JP6497958B2 - Image forming apparatus, print processing execution method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention, short-range wireless communication is an image forming apparatus, an execution method and program indicia Surisho sense.

  Some image forming apparatuses perform a predetermined preliminary operation before starting an actual printing operation. For example, an inkjet printer includes a head cleaning mechanism to prevent dried ink from clogging the nozzles. Then, the head cleaning mechanism performs head cleaning for recording head maintenance at regular intervals in order to maintain print quality. In many cases, the head cleaning is automatically performed with the time when printing is started in the image forming apparatus as a trigger. From when the user gives an instruction to start printing to when printing is actually performed, it takes a lot of time to perform various data processing so that printing can be started. In order to solve this problem, an instruction for performing the above-described head cleaning prior to the start of the actual printing operation is sent to the image forming apparatus to be executed in parallel with the data processing for printing on the PC. Is available (Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-163225 A

  However, in direct printing or copying in which the image forming apparatus is directly operated for printing, a preliminary operation instruction before printing cannot be issued, and the problem that the printing time becomes long cannot be solved.

An object of the present invention is to solve such conventional problems. In view of the above, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for performing the mark Surisho management efficiently, and to provide indicia Surisho management execution method, and a program.

To solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising a detectable communication means no line signal that will be transmitted from the wireless communication device, said communication means before cinchona line signal Is detected based on determining that the distance between the wireless communication device and the image forming apparatus is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. An execution unit that executes a print preparation process; and a printing unit that executes a print process by discharging ink from a recording head after the print preparation process is completed . In the meantime, when it is determined that the distance from the wireless communication device is greater than the predetermined distance, the print preparation process is stopped .

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a mark Surisho management efficiently.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus and its surrounding environment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration around a recording unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration around a paper feeding unit that feeds roll paper. 1 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the block configuration of a BLE wireless device. It is a figure which shows the structure of an advertisement packet. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a time required for printing preparation of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of LFP and a USB direct printing performer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of LFP printing processing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print preparation information acquisition processing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the present invention. . The same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[First Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a USB direct print job executor approaches the image forming apparatus in order to execute USB direct printing. In this embodiment, a large-format inkjet printer (LFP) that supports roll paper is described as an example of the image forming apparatus. In the present embodiment, a multifunction inkjet printer (MFP) or the like can be applied as the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus to which the present embodiment is applied and its surrounding environment. The USB direct printing performer 100 is a person who performs printing with the LFP 200 by USB direct printing, and may be simply referred to as a user hereinafter. USB direct printing is to directly connect a USB memory to the connection terminal of the USB host of the image forming apparatus and select a file in the USB memory 101 for printing. The USB direct print performer 100 gradually approaches the LFP 200 and performs USB direct printing close to the LFP 200. The LFP 200 has a printing function using a printing unit of an inkjet printer, and prints a file designated by the USB direct printing performer 100 on a recording medium such as roll paper or cut paper.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of an image forming apparatus to which this embodiment is applied. The LFP 200 includes a roll paper feed port 201 that feeds roll paper, a cut paper feed port (cassette) 202 that feeds cut paper, a display device 203, and a USB host device 204. The LFP 200 also includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless device 205 (wireless communication device). The BLE wireless device 205 is a device capable of short-range wireless communication, can operate with low power consumption, and has a maximum communication distance of about 50 m. Note that the BLE wireless device 205 may be referred to as a BLE wireless unit. The BLE wireless device 205 supports an advertising communication system that broadcasts predetermined information to the periphery. A human detection area 103 in FIG. 1 is an area in which the LFP 200 can determine the approach of the USB direct print performer 100. When the USB direct print performer 100 enters this range and approaches the LFP 200, the LFP 200 receives the short-range wireless signal and determines that the USB direct print performer is around. In order for the LFP 200 to determine the approach of the USB direct print performer 100, the USB direct print performer 100 holds the BLE wireless device 102 of FIG. In this case, “hold” refers to a case where the BLE wireless device 102 is configured in the mobile phone of the USB direct print performer 100, for example. In addition, it may be added to consumables (ink tanks or paper bundles) of the LFP 200 being transported by the USB direct printing person 100. The BLE wireless device 102 broadcasts an advertisement packet to the periphery by short-range wireless communication. Then, the LFP 200 can acquire position information (distance information) from the LFP 200 of the BLE wireless device 102 based on the propagation loss of the received short-range wireless signal.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration around the recording unit of the image forming apparatus. A carriage 301 on which the recording head 302 is mounted, an optical position sensor 303 that optically reads a scaler or the like to acquire the position of the carriage 301, and a recovery unit 304 that performs recovery processing of the recording head 302 by suction or a blade. Etc. Further, the recording head 302 includes a temperature sensor that can detect the temperature of the recording head 302. The temperature sensor is used, for example, to control the amount of ink discharged from the nozzle. The ink jet recording apparatus having the above-described configuration performs scanning by moving the carriage 301 in the main scanning direction (shaft direction in FIG. 3), and has a width corresponding to the number of ejection ports (nozzles) of the recording head 302. Print. Further, at the time of non-printing, the recording medium is conveyed in a conveying direction that intersects the main scanning direction intermittently by a predetermined amount. By repeating such a scanning operation and a conveying operation, printing can be performed on a predetermined area of the recording medium.

  Further, the recovery unit 304 covers a discharge port of the recording head 302 and sucks ink (not shown), a discharge receiver 305 that receives the processing liquid discharged during discharge recovery, and the discharged ink during discharge recovery. Receiving discharge receptacles 306 and 307 are included. Further, the recovery unit 304 includes a wiper blade 308 that wipes the face surface of the discharge port, and the wiper blade 308 wipes the face surface while moving.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration around a paper feeding unit that feeds roll paper of the image forming apparatus. A paper feeding unit of the LFP 200 is configured to convey a first spool 402 a for setting the roll paper 401, a first feeding roller 403 a that is a retraction position of the roll paper 401, and the roll paper 401 onto the platen 405. Transport rollers 404. The roll paper 401 is conveyed onto the platen 405 by the first feeding roller 403 a and the conveying roller 404. Ink is ejected from the recording head 302 onto the conveyed roll paper 401. The roll paper 401 from which the ink has been ejected is transported by a first feed roller 403 a and a transport roller 404 and is cut by a cutter 406.

  Further, the paper feed unit includes a second spool 402 b for setting the roll paper 401 and a second feed roller 403 b that is a retracted position of the roll paper 401. The second spool 402b is for setting the second roll paper, and has the same mechanism as the first spool 402a. As shown in FIG. 4, by providing two mechanisms for feeding the roll paper 401, the roll paper can be switched without the user's hand. In FIG. 4, a configuration in which two roll papers can be set is shown as an example, but a configuration in which three or more roll papers can be set may be provided by providing another set of a spool and a feeding roller. .

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of the image forming apparatus. The motor driver 501 controls motors such as a carriage motor that drives the carriage 301, a paper feed motor, and a recovery motor in order to perform a printing operation by serial scanning. The carriage motor reciprocates the carriage 301 along the guide. The paper feed motor performs paper supply / discharge and rewinding of the roll paper. The recovery motor performs a recovery operation such as capping of the recording head 302.

  The recording head 302 prints an image on the surface of the roll paper by discharging ink from the discharge port. A RAM 502 (Random Access Memory) is a storage device that can hold information only while power is supplied, and the stored information disappears when power supply is cut off. A ROM 503 (ReadOnlyMemory) is a storage device that can only be read, and stores a control program for the image forming apparatus, various data, a table, and the like.

  The CPU 504 reads out various programs from the ROM 503 and executes them to realize functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus. The USB host 204 is a communication unit that performs data communication with a USB device such as the USB memory 101. The BT unit 205 is a communication unit that performs data communication with other devices such as a mobile terminal by Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. The BT unit 205 converts data into a packet and transmits the packet to another device. Further, the BT unit 205 converts a packet transmitted from another external device into data, and transmits the data to the CPU 504.

  The nonvolatile memory 505 is a storage device that can continue to hold recorded information even when power supply is cut off. As data stored in the non-volatile memory 505, for example, for each ink color of the recording head 302, there is a cumulative value of the number of recording dots ejected and recorded on the recording medium. The operation unit 203 includes a key that can accept an operation from a user and a display device. For example, the operation unit 203 receives an operation for selecting a file to be printed from the user. Further, the display device displays, for example, the power state of the image forming apparatus and the job execution status.

  A paper transport control unit 506 is a control unit that feeds paper before printing, and controls paper supply / discharge for the paper specified in the print job. The recovery system control unit 507 is a control unit that performs head cleaning before printing or the like, and performs optimal head cleaning according to the state of the recording head 302. For example, when the number of recording dots in the past predetermined period is smaller than the threshold value, simple head cleaning can be performed. An interface control unit 508 controls data transmission / reception with each device such as a printing unit and a reading unit. The pre-printing process control unit 509 calculates the time required for the pre-printing process, converts the calculated time into distance information, and determines whether to prepare for printing based on the positional relationship with the user. Further, the pre-printing process control unit 509 controls each unit to prepare for printing according to the determination result. For example, when the sheet specified in the print job has not been fed, the pre-printing process control unit 509 controls each unit shown in FIG. 4 to replace the roll paper.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of the BLE wireless device 102. The BLE wireless device 102 is configured in the LFP 200 or a user portable terminal. The BLE wireless device 102 may be added to a consumable (such as an ink tank or a printing paper bundle) of the image forming apparatus.

  The sensor 601 is a device that changes a physical quantity to be sensed into an electrical signal. For example, there are intrusion monitoring sensors and human sensors for crime prevention and security, and biological information sensors such as pulse wave, electrocardiogram, and body temperature for medical and nursing care. The ADC 602 is an analog-digital conversion circuit that converts an analog signal obtained from the sensor into a digital signal that can be processed by the microprocessor. The CPU 603 is a microprocessor that performs data sampling and wireless communication processing. The CPU 603 includes a RAM and a flash memory. The wireless communication circuit 604 includes a wireless communication chip, a crystal resonator, an inductance, a capacitor, and the like, and transmits and receives wireless communication. The operation switch 605 is a switch for turning on / off the power in the standby state. The battery 606 is, for example, a primary battery or a secondary battery. The power supply circuit 607 performs voltage adjustment and the like in order to supply the power supplied from the battery 606 to the inside more efficiently.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an advertisement packet that the BLE wireless device 102 broadcasts to the periphery. When the BLE wireless device 102 is turned on, it performs initialization processing and enters an advertising state. When the BLE wireless device 102 enters the advertising state, the BLE wireless device 102 periodically broadcasts an advertisement packet at a set time interval to notify the surroundings of the presence of the own device.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the advertisement packet includes a 2-byte header and a payload. The header is an area in which packet type, payload size information, and the like are stored. The payload is an area for storing a transmission name (Tx Power) in addition to a device name, a user ID, and mounting profile information. The BT unit 205 of the LFP 200 receives the advertisement packet included in the short-range wireless signal transmitted from the BLE wireless device 102. The LFP 200 obtains a propagation loss from the value of Tx Power stored in the advertisement packet and the received signal strength of the received packet, and estimates the distance from the BLE wireless device 102. For example, the LFP 200 can transmit print information stored in the USB memory 101 by the BLE wireless device 102 configured in the USB memory 101. The print information is information included in job information such as the size of print paper and the number of copies to be printed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the time required for printing preparation of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 8A shows a case where a normal head cleaning process is performed. The normal head cleaning process is composed of stop preliminary discharge, ink suction, and wiping processes, and the time required for all the processes is T3 [sec]. Here, the time required for stop preliminary ejection is T1 [sec], the time required for ink suction is T2-T1 [sec], and the time required for wiping is T3-T2 [sec]. FIG. 8B shows a case where a simple head cleaning process is performed. Unlike normal head cleaning processing, it consists of stop preliminary discharge and wiping processing, and the time required for all the processing is T4 [sec]. That is, the time is obtained by subtracting (T2−T1) [sec] from the normal head cleaning time T3.

  FIG. 8C shows a case where roll paper replacement processing is performed. When the LFP 200 determines that roll paper replacement is necessary based on the job information, roll paper replacement processing is performed. In the roll paper replacement process, a roll paper discharge operation and a paper feed operation are performed. In the roll paper feed operation, a paper transport process, a skew detection process, and a rewind process are performed. The rewinding process is a process for rewinding a predetermined amount to the first spool 402a or the second spool 402b after correcting the skew detected by the skew detection. As shown in FIG. 8C, the time for discharging the roll paper 1 is T5 [sec], and the time for feeding the roll paper 2 is T6-T5 [sec]. That is, the time required for the roll paper replacement process is T6 [sec].

  The processing times T1 to T6 shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C may be stored in, for example, a storage area such as the ROM 503 as a predetermined value, the number of recording dots, the roll paper It may be calculated from the transport distance. In addition, as an example of the pre-printing process, the head cleaning process, the simplified plate head cleaning process, and the roll paper replacement process are shown. However, other processes may be used as long as the processes are performed in advance before printing is performed. For example, as another process, a moving operation of a large-capacity cassette capable of storing a large amount of printing paper may be used.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the LFP 200 and the USB direct print performer 100. The USB direct print performer 100 holds a USB memory 101 provided with a BLE wireless device 102, and the BLE wireless device 102 receives print information such as a device name for specifying a user and a paper size to be printed. Send with advertisement packet. A distance a represented by a distance 901 indicates that the BLE wireless device 205 of the LFP 200 cannot receive an advertisement packet transmitted by the BLE wireless device 102 held by the USB direct print performer 100.

  The distance b represented by the distance 902 is a distance at which the BLE wireless device 205 of the LFP 200 can receive an advertisement packet transmitted by the BLE wireless device 102 possessed by the USB direct print performer 100. Indicates no. A distance c represented by a distance 903 is a distance at which the BLE wireless device 205 of the LFP 200 can receive an advertisement packet transmitted by the BLE wireless device 102 of the USB direct print performer 100, and a distance for performing print preparation processing. Indicates that

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of USB direct printing processing performed by the LFP 200. The LFP processing of the present application is realized by, for example, the CPU 504 reading a program stored in the ROM 503 into the RAM 502 and executing it.

  In step S <b> 1001, the CPU 504 waits for reception of an advertisement packet from the BLE wireless device 102 in order to monitor whether there is a person around the LFP 200. Here, the periphery is an area indicated by the human detection area 103. Therefore, the human detection area 103 corresponds to a distance at which the BLE wireless device 205 of the LFP 200 can receive the advertisement packet. If it is determined that an advertisement packet has been received, the process proceeds to S1002, and if it is determined that an advertisement packet has not been received, the process of S1001 is repeated. The fact that no advertisement packet has been received indicates that there is no person in the person detection area 103.

  In step S <b> 1002, the CPU 504 determines whether the transmission source of the advertisement packet is the USB direct print performer 100. For example, information (user ID or the like) related to the USB direct print performer 100 is stored in advance in, for example, the nonvolatile memory 505, and based on this information and the information of the advertisement packet in FIG. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that the user is the USB direct print performer 100, the process proceeds to S1003. If it is determined that the user is not the USB direct print performer 100, the process of S1001 is repeated.

  In step S <b> 1003, the CPU 504 acquires position information of the USB direct print performer 100. The position information is obtained by estimating the distance from the Tx Power stored in the advertisement packet and the received signal strength of the advertisement packet. In step S1004, the CPU 504 acquires print information such as the paper size of the roll paper from the print information of the advertisement packet. In step S1005, the CPU 504 acquires print preparation information. The process of S1005 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1006, the CPU 504 calculates the time required for print preparation based on the print preparation information acquired in step S1005. As described with reference to FIG. 8, this calculation is calculated as, for example, a total value of predetermined processes such as stop preliminary ejection, ink suction, and wiping. In step S1007, the CPU 504 calculates distance information from the print preparation time and the walking speed calculated in step S1006. The walking speed for calculating the distance information is stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 505, for example, and a different speed is registered for each user.

  In step S <b> 1008, the CPU 504 compares the position where the USB direct print performer 100 is located with the distance necessary for print preparation. If the distance to the USB direct print performer 100 is shorter, the process advances to S1009. On the other hand, if the distance to the USB direct print performer 100 is longer, the process of S1001 is repeated. That is, whether or not to execute the print preparation process is determined based on the comparison in S1008. In step S1009, the CPU 504 executes print preparation processing based on the print preparation information acquired in step S1005. However, if the USB direct print performer 100 is away from the distance information calculated in S1007 during the execution of the print preparation process in S1009, the print preparation process is immediately stopped and the process in S1001 is repeated.

  If it can be estimated that the user is still in a distant position even after the pre-printing process is completed, the pre-printing process is not executed in advance. In that case, since it is considered that the user is likely to leave again, unnecessary execution of pre-printing processing can be prevented.

  In step S <b> 1010, the CPU 504 keeps the USB direct print performer 100 ready to print, and waits for the USB direct print performer 100 to start printing. In step S <b> 1011, the CPU 504 detects insertion of the USB memory 101 into the USB host 204 by the USB direct print performer 100. In step S <b> 1012, the CPU 504 receives a file to be printed selected by the USB direct print performer 100 on the file displayed on the display device 203 (operation unit 203). In step S <b> 1013, the CPU 504 receives a print execution instruction from the USB direct print performer 100. In step S1014, the CPU 504 executes USB direct printing. Then, the process of FIG. 10 is complete | finished.

  As described above, the process of this flowchart executes the print preparation process in consideration of the time until the user reaches the LFP, so there is no need to wait for the user to start printing after reaching the LFP. Will improve.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print preparation information acquisition processing performed by the LFP 200. In step S <b> 1101, the CPU 504 reads out and acquires a cumulative value of the number of recorded dots printed and counted on the recording medium from the storage area for a predetermined period, and determines whether the cumulative value is greater than a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the cumulative value is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to S1103, and the head cleaning process information shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cumulative value is not greater than the predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to S1102, and the simplified plate head cleaning process information shown in FIG. 8B is acquired. The cumulative value may be a cumulative value for all the printable ink colors, or may be a cumulative value for a specific ink color such as special color ink.

  In step S <b> 1104, the CPU 504 selects an optimal roll paper from a plurality of roll papers set in the LFP 200 based on the paper size included in the print information. In step S1105, the CPU 504 determines whether the selected roll paper is not fed and the roll paper needs to be replaced. If it is determined that the roll paper needs to be replaced, the process advances to step S1106, and the CPU 504 acquires roll paper replacement processing information shown in FIG. Then, the process of FIG. 11 is complete | finished. On the other hand, if it is determined that the roll paper does not need to be replaced, the processing in FIG. 11 is terminated. After the processing in FIG. 11 ends, the process proceeds to S1007 in FIG.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, an example of an image forming apparatus that performs print preparation processing in advance based on the distance information of the USB direct print performer 100 and the time required for print preparation processing in USB direct printing has been described. In the present embodiment, a multi-function printer (MFP) equipped with a scanner for reading a document will be described as an example of replacing the LFP 200, and processing during copying will be described.

  FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are flowcharts in the case of USB direct printing. Since the processing is similar in the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings. In the following description, steps not described indicate the same processing as USB direct printing in the first embodiment. The USB direct print performer 100 will be described as a user below.

  In S1001 of FIG. 10, the process described in the first embodiment is performed. In step S1002, the CPU 504 determines whether the user is a copy executor. Here, the information of the copy executor is stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 505, for example. Since the MFP is not equipped with roll paper and it is not necessary to perform roll paper feeding processing as described in the first embodiment in advance, the processing of S1004 is not performed in this embodiment.

  After the process of S1003, the process of S1005 is performed as described later. Next, similarly to the first embodiment, the processes of S1006 and S1007 are performed. In S1008, the CPU 504 compares the distance information of the copy performer with the distance information corresponding to the print preparation process. Next, as in the first embodiment, S1009 and S1010 are performed.

  In the present embodiment, S1011 to S1014 are processes associated with copying. That is, in step S1011, the CPU 504 detects that a document has been set on the scanner by the copy executor. The process of S1012 is not performed in the present embodiment, and in S1013, the CPU 504 receives a copy instruction via the display device. In step S1014, the CPU 504 executes copying.

  In S1101 of FIG. 11, the CPU 504 acquires the cumulative value of the dot count number from the storage area, and determines whether the cumulative value is greater than a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the cumulative value is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to S1103, and the head cleaning information shown in FIG. 8A is acquired. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cumulative value is not greater than the predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to S1102, and the simplified plate head cleaning process information shown in FIG. 8B is acquired.

  That is, in S1101 to S1103, processing similar to that in the first embodiment is performed. However, in the present embodiment, after the processing of S1102 or S1103, the processing shown in FIG. 11 is terminated, and the processing after S1104 is not performed.

  As described above, by performing a preliminary operation that should be performed before the start of an actual printing operation in printing not via a PC, such as direct printing or copying, the user can immediately perform a desired operation. It becomes possible to carry out. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the waiting time from when the user instructs the image forming apparatus to execute printing until the printing is completed, and to shorten the printing time.

[Other Examples]
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  200 LFP: 502 RAM: 503 ROM: 504 CPU

Claims (17)

An image forming apparatus comprising a detectable communication means no line signal that will be transmitted from the wireless communication device,
If the communication unit detects a pre-quinic line signal, determining means for determining the distance between said wireless communication device and the image forming apparatus,
Execution means for executing a print preparation process based on a determination that a distance from the wireless communication device is equal to or less than a predetermined distance ;
Printing means for executing a printing process by discharging ink from a recording head after the printing preparation process is completed ,
When it is determined that the distance from the wireless communication device is greater than the predetermined distance while the print preparation process is being executed, the print preparation process is stopped.
An image forming apparatus. Receiving means for receiving a print execution instruction when the print preparation process is started and a USB memory is inserted into the image forming apparatus and a print target is selected;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the print process is executed when the print execution instruction is received by the reception unit . User determination means for determining whether or not a user corresponding to the wireless communication device is a user who performs printing with the image forming apparatus;
When it is determined by the user determination means that the user is a user who performs printing with the image forming apparatus , and the distance to the wireless communication device is determined to be equal to or less than the predetermined distance , the print preparation process is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is executed by the execution unit. First determination means for determining a print preparation process to be executed;
Second determination means for determining a time required for the print preparation process based on the print preparation process determined by the first determination means;
4. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is determined based on a time required for the print preparation process determined by the second determination unit. 5. apparatus. The first determination unit determines a print preparation process to be executed by using at least one of the number of recording dots held in the image forming apparatus and information included in the wireless signal. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to Item 4. The first determining means determines that the cleaning process of the recording head is to be performed when the number of recording dots is larger than a predetermined threshold, and performs the cleaning process when the number of recording dots is not larger than a predetermined threshold. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein it is determined to execute a simplified cleaning process of a simplified version.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print preparation process includes a roll paper replacement process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit performs wireless communication based on Bluetooth Low Energy. The printing process execution method executed in an image forming apparatus including a detectable communication means no line signal that will be transmitted from the wireless communication device,
If the communication unit detects a pre-quinic line signal, a determination step of determining the distance between the wireless communication device and the image forming apparatus,
An execution step of executing a print preparation process based on determining that the distance to the wireless communication device is equal to or less than a predetermined distance ;
A printing step of performing the printing process by discharging ink from the recording head after the printing preparation process is completed ,
When it is determined that the distance from the wireless communication device is greater than the predetermined distance while the print preparation process is being executed, the print preparation process is stopped.
A method for executing a printing process. An image forming apparatus as a computer
If a free line signal that will be transmitted from the wireless communication device detectable communication means has detected the front quinic line signal, determining means for determining the distance between said wireless communication device and the image forming apparatus,
Execution means for executing print preparation processing based on determining that the distance to the wireless communication device is equal to or less than a predetermined distance ;
After the print preparation process is finished, the print head performs a printing process by ejecting ink from the recording head ,
When it is determined that the distance from the wireless communication device is greater than the predetermined distance while the print preparation process is being executed, the print preparation process is stopped.
A program characterized by that. When the print preparation process is started and a USB memory is inserted into the image forming apparatus and a print target is selected, the print preparation process is further functioned as a reception unit that receives a print execution instruction.
The program according to claim 10 , wherein the print process is executed when the print execution instruction is received by the reception unit . Further functioning as user determination means for determining whether or not a user corresponding to the wireless communication device is a user who performs printing with the image forming apparatus,
When it is determined by the user determination means that the user is a user who performs printing with the image forming apparatus , and the distance to the wireless communication device is determined to be equal to or less than the predetermined distance , the print preparation process is performed. The program according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the program is executed by the execution means. First determining means for determining print preparation processing to be executed;
Further functioning as second determination means for determining a time required for the print preparation process based on the print preparation process determined by the first determination means;
The program according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the predetermined distance is determined based on a time required for the print preparation process determined by the second determination unit. The first determination unit determines a print preparation process to be executed by using at least one of the number of recording dots held in the image forming apparatus and information included in the wireless signal. Item 14. The program according to Item 13. The first determining means determines that the cleaning process of the recording head is to be performed when the number of recording dots is larger than a predetermined threshold, and performs the cleaning process when the number of recording dots is not larger than a predetermined threshold. 15. The program according to claim 14 , wherein it is determined to execute a simplified cleaning process of a simplified version. The program according to any one of claims 10 to 15 , wherein the print preparation process includes a roll paper replacement process. The program according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the communication means executes wireless communication based on Bluetooth Low Energy.

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