step 112, a warning is displayed.

  In step 113, it is determined whether or not one of the printing units determined to be unprintable is ready to continue printing. If an affirmative determination is made in step 113, the process proceeds to step 116.

  In step 116, a control signal is output so that the stopped printing is resumed in the printing unit that was operating before the printing was stopped.

  If a negative determination is made in step 113, it is determined in step 114 whether or not there has been an instruction from the user to print on the other printing unit. If an affirmative determination is made in step 114, control is performed in step 120 so that the stopped printing is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in one printing unit. If a negative determination is made in step 114, the process returns to step 113.

  After step 116 and step 120, the process proceeds to step 130, where it is determined whether printing based on the print information received from the terminal device has been completed. If it has been completed, this processing routine is terminated.

  Further, the processing routine shown in FIG. 9 may be executed. In FIG. 9, steps that perform the same processes as in FIGS. 4 to 8 are assigned the same step numbers as in FIGS. 4 to 8, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  Steps 102 to 113 are the same as those in FIG.

  If a negative determination is made in step 114, the process proceeds to step 115 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the warning was displayed. If a negative determination is made in step 115, the process returns to step 113. If the determination in step 115 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 120 and control is performed so that the stopped printing is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the other printing unit.

  4, 5, and 6, the determination in step 102 described with reference to FIG. 7 or the like may be performed instead of the determination in step 100. That is, instead of stopping printing when it is determined that printing is impossible, printing may be stopped when it is determined that printing is nearly impossible.

  Further, the processing routine shown in FIG. 10 may be performed. In FIG. 10, steps that perform the same processing as in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are assigned the same step numbers as in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 100, the process proceeds to step 110 and printing on the printing apparatus 11 is stopped.

  In step 111, it is determined whether the printing unit to be printed is switched automatically or manually. Here, the automatic switching of the printing unit to be printed (automatic switching) refers to restarting printing in the other printing unit without waiting for the user's instruction, and switching the printing unit to be printed. Performing manually (manual switching) means waiting for a user's instruction and resuming printing in the other printing unit according to the instruction.

  For example, it may be determined that automatic switching is performed during the nighttime period and manual switching is performed during the daytime period. It may be determined that manual switching is performed when possible, and automatic switching is performed when service engineer work is required, such as component replacement. In addition, an operation history for each of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 and an operation history for the main controller 10 are stored, and the operation history is determined in advance, for example, immediately before stopping printing. When it is indicated that the operation on the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 or the operation on the main controller 10 has been performed for a time, it can be determined that there is a person on the printing apparatus 11 side. In such a case, it is determined that manual switching is performed, and if no operation is performed for a predetermined time before stopping printing, it can be determined that a person is not on the side. Good.

  If it is determined in step 111 that the process is automatic, the process proceeds to step 120 where control is performed so that the stopped printing is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the other printing unit.

  Further, if it is determined in step 111 that it is manual, the processing after step 112 is performed. The subsequent processes are the same as those in FIGS. 5 and 8 and will not be described.

  Further, the processing routine shown in FIG. 11 may be performed. In FIG. 11, the same steps as those in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 10 are denoted by the same step numbers as those in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. The detailed explanation is omitted.

  Steps 100 to 113 are the same as those in FIG.

  If a negative determination is made in step 114, the process proceeds to step 115 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the warning was displayed. This time may be set in advance by the user, or may be fixed for each apparatus. If a negative determination is made in step 115, the process returns to step 113. If the determination in step 115 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 120 and control is performed so that the stopped printing is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the other printing unit.

  In the processing routines of FIGS. 10 and 11, the determination in step 102 described with reference to FIG. 7 or the like may be performed instead of the determination in step 100. That is, instead of stopping printing when it is determined that printing is impossible, printing may be stopped when it is determined that printing is nearly impossible. Further, in the processing routines of FIGS. 10 and 11, instead of the determination at step 100, the determination at step 102 described using FIG. 7 or the like is performed, and after step 102, the printing is stopped as shown at step 104. You may make it wait for timing and perform the process after step 110. FIG.

  [Second Embodiment]

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing system according to the present embodiment and a mechanical configuration of the first printing unit and the second printing unit. The printing system according to the present embodiment also includes a main controller 10 and a printing apparatus 11 including a first printing unit 12 and a second printing unit 13, as in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 of the printing apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, each of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 of the present embodiment has a different conveyance path from the first conveyance path 44 and the reverse conveyance path 46. Two transport paths 48 are provided. The second transport path 48 is a transport path for transporting the recording paper carried from the carry-in entrance 40 to the carry-out exit 42 side, bypassing the first transport path 44.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, each of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 transports the recording paper carried in from the carry-in port 40 to the carry-out port 42 in the first print unit 12. A switch 36 is provided for switching between the transfer path 44 and the second transfer path 48. The switch 36 includes a first switch 36a and a second switch 36b. The first switch 36 a switches between a first state in which the recording sheet conveyed from the carry-in port 40 is carried into the first conveyance path 44 and a second state in which the recording sheet is carried into the reverse conveyance path 46. The second switch 36b carries the recording sheet conveyed via the first conveying path 44 to the first state where the recording sheet conveyed via the first conveying path 44 and the recording sheet conveyed via the second conveying path 48 are conveyed. It switches to the 2nd state conveyed to the exit 42. FIG. This switching is performed by the control unit 31 in accordance with a control signal from the main controller 10.

  Also in this printing system, the printing control described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11 is performed in the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, in step 120 of each processing routine, the main controller 10 further performs the following control.

  When control is performed so that only the recording paper is transported and printing is not resumed in one printing unit, not only the image forming unit 32 of one printing unit is not operated, but also the switch 36 is switched to perform printing on one side. A control signal is output so that the recording paper carried into the carry-in port 40 of the printing unit is conveyed to the carry-out port 42 of one printing unit via the second conveyance path 48. That is, the first switch 36 a is switched to the second state, the second switch 36 b is switched to the second state, and the sheet transport unit 33 is operated so that the recording sheet is transported through the second transport path 48. Let

  This makes it possible to replenish consumables and replace replacement parts in one printing unit even during the period during which printing is performed on the other printing unit. Even during the replacement, the first printing unit 12 and the second printing are performed (in the case of double-sided printing) as soon as printing is executed in the other printing unit and the supply of consumables in one printing unit or replacement of replacement parts is completed. You may control to restart the printing in the part 13. That is, even after resuming printing in the other printing unit in step 120 of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, it returns to step 113, and in step 113 it is determined whether printing can be continued in one printing unit. Printing may be stopped and step 116 may be executed.

  In the first embodiment, the state in which at least one of the consumables is 0 or at least one of the replacement parts has reached the end of its life is set as an unprintable state. In this embodiment, in addition to the above state, the first conveyance is performed by one of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13. Even when at least one of the path 44 and the reverse conveyance path 46 becomes jammed, it may be determined that the printing is impossible. Further, only when one of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 is in a state where the recording paper is jammed in at least one of the first conveyance path 44 and the reverse conveyance path 46. Alternatively, it may be determined that printing is disabled. Further, even when the image forming unit 32 fails, it may be determined that one of the printing units is in an unprintable state. The detection unit 34 detects this and notifies the main controller 10 when the recording paper is jammed or when the image forming unit 32 is out of order. The main controller 10 makes a determination based on this notification.

  In this case, after step 110 in FIGS. 5 and 6 and before step 113, the recording sheets remaining in the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13 are changed to the respective recording sheets. The paper transport unit 33 is operated and discharged to a purge unit (not shown) provided in each of the first printing unit 12 and the second printing unit 13, and in step 113, the jammed recording paper, etc. An affirmative determination may be made when the recording paper that could not be discharged to the purge unit is removed.

  Also, after printing is resumed in the other printing unit in step 120 of FIGS. 5 and 6, the process returns to step 113. In step 113, it is determined whether printing can be continued in one printing unit. Printing may be stopped and step 116 may be executed.

  Further, both the unprintable state and the nearly unprintable state may be determined and controlled. For example, the unprintable state is defined as at least one of the state in which the recording paper is jammed in the first conveyance path 44 or the reverse conveyance path 46 and the state in which the image forming unit 32 is out of order. 11 and the processing routine of FIG. 11, and separately from this, at least one remaining amount of the consumables has reached a lower limit value determined in advance according to the consumables, in a state that is not printable. State, at least one usage amount of the consumables has reached a predetermined upper limit value according to the consumables, at least one actual usage amount of the replacement parts is a value predetermined according to the replacement parts ( However, as at least one of the states that have reached the lifetime, which is smaller than the upper limit value determined as the lifetime, FIGS. 7 to 9, 10 and 11 (however, in the processing routines of FIGS. 10 and 11). (Instead of the determination in step 100, the determination in step 102 described with reference to FIG. 7 or the like is performed, and after step 102, the processing after step 110 is performed after waiting for the print stop timing as shown in step 104). This processing routine may be performed.

  In each of the above embodiments, each processing routine is executed by the CPU 20 executing a program (that is, by software). However, the same function may be realized by hardware.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Main controller 11 Printing apparatus 12 1st printing part 13 2nd printing part 20 CPU
21 ROM
22 RAM
23 IF
24 Image processing unit 25 HDD
26 Display unit 27 Operation unit 30 IF
31 Control Unit 32 Image Forming Unit 33 Paper Conveying Unit 34 Detection Unit 35 UI
36 switching device 40 carry-in entrance 42 carry-out exit 44 first transport path 46 reverse transport path 48 second transport path 50 paper feed section 52 paper discharge section

Claims (9)

Two units each having a carry-in port for carrying a recording medium and a carry-out port for carrying out the recording medium carried from the carry-in port, and capable of single-sided printing and double-sided printing with respect to the recording medium carried from the carry-in port The two printing units are performing printing with a printing apparatus connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit. A first control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing of the printing apparatus is stopped when one of the printing units is in an unprintable state or nearly unprintable, and stopped by the first control A printing control apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs a second control for controlling the printing apparatus so that the printing performed by the other printing unit is resumed and printing is not resumed by the one printing unit. Two units each having a carry-in port for carrying a recording medium and a carry-out port for carrying out the recording medium carried from the carry-in port, and capable of single-sided printing and double-sided printing with respect to the recording medium carried from the carry-in port The two printing units are performing printing with a printing apparatus connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit. A first control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing of the printing apparatus is stopped when a predetermined time arrives when one of the units is in a state where printing is impossible; A printing control apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs a second control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing stopped by the control of 1 is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the one printing unit. Each of the printing units is provided with a printing mechanism for printing the transported recording medium, and includes a first transport path for transporting the recording medium carried in from the carry-in port to the carry-out port side, and the carry-in port. A second transport path for transporting the loaded recording medium to the transport outlet side, bypassing the first transport path,
In the second control, the control unit further transports the recording medium carried into the carry-in port of the one printing unit to the carry-out port of the one printing unit via the second carrying path. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one printing unit is controlled as described above. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit performs the second control in response to an instruction to restart the stopped printing by the other printing unit from a user. . The control unit may be configured to use the other printing unit from a user according to at least one of a time zone when the state is detected, a content of the detected state, and an operation history of the printing apparatus. 4. The second control is performed according to an instruction to restart the stopped printing, or the second control is performed without waiting for an instruction from the user. 5. Print control device. Two units each having a carry-in port for carrying a recording medium and a carry-out port for carrying out the recording medium carried from the carry-in port, and capable of single-sided printing and double-sided printing with respect to the recording medium carried from the carry-in port A printing apparatus connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the latter printing unit;
The printing apparatus is controlled so that printing of the printing apparatus is stopped when one of the two printing units becomes unprintable or nearly unprintable while printing is being performed by the printing apparatus. Print control for performing the second control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing stopped by the first control is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the one printing unit. Equipment,
Printing system equipped with. Two units each having a carry-in port for carrying a recording medium and a carry-out port for carrying out the recording medium carried from the carry-in port, and capable of single-sided printing and double-sided printing with respect to the recording medium carried from the carry-in port A printing apparatus connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the latter printing unit;
When one of the two printing units becomes nearly unprintable while printing is being performed by the printing apparatus, printing by the printing apparatus is stopped when a predetermined time arrives A first control for controlling the printing apparatus, and a second control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing stopped by the first control is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the one printing unit. A print control device for performing control,
Printing system equipped with. Computer
Two units each having a carry-in port for carrying a recording medium and a carry-out port for carrying out the recording medium carried from the carry-in port, and capable of single-sided printing and double-sided printing with respect to the recording medium carried from the carry-in port The two printing units are performing printing with a printing apparatus connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit. A first control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing of the printing apparatus is stopped when one of the printing units is in an unprintable state or nearly unprintable, and stopped by the first control A program for causing the second printing unit to function as a control unit that performs second control to control the printing apparatus so that printing is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the one printing unit. Computer
Two units each having a carry-in port for carrying a recording medium and a carry-out port for carrying out the recording medium carried from the carry-in port, and capable of single-sided printing and double-sided printing with respect to the recording medium carried from the carry-in port The two printing units are performing printing with a printing apparatus connected so that the recording medium carried out from the carry-out port of the preceding printing unit is conveyed to the carry-in port of the subsequent printing unit. A first control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing of the printing apparatus is stopped when a predetermined time arrives when one of the units is in a state where printing is impossible; A program for functioning as a control unit that performs second control for controlling the printing apparatus so that printing stopped by the control of 1 is resumed in the other printing unit and printing is not resumed in the one printing unit.

Images