JP2018074452A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily perform printing of a prescribed function from an external device.SOLUTION: A printing system 300 includes a printer 100, a compound machine 210, a scanner 220 and a mobile apparatus 230. The printer 100 includes an Ethernet I/F 110, a control unit 120, a printing mechanism unit 170, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, a detection unit 160 and a sheet feeding unit 180. RAM 126 of the control unit 120 is provided with an FTP server 128A storing a plurality of folders 130 in which printing conditions like the expanded size are set. In the folders 130, the printing conditions like the expanded size for expansion processing of image data transmitted from an external device such as the compound machine 210 to A0 size and the resolution are set in advance. The control unit 120 stores the image data transmitted from the external device in a designated folder, reads out the printing conditions like the preset expanded size in addition to the image data from the designated folder, performs expansion processing on the image data on the basis of the read-out printing conditions, and performs printing on a sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printers that receive image data from an external device such as a personal computer or an image scanner via a communication unit such as a USB cable or a LAN, perform enlargement processing on the received image data, and print are widely known. In a conventional printer that performs enlargement processing and prints, image data is converted into PDL (Page Description Language) by a printer driver installed in an external device such as a personal computer and transmitted to the printer, and the transmitted PDL data is stored in the printer. Then, it is further converted into an object code, finally expanded into a bitmap and output as an image.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus that acquires an image scanned on a device side via USB communication, performs predetermined image processing on the acquired image, and prints the image on a print medium. Patent Document 2 describes a printing apparatus that determines whether or not a special image is included in image data converted into PDL data, and performs predetermined processing based on the determination result.

  In recent years, taking into account that various external devices are connected to a network, printers that can perform normal printing from an external device that does not support a printer driver have also been developed.

  For example, Patent Document 3 describes a printer control apparatus in which an FTP server is provided in a printer control apparatus, and data on a non-volatile storage medium is read by an operation from an operation panel and printing is performed.

JP 2011-199365 A JP 2009-260721 A JP 2004-227194 A

  However, in the printers described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example, when an enlarged image is printed, the printing condition of the external device must be changed every time printing is performed, and the operation at the time of printing by the user is performed. There is a problem that the burden increases. In addition, the printer described in Patent Document 3 only performs data communication and printing using an FTP server, and has a problem that it cannot respond to a user's request for printing with a predetermined function such as enlargement. . Conventionally, a large-format printer connected to a personal computer and printing on A0, A1 size paper is known. For example, when an A4 size document is enlarged and printed on A0, A1 size, the personal computer or the like is used. It is necessary to make print settings for enlargement printing on the printer, which increases the operation burden.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can easily perform printing of a predetermined function from an external device.

  In order to solve the above problems, a printing apparatus according to the present invention is based on a communication unit that communicates image data with an external device, a storage unit that has a storage area in which printing conditions are set, and a command from the external device. A control unit that stores the image data in the designated storage area; and a printing unit that prints an image on a sheet based on the image data stored in the storage unit. The printing unit is controlled to print the image data based on the printing conditions set in the storage area storing the image data.

  The storage unit can be provided with a server in which the storage area is stored.

  The printing condition can be configured by size change information of the image data.

  The printing apparatus may include a printing condition changing unit that changes the printing conditions.

  The printing apparatus includes a notification unit and a detection unit that detects a paper size, and the control unit includes the size change information set in the designated storage area and the paper size detected by the detection unit. If they do not match, the notification unit can notify that the paper sizes do not match.

  The printing apparatus includes a detection unit that detects a paper size, and the control unit is configured such that the size change information set in the designated storage area does not match the paper size detected by the detection unit. Alternatively, the image data can be processed, and printing can be performed on paper based on the processed image data.

  When the image data is stored outside the storage area in the storage unit by the control unit based on a command from the external device, the control unit includes a detection unit that detects the size of the set paper. The control unit can be controlled so that the image data is enlarged and printed based on the paper size detected by the detection unit.

  The storage unit has a storage area in which size change information of the image data is set as a print condition, and a storage area in which no print condition is set, and based on a command from the external device, the control unit When the image data is stored in a storage area in the storage unit where the printing conditions are not set, the control unit prints the image data by performing an enlargement process based on the paper size detected by the detection unit. The printing unit is controlled to perform the above.

  The control unit can store the order of the image data received from the external device, and can perform printing in the order of the stored image data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform printing based on the printing conditions set in the storage area by storing the image data from the external device in the storage area provided in the printing apparatus.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the FTP server which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation during enlargement printing in the printing system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the FTP server which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement at the time of expansion printing in the printing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration Example of Printing System 300]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a printing system 300 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 300 according to the present invention includes a thermal printing apparatus 100, a multifunction device 210, a scanner 220, and a mobile device 230. Each of the printing apparatus 100, the multifunction peripheral 210, the scanner 220, and the mobile device 230 is connected to each other via a network 200 constructed by, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). Image data is transmitted from the multifunction device 210, the scanner 220, and the mobile device 230 to the printing apparatus via the network 200. Examples of image data include raster data such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or bitmap, and PDF file (Portable Document Format). The LAN may be wired or wireless. In addition to the LAN, the network 200 can be configured by a wireless communication such as a WAN (Wide Area Network), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  The printing apparatus 100 includes an Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F 110, a control unit 120, a printing mechanism unit 170, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, a detection unit 160, and a paper feeding unit 180. Yes. The Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F 110, the control unit 120, the printing mechanism unit 170, the display unit 140, the operation unit 150, the detection unit 160, and the paper feed unit 180 are connected to each other via a bus 190.

  The Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F 110 communicates image data and the like with the MFP 210, the scanner 220, and the mobile device 230 on the network 200 based on the TCP / IP protocol. The Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F 110 corresponds to an example of a communication unit.

  The control unit 120 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 122, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 124, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 126. The CPU 122 controls the operation of each unit of the printing apparatus 100. The ROM 124 stores control software, data, and the like. The RAM 126 is used for temporary storage of data necessary for the control process of the CPU 122. The RAM 126 is provided with an FTP server 128A (see FIG. 2) as an example of the file server 128 in which a plurality of folders 130 (see FIG. 2) in which printing conditions such as an enlarged size are set are stored. The FTP server 128A will be described later. The CPU 122 executes a printing process corresponding to an enlargement size designated by the user by developing control software (firmware or the like) or data read from the ROM 124 on the RAM 126 and executing the program. The RAM 126 corresponds to an example of a storage unit, and the folder 130 corresponds to an example of a storage area. The enlarged size corresponds to an example of size change information. The CPU can be replaced by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like, and can be configured by both.

  The operation unit 150 includes a plurality of keys such as a menu key, a start key, and an enter key. The user selects a communication method, a paper type, and the like, and sets printing conditions such as an enlarged size set in each folder 130. And accept changes. The display unit 140 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays a screen for setting and changing a communication method, a paper type, and printing conditions, and is set in a designated enlargement size and paper feeding unit 180. An error message is displayed when the paper sizes do not match. The operation unit 150 corresponds to an example of a printing condition changing unit. Further, setting and changing of printing conditions can be performed by an information processing terminal such as a personal computer connected to the printing apparatus 100.

  The printing mechanism unit 170 includes a thermal head, a platen roller disposed to face the thermal head, and a drive motor that rotates the platen roller. The thermal head prints a predetermined image on the paper by applying heat energy to the paper based on the image data supplied from the control unit 120 to cause the coat layer to develop color. The drive motor is composed of, for example, a DC brushless motor or a stepping motor, and rotates based on a drive signal supplied from the control unit 120 to rotate the platen roller. Note that the printing mechanism unit 170 corresponds to an example of a printing unit.

  The detection unit 160 includes a reader / writer unit having a reader function and a writer function, for example. The detection unit 160 performs non-contact communication with, for example, a sheet or an RFID (radio frequency identifier) tag attached to the core of the sheet, and acquires the sheet information of the sheet set on the sheet feeding unit 180 from the RFID tag. To do. Examples of the paper information include a paper type, a paper size (width), applied energy information, a color at the time of paper coloring, and a paper lot number. Note that the RFID provided on the paper side can also be configured by a bar code or a QR code (registered trademark). In this case, the detection unit 160 can be configured by an optical sensor (scanner). Further, when acquiring the paper size, the detection unit 160 may be configured by a line sensor, and the paper size information may be acquired by detecting the end of the paper in the width direction.

  The paper feeding unit 180 is configured to be able to accommodate paper of A0 size, A1 size, and the like, and sends the paper to the printing mechanism unit 170 based on a printing instruction from an external device.

  The multifunction device 210 and the scanner 220 read a document placed on a document table or a document transported by an automatic document transport unit to acquire image data, and a folder on the printing apparatus 100 side corresponding to a desired enlarged size. 130 is designated, and the image data is transmitted via the network 200 to the FTP server 128A in which the designated folder 130 is stored. The folder 130 displays a plurality of folders 130 provided for each printing condition on the screen of the display unit of the MFP 210 or the scanner 220, and selects a specific folder 130 on the screen by the operation unit. Also good. Also, it is possible to transmit image data on the route of the FTP server 128A as a storage area in which no printing condition is set without specifying a specific folder.

  The mobile device 230 includes, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a digital camera, and the like. The mobile device 230 designates a folder 130 on the printing apparatus 100 side corresponding to a desired enlargement size, and the designated folder 130 is stored. The image data is transmitted to the FTP server 128A via the network 200. Note that the folder 130 may display a plurality of folders 130 provided for each print condition on the screen of the display unit of the mobile device 230 and select a specific folder 130 on the screen by the operation unit.

[Configuration example of FTP server 128A]
FIG. 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of the FTP server 128A. As shown in FIG. 2, the FTP server 128 </ b> A is provided in the RAM 126 and transmits / receives a file such as image data to / from the multifunction device 210, the scanner 220, and the mobile device 230. An IP address is assigned to the FTP server 128A, and an ID and a password are set.

  In the FTP server 128A, a plurality of folders 130 set for each printing condition are provided. In the first embodiment, five folders 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, and 130e are provided as the plurality of folders 130. The number of folders 130 is not limited to five, and may be configured with four or less, or may be configured with six or more.

  In the folder 130a, printing conditions such as resolution, compression, color, and gradation are set in advance in addition to the enlargement size for enlarging the image data transmitted from the external device such as the MFP 210 to “A0 size”. Yes. The folder 130a is given a folder name “A0” in association with the enlarged size printing condition. Note that the printing conditions set in the folder 130a are not limited to the example described above. Also, the folder name may be arbitrarily given by the user.

  In the folder 130b, printing conditions such as resolution, compression, color, and gradation are set in advance in addition to the enlargement size for enlarging the image data transmitted from the external device such as the MFP 210 to “A1 size”. Yes. Further, the folder name “A1” is given to the folder 130b in association with the print condition of the enlarged size. Note that the printing conditions set in the folder 130b are not limited to the example described above. Also, the folder name may be arbitrarily given by the user.

  In the folder 130c, print conditions such as resolution, compression, color, and gradation are set in advance in addition to the enlargement size for enlarging the image data transmitted from the external device such as the MFP 210 to “A2 size”. Yes. Also, the folder name “A2” is assigned to the folder 130c in association with the print condition of the enlarged size. Note that the printing conditions set in the folder 130c are not limited to the example described above. Also, the folder name may be arbitrarily given by the user.

  In the folder 130d, printing conditions such as resolution, compression, color, and gradation are set in advance in addition to the enlargement size for enlarging the image data transmitted from the external device such as the MFP 210 to “long”. Yes. Here, “long” refers to a function for continuously enlarging and printing a plurality of image data read from a plurality of originals on a sheet. The folder 130d has a “long” folder name associated with the enlarged size printing condition. Note that the printing conditions set in the folder 130d are not limited to the example described above. Also, the folder name may be arbitrarily given by the user.

  The folder 130e acquires the set paper size from the detection unit 160 in order to enlarge the image data transmitted from the external device such as the MFP 210 to the “paper size” set in the printing apparatus 100. And set as printing conditions. In addition, the folder name “paper size” is assigned to the folder 130e in association with the print condition of the enlarged size. Note that the printing conditions set in the folder 130e are not limited to the example described above. Also, the folder name may be arbitrarily given by the user.

  The control unit 120 stores the image data transmitted from the external device in the designated folder 130, and reads and reads the printing conditions such as a preset enlarged size in addition to the image data from the designated folder 130. By controlling the printing mechanism unit 170 based on the printing conditions, control is performed to enlarge the image data and print it. The image data is transmitted to each corresponding folder 130 of the FTP server 128A based on the IP address assigned to the FTP server 128A and the folder name specified on the external device side.

  In this embodiment, the FTP server 128A is used as the file server 128. However, the file server 128 is not limited to the FTP server 128A, and the file server 128 provided by open software such as Samba can also be used. Further, the invention is not limited to the file server 128, and the use of a web server using the http protocol is also conceivable. Also in this case, one or more folders are provided in the server, and printing conditions are set for each folder. The external device can designate the URL of the folder and transmit the image data. The image data is printed according to the printing conditions set in the saved folder. Another possible use is a mail server. In this case, one or more mail addresses are provided in the server, storage areas for storing data are provided for each address, and printing conditions are set in the respective storage areas. An external device can send image data by specifying an email address and attaching it to the email. The image data is printed according to the printing conditions set in the storage area for each transmitted address.

[Operation Example of Printing System 300]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations of the scanner 220 and the printing apparatus 100 when image data transmitted from the scanner 220, which is an example of an external device, is enlarged by the printing apparatus 100 and printed on paper. In the following, the CPU 122 of the control unit 120 implements the image forming process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 by executing the program and job data read from the ROM 124.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in step S100, the scanner 220 reads an image of a document placed on a document table, for example, and acquires image data of the read image. Note that the image data is configured to be vertically long or horizontally long depending on the orientation at the time of reading. When step S100 ends, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the scanner 220 transmits the read image data via the network 200 to the folder 130 of the FTP server 128A on the printing apparatus 100 side designated by the user. For example, when an A0 folder name having an A0 size enlargement processing function is designated, the scanner 220 transmits image data to the folder 130a corresponding to A0 of the FTP server 128A. Note that when connecting to the FTP server 128A, an ID, a password, and the like are set in the scanner 220 by the user. When step S110 ends, the process proceeds to step S120.

  In step S120, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 designates the image data transmitted from the scanner 220 via the network 200 based on the IP address, folder name, and the like added to the image data. It is stored in the folder 130 of 128A. For example, when the folder 130a is designated on the scanner 220 side, the control unit 120 stores image data in the folder 130a of the FTP server 128A. When step S120 ends, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S130, in addition to the stored image data, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 receives image data information including printing conditions such as an enlarged size, resolution, compression, color, and gradation from the designated folder 130. Read and get. When step S130 ends, the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S140, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 converts the acquired image data into bitmap data. When the image data is compressed data, it is converted into bitmap data after being decoded. If the image data is gradation data or color data, the image data is converted to bitmap data after adjusting the gradation and the number of colors corresponding to the printing apparatus 100. When step S140 ends, the process proceeds to step S150. When the image data is a PDF file, the compressed image in the PDF file is decoded and converted into bitmap data. When the acquired image data is a bitmap, it is possible to proceed to the next step without performing the decoding process.

  In step S <b> 150, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 determines whether the acquired enlarged size of the printing condition is larger than the paper size (paper width) set in the paper feeding unit 180 of the printing apparatus 100. Note that the set paper size is specified in advance by the detection unit 160 before the image data is acquired.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the paper is wound around the outer peripheral surface of a core having an elongated cylindrical shape in a roll shape, and the paper width (the length in the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction) is set for each paper size. In contrast, the paper length (the length in the paper transport direction) is adjusted by cutting the paper in a length corresponding to the paper size. Therefore, when the length of the acquired print condition enlargement size in the short direction exceeds the width of the paper set in the paper supply unit 180, the acquired print condition enlargement size is set in the paper supply unit 180. It can be determined that it is larger than the paper size.

  The paper may not be in the form of a roll, and may be a sheet cut into A0 and A1 sizes. In this case, each of the paper width and the paper length is compared with the enlarged size of the acquired printing condition. As the paper type, thermal paper, light-proof paper, water-proof paper, thick coated paper, standard paper, wood grain paper, synthetic paper, cloth synthetic paper, white / high preservation paper, and the like can be used.

  If the control unit 120 determines that the enlarged size of the acquired printing condition exceeds the paper size set in the paper supply unit 180, the control unit 120 proceeds to step S250. In step S <b> 250, the control unit 120 displays an error message indicating a paper size mismatch on the display screen of the display unit 140. For example, when the folder 130a having the A0 enlargement size function is specified and the paper size set in the paper feeding unit 180 is A1, the image to be printed is out of the paper range, and therefore an error display is performed. .

  On the other hand, in step S150, when the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 determines that the enlarged size of the acquired printing condition is equal to or smaller than the paper size set in the paper feeding unit 180, the process proceeds to step S160.

  In step S <b> 160, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 determines whether the enlarged size of the acquired printing condition matches the paper size set in the paper feeding unit 180. For example, it can be determined whether the length in the short direction of the enlarged size of the acquired printing condition is in the same range as the width of the paper set in the paper supply unit 180. If the enlargement size matches the paper size set in the paper supply unit 180, the control unit 120 determines that an image can be printed within the paper frame and proceeds to step S170.

  In step S170, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 determines whether the acquired image data is horizontally long. Here, the landscape orientation of the image data means that the longitudinal direction of the image data is parallel to a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction. When determining that the image data is horizontally long, the control unit 120 proceeds to step S180, and when determining that the image data is vertically long, the control unit 120 proceeds to step S190.

  In step S180, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 rotates the image data converted into the bitmap data by 90 degrees. Thereby, the image data can be set to be vertically long, and the image data can be matched to the orientation of the set paper. When step S180 ends, the process proceeds to step S190.

  In step S <b> 190, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 enlarges the image data converted into the bitmap based on the enlargement size acquired from the designated folder 130. For example, when the folder 130a is designated, the control unit 120 enlarges the image data converted into the bitmap to A0 size. When step S190 ends, the process proceeds to step S200. In this embodiment, the linear interpolation method is adopted as the enlargement process, but other enlargement process methods include a nearest neighbor method, a Lagrangian interpolation, a three-dimensional convolution interpolation method (BiCubic), and the like. Any method can be adopted depending on the desired processing speed and enlargement ratio.

  In step S <b> 200, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 performs print processing based on the enlarged bitmap image data and other print conditions such as resolution, color, and gradation acquired from the folder 130. The sheet on which the image is printed is cut by a cutting mechanism (not shown) with a specified enlarged size length, and then discharged from a discharge port.

  On the other hand, in step S160, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 determines in step S210 if the enlarged size of the acquired printing condition is less than the paper size set in the paper feeding unit 180 (a range that fits in the paper size). move on.

  In step S <b> 210, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 determines whether the length in the longitudinal direction of the enlarged size of the acquired printing condition is the same as the length in the width direction of the paper set in the paper feeding unit 180. Determine. When the control unit 120 determines that the length in the longitudinal direction of the enlarged size is not the same as the length in the width direction of the paper set in the paper feeding unit 180, the control unit 120 proceeds to step S250.

  In step S <b> 250, the control unit 120 displays an error message indicating a paper size mismatch on the display screen of the display unit 140. This is because, for example, even when the enlargement size is rotated, there is a possibility of printing out of the paper set in the paper supply unit 180.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 determines in step S210 that the length in the longitudinal direction of the enlarged size is the same as the length in the width direction of the paper set in the paper feeding unit 180, step S210 is performed. Proceed to S220.

  In step S220, the control unit 120 determines whether the image data is vertically long. Here, the portrait orientation of the image data means that the longitudinal direction of the image printed based on the image data is parallel to the paper transport direction. If the control unit 120 determines that the image data is vertically long, the process proceeds to step S230. If the image data is determined to be horizontally long, the control unit 120 proceeds to step S240.

  In step S230, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 rotates the image data converted into the bitmap data by 90 degrees. As a result, the image data can be set to be horizontally long, and the image data can be matched with the paper set in the paper feed unit 180. For example, when the image data is vertically long and the folder 130b having the A1 enlargement size function is designated and the paper size set in the paper feeding unit 180 is A0 size, the vertically long image data of A1 size is rotated by 90 degrees. Thus, the image data can be matched with the A0 size (width). When step S230 ends, the process proceeds to step S240.

  In step S240, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 enlarges the image data converted into the bitmap based on the enlargement size acquired from the designated folder 130. When step S240 ends, the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S <b> 200, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 performs print processing based on the enlarged bitmap image data and other print conditions such as resolution, color, and gradation acquired from the folder 130. The paper on which the image is printed is cut by a cutting mechanism (not shown) with a specified enlarged size, and then discharged from the discharge port. In the present embodiment, such a series of printing processes is repeatedly executed based on image data transmitted from an external device.

  When a plurality of image data is transmitted from an external device such as the scanner 220, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 stores the order of the received image data, stores the order in the RAM 126, and the stored image data. Print in this order. Further, even when image data is transmitted from a plurality of different devices such as the MFP 210, the scanner 220, and the mobile device 230, the order of the received image data is stored, and printing is performed in the order of the stored image data. May be. At this time, new image data transmitted from the external device during printing by the printing apparatus 100 can be stored in the storage unit, and printing and image data storage can be performed in parallel.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, image data is enlarged and printed from an external device such as the MFP 210 to the enlargement size set in the FTP server 128A of the printing apparatus 100 and its folder 130. Can do. As a result, the user does not have to perform an operation for setting printing conditions such as an enlarged size each time printing is performed on the external device side such as the MFP 210, so that the operation burden on the user during printing can be reduced. .

  Further, according to the present embodiment, even when a printer driver is not installed on the external device side, raster data such as JPEG or bitmap, image data such as PDF, etc. can be expanded on the printing apparatus 100 side. The desired enlarged printing can be performed simply by transmitting to the folder 130 that the user has. Thereby, it is possible to easily perform enlargement printing from various external devices.

<Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the enlarged printing process can be executed even when the enlarged size (folder 130) is not specified. Since the configuration of the other printing system 300 is the same as that of the first embodiment, common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[Configuration example of FTP server 128B]
FIG. 4 shows an example of a functional configuration of the FTP server 128B according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, in the FTP server 128B, as described above, the folder 130a in which print conditions such as an enlargement size for enlarging the image data to “A0” are set, and the image data is enlarged to “A1”. A folder 130b in which printing conditions such as an enlargement size to be processed are set, a folder 130c in which printing conditions such as an enlargement process in which image data is enlarged to “A2”, and an image data to be enlarged to “long” Folders 130d in which printing conditions such as size are set are stored.

  Further, in the FTP server 128B, there is provided a storage area (hereinafter referred to as a root) 130f in which printing conditions other than the folders 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are not set in advance. The route 130f includes printing conditions, resolution, and the like for performing enlargement printing processing on image data transmitted from an external device such as the multifunction device 210 and the scanner 220 according to the paper size set in the paper feeding unit 180 of the printing apparatus 100. Printing conditions such as compression, color, and gradation are set. For example, when the print start button is selected on the screen of the operation unit of the external device such as the MFP 210 or the scanner 220 without selecting the button such as the folder 130a, the image data generated by the external device is the FTP server. It is transmitted to the route 130f in 128B.

[Operation Example of Printing System 300]
When the external device transmits image data to the FTP server 128B of the printing apparatus 100, the external device can transmit the image data on the route of the FTP server 128B without specifying a folder. The flowchart in that case is shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a case where the scanner 220 is used as an example of an external device will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in step S300, the scanner 220 reads an image of a document placed on a document table, for example, and acquires image data of the read image. In the scanner 220, the print start button for performing enlarged printing is selected without designating the folder 130 (see FIG. 2) on the screen of the display unit. When step S300 ends, the process proceeds to step S310.

  In step S310, since the folder 130 is not designated by the user, the scanner 220 transmits the read image data to the route 130f of the FTP server 128B on the printing apparatus 100 side via the network 200. When step S310 ends, the process proceeds to step S320.

  In step S320, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 stores the image data transmitted from the scanner 220 via the network 200 in the route 130f of the FTP server 128B based on the IP address added thereto. When step S320 ends, the process proceeds to step S330.

  In step S330, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 reads out and acquires image data information including print conditions such as an enlarged size, resolution, compression, color, and gradation from the route 130f in addition to the stored image data. To do. When step S330 ends, the process proceeds to step S340.

  In step S340, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 converts the acquired image data into bitmap data. When the image data is compressed data, it is converted into bitmap data after being decoded. If the image data is gradation data or color data, the image data is converted to bitmap data after adjusting the gradation and the number of colors corresponding to the printing apparatus 100. When the image data is a PDF file, the compressed image in the PDF file is decoded and converted into bitmap data. Note that when the acquired image data is a bitmap, it is possible not to perform the decoding process. When step S340 ends, the process proceeds to step S350.

  In step S350, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 determines whether the acquired image data has an aspect ratio or the same ratio. If it is determined that the image data is vertically long or the same ratio, the control unit 120 proceeds to step S370, and if it is determined that the image data is horizontally long, the process proceeds to step S360.

  In step S360, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 rotates the image data converted into the bitmap data by 90 degrees. Thereby, the image data can be set to be vertically long, and the image data can be matched to the orientation of the set paper. When step S360 ends, the process proceeds to step S370.

  In step S <b> 370, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 acquires the paper size information set in the paper feeding unit 180 from the detection unit 160, and the image data converted into the bitmap is set in the paper feeding unit 180. Enlargement processing is performed according to the paper size. For example, when the set paper size is A0 width and the image data is vertically long, enlargement processing is performed so that the length of the image data in the short direction becomes A0 width. If the image data is horizontally long, the image data is rotated by 90 degrees, and enlarged so that the length of the image data in the short direction becomes the A0 width. When step S370 ends, the process proceeds to step S380.

  In step S380, the control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 100 performs print processing based on the enlarged bitmap image data. The paper on which the image is printed is cut by a cutting mechanism (not shown) with the length of the enlarged size, and then discharged from the discharge port. In the present embodiment, such a series of printing processes is repeatedly executed based on image data transmitted from an external device.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, even when a folder as a storage area in which printing conditions are set is not set in the FTP server B of the printing apparatus 100, the same as in the first embodiment. In this method, when the external device transmits image data to the FTP server 128B of the printing apparatus 100, the image data is stored on the route of the FTP server 128B, and the set paper size specified in advance by the detection unit 160 is set. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which enlargement processing is performed based on this.

  Although the present invention has been described using the embodiment, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a thermal printer is used as the printing apparatus 100 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to an electrophotographic printing apparatus, an inkjet printing apparatus, or a dot impact printing apparatus.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image data is rotated as an example of the processing when the enlargement size and the paper size of the paper supply unit 180 do not match. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image data may be reduced and enlarged to perform printing according to the paper size set in the paper supply unit 180. Further, when performing enlarged printing, the enlarged printing may be performed as much as possible ignoring the margin of the image data.

  Further, the processing described with reference to the flowcharts in this specification may not necessarily be executed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. Further, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be omitted.

100 Printer 110 Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F (communication unit)
120 control unit 126 RAM (storage unit)
128A, 128B FTP server 140 Display unit (notification unit)
150 Operation part (print condition change part)
170 Printing mechanism section (printing section)

Claims (9)

A communication unit for communicating image data with an external device;
A storage unit having a storage area in which printing conditions are set;
Based on a command from the external device, a control unit that stores the image data in the designated storage area;
A printing unit that prints an image on paper based on the image data stored in the storage unit,
The printing device, wherein the control unit controls the printing unit to print the image data based on the printing condition set in the storage area in which the image data is stored. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit includes a server in which the storage area is stored. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition is size change information of the image data. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printing condition changing unit that changes the printing conditions. A notification unit;
It has a detector that detects the paper size,
When the size change information set in the designated storage area and the paper size detected by the detection unit do not match, the control unit notifies the notification unit that the paper size does not match. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: It has a detector that detects the paper size,
When the size change information set in the designated storage area and the paper size detected by the detection unit do not match, the control unit processes the image data, and the processed image 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing is performed on a sheet based on the data. A communication unit for communicating image data with an external device;
A storage unit for storing the image data from the external device;
Based on a command from the external device, a control unit that stores the image data in the storage unit,
A printing unit that prints an image on paper based on the image data stored in the storage unit;
A detection unit for detecting the size of the paper,
The control unit controls the printing unit to perform printing by enlarging the image data based on the size of the paper detected by the detection unit. The storage unit has a storage area in which the image data size change information is set as a print condition, and a storage area in which the print condition is not set.
When the image data is stored in a storage area in the storage unit in which the printing condition is not set based on a command from the external device, the control unit converts the image data into the detection unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the printing unit is controlled to perform printing by performing an enlargement process based on a paper size detected by the printer. The printing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit stores the order of the image data received from the external device, and performs printing in the order of the stored image data. apparatus.

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