JP2021080092A - Printing device, printing system, controlling method of printing device, and controlling program - Google Patents

Abstract

To output a sheet after cut in the original image order after reprinting an abnormal image when such an image formation abnormality occurs on a part of multiple images printed on one sheet.SOLUTION: When an image formation abnormality occurs related to a first image printed on a sheet before cut, a printing device 100 transports to a first loading part 122, a sheet after cut that corresponds to an image determined to be prior to the first image in a predetermined order and having no image formation abnormality. The printing device transports to a second loading part 124, a sheet after cut that corresponds to an image determined to be subsequent to the first image in the predetermined order and having no image formation abnormality. The printing device 100 transports to the first loading part 122, a sheet after cut that corresponds to the first image reprinted after re-imposition and thereafter, transports to the first loading part 122, sheets after cut loaded on the second loading part 124.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to a printing device, a printing system, a control method of the printing device, and a control program.

Conventionally, in order to reduce printing costs, it has been known as a general printing method that a plurality of images are impositioned on one sheet and printed. In addition, recent on-demand digital printing machines often include an in-line finisher capable of post-processing printed matter at the rear end of the printing device. For example, when a plurality of images are impositioned on one sheet and printed, a mechanism for cutting the sheet is provided as an in-line finisher.

On the other hand, in a sheet printed by a printing apparatus, image formation abnormalities such as stains and scratches on the image may occur for various reasons. Therefore, there is a technique of scanning a sheet immediately after printing with a scanner and detecting an image formation abnormality based on the scanned image. The sheet in which the image formation abnormality has occurred is ejected to a place different from the normally printed sheet, and the image in which the abnormality has occurred is reprinted and reprinted.

In relation to the above, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-202436 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for imposition and printing a plurality of images on one sheet. According to the technique of this document, after printing all the sheets, only the defective image in which the printing defect has occurred is reimposed and reprinted. Patent Document 1 does not disclose a mechanism for cutting a sheet.

JP-A-2009-202436

In the technique of Patent Document 1 described above, after printing all the sheets, only the defective images in which printing defects have occurred are reimposed and reprinted, so that the sheets cannot be output in the initial order. As a result, after reprinting the defective image on the sheet and then cutting the sheet, the work of changing the order of the sheets after cutting occurs. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for reprinting an image in which an image formation abnormality has occurred and then outputting the cut sheets in the initial order.

This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has a function of printing a plurality of images imposition on one sheet and a function of cutting a sheet for each printed image. Regarding the printing device provided. Disclosed is a printing apparatus that reprints an abnormal image and then outputs the cut sheets in the order of the original images when an image formation abnormality occurs in a part of one sheet in a certain aspect.

A printing apparatus according to an embodiment reads an image forming unit that forms an image on the pre-cutting sheet, a cutting unit that cuts the pre-cutting sheet on which the image is formed, and an image formed by the image forming unit. Control: an image reading unit that generates a scanned image, a first loading unit and a second loading unit that load the sheet after cutting, and a transport unit that transports the sheet after cutting to the first loading unit and the second loading unit. It has a part. The control unit acquires data of a plurality of images corresponding to a predetermined order. The control unit causes the image forming unit to form a predetermined number of images out of the plurality of images on the pre-cutting sheet in the first arrangement impositioned according to the predetermined order. The control unit determines whether or not an image formation abnormality has occurred based on the scanned images corresponding to the predetermined number of images. When the control unit determines that no image formation abnormality has occurred in all of the predetermined number of images, the control unit transfers the sheet after cutting corresponding to the predetermined number of images to the first loading unit by the transport unit. .. When the control unit determines that an image formation abnormality has occurred in the first image out of the predetermined number of images, the control unit performs the following processing. Specifically, the control unit uses the transport unit to obtain a sheet after cutting corresponding to an image in which the predetermined order is earlier than the first image and it is determined that there is no image formation abnormality. 1 Transport to the loading section. The control unit uses the transport unit to carry the sheet after cutting, which corresponds to an image in which the predetermined order is later than the first image and is determined to have no image formation abnormality, by the second loading unit. To be transported to. The control unit has a second arrangement including the first image, which is different from the first arrangement in the pre-cut sheet in which the image is formed after the pre-cut sheet containing the first image. Re-imposition with. The control unit conveys the post-cut sheet corresponding to the reimposed first image to the first loading unit by the conveying unit, and then after cutting, the sheet is loaded on the second loading unit. The sheet is transported to the first loading unit by the transport unit.

In a certain aspect, when an image formation abnormality occurs in the second image in which the predetermined order is later than the first image among the predetermined number of images, the control unit arranges the first image. Reimposition is performed in a third arrangement that includes the first image and the second image that are different from. The control unit conveys the re-imposed sheet after cutting corresponding to the first image to the first loading unit by the conveying unit, and then loads the sheet on the second loading unit. The post-cut sheet corresponding to the image whose predetermined order is earlier than the image of 2 is conveyed to the first loading unit by the conveying unit. The control unit conveys the re-imposed sheet after cutting corresponding to the second image to the first loading unit by the conveying unit, and then loads the sheet on the second loading unit. The post-cutting sheet corresponding to the image whose predetermined order is later than the image of 2 is conveyed to the first loading unit by the conveying unit.

In a certain aspect, the control unit forms an image generated by cutting the pre-cut sheet with respect to the pre-cut sheet on which the image has already been formed when it is determined that the image formation abnormality has occurred in the first image. The sheet after cutting without any abnormality is conveyed to the first loading section or the second loading section by the conveying section. When the control unit determines that an image formation abnormality has occurred in the first image, the control unit reimpositions the image, which has not yet been formed on the pre-cutting sheet, together with the first image.

In a certain aspect, the control unit impositions the predetermined number of images on both sides of the pre-cutting sheet and causes the image forming unit to form an image. When the first image has an image formation abnormality, the control unit displays the image impositioned on the back surface side corresponding to the first image regardless of the presence or absence of the image formation abnormality. Reimposition with the image of.

In a certain aspect, when the same image formation abnormality occurs continuously in a specific range of the pre-cutting sheet, the control unit reimpositions the pre-cutting sheet to a region other than the specific range.

In a certain aspect, the second loading unit is provided inside the housing of the printing apparatus. In accordance with the command of the control unit, the transport unit takes out the sheet after cutting loaded on the second load unit from the second load unit and transports it to the first load unit.

In a certain aspect, the second loading unit is provided outside the housing of the printing apparatus. The printing device further includes an insert tray for inserting the sheet after cutting discharged to the second loading unit into the housing of the printing device. Transporting the post-cut sheet loaded on the second loading section to the first loading section by the transport section means that the post-cut sheet inserted from the insert tray is transported by the transport section to the first loading section. Including transporting to.

In a certain aspect, the image reading unit is provided after the cutting unit and is configured to read an image formed on the sheet after cutting.

In a certain aspect, the image reading unit is provided in front of the cutting unit and is configured to read an image formed on the pre-cutting sheet before the pre-cutting sheet is cut by the cutting unit. ..

In certain aspects, the printing apparatus comprises a third loading section. The control unit conveys the sheet after cutting on which an image having an image formation abnormality is formed to the third loading unit.

According to other aspects, a method of controlling the printing apparatus is provided. The printing apparatus reads an image formed by reading an image forming portion that forms an image on the pre-cutting sheet, a cutting portion that cuts the pre-cutting sheet on which the image is formed, and an image formed by the image forming portion. An image reading unit to be generated, a first loading unit and a second loading unit for loading the sheet after cutting, a transport unit for transporting the sheet after cutting to the first loading unit and the second loading unit, and a control unit. Be prepared. In the control method, the control unit acquires data of a plurality of images corresponding to a predetermined order, and the control unit obtains a predetermined number of images among the plurality of images in a predetermined order. An image formation abnormality occurred based on the step of forming the image on the pre-cutting sheet by the image forming unit in the impositioned first arrangement and the scanned images corresponding to the predetermined number of images by the control unit. When the step of determining whether or not the image is formed and the control unit determines that no image formation abnormality has occurred in all of the predetermined number of images, the sheet after cutting corresponding to the predetermined number of images is transferred to the transport unit. This includes a step of carrying the image to the first loading unit and executing an abnormality handling process when it is determined that an image formation abnormality has occurred in the first image out of the predetermined number of images. In the above-mentioned abnormality handling process, the post-cut sheet corresponding to an image in which the predetermined order is earlier than the above-mentioned first image and it is determined that there is no image formation abnormality is loaded by the above-mentioned first loading unit. The second transfer unit transfers the step of transporting the sheet to the section and the post-cut sheet corresponding to the image in which the predetermined order is later than the first image and the image is determined to have no image formation abnormality. A first image containing the first image, which is different from the first arrangement, in the step of transporting the image to the loading unit and the pre-cut sheet in which the image is formed after the pre-cut sheet containing the first image. The step of reimposition in the arrangement of 2 and the post-cut sheet corresponding to the reimposed first image are conveyed to the first loading section by the conveying section, and then transferred to the second loading section. This includes a step of transporting the loaded sheet after cutting to the first loading section by the transport section.

According to still another aspect, a control program for controlling the printing apparatus is provided. When the control program is executed by the printing device, the printing device causes the printing device to execute the control method.

According to yet another aspect, a printing system is provided. The printing system includes the printing device, at least one client terminal, and a communication line for communicating and connecting the printing device and the at least one client terminal.

According to one embodiment, in a printing apparatus having a function of collectively printing a plurality of images imposition on one sheet and a function of cutting a sheet for each printed image, one sheet. When an image formation abnormality occurs in a part of the sheet, the abnormal image can be reprinted and the cut sheet can be output in the order of the original image.

The above and other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention as understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the printing system 50. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware composition of the control part 150 and the operation panel 160 in FIG. In the first specific example, it is a figure which shows typically a plurality of input images 300. It is a figure which shows typically the plurality of images 400 formed on the sheet before cutting according to the imposition shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing how the printed pre-cut sheets 410 and 415 shown in FIG. 4 are processed in the order of the cutting section 110, the image reading section 115, and the conveying section 120. In the first specific example, it is a figure which shows the image 350 which was reimposed. In the second specific example, it is a figure which shows typically a plurality of input images 500. It is a figure which shows typically the plurality of images 600 formed on the sheet before cutting according to the imposition shown in FIG. 7. In the second specific example, it is a figure which shows the image 550 which was reimposed. In the third specific example, it is a figure which shows typically a plurality of images 700 formed on the sheet before cutting according to the imposition shown in FIG. In the third specific example, it is a figure which shows the image 750 which was reimposed. It is a figure which shows an example of the data table which contains the information about imposition of the input image data. It is a figure which shows an example of the data table for managing a print job. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen 850 of the printing apparatus 100 displayed on the operation panel 160. It is a flowchart which shows a part of the process which a printing apparatus 100 executes. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the re-imposition process of step S126 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the printing apparatus 100 in Embodiment 2.

Hereinafter, the printing apparatus according to each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. When the number or quantity is referred to in the embodiments described below, the scope of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the number or quantity unless otherwise specified.

In the drawings, the figures are not shown according to the actual dimensional ratios, and in order to facilitate understanding of the structure, the ratios may be changed so as to clarify the structure. Further, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, each embodiment described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

<Embodiment 1>
[System configuration]
Hereinafter, the configurations of the printing apparatus 100 and the printing system 50 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printing system 50. The printing system 50 includes a printing device 100, at least one client terminal 140, and a communication line 145.

The printing device 100 prints characters, images, or the like on a sheet, which is a recording medium, based on the input image data from the client terminal 140. The sheet in the present disclosure includes paper and a sheet-like recording medium made of a material other than paper.

The client terminal 140 transmits a print job executed by the printing device 100 to the printing device 100 via the communication line 145. The print job includes data of a plurality of images to be printed and setting information related to printing. The user can input or change the setting information in the print job by operating the client terminal 140. As an example, the setting information in the print job corresponds to the page number for identifying each page, the image number for identifying each image, the type of sheet, the number of impositions, whether to print on both sides, and the number of impositions. Includes the coordinates of the imposition area, the size when cutting the sheet, etc. The printing apparatus 100 basically performs processing in the order of image numbers. In a certain aspect, the client terminal 140 is a PC (Personal Computer).

The communication line 145 makes a communication connection between the printing device 100 and at least one client terminal 140. The communication line 145 may be wired or wireless.

More specifically, the printing apparatus 100 includes a paper feeding unit 103, an image forming unit 105, a cutting unit 110, an image reading unit 115, a conveying unit 120, a first loading unit 122, and a second loading unit 124. A third loading unit 126, a control unit 150, and an operation panel 160 are provided.

The paper feed unit 103 can accommodate a plurality of types of sheets. By a transfer mechanism (not shown), sheets of the type specified by the print job are taken out one by one from the paper feeding unit 103 and fed to the image forming unit 105.

The image forming unit 105 forms an image corresponding to the input image data specified in the print job on the sheet fed from the paper feeding unit 103. For example, when the print job includes setting information regarding imposition, the image forming unit 105 forms an image on the sheet according to the imposition information. Imposition refers to a process of designating the position and range of an image formed on a sheet. For example, when printing a plurality of predetermined images on one sheet, a position and a range for printing each image on one sheet are specified. The image forming unit 105 may form an image on the sheet by an inkjet method, or may form an image on the sheet by an electrophotographic method, for example. The image forming method is not particularly limited. The sheet whose image is formed according to the print job is conveyed to the cutting unit 110 by a transfer mechanism (not shown).

The cutting unit 110 cuts the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 105 to the size specified by the print job. For example, when printing a plurality of images on one sheet, the sheets are cut for each image. In this disclosure, one sheet before cutting is referred to as a pre-cut sheet, and each sheet after cutting one sheet into a plurality of sheets is referred to as a post-cut sheet. After cutting, the sheet is transported to the image reading unit 115 by a transport unit (not shown).

The image reading unit 115 optically reads the image printed on the sheet when the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit passes through a predetermined reading position in order. In this disclosure, the data of the image read by the image reading unit 115 is referred to as a read image to distinguish it from the original input image. The image reading unit 115 is realized by, for example, a line sensor.

In the case of FIG. 1, the image reading unit 115 is arranged after the cutting unit 110. Therefore, the image reading unit 115 generates a read image by optically reading the image formed on each sheet after cutting. Contrary to the case of FIG. 1, the image reading unit 115 may be arranged in front of the cutting unit 110. In this case, the image reading unit 115 generates a scanned image corresponding to each formed image by optically reading a plurality of images formed on the pre-cutting sheet before cutting. After the scanned image is generated, the cutting unit 110 cuts the sheet.

The transport unit 120 is one of the first load unit 122, the second load unit 124, and the third load unit 126 in the order corresponding to the image number of the printed image of the sheet after cutting according to the command of the control unit 150. Transport to. The loading units 122, 124, and 126 load the transported sheets after cutting in the order in which they were transported. Further, the transport unit 120 transports the post-cutting sheet loaded on the second loading unit 124 to the first loading unit 122 in order from the previously loaded post-cutting sheet in accordance with the command of the control unit 150.

It should be noted that transporting the sheet after cutting to the first loading section 122 and the third loading section 126 provided outside the housing of the printing apparatus 100 is also referred to as paper ejection or ejection. The state in which the sheet after cutting is temporarily loaded on the second loading unit 124 provided in the housing of the printing apparatus 100 is a state in which paper has not been discharged or has not been discharged.

The first loading unit 122 is a unit for loading a normally printed sheet after cutting. The second loading unit 124 receives the normally printed post-cutting sheet whose output order is later than that of the post-cutting sheet in which the image formation abnormality has occurred before being conveyed to the first loading unit 122. It is a unit for temporary loading. In another aspect, unlike FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 100 may include a plurality of units for temporarily storing the sheet after cutting, such as the second loading unit 124. The abnormal image was reimposed on the pre-cutting sheet and reprinted, and the post-cutting sheet corresponding to the reprinted image was conveyed to the first loading section and then loaded on the second loading section 124. After cutting, the sheet is conveyed to the first loading unit 122 according to the command of the control unit 150. The third loading unit 126 is a unit for loading a sheet determined to have an image formation abnormality.

The control unit 150 controls the operation of the printing device 100 based on the print job received from the client terminal 140. That is, the control unit 150 controls the operations of the image forming unit 105, the cutting unit 110, the image reading unit 115, and the conveying unit 120.

Further, the control unit 150 detects whether or not an image formation abnormality has occurred based on the image read by the image reading unit 115. Specifically, the control unit 150 may detect whether or not an image formation abnormality has occurred by comparing the read image with the correct image. The correct image may be an image determined to have no image formation abnormality in the read image, or an input image received from the client terminal 140.

The operation panel 160 receives an operation input to the printing device 100 from the user. Further, the operation panel 160 displays an operation menu, a setting screen, and the like based on a command from the control unit 150.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 150 and the operation panel 160 in FIG. In FIG. 2, the paper feeding unit 103, the image forming unit 105, the cutting unit 110, the image reading unit 115, the transport unit 120, the first to third loading units 122, 124, 126, and the communication line 145 shown in FIG. 1 are shown. And the connection with the control unit 150 are also shown.

The control unit 150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 205, a volatile memory 210, a non-volatile memory 215, a communication I / F 220, and a bus 225.

The CPU 205 executes a control program for controlling the printing device 100. As an example, the CPU 205 can execute programs such as imposition of an input image, display of an operation screen, printing processing, abnormality determination of a read image, and detection of an area where an abnormality has occurred. The CPU 205 is connected to the volatile memory 210, the non-volatile memory 215, and the communication I / F 220 via the bus 225. In a certain aspect, the control unit 150 is composed of at least one embedded CPU, at least one ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

The volatile memory 210 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). The RAM temporarily stores the program executed by the CPU 205 and the referenced data. The CPU 205 reads the program or various data stored in the non-volatile memory 215 into the RAM and executes the program. In certain aspects, SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) may be used as the volatile memory 210.

The non-volatile memory 215 stores various data used in the printing apparatus 100 such as print data. The non-volatile memory 215 may store a control program for controlling the printing apparatus 100 or input / output image data. In a certain aspect, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used as the non-volatile memory 215.

The communication I / F 220 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices such as the client terminal 140. The printing device 100 may include a plurality of communication I / F 220s. In some aspects, the communication I / F 220 may include any or all of a LAN (Local Area Network) port or a Wi-Fi® (Wireless Fidelity) transmitter / receiver. The printing device 100 can acquire a print job from another client terminal 140 such as a PC via the communication I / F 220.

The operation panel 160 includes an operation unit 130 and a display unit 135 in a certain aspect. The operation unit 130 is a panel on which a plurality of buttons are arranged, and can receive input from the user. The display unit 135 is a touch panel in which a touch sensor is incorporated in a liquid crystal monitor or the like, and is capable of displaying an operation menu and accepting a touch input from a user in the same manner as the operation unit 130.

More specifically, the operation unit 130 includes an input means that receives an input of an operation to the printing device 100 such as a button, and a circuit that operates in cooperation with the input means. As an example, the operation unit 130 includes buttons for setting the number of prints and imposition. The operation unit 130 transmits a signal corresponding to each button to the CPU 205 based on the fact that these buttons are pressed. The CPU 205 determines the operation content of the user based on the signal received from the operation unit 130, executes an internal operation according to the operation content, and transmits a response display to the display unit 135.

Further, the display unit 135 includes a circuit for realizing a touch function and a display function. The display unit 135 displays the operation screen based on the signal received from the CPU 205, and transmits the signal detected by the touch function to the CPU 205. The CPU 205 determines the operation content of the user based on the signal received from the display unit 135, executes an internal operation according to the operation content, and transmits the response display to the display unit 135.

[Specific example of operation]
Hereinafter, a specific example of the operation of the printing apparatus of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11. The operation of the printing apparatus will be summarized more generally with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 16.

(First specific example)
First, a first specific example showing the basic operation of the printing apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. In the first specific example shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, a case where four images are impositioned on one side of the sheet before cutting and printed will be described. The total number of printed images is 14.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of input images 300 in the first specific example. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the plurality of input images 300 are impositioned on the imposition area of the sheet before cutting.

Specifically, the images of image numbers "1" to "4" are impositioned on the imposition area 310 corresponding to the first pre-cutting sheet. Hereinafter, the image of the image number “n” is simply referred to as “image n”. Images 5 to 8 are impositioned on the imposition area 315 corresponding to the second pre-cutting sheet. Images 9 to 12 are impositioned on the imposition area 320 corresponding to the third pre-cutting sheet. Images 13 and 14 are impositioned on the imposition area 330 corresponding to the fourth pre-cutting sheet. In the present disclosure, the arrangement of the initially impositioned input image as shown in FIG. 3 is referred to as the first arrangement.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of images 400 formed on the sheet before cutting according to the imposition shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, images 1 to 4 are formed on the first pre-cutting sheet 410. Images 5 to 8 are printed on the second pre-cutting sheet 415. As shown in FIG. 4, an image formation abnormality has occurred in images 2 and 4 of the first pre-cutting sheet 410.

At this point, images 9 to 14 have not yet been formed on the third and fourth pre-cut sheets following the pre-cut sheets 410 and 415 of FIG. The control unit 150 reserves printing of the images 9 to 14 when the image formation abnormality of the images 2 and 4 is detected. The images 9 to 14 are reimposed and printed together with the images 2 and 4 in which the image formation abnormality has occurred. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing how the printed pre-cut sheets 410 and 415 shown in FIG. 4 are processed in the order of the cutting section 110, the image reading section 115, and the conveying section 120.

As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the image forming unit 105 prints the images 1 to 4 impositioned on the imposition area 310 on the first pre-cutting sheet 410. Further, the image forming unit 105 prints the images 5 to 8 impositioned on the imposition area 315 on the second pre-cutting sheet 415.

The cutting unit 110 cuts the pre-cut sheet 410 on which the images 1 to 4 are formed into four post-cut sheets for each image. Next, the cutting unit 110 cuts the pre-cut sheet 415 on which the images 5 to 8 are formed into four post-cut sheets for each image.

The image reading unit 115 generates a read image corresponding to the images 1 to 4 by optically reading the cut sheet on which the images 1 to 4 are formed.

The control unit 150 determines whether the images 1 to 4 formed on the sheet after cutting are normal or abnormal by comparing the read image with the correct image. In the case of this example, the control unit 150 determines that the images 1 and 3 formed on the sheet after cutting are normal, but the images 2 and 4 are abnormal.

The transport unit 120 transports the sheet after cutting to any of the load units 122, 124, 126 in the order of images 1 to 4 in accordance with the command of the control unit 150. First, the transport unit 120 transports the cut sheet on which the normal image 1 is formed to the first load unit 122 and loads it on the first load unit 122. Next, the control unit 150 conveys the cut sheet on which the abnormal image 2 is formed to the third loading unit 126 and loads it on the third loading unit 126. Next, the transport unit 120 transports the cut sheet on which the normal image 3 is formed to the second load unit 124 and temporarily loads the sheet on the second load unit 124. The post-cutting sheet on which the image 3 is formed is retained on the second loading section 124 until the post-cutting sheet on which the image 2 is formed is loaded on the first loading section 122. Next, the transport unit 120 transports the cut sheet on which the abnormal image 4 is formed to the third loading unit 126 and loads it on the third loading unit 126.

Further, the image reading unit 115 generates a read image corresponding to the images 5 to 8 by optically reading the cut sheet on which the images 5 to 8 are formed.

The control unit 150 determines whether the images 5 to 8 formed on the sheet after cutting are normal or abnormal by comparing the read image with the correct image. In the case of FIG. 5, the control unit 150 determines that the images 5 to 8 formed on the sheet after cutting are all normal.

The transport unit 120 transports the sheet after cutting to any of the load units 122, 124, 126 in the order of images 5 to 8 according to the command of the control unit 150. In the case of FIG. 5, since the images 5 to 8 formed on the sheet after cutting are all normal, the transport unit 120 second-loads the sheets after transport on which the images 5 to 8 are formed in this order. It is conveyed to the section 124 and temporarily loaded on the second loading section 124. The post-cutting sheet on which the images 5 to 8 are formed is retained in the second loading section 124 until the post-cutting sheet in which the image 4 is reshaped is loaded on the first loading section 122.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a reimposed image 350 in the first specific example. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 150 reimpositions the images 2 and 4 determined to be image formation abnormalities and the unprinted images 9 to 14 of the input images. Specifically, images 2, 4, 9 and 10 are impositioned in this order in the imposition area 370 of the third pre-cutting sheet to be printed next. The imposition arrangement of this image is a second arrangement different from the first arrangement shown in FIG. In addition, the images 11 to 14 are reimposed in the imposition area 380 corresponding to the fourth pre-cutting sheet in the next total.

As described above, the images 2 and 4 determined to be image formation abnormalities and the unprinted images 9 and 10 are reimposed to the imposition area 370 of one pre-cutting sheet. Therefore, resources related to printing such as paper, toner, and ink are not wasted.

Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 100 after reimposition shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. The operations of the image forming unit 105, the cutting unit 110, and the image reading unit 115 are the same as those described above.

Specifically, the image forming unit 105 forms an image of images 2, 4, 9 and 10 imposition on the imposition area on the sheet before cutting. The cutting unit 110 cuts the pre-cutting sheet on which the images 2, 4, 9 and 10 are formed into four post-cutting sheets for each image. The image reading unit 115 optically reads the cut sheet on which the images 2, 4, 9 and 10 are formed to generate the scanned images corresponding to the images 2, 4, 9 and 10, respectively. The control unit 150 determines whether the images 2, 4, 9, and 10 formed on the sheet after cutting are normal or abnormal by comparing the read image with the correct image. Here, it is assumed that images 2, 4, 9 and 10 are all normal.

In accordance with the command of the control unit 150, the transport unit 120 first transports the cut sheet on which the image 2 determined to be normal is formed to the first load unit 122 and loads it on the first load unit 122. Next, the transport unit 120 transports the post-cut sheet on which the image 3 loaded on the second load unit 124 is formed to the first load unit 122 and loads it on the first load unit 122. Next, the transport unit 120 transports the post-cut sheet on which the image 4 determined to be normal is formed to the first load unit 122 and loads it on the first load unit 122. Next, the transport unit 120 transports the post-cut sheets on which the images 5 to 8 loaded on the second load unit 124 are formed to the first load unit 122 in this order, and conveys the sheets to the first load unit 122 in this order to the first load unit 122. Load on top. After that, the transport unit 120 transports the images 9 and 10 determined to be normal to the first load unit 122, respectively, and loads the images 9 and 10 on the first load unit 122 in this order.

As described above, the printing of the images 1 to 10 on the pre-cutting sheet, the cutting of the sheet, and the loading of the post-cutting sheet on the first loading unit 122 are completed. These images are reprinted due to an image formation abnormality in images 2 and 4 on the way, but the order of the sheets after cutting loaded on the first loading unit 122 is the numerical order of images 1 to 10. It follows, and there is no need to replace it after printing. For the remaining images 11 to 14, printing on the pre-cutting sheet, cutting of the sheet, and loading of the post-cutting sheet on the first loading unit 122 are executed in the same procedure.

(Second specific example)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, a second specific example showing the operation of the printing apparatus 100 when printing a plurality of images on both sides of the sheet before cutting will be described. Specifically, in this example, four images are impositioned and printed on each of the front surface and the back surface of the sheet before cutting. By using both sides of the three pre-cut sheets, a total of 24 images are printed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of input images 500 in the second specific example. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the plurality of input images 500 are impositioned on the imposition area of the sheet before cutting. Specifically, images 1 to 4 are impositioned on the imposition area 512 corresponding to the surface of the first pre-cutting sheet 510. Images 1'to 4'are impositioned on the imposition area 514 corresponding to the back surface of the first pre-cutting sheet 510. Images 1'to 4'are images of the back surface corresponding to images 1 to 4 on the front surface, respectively. Therefore, the arrangement of the images on the back surface of FIG. 7 shows the arrangement seen from the front surface side. Other drawings showing the placement of the images on both sides of the pre-cut sheet also show the placement as seen from the surface.

Similarly, images 5 to 8 are impositioned on the imposition area 522 corresponding to the surface of the second pre-cut sheet 520. Images 5'to 8'are impositioned on the imposition area corresponding to the back surface of the second pre-cutting sheet 520. Images 5'to 8'are images of the back surface corresponding to images 5 to 8 on the front surface, respectively.

Images 9 to 12 are impositioned on the imposition area 532 corresponding to the surface of the third pre-cutting sheet 530. Images 9'to 12'are impositioned on the imposition area 534 corresponding to the back surface of the second pre-cutting sheet 530. Images 9'to 12'are images of the back surface corresponding to images 9 to 12 on the front surface, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of images 600 formed on the sheet before cutting according to the imposition shown in FIG. 7. With reference to FIG. 8, images 1 to 4 are formed on the surface 612 of the first pre-cutting sheet 610. Images 1'to 4'are formed on the back surface 614 of the first pre-cutting sheet 610. Images 5 to 8 are formed on the surface 622 of the second pre-cutting sheet 620. Images 5'to 8'are formed on the back surface 624 of the second pre-cutting sheet 620. As shown in FIG. 8, an image formation abnormality occurs in the image 2 formed on the surface 612 of the first pre-cut sheet 610 and the image 6 formed on the surface 622 of the second pre-cut sheet 620. doing.

At this point, images 9 to 12 and images 9'to 12'have not yet been formed on the front and back surfaces of the third pre-cutting sheet. The control unit 150 reserves printing of the images 9 to 12 and the images 9'to 12'when the abnormalities of the formed images 2 and 6 are detected. The images 9 to 12 and the images 9'to 12'are reimposed and printed together with the images 2 and 6 in which the image formation abnormality has occurred and the images 2'and 6'on the back surface side corresponding to those images. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

Hereinafter, the processing of the printed pre-cut sheets 610 and 620 of FIG. 8 by the cutting unit 110, the image reading unit 115, and the conveying unit 120 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the cutting unit 110 uses a pre-cutting sheet 610 having images 1 to 4 formed on the front surface and images 1'to 4'corresponding to the back surface formed by 4 for each pair of the front surface image and the corresponding back surface image. Cut into sheets. Corresponding images are formed on the front surface and the back surface of the sheet after cutting. Hereinafter, when the image n is formed on the front surface of the sheet after cutting and the image n'corresponding to the back surface is formed, the image on the sheet after cutting is described as "image n (n')". Similarly, the cutting unit 110 cuts the pre-cut sheet 620 on which the images 5 to 8, 5'to 8'are formed into four sheets for each pair of the front image and the back image.

The image reading unit 115 optically reads the front surface and the back surface of the cut sheet on which the image 1 (1') is formed to obtain the scanned images corresponding to the front image 1 and the back surface image (1'), respectively. Generate. Similarly, the image reading unit 115 optically reads the front surface and the back surface of the post-cutting sheet on which the images 2 (2') to 8 (8') are formed, thereby forming the front surface and the back surface of each post-cutting sheet. Generate a scanned image of the back side.

The control unit 150 determines whether the images formed on the front surface and the back surface of each sheet after cutting are normal or abnormal by comparing the read image with the correct image. In the case of the example of FIG. 8, the control unit 150 is formed on the image 2 formed on the surface 612 of the first pre-cutting sheet 610 and on the surface 622 of the second pre-cutting sheet 620. It is judged that the image 6 is abnormal, but the other images are normal.

In accordance with the command of the control unit 150, the transport unit 120 first transports the post-cut sheet on which the normal image 1 (1') is formed on both the front surface and the back surface to the first loading unit 122 and loads the sheet. Next, the transport unit 120 transports and loads the cut sheet on which the abnormal image 2 is formed on the front surface to the third loading unit 126 even though the image 2'on the back surface is normal. Next, the transport unit 120 sequentially transports the cut sheets on which the normal images 3 (3') to 5 (5') are formed to the second load unit 124, and temporarily conveys the second load unit. Load on 124. The post-cutting sheet on which the images 3 (3') to 5 (5') are formed is until the post-cutting sheet on which the image 2 (2') is formed is loaded on the first loading unit 122. It is retained in the second loading unit 124.

Next, the transport unit 120 transports and loads the cut sheet on which the abnormal image 6 is formed on the front surface to the third loading unit 126 even though the image 6'on the back surface is normal. Next, the transport unit 120 sequentially transports the post-conveyed sheets on which the normal images 7 (7') and 8 (8') are formed to the second loading unit 124, and temporarily performs the second loading. It is loaded on the unit 124. The post-cut sheet on which the images 7 (7') and 8 (8') are formed is until the post-cut sheet on which the image 6 (6') is reformed is loaded on the first loading unit 122. It is retained in the second loading unit 124.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a reimposed image 550 in the second specific example. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 150 includes images 2 and 6 on the front surface determined to be image formation abnormality, images 2'and 6'on the back surface corresponding to those images, and unprinted of the input images. The images 9 to 12 on the front surface of the above and the images 9'to 12'on the back surface corresponding to those images are impositioned on the third and fourth pre-cut sheets 580 and 590 in total to be printed next. Reimposition to the area.

Specifically, images 2, 6, 9 and 10 are impositioned in this arrangement order on the imposition area 582 corresponding to the surface of the pre-cutting sheet 580. Images 2', 6', 9', and 10'are impositions on the imposition area 584 corresponding to the back surface of the pre-cutting sheet 580 in this order. The images 2', 6', 9', and 10'are the back side images corresponding to the front side images 2, 6, 9, and 10. Similarly, the images 11 and 12 are reimposed in this order in the imposition area 592 corresponding to the surface of the pre-cut sheet 590. Images 11'and 12' are impositioned in this order on the imposition area 594 corresponding to the back surface of the pre-cutting sheet 590.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, imposition images 2, 6, 9 to 12 and images 2', 6'by the image forming unit 105, the cutting unit 110, the image reading unit 115, and the conveying unit 120 , 9', 10'printing and processing of those images will be described.

First, the image forming unit 105 forms images 2, 6, 9, and 10 on the front surface of the third pre-cutting sheet to be printed next, and the images 2', 6'at the corresponding positions on the back surface. , 9', 10'are formed. The image forming unit 105 forms the images 11 and 12 on the front surface of the fourth pre-cutting sheet in total, and forms the images 11'and 12'at the corresponding positions on the back surface thereof.

The cutting unit 110 uses a pre-cutting sheet in which images 2, 6, 9 and 10 are formed on the front surface and images 2', 6', 9'and 10'corresponding to the back surface are formed as a front surface image and a back surface image. Cut into 4 sheets for each pair. Corresponding images are formed on the front surface and the back surface of the sheet after cutting. Similarly, the cutting unit 110 cuts the pre-cutting sheet on which the images 11 (11') and 12 (12') are formed for each pair of the front side image and the back side image.

The image reading unit 115 optically reads the front surface and the back surface of the post-cutting sheet on which the images 2 (2'), 6 (6'), 9 (9') to 12 (12') are formed, respectively. Generates scanned images of the front surface and the back surface of each sheet after cutting. The control unit 150 determines whether the images formed on the front surface and the back surface of the sheet after each cutting are normal or abnormal. Here, it is assumed that the images 2 (2'), 6 (6'), 9 (9') to 12 (12') are all normal.

In accordance with the command of the control unit 150, the transport unit 120 first transports the post-cut sheet on which both the front surface and the back surface normal image 2 (2') is formed to the first loading unit 122 and loads the sheet. Next, the transport unit 120 conveys the post-cut sheet on which the images 3 (3') to 5 (5') loaded on the second load unit 124 are formed to the first load unit 122 and first. It is loaded on the loading unit 122. Next, the transport unit 120 transports the post-cut sheet on which the image 6 (6') determined to be normal is formed to the first load unit 122 and loads it on the first load unit 122. Next, the transport unit 120 transfers the cut sheets on which the images 7 (7') and 8 (8') loaded on the second load unit 124 are formed to the first load unit 122 in this order. It is transported and loaded on the first loading unit 122. After that, the transport unit 120 transports the post-cut sheets on which the images 9 (9') to 12 (12') determined to be normal are formed to the first load unit 122, respectively, and the first load unit 120 in this order. Load on 122.

As described above, the printing of the images 1 (1') to 14 (14') on the front surface and the back surface of the pre-cutting sheet, the cutting of the sheet, and the loading of the post-cutting sheet on the first loading portion 122 are completed. When an image formation abnormality occurs in the images 2 and 6 printed on the front surface of the sheet before cutting, those images 2 and 6 are reimposed together with the corresponding back surface images 2'and 6'. As a result, even when images are formed on both sides of the sheet, the sheets after cutting can be output in the order of the original images, and resources related to printing are not wasted.

(Third specific example)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, as a third specific example, the operation of the printing apparatus 100 when the same image formation abnormality occurs continuously in a specific range of the pre-cutting sheet will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of images 700 formed on the pre-cutting sheet according to the imposition shown in FIG. 3 in the third specific example. As shown in FIG. 10, images 1 to 4 are formed on the first pre-cutting sheet 705. Images 5 to 8 are printed on the second pre-cutting sheet 710. Images 9 to 12 are printed on the third pre-cutting sheet 715. In the example of FIG. 10, in the images 2, 6 and 10 formed in the upper right region of each pre-cutting sheet, image formation abnormalities occur continuously. Other images are normal. At this point, images 13 and 14 have not yet been formed on the fourth pre-cutting sheet.

As a cause of repeated occurrence of image formation abnormality at the same position on the sheet before cutting, for example, if the printing method in the printing apparatus 100 is an inkjet method, the ink ejection amount of a specific nozzle is not normal. Further, for example, if the printing method in the printing apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic method, there may be a problem in adhesion of toner to a specific portion of the sheet.

When the same image formation abnormality that occurs continuously in a specific range of the pre-cutting sheet occurs, the control unit 150 performs a reimposition process excluding the image imposition area including the specific range. Hereinafter, the area excluded by the control unit 150 is referred to as a non-impositionable area.

Specifically, when the control unit 150 detects an image formation abnormality in images 2, 6 and 10, the control unit 150 cuts the image based on the coordinates of the imposition area of the image in which the abnormality has occurred, which is included in the setting information regarding imposition. It is judged that the same image formation abnormality has continuously occurred in the upper right area of the front sheet. Based on the above determination, the control unit 150 sets the upper right area of the pre-cutting sheet as a non-impositionable area. After that, the control unit 150 reimpositions the images 2, 6 and 10 in which the image formation abnormality has occurred on the pre-cutting sheet together with the unprinted images 13 and 14 except for the imposition-imposable area.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a reimposed image 750 in the third specific example. As shown in FIG. 11, in the imposition area 760 corresponding to the fourth pre-cut sheet in total to be printed next, images 2, 6 and 10 are arranged in this arrangement except for the non-impositionable area on the upper right. Impositions are made in order. Images 13 and 14 are similarly impositioned on the imposition area 770 of the fifth pre-cutting sheet in the next total, excluding the imposition area on the upper right. The number of pre-cutting sheets printed by the printing apparatus 100 is larger than the initial number of printed sheets of 4 when the input image is received due to the reimposition of the images 2, 6 and 10 on the pre-cutting sheet. One more.

The number of thresholds when the control unit 150 continuously detects the same image formation abnormality in a specific range of the pre-cutting sheet and sets the imposition non-impositionable region is not particularly limited. That is, the threshold number is "3 times" in the above example, but it may be set by the manufacturer of the printing apparatus or may be changed by the user according to the setting. The method of setting the number of times by the user will be described later with reference to FIG.

The operations of the image forming unit 105, the cutting unit 110, the image reading unit 115, and the conveying unit 120 are substantially the same as in the case of the first specific example described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. Therefore, the detailed explanation will not be repeated.

As described above, when the same image formation abnormality occurs continuously in a specific range of the pre-cutting sheet, the control unit 150 reimpositions the area excluding the non-impositionable area. This makes it possible to prevent repeated reimposition and reprinting due to a defect in the image forming unit 105.

[Example of data table]
Hereinafter, a configuration example of the data table associated with the print job will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a data table including information regarding imposition of input image data. Hereinafter, the data table shown in FIG. 12 is referred to as an imposition information table 800. In addition to the input image data, the print job includes an imposition information table 800 as setting information related to printing. In a certain aspect, the imposition information table 800 is stored in the non-volatile memory 215 of the control unit 150.

The imposition information table 800 includes setting information such as page numbers, imposition numbers, double-sided attributes, image numbers, and coordinates of imposition areas 1 to 4 corresponding to the image numbers, respectively. The imposition areas on the front surface and the back surface of the sheet before cutting are divided into a plurality of imposition areas 1 to 4 according to the number of impositions. The number of impositions is not particularly limited.

Specifically, the page number is a number assigned to the front surface and / or the back surface of the sheet before cutting. In the case of double-sided printing, page numbers are assigned to the front surface and the back surface of the sheet before cutting, respectively, and in the case of single-sided printing, page numbers are assigned only to the front surface of the sheet before cutting.

The number of impositions represents the number of images arranged on each page of the sheet before cutting. The double-sided attribute indicates whether each page of the pre-cutting sheet corresponds to the front side of double-sided printing, the back side of double-sided printing, or the front side of single-sided printing.

A plurality of imposition areas 1 to 4 are set for each page of the sheet before cutting. For each imposition area, the image number to be impositioned, the X-coordinate and Y-coordinate of the start point of the imposition area, and the X-coordinate and Y-coordinate of the end point of the imposition area are set.

For example, with respect to the page with the page number "1", the number of impositions is "4", the page is the front page in double-sided printing, and the image numbers "1" are in the imposition areas 1 to 4 corresponding to the page. Images "to" "4" are impositioned respectively.

In this disclosure, the case where the imposition area is rectangular has been described, but this is an example. In other aspects, the imposition area does not have to be rectangular.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data table for managing a print job. Hereinafter, the data table shown in FIG. 13 is referred to as a print job management table 810. In a certain aspect, the print job management table 810 is stored in the rewritable non-volatile memory 215.

The control unit 150 generates the print job management table 810 when starting the print job. The control unit 150 updates the print job management table 810 during the execution of the print job.

In the example of FIG. 13, the print job management table 810 stores each information of "corresponding back side image", "status", and "necessity of reimposition" in association with the "image number".

The "corresponding backside image" is information indicating the "image number" of the backside image corresponding to the image of the "image number" when the sheet before cutting is printed on both sides. In the example of FIG. 13, the image of image number 5 is formed on the back surface of the image of image number 1. No image is formed on the back surface of the image of image number 9.

The "status" represents the state of the sheet after cutting in which the image corresponding to the "image number" is formed in the printing job being executed. In the example of FIG. 13, the "status" is information on whether the image formation is "normal" or "abnormal", and the sheet after cutting is "discharged", "not discharged", "not output", "not output". Includes information on whether it corresponds to "uninspected" or "unprinted".

Specifically, "normal" represents a state in which there is no image formation abnormality. “Abnormality” represents a state in which an image formation abnormality has occurred. “Paper discharged” represents a state in which the sheet after cutting corresponding to the “image number” is loaded on the first loading unit 122 or the third loading unit 126. “Undischarged paper” represents a state in which the sheet after cutting corresponding to the “image number” is loaded on the second loading unit 124. “Not output” represents a state in which the sheet after cutting corresponding to the “image number” has not yet been loaded on any of the first to third loads 122, 124, and 126. The "uninspected product" represents a state in which the image corresponding to the "image number" has not been read by the image reading unit 115, and the presence or absence of an image formation abnormality has not been determined by the control unit 150. “Unprinted” represents a state in which the image corresponding to the “image number” is not printed on the pre-cutting sheet.

The "re-imposition necessity" is information indicating whether or not the image of the "image number" needs to be re-imposed. At the time when the printing device 100 receives the print job from the client terminal 140, all the areas of "necessity of reimposition" are "no". In the case of double-sided printing, when it is detected that either the image of the "image number" or the image of the "corresponding back side image" is abnormally formed on the sheet, the "reface" corresponding to the "image number" is detected. The area of "necessity of attachment" is changed to "necessary". In the case of single-sided printing (that is, when the "corresponding backside image" is not set), when it is detected that the image of the "image number" is abnormally formed on the sheet, "re-imposition is necessary". The area is changed to "required". Further, when the abnormally formed image is detected as described above, the "re-imposition required" area corresponding to the "unprinted" image is changed to "required".

[Setting screen]
Hereinafter, the setting screen related to the operation mode of the printing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 14. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen 850 of the printing device 100 displayed on the operation panel 160.

For example, the control unit 150 displays the setting screen 850 on the operation panel 160 in response to a user request before the operation of the printing device 100 starts. In the example of FIG. 14, the user can use the setting screen 850 to perform "inspection in units of imposition images", "re-imposition of corresponding double-sided images", "avoid imposition of abnormal occurrence points", and "Abnormal number of avoidance start" can be set. Here, the "inspection" means that the control unit 150 determines whether or not the read image read by the image reading unit 115 contains an abnormality.

When the user selects the check box 852 of "Inspection in units of imposition images", the control unit 150 inspects the images in units of imposition images as described in the first to third specific examples.

On the other hand, when the user clears the check box 852 of "Inspection in units of imposition images", the control unit 150 does not inspect the images in units of imposition images. For example, in the apparatus configuration of the printing apparatus 100, unlike the case of FIG. 1, the user may clear the check box 852 when the image reading unit 115 is arranged in front of the cutting unit 110. In this case, the image reading unit 115 does not read one post-cutting sheet on which one image is formed, but reads a plurality of images formed on one pre-cutting sheet on which each image is printed. .. After that, the control unit 150 determines whether or not the plurality of images printed on one pre-cutting sheet include an abnormal image based on the read image.

When the user selects the check box 854 of "Re-imposition of the corresponding double-sided image", the control unit 150 controls the image and the other when there is an abnormality in the image on one side of the pre-cutting sheet. The image corresponding to the image on the surface is reimposed on the pre-cutting sheet. This reimposition process is the same as the reimposition process described in the second specific example.

On the other hand, when the user clears the check box 854 of "Re-imposition of the corresponding double-sided image", the control unit 150 determines that even if there is an abnormality in the image on one side of the pre-cutting sheet, the other side. The image corresponding to the image is not reimposed. The user may clear the check box 854, for example, when the image printed on the other side is always constant. This is because if the image formed on the other surface is always constant, it is not necessary to reimpose the image on the pre-cutting sheet together with the image on the one surface that has been reimposed due to an abnormality.

When the user selects the check box 856 of "Avoid imposition of abnormal occurrence location", the control unit 150 determines that the same image formation abnormality occurs continuously in a specific range of the pre-cutting sheet more than the threshold number of times. The reimposition process is performed on the area other than the specific range (that is, the non-impositionable area). This reimposition process is the same as the reimposition process described in the third specific example. The user can set the threshold number by changing the number in the input box 858 next to the "number of occurrences of avoidance start abnormality". In the example of FIG. 14, the predetermined number of times is set to three times.

When the user clears the check box 856 of "Avoid imposition of abnormal occurrence location", the control unit 150 controls the control unit 150 even if the same image formation abnormality occurs continuously in a specific range of the pre-cutting sheet more than a predetermined number of times. , Do not set the non-impositionable area.

The user presses the "OK" button 860 when the setting on the setting screen 850 is reflected, and presses the "Cancel" button 862 when the setting is not reflected.

[Control procedure]
Hereinafter, the control procedure of the printing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, 15, and 16. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the printing apparatus 100. The operation of the printing apparatus 100 shown below is executed by the control unit 150 reading the control program stored in the non-volatile memory 215.

In step S100, the control unit 150 receives the input image data together with the print job from the client terminal 140. At this time, the print job includes setting information related to imposition such as the page number, the number of impositions, the double-sided attribute, the image number, and the coordinates of the imposition area corresponding to the image number, as shown in FIG. There is. The control unit 150 generates a print job management table as shown in FIG. The control unit 150 updates the print job management table while executing the following print jobs.

In step S102, the image forming unit 105 forms an image on the pre-cutting sheet based on the input image data in accordance with the command from the control unit 150. Further, the control unit 150 changes the "status" area from "unprinted" to "uninspected" with respect to the image number corresponding to the image to be processed in the print job management table 810. The image forming unit 105 sequentially forms an image on the pre-cutting sheet until the control unit 150 detects an abnormality in step S106.

In step S104, the cutting unit 110 cuts the pre-cutting sheet on which the image was formed in step S104 for each image or for each pair of the front side image and the corresponding back side image.

In step S106, the image reading unit 115 reads the image formed on the sheet after cutting, and the control unit 150 detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the read image. Further, the control unit 150 changes the "status" area from "uninspected" to "not output" with respect to the image number corresponding to the image to be processed in the print job management table 810.

In the next steps S108 to S122, the control unit 150 controls the transport unit 120 to sequentially perform the sheets after cutting according to the presence or absence of an abnormality in the read image, the first loading unit 122 and the second loading unit. It is conveyed to either 124 or the third loading unit 126. After cutting, the sheets are conveyed one by one in a predetermined output order (that is, a predetermined order) of each image basically.

First, in step S108, the control unit 150 branches the process according to the determination result of the presence or absence of an image abnormality in step S106. If there is an abnormality in the image formed on the sheet after cutting (YES in step S108), the control unit 150 advances the process to step S110.

In step S110, the transport unit 120 transports the cut sheet on which the image of the current processing target is formed to the third loading unit 126 based on the command from the control unit 150. Further, the control unit 150 changes the "status" area from "not output" to "abnormal & ejected" for the image number corresponding to the image to be processed in the print job management table 810. Further, the control unit 150 changes the “re-imposition required” area from “no” to “required” with respect to the image number corresponding to the image to be processed at present. Along with this, the control unit 150 changes the area of "re-imposition required" from "no" to "required" for the image number corresponding to the "unprinted" image. After that, the control unit 150 advances the process to step S122.

On the other hand, if there is no abnormality in the image formed on the sheet after cutting (NO in step S108), the control unit 150 proceeds to the process in step S112.

In step S112, the control unit 150 confirms whether or not there is an abnormality in the image in the previous order, that is, the post-cutting sheet in which the image in the predetermined order ahead of the image to be processed at present is formed. Specifically, the control unit 150 refers to the print job management table 810 and confirms whether or not there is "abnormal & ejected" in the "status" area of the "image number" of the image to be processed first. To do.

If there is an abnormality in the images in the previous order (YES in step S112), the control unit 150 advances the process to step S114. In step S114, the transport unit 120 transports the cut sheet on which the image of the current processing target is formed to the second loading unit 124 based on the command from the control unit 150. Further, the control unit 150 accesses the print job management table 810 and changes the "status" area from "not output" to "normal & not discharged" for the image number corresponding to the image to be processed at present. At the same time, the area of "re-imposition required" remains "no" and is not changed. After that, the control unit 150 advances the process to step S122.

On the other hand, if there is no abnormality in the sheet after cutting in which the images in the previous order are formed (NO in step S112), the control unit 150 proceeds to the process in step S116. In step S116, the control unit 150 determines whether or not there is a post-cut sheet to be conveyed from the second loading unit. That is, the control unit 150 confirms whether or not there is a post-cut sheet on which the previous image is formed in a predetermined order among the post-cut sheets loaded on the second loading unit 124. Specifically, the control unit 150 refers to the print job management table 810 and determines whether or not there is "normal & undischarged" in the "status" area corresponding to the "image number" of the image to be processed first. To confirm.

If there is a sheet after cutting to be conveyed from the second loading unit (YES in step S116), the control unit 150 advances the process to step S118. In step S118, the transport unit 120 takes out the post-cut sheet on which the images in the previous order are formed from the second load unit 124 and conveys it to the first load unit 122 based on the command from the control unit 150. Further, the control unit 150 changes the "status" area from "normal & undischarged" to "normal" with respect to the image number corresponding to the sheet after cutting conveyed from the second loading unit in the print job management table 810. & Change to "Paper discharged". After that, the control unit 150 advances the process to step S120.

On the other hand, in step S116, when the control unit 150 determines that there is no sheet after cutting to be conveyed from the second loading unit (NO in step S116), the process proceeds to step S120.

In step S120, the control unit 150 conveys the post-cut sheet on which the image of the current processing target is formed to the first loading unit 122. Further, the control unit 150 changes the "status" area from "not output" to "normal & ejected" with respect to the image number corresponding to the image to be processed at present in the print job management table. Further, the control unit 150 does not change the "reimposition necessity" area corresponding to the image number corresponding to the image to be processed at present with "no" as it is. After that, the control unit 150 advances the process to step S122.

In step S122, the control unit 150 is a “non-output” post-cut sheet that has not yet been conveyed to any of the first to third loading units 122, 124, 126 among the post-cut sheets generated in step S104. Check if there is. If there is an "unoutput" post-cut sheet (YES in step S122), the control unit 150 returns the process to step S108. On the other hand, when the control unit 150 determines that there is no “unoutput” post-cut sheet (NO in step S122), the control unit 150 proceeds to the process in step S124. The presence or absence of the “unoutput” post-cut sheet can be confirmed by referring to the “status” area of the print job management table 810 of FIG.

In step S124, the control unit 150 determines whether or not reimposition is necessary because an image formation abnormality has occurred in some of the images. The control unit 150 basically determines based on whether or not the "re-imposition required" area of the print job management table 810 is set to "required".

When the control unit 150 determines that reimposition is necessary (YES in step S124), the control unit 150 advances the process to step S126. Details of the reimposition process in step S126 will be described later with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, when the control unit 150 determines that reimposition is not necessary (NO in step S124), the control unit 150 proceeds to step S128. When it is determined that reimposition of the re-output image is not necessary, for example, a case where all the images are normal images, a case where all the images are abnormal images, and the like are included.

In step S128, the control unit 150 determines whether or not all the images of the input image data have been formed. Specifically, the control unit 150 refers to the print job management table 810 and determines whether or not there is a "status" area set to "unprinted". When the control unit 150 determines that the formation of all the images is completed (YES in step S128), the control unit 150 proceeds to the process in step S130. On the other hand, when the control unit 150 determines that the formation of all the images is completed (NO in step S128), the process returns to step S102.

In step S130, if there is a sheet after cutting remaining in the second loading unit 124, the control unit 150 takes out the sheet after cutting from the second loading unit 124 and first loads it by instructing the transport unit 120. Transport to section 122. After that, the control unit 150 changes the "status" area from "normal & undischarged" to "normal & ejected" with respect to the image number corresponding to the image formed on the sheet after cutting in the print job management table. Change to "Done". At this point, the "Status" area is updated to "Normal & Paper Ejected" and the "Reimposition Required" area is updated to "No" corresponding to all the image numbers in the print job management table. There is. The control unit 150 ends a series of processes in the print job with the update of the print job management table.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the reimposition process in step S126 of FIG.

In step S152, the control unit 150 confirms whether or not there is an uninspected image in the image whose output order is later than the abnormal image. Specifically, the control unit 150 can confirm the presence or absence of an uninspected product image by referring to the print job management table 810 of FIG. 13 and checking whether or not the “status” area is set to “uninspected product”.

When there is an uninspected image (YES in step S152), the control unit 150 advances the process to step S154. In step S154, the control unit 150 executes steps S106 and S108 to S122 of FIG. 15 on the sheet on which the uninspected image is formed. As a result, the post-cut sheet on which the uninspected image is formed is loaded on the second loading unit 124 or the third loading unit 126 according to the inspection result. After that, the control unit 154 advances the process to step S156. On the other hand, if there is no uninspected image (NO in step S152), the control unit 150 proceeds to step S156 without executing step S154.

In step S156, the control unit 150 determines whether or not the same image formation abnormality has occurred continuously in a specific range of the pre-cutting sheet for a threshold number of times or more before processing the image to be processed at present.

If the control unit 150 determines YES in step S156, the control unit 150 advances the process to step S158. In step S158, the control unit 150 sets the above-mentioned specific range as the imposition non-impositionable area. After setting the non-impositionable area, the control unit re-impositions the non-impositionable area on the sheet before cutting. After that, the control unit 150 advances the process to step S160. On the other hand, if the control unit 150 determines NO in step S156, the control unit 150 proceeds to step S160 without performing the process of step S158.

In step S160, an abnormal image is impositioned on the imposition area of the sheet before cutting. After that, the control unit 150 advances the process to step S162.

In step S162, the control unit 150 determines whether or not the job is a double-sided printing job in which the image is impositioned on the surface opposite to the abnormal image. Specifically, the control unit 150 refers to the print job management table 810, and for the "image number" whose "status" area is set to "abnormal & ejected", the image number is set in the "corresponding back side image" area. Determine if it is set.

The control unit 150 advances the process to step S164 when there is an image corresponding to the surface opposite to the abnormal image, that is, in the case of a double-sided printing job (YES in step S162). In step S164, the control unit 150 reimpositions the back surface image corresponding to the abnormal image on the opposite surface. After that, the control unit 150 advances the process to step S166. On the other hand, if the job is not a double-sided printing job (NO in step S162), the control unit 150 advances the process to step S166 without executing step S164.

In step S166, the control unit 150 determines whether or not the unprinted image needs to be reimposed. If there is an unprinted image when an image formation abnormality occurs, it is basically necessary to reimpose the unprinted image together with the abnormal image on the pre-cutting sheet. The control unit 150 can confirm the presence or absence of an unprinted image by referring to the print job management table 810 of FIG. 13 and checking whether or not the "status" area is set to "unprinted".

When the control unit 150 determines that reimposition of the unprinted image is necessary (YES in step S166), the control unit 150 proceeds to the process in step S168. In step S168, the control unit 150 reimpositions the unprinted image on the imposition area of the pre-cutting sheet. In the case of a double-sided printing job, the unprinted image is impositioned on the imposition areas on both sides of the sheet before cutting. After that, the control unit 150 returns the process to step S128 of FIG.

On the other hand, when the control unit 150 determines that the unprinted image does not need to be reimposed (NO in step S166), the control unit 150 does not execute step S168 and performs the process in step S128 of FIG. return.

Unlike the configuration of the printing apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, when the image reading unit 115 is arranged in front of the cutting unit 110, the processing order of steps S104 and S106 is changed in the flowchart of FIG. There are no changes to the other steps in FIGS. 15 and 16.

Specifically, first, in step S106, the image reading unit 115 reads all the images formed on one pre-cutting sheet. The control unit 150 determines the presence or absence of an image formation abnormality by comparing each image with the correct image based on the reading result of the image reading unit 115. In the next step S104, the cutting unit 110 cuts the pre-cutting sheet on which a plurality of images are formed for each image.

[Effect of Embodiment 1]
As described above, according to the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, when an image formation abnormality occurs in a part of one sheet, the abnormal image is reprinted and the sheet after cutting is used as the original image. Can be output in order. In addition, since the unprinted image and the abnormal image are reimposed on one sheet before cutting when an image formation abnormality occurs, it is possible to prevent wasting resources related to printing such as paper, toner, and ink. it can.

<Embodiment 2>
The configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

The printing device 100 according to the first embodiment is provided in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment in that the second loading unit 123 is not provided inside the housing of the printing device 100 but is provided outside the housing of the printing device 100. Different from 100. Further, the printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is different from the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that the insert tray 125 provided outside the printing apparatus 100 is further provided.

The insert tray 125 is a unit for feeding the sheet after cutting, which has been loaded on the second loading unit 123. As shown in FIG. 17, the post-cut sheets 170 on which the images 3, 5 to 8 are formed are loaded on the second loading unit 123 in the order of their output. The cut sheet loaded on the second loading unit 123 is transferred to the insert tray 125 by, for example, the user without changing the loading order. The control unit 150 may urge the user to transfer the sheet after cutting from the second loading unit 123 to the insert tray 125 by displaying it on the operation panel 160. After that, the transport unit 120 sequentially feeds the cut sheets 175 inserted into the insert tray 125 one by one according to the command from the control unit 150. As a result, the output order of the cut sheets on which the images 3, 5 to 8 are formed is not changed. After that, the transport unit 120 transports the cut sheet fed from the insert tray to the first loading unit 122 and loads it based on the command from the control unit 150.

The other configurations of the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 17, the transport path of the post-cut sheet on which the normal image 1 is formed, and the transport path of the post-cut sheet on which the abnormal images 2 and 4 are formed are the embodiments shown in FIG. Since it is the same as the case of 1, the description is not repeated.

Further, in the case of the second embodiment, steps S116, S118, and S130 are changed in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Specifically, in step S116, the control unit 150 confirms whether or not there is a post-cut sheet to be inserted from the insert tray 125. In step S118, the transport unit 120 transports the cut sheet loaded on the insert tray 125 to the first load unit 122 in accordance with the command of the control unit 150. In step S130, if there is a sheet after cutting remaining in the insert tray 125, the control unit 150 commands the transport unit 120 to transfer the remaining sheet after cutting from the insert tray 125 to the first loading unit. Transport to 122.

With respect to the other points of FIGS. 15 and 16, the operation of the printing device 100 of the second embodiment is almost the same as the operation of the printing device 100 of the first embodiment, and thus the description will not be repeated.

[Effect of Embodiment 2]
According to the printing device 100 according to the second embodiment, a dedicated unit for temporarily storing the cut sheet on which the normal image is formed, such as the second loading unit 124 in the first embodiment, is provided inside the printing device 100. There is no need. Therefore, by utilizing the existing printing apparatus having a general configuration, it is possible to suppress the increase in size and cost of the apparatus.

Regarding other points, the printing apparatus of the second embodiment has the same effect as that of the first embodiment. That is, according to the printing apparatus 100 of the second embodiment, when an image formation abnormality occurs in a part of one sheet, the abnormal image is reprinted and the sheets after cutting are printed in the order of the original images. Can be output. In addition, since the unprinted image and the abnormal image are reimposed on one sheet before cutting when an image formation abnormality occurs, it is possible to prevent wasting resources related to printing such as paper, toner, and ink. it can.

The control program according to the first and second embodiments may be provided by being incorporated into a part of an arbitrary program, not as a single program. In this case, the control process according to the present disclosure is realized in cooperation with an arbitrary program. Even a program that does not include such a part of modules does not deviate from the purpose of the control program in accordance with the present disclosure. Further, some or all of the functions provided by the control program may be realized by dedicated hardware. Further, the printing device 100 may be configured in the form of a so-called cloud service in which at least one server executes a part of the processing of the control program.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

50 printing system, 100 printing device, 103 paper feeding unit, 105 image forming unit, 110 cutting unit, 115 image reading unit, 120 transport unit, 122 first loading unit, 123 second loading unit, 124 second loading unit, 125 Insert tray, 126 3rd loading unit, 130 operation unit, 135 display unit, 140 client terminal, 145 communication line, 150 control unit, 160 operation panel, 205 CPU, 210 volatile memory, 215 non-volatile memory, 220 communication I / F, 225 bus, 800 imposition information table, 810 print job management table, 850 setting screen.

Claims (13)

An image forming part that forms an image on the sheet before cutting,
A cutting section that cuts the pre-cut sheet on which the image is formed, and
An image reading unit that generates a scanned image by reading an image formed by the image forming unit, and an image reading unit.
The first loading section and the second loading section for loading the sheet after cutting, and
A transport unit that transports the sheet after cutting to the first load unit and the second load unit, and
Equipped with a control unit
The control unit
Acquire data of multiple images corresponding to a predetermined order,
A predetermined number of images out of the plurality of images are formed on the pre-cutting sheet by the image forming unit in the first arrangement impositioned according to the predetermined order.
Based on the scanned images corresponding to the predetermined number of images, it is determined whether or not an image formation abnormality has occurred.
When it is determined that no image formation abnormality has occurred in all of the predetermined number of images, the sheet after cutting corresponding to the predetermined number of images is transported to the first loading unit by the transport unit.
When it is determined that an image formation abnormality has occurred in the first image out of the predetermined number of images,
The post-cutting sheet corresponding to the image in which the predetermined order is earlier than the first image and it is determined that there is no image formation abnormality is conveyed to the first loading unit by the conveying unit.
The post-cutting sheet corresponding to the image in which the predetermined order is later than the first image and it is determined that there is no image formation abnormality is conveyed to the second loading unit by the conveying unit.
In the pre-cutting sheet in which the image is formed after the pre-cutting sheet containing the first image, reimposition is performed in a second arrangement including the first image, which is different from the first arrangement. ,
After the post-cut sheet corresponding to the reimposed first image is transported to the first loading section by the transport section, the post-cut sheet loaded on the second loading section is transferred to the transport section. A printing device that conveys the image to the first loading unit. When a further image formation abnormality occurs in the second image in which the predetermined order is later than the first image among the predetermined number of images.
The control unit
Reimposition was performed in a third arrangement that included the first image and the second image that were different from the first arrangement.
After the sheet after cutting corresponding to the reimposed first image is conveyed to the first loading portion by the conveying portion, the sheet is more than the second image loaded on the second loading portion. The sheet after cutting corresponding to the image in the predetermined order is conveyed to the first loading unit by the conveying unit.
After the post-cut sheet corresponding to the reimposed second image is conveyed to the first loading section by the conveying section, it is more than the second image loaded on the second loading section. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet after cutting corresponding to the image after the predetermined order is conveyed to the first loading unit by the conveying unit. When the control unit determines that an image formation abnormality has occurred in the first image, the pre-cutting sheet on which the image has already been formed is cut without the image formation abnormality generated by the cutting of the pre-cutting sheet. The rear sheet is transported to the first loading section or the second loading section by the transporting section, and is conveyed to the second loading section.
When the control unit determines that an image formation abnormality has occurred in the first image, the control unit reimpositions the image together with the first image on an image that has not yet been formed on the pre-cutting sheet. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit impositions the predetermined number of images on both sides of the pre-cutting sheet and causes the image forming unit to form an image.
When the first image has an image formation abnormality, the control unit displays the image impositioned on the back surface side corresponding to the first image regardless of the presence or absence of the image formation abnormality. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is reimposed together with the image of. Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit reimposes the same image formation abnormality in a specific range of the pre-cutting sheet in a region other than the specific range of the pre-cutting sheet. The printing apparatus according to item 1. The second loading unit is provided inside the housing of the printing apparatus.
Any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transport unit takes out the sheet after cutting loaded on the second load unit and conveys it to the first load unit in accordance with a command of the control unit. The printing apparatus according to item 1. The second loading unit is provided outside the housing of the printing apparatus.
The printing device further includes an insert tray for inserting the sheet after cutting discharged to the second loading unit into the housing of the printing device.
Transporting the post-cut sheet loaded on the second loading section to the first loading section by the transport section means that the post-cut sheet inserted from the insert tray is transported by the transport section to the first loading section. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises transporting the printing device to the printing device. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image reading unit is provided after the cutting unit and is configured to read an image formed on the sheet after cutting. The image reading unit is provided in front of the cutting unit, and is configured to read an image formed on the pre-cutting sheet before the pre-cutting sheet is cut by the cutting unit. 9. The printing apparatus according to any one of 7. The printing apparatus includes a third loading unit.
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit conveys a sheet after cutting on which an image having an image formation abnormality is formed to the third loading unit. It is a control method of the printing device.
The printing device is
An image forming part that forms an image on the sheet before cutting,
A cutting section that cuts the pre-cut sheet on which the image is formed, and
An image reading unit that generates a scanned image by reading an image formed by the image forming unit, and an image reading unit.
The first loading section and the second loading section for loading the sheet after cutting, and
A transport unit that transports the sheet after cutting to the first load unit and the second load unit, and
Equipped with a control unit
The control method is
A step in which the control unit acquires data of a plurality of images corresponding to a predetermined order, and
A step in which the control unit forms a predetermined number of images out of the plurality of images on the pre-cutting sheet by the image forming unit in a first arrangement impositioned according to the predetermined order.
A step in which the control unit determines whether or not an image formation abnormality has occurred based on the scanned images corresponding to the predetermined number of images.
When the control unit determines that no image formation abnormality has occurred in all of the predetermined number of images, the sheet after cutting corresponding to the predetermined number of images is conveyed to the first loading unit by the transfer unit. A step of executing an abnormality handling process when it is determined that an image formation abnormality has occurred in the first image out of the predetermined number of images.
The abnormality handling process is
The step of transporting the post-cutting sheet corresponding to the image in which the predetermined order is earlier than the first image and the image is determined to have no image formation abnormality to the first loading section by the transport section. ,
The step of transporting the post-cutting sheet corresponding to the image in which the predetermined order is later than the first image and the image is determined to have no image formation abnormality to the second loading section by the transport section. ,
In the pre-cutting sheet in which the image is formed after the pre-cutting sheet containing the first image, the image is reimposed in a second arrangement including the first image, which is different from the first arrangement. Steps and
After the post-cut sheet corresponding to the reimposed first image is transported to the first loading section by the transport section, the post-cut sheet loaded on the second loading section is transferred to the transport section. A control method including a step of transporting the image to the first loading unit. A control program for controlling the printing device, wherein the control program causes the printing device to execute the control method according to claim 11 when executed by the printing device. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
With at least one client terminal
A printing system including a communication line for communicating and connecting between the printing device and the at least one client terminal.

Images