JP6881038B2 - Image forming apparatus, label printing control program and label printing control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a label printing control program and a label printing control method, and in particular, an image forming apparatus for printing a label on roll paper, a label printing control program for controlling label printing, and a printing system including the image forming apparatus. Regarding the label printing control method in.

When printing a label image on roll-wound paper, the process of extracting the label image from the paper (called die cutting) in cooperation with a post-processing device and unnecessary parts other than the label image are removed from the paper. A process of removing (called scrap raising) is performed. At that time, in order to enable the post-processing apparatus to perform appropriate processing, the image forming apparatus also prints an alignment image for determining the position of the label image, and the post-processing apparatus prints the alignment image. Is detected and die-cutting and scrap raising are performed.

As a technique related to such label printing, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, a holding unit for holding a roll paper in which a plurality of labels are arranged in a transport direction, a receiving unit for receiving image data, and the receiving unit are used. After the received image data is converted into print data capable of forming an image, an image forming unit that forms an image on the label based on the print data, and the print data are a plurality of the print data on the roll paper. A determination unit that determines whether or not the number of labels is exceeded, a counting unit that counts the number of images formed on the label by the image forming unit, and the determination unit that the print data is printed on the roll paper. An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a notification unit that notifies the count result of the counting unit when it is determined that the number of labels exceeds the number of the plurality of labels.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-175197

In label printing, the paper that has been label-printed by the image forming device is rolled up and passed to the post-processing device, and in the post-processing device, the rolled-up paper is pulled out from the edge for die cutting and scrap raising. Therefore, the above alignment image will be printed at the end of the paper (at the end of the job).

Here, when printing a plurality of label images in one job, if the label printing is completed on the loaded roll paper, the alignment of the die-cutting is performed using the alignment image printed on the end of the paper. However, if the attached roll paper is not enough and needs to be replaced, the alignment image is not printed on the roll paper on which the label was printed earlier, so the alignment of the die cut is performed. The problem arises that you cannot do.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object thereof is to enable proper die-cutting alignment even when label printing is performed on a plurality of roll papers. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a label printing control program, and a label printing control method for arranging an image for alignment in.

One aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a printing engine that prints a label image on roll paper according to a printing job, winds up the printed paper in a roll shape, and discharges the printed paper, and rasterizes the printing job. , The image processing unit that generates the label image and the alignment image for the post-processing apparatus to die-cut the label image, and the arrangement of the label image and the alignment image are specified. A job processing unit that instructs the printing engine to print is provided, and the job processing unit is a first paper length required for printing the label image and the alignment image in the quantity specified by the printing job. The second paper length remaining on the loaded roll paper is calculated, and the print job is mounted based on the comparison result between the first paper length and the second paper length. If it is determined whether the roll paper can be processed and it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of roll papers and processed, the alignment image to be printed at the end of the print job is determined. Is placed at least after the label image placed on the roll paper to be printed first.

One aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a printing engine that prints a label image on roll paper according to a printing job, winds up the printed paper in a roll shape, and discharges the printed paper, and after die-cutting the label image. A label printing control program that operates in a printing system including a processing apparatus, wherein the printing job is rasterized to the image forming apparatus or a control apparatus that controls the image forming apparatus, and the label image and the subsequent The first process of generating the alignment image for the processing apparatus to perform the die cutting, the second process of designating the arrangement of the label image and the alignment image and instructing the printing engine to print. , Is executed, and in the second process, the first paper length required for printing the label image and the alignment image in the quantity specified in the print job is calculated and attached to the image forming apparatus. The second paper length remaining on the roll paper is calculated, and the print job is mounted on the image forming apparatus based on the comparison result between the first paper length and the second paper length. If it is determined whether the roll paper can be processed and it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of roll papers for processing, the alignment image to be printed at the end of the print job is displayed. It is characterized in that it is arranged at least after the label image arranged on the roll paper to be printed first.

One aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a printing engine that prints a label image on roll paper according to a printing job, winds up the printed paper in a roll shape, and discharges the printed paper, and after die-cutting the label image. A label printing control method in a printing system including a processing apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus or a control apparatus for controlling the image forming apparatus rasterizes the printing job, and the label image and the post-processing apparatus. The first process of generating the alignment image for performing the die cutting, and the second process of designating the arrangement of the label image and the alignment image and instructing the printing engine to print. , Is executed, and in the second process, the first paper length required for printing the label image and the alignment image in the quantity specified in the print job is calculated and attached to the image forming apparatus. The second paper length remaining on the roll paper is calculated, and the print job is mounted on the image forming apparatus based on the comparison result between the first paper length and the second paper length. If it is determined whether the roll paper can be processed and it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of roll papers for processing, the alignment image to be printed at the end of the print job is displayed. It is characterized in that it is arranged at least after the label image arranged on the roll paper to be printed first.

One aspect of the present invention is a client device, an image forming device that prints a label image on roll paper according to a printing job acquired from the client device, winds up the printed paper in a roll shape, and discharges the printed paper, and the label image. A label printing control method in a printing system including a post-processing device for performing die-cutting, wherein the client device includes a label image and an alignment image for the post-processing device to perform die-cutting. The first process of generating the above, the second process of generating the print job instructing the image forming apparatus to print by designating the arrangement of the label image and the alignment image, and the print job. The third process of outputting to the image forming apparatus is executed, and in the second process, the first paper length required for printing the label image and the alignment image in the quantity specified by the print job is calculated. At the same time, the second paper length remaining on the roll paper mounted on the image forming apparatus is acquired, and the printing job is based on the comparison result between the first paper length and the second paper length. Is determined by the roll paper mounted on the image forming apparatus, and if it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of roll papers and processed, printing is performed at the end of the print job. It is characterized in that the planned alignment image is arranged at least after the label image arranged on the roll paper to be printed first.

According to the image forming apparatus, the label printing control program, and the label printing control method of the present invention, even when label printing is performed on a plurality of rolls, the die-cutting alignment can be appropriately performed.

The reason is that in a printing system including an image forming apparatus that prints a label image on roll paper according to a printing job, winds up the printed paper into a roll, and discharges the printed paper, and a post-processing apparatus that cuts out the label image. The image forming apparatus or the control apparatus that controls the image forming apparatus rasterizes the print job, generates a label image and an alignment image for the post-processing apparatus to perform die cutting, and generates a label image and an alignment image. When designating the arrangement of images and instructing printing, the first paper length required to print the quantity of label images and alignment images specified in the print job is calculated, and the loaded roll paper is calculated. The second paper length remaining in the paper is calculated, and based on the comparison result between the first paper length and the second paper length, it is determined whether the roll paper on which the print job is mounted can be processed, and the print job is performed. If you decide that you need to split and process on multiple rolls, place the alignment image to be printed at the end of the print job, at least after the label image placed on the roll that will be printed first. Because it is arranged.

This is an example of arranging the label image and the alignment image on the label sheet. This is a configuration example of roll paper on which a label sheet is wound. This is an example of arranging the label image and the alignment image when the label image and the alignment image are printed separately on a plurality of rolls. This is an example of arranging the label image and the alignment image according to the embodiment of the present invention (an example of moving the alignment image). This is an example of arranging a label image and an image for alignment according to an embodiment of the present invention (an example of changing the printing order). This is an example of arranging a label image and an alignment image according to an embodiment of the present invention (an example of arranging an alignment image on both roll papers). It is a schematic diagram which shows the number of labels to be printed on each roll paper, and the die-cutting completion time when it is divided and printed on a plurality of roll papers. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the printing system which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other structure of the printing system which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the client apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the post-processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the number of labels to be printed on each roll paper, and the die-cutting completion time in the case of dividing and printing into a plurality of roll papers which concerns on 4th Example of this invention.

As shown in the background technology, in label printing in which a label image is repeatedly printed on a roll of paper (called a label sheet), the label image can be accurately extracted from the label sheet by a post-processing device. As shown above, the alignment image is printed at the end of the label sheet.

Here, when printing a plurality of labels in one job, if the label printing is completed on the attached roll paper, the alignment of the die cut is performed using the alignment image printed at the end of the label sheet. This can be done, but if the attached roll paper is not enough and needs to be replaced, the alignment image is not printed on the label sheet of the roll paper on which the label was printed earlier, so die-cutting. The problem arises that alignment cannot be performed.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the label printing of one job is divided into a plurality of roll papers, the alignment image is at least at the end of the roll paper to be printed first (behind the label image). To place.

Hereinafter, a specific example will be described. As a prerequisite, after printing a plurality of label images on roll paper, the label images are die-cut with another post-processing device, and the alignment image for die-cutting (in this embodiment, "TEST"). An image that is a composite of an image and a label figure) is required.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, 100 label images 72 (hereinafter referred to as numbers 1 to 100) and two alignment images 73 (hereinafter referred to as TEST) are printed on the label sheet 71. In this case, the image forming apparatus prints in order from the left end like 100, 99, 98, ..., 3, 2, 1, TEST, TEST, winds up the printed label sheet 71, and rolls paper as shown in FIG. Create 70. On the other hand, in the post-processing apparatus, the roll paper 70 shown in FIG. 2 is used, and as shown in FIG. 1, die cutting is performed in order from the right end as shown in TEST, TEST, 1, 2, 3, ..., 98, 99, 100. I do.

Here, if the label fits in one roll, print 100, 99, 98, ..., 3, 2, 1, TEST, TEST in this order, and the post-processing device prints the rightmost alignment image 73. It can be used for alignment and does not cause any problems. However, when the remaining amount of the roll paper 70 is small and printing is performed in two rolls, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first roll becomes 100, 99, 98, ..., 33, 32, 31 and the two rolls. The eyes are 30, 29, 28, ..., 3, 2, 1, TEST, TEST, and the alignment image 73 is not printed on the first roll where printing is completed first. As a result, the post-processing apparatus cannot perform the alignment, and it is a waste of time when it is desired to perform the die cutting of the first roll without waiting for the completion of printing of the second roll on which the alignment image 73 is printed. Occurs.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first paper length required for printing the number of label images 72 and the alignment image 73 specified in the printing job is calculated, and the roll paper mounted on the roll paper is calculated. The remaining second paper length is calculated, and based on the comparison result between the first paper length and the second paper length, it is determined whether the print job can be processed by the loaded roll paper, and the print job is performed. When it is determined that it is necessary to divide the paper into a plurality of rolls for processing, the alignment image 73 scheduled to be printed at the end of the print job is at least the label image 72 arranged on the roll paper to be printed first. Try to place it later. In the above example, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first roll is 100, 99, 98, ..., 33, TEST, TEST, and the second roll is 32, 31, 30, ..., 3, 2, 1 And. That is, the alignment image 73 is printed at the positions 32 and 31 that were planned to be printed on the first roll, and the label image 72 of the 32 and 31 is rearranged on the second roll. By performing such control, when the printing of the first roll is completed, the die-cutting process can be started by the post-processing apparatus, and the job processing time can be shortened.

When it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of roll papers for processing, the die-cutting for the roll paper to be printed first is started before the printing of the roll paper to be printed thereafter is completed. In that case, the arrangement of the alignment image 73 can be changed. That is, it is also possible to control whether or not the alignment image 73 is moved to the first roll according to the setting of whether or not the die cutting is performed immediately after the printing of the first roll is completed. For example, if it is desired to perform die cutting of the first roll before the printing of the second roll is completed, the first roll is set to 100, 99, 98, ..., 33, TEST, TEST, as shown in FIG. The rolls are set to 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, ..., 3, 2, 1 and the alignment image 73 is controlled to move. On the other hand, when die cutting is performed after printing is completed for both rolls, as shown in FIG. 3, the first roll is set to 100, 99, 98, ..., 33, 32, 31 and the second roll is set as before. As 30, 29, 28, ..., 3, 2, 1, TEST, TEST, the alignment image 73 is not moved, and the die cutting is performed from the second roll.

Further, in the above control, when 1 to 100 are different data (variable data composed of individually different data such as serial number and personal name) and it is desired to perform die cutting from the first label image 72, FIG. As shown in 4, when 100, 99, 98, ..., 33, TEST, TEST are printed on the first roll and 32, 31, 30, ..., 3, 2, 1 are printed on the second roll, If the die-cutting is performed in order from the first roll, the die-cutting is performed from the 33rd label image 72, which causes a problem that the die-cutting is not performed in order. That is, TEST, TEST, 33, 34, 35, ..., 98, 99, 100, 1, 2, 3, ..., 30, 31, 32 are die-cut in this order, and the labels after die-cutting are not in order. ..

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the print job is a variable print job in which the order of the label images 72 is specified, the labels to be printed on each roll paper are printed so that the label images 72 are die-cut in the order. The print order of the image 72 can also be changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the first roll is 68, 67, 66, ..., 3, 2, 1, TEST, TEST, and the second roll is 100, 99, 98, ..., 71, 70, 69. To do. By performing such control, the post-processing apparatus can perform die cutting in order from the first, and it is possible to save the trouble of changing the order of labels later.

Further, in the above, the alignment image 73 is moved to the end of the first roll, but when it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of rolls and processed, the alignment image 73 is moved. The 73 can also be placed after the label image 72, which is placed on the roll paper to be printed later. That is, it is also possible to select whether or not to leave the alignment image 73 at the end of the original job. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first roll is 100, 99, 98, ..., 33, TEST, TEST, and the second roll is 32, 31, 30, ..., 3, 2, 1, TEST, TEST. To do. By performing such control, it is possible to adjust the position every time the roll paper is set in the post-processing apparatus, even if the position adjustment is always required. Further, when there are a plurality of post-processing devices, it is possible to perform die cutting in parallel using a plurality of post-processing devices.

Further, when the printing system includes a plurality of post-processing devices and the die-cutting for a plurality of rolls is performed by the plurality of post-processing devices, the die-cutting end timings of the plurality of post-processing devices are matched. It is also possible to adjust the quantity of the label images 72 to be arranged on each roll paper. For example, as shown on the upper side of FIG. 7, when 500 labels are printed on the first roll and 100 labels are printed on the second roll, one roll is taken into consideration when the processing time of the two post-processing devices is taken into consideration. The die cutting is completed later than the second roll, which makes the time inefficient. Therefore, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7, the number of labels arranged in the first roll is reduced (here, reduced from 500 to 400) regardless of the remaining amount of the label sheet in the first roll, and in the second roll. Increase the number of labels to be arranged (here, increase from 100 to 200) and control so that the completion timing of the die cutting process of the two post-processing devices is the same. By performing such control, the label sheet of the first roll is not used up, which causes waste, but it is possible to shorten the processing time of the print job including the die cutting time.

In order to explain one embodiment of the present invention in more detail, refer to FIGS. 8 to 13 for an image forming apparatus, a label printing control program, and a label printing control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. I will explain. 8 and 9 are schematic views showing the configuration of the printing system of this embodiment, and FIGS. 10 to 12 are block diagrams showing the configurations of a client device, an image forming device, and a post-processing device, respectively. Further, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the printing system 10 of this embodiment includes a client device 20, an image forming device 30, a post-processing device 40, and the like. The client device 20 and the image forming device 30 are communication networks such as LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) defined by standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Token Ring, and FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface). It is connected via 50. In FIG. 8, the printing system 10 is composed of the client device 20, the image forming device 30, and the post-processing device 40. As shown in FIG. 9, the printer controller 60 (control device) that controls the image forming device 30. May be provided. Hereinafter, each device will be described on the premise of the configuration of FIG.

[Client device]
The client device 20 is a computer device such as a personal computer, and as shown in FIG. 10A, is composed of a control unit 21, a storage unit 25, a network I / F unit 26, a display unit 27, an operation unit 28, and the like. To.

The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24. The CPU 22 is a control program stored in the ROM 23 and the storage unit 25. Is expanded in the RAM 24 and executed to control the operation of the entire client device 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the control unit 21 (CPU 22) executes the OS (Operating System) 21a, the application 21b, the printer driver 21c, and the like.

OS21a is Windows (registered trademark), Macintosh (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), etc., and enables the client device 20 to operate the application 21b, the printer driver 21c, and the like.

The application 21b is, for example, an application for creating a label, and generates data in which a label image and an alignment image used by the post-processing apparatus 40 for die cutting are arranged. The composition of the alignment image is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, the image of "TEST" and the figure of the brackets are combined, and will be referred to as a test label below. Then, the printer driver 21c is read at the time of the print instruction, and the data created by the application 21b is transferred to the printer driver 21c.

The printer driver 21c uses a page description language such as a print job (PJL (Printer Job Language), PS (PostScript), PCL (Printer Control Language)) in a language that the image forming apparatus 30 can interpret the data created by the application 21b. It is converted into described PDL (Page Description Language) data or PDF (Portable Document Format) data), and the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 30. Print information (print ticket) describing the print conditions set on the print setting screen of the printer driver 21c is added to this print job. In particular, in this embodiment, it is possible to set the processing when the processing of the print job is divided into a plurality of roll papers on the print setting screen.

The storage unit 25 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, and stores a program for the CPU 22 to control each unit, data created by the application 21b, a print job generated by the printer driver 21c, and the like. save.

The network I / F unit 26 is composed of a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, or the like, connects the client device 20 to the communication network 50, and makes it possible to transmit a print job to the image forming device 30.

The display unit 27 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (electroluminescence) display device, and the like, and displays a label creation screen of the application 21b, a print setting screen of the printer driver 21c, and the like.

The operation unit 28 is composed of a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and creates labels and test labels using the application 21b, and print settings using the printer driver 21c (particularly when the processing of the print job is divided into a plurality of roll papers). Processing settings) and other operations are possible.

[Image forming device]
The image forming apparatus 30 is an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripherals) or the like, and prints a label on a roll-shaped label sheet based on a print job received from the client apparatus 20. As shown in FIG. 11A, the image forming apparatus 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 35, a network I / F unit 36, a display operation unit 37, a printing engine 38, and the like.

The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU 32 and a memory such as a ROM 33 or a RAM 34. The CPU 32 expands a control program stored in the ROM 33 or the storage unit 35 into the RAM 34 and executes the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 30. Control. As shown in FIG. 11B, the control unit 31 functions as an image processing unit 31a, a job processing unit 31b, and the like.

The image processing unit 31a includes a RIP (Raster Image Processor) unit, analyzes a print job, rasterizes the print job to generate a label image or a test label image, and performs image processing (color adjustment, density adjustment) as necessary. , Processing such as size adjustment) and screening.

The job processing unit 31b specifies the arrangement of the label image and the test label image, and instructs the printing engine 38 to print. Specifically, the print job is analyzed, various settings are acquired, and various information is calculated. For example, the number of labels to be printed, the number of test labels, the paper length required for job processing, the paper length of the current roll (the remaining amount of roll paper), and the like are calculated. Then, the paper length required for job processing (first paper length) is compared with the paper length of the current roll (second paper length), and based on the comparison result, the roll paper on which the print job is attached is attached. If it is determined that the processing can be performed with the attached roll paper (it fits in one roll), the test label image is placed after the label image. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into multiple rolls (does not fit in one roll), the last printed test label image is at least printed on the first roll. It is placed after the label image to be placed (the number of labels that fit in the current roll is calculated, and the number of label images and the test label image obtained by subtracting the number of test labels from the calculated number of labels is placed in the current roll). Then, after displaying a warning to the display operation unit 37 to instruct the user to replace the roll paper, the label images of the remaining number of labels are arranged. When it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of roll papers and processed, the die cutting of the roll paper to be printed first is started before the printing of the roll paper to be printed thereafter is completed. In that case, the arrangement of the test label image may be changed.

The image processing unit 31a and the job processing unit 31b may be configured as hardware, or the control unit 31 may be configured as a label printing control program that functions as the image processing unit 31a and the job processing unit 31b to control the label printing. The program may be executed by the CPU 32.

The storage unit 35 is composed of an HDD, an SSD, or the like, and includes a program for the CPU 32 to control each unit, information on the processing function of the own device, a print job received from the client device 20, a label image generated by the image processing unit 31a, and the like. Store test label image data, etc.

The network I / F unit 36 is composed of a NIC, a modem, or the like, connects the image forming apparatus 30 to the communication network 50, and makes it possible to receive print data from the client apparatus 20.

The display operation unit 37 is a touch panel or the like provided with a pressure-sensitive operation unit (touch sensor) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern on the display unit, displays various screens related to printing processing, and performs various operations related to printing. to enable.

The printing engine is composed of a paper feeding unit 38a, a printing processing unit 38b, a winding unit 38c, and the like.

The paper feed unit 38a is configured so that a roll-shaped label sheet (roll paper) can be loaded, and supplies the label sheet to the print processing unit 38b.

The print processing unit 38b prints the label image and the test label image on the label sheet supplied from the paper feed unit 38a according to the instruction of the job processing unit 31b. The printing processing unit 38b includes, for example, an exposure unit that irradiates and exposes a laser beam based on image data, a photoconductor drum, a developing unit, a charging unit, a photoconductor cleaning unit, and a primary transfer roller. An image forming portion that forms a toner image of each color of the above, an intermediate belt that is rotated by a roller and functions as an intermediate transfer body that conveys the toner image formed by the image forming portion to the roll paper, and an intermediate belt formed on the intermediate belt. It is composed of a secondary transfer roller that transfers the toner image to the paper, a fixing portion that fixes the toner image transferred to the roll paper, and the like.

The winding unit 38c winds the label sheet printed by the printing processing unit 38b in a roll shape.

[Post-processing equipment]
The post-processing device 40 is a device for die-cutting a label image, and is composed of a control unit 41, a storage unit 45, a paper feeding unit 46, a position adjusting unit 47, a processing unit 48, and the like, as shown in FIG. Ru.

The control unit 41 is composed of a CPU 42 and a memory such as a ROM 43 or a RAM 44. The CPU 42 expands a control program stored in the ROM 43 or the storage unit 45 into the RAM 44 and executes the operation of the entire post-processing device 40. Control.

The storage unit 45 is composed of an HDD, an SSD, or the like, and stores a program for the CPU 42 to control each unit, information on a processing function of the own device, and the like.

The paper feed unit 46 is configured so that a printed label sheet wound in a roll shape can be loaded, and supplies the label sheet to the processing unit 48.

The position adjusting unit 47 includes a sensor for detecting a mark such as a figure of a key bracket included in the test label image, and adjusts the position for die-cutting the label image based on the detection result of the mark.

The processing unit 48 punches the label image from the label sheet supplied from the paper feed unit 46 based on the position adjustment result of the position adjustment unit 47. In addition, if necessary, scraping is performed to remove unnecessary parts other than the label image.

8 to 12 are examples of the printing system 10 of this embodiment, and the configuration and control of each device can be appropriately changed as long as the label printing control of this embodiment is feasible. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when a printer controller 60 (control device) is provided separately from the image forming device 30, the control unit of the printer controller 60 functions as an image processing unit and a job processing unit (the control unit). The CPU may execute the label printing control program).

Further, when the client device 20 can acquire the remaining amount of the roll paper mounted from the image forming device 30, the control unit 21 (application 21b) executes a process of generating a label image and a test label image. The control unit 21 (printer driver 21c) may be configured to specify the arrangement of the label image and the test label image, and the image forming apparatus 30 may be configured to execute a process of generating a print job instructing printing. In that case, the printer driver 21c calculates the paper length (first paper length) required for printing the number of label images and the test label image specified in the print job, and is mounted on the image forming apparatus 30. The roll mounted on the image forming apparatus 30 obtains the paper length remaining on the roll paper (second paper length) and based on the comparison result between the first paper length and the second paper length. If you decide that you can process on paper and decide that you need to divide the print job into multiple rolls and process it, the test label image you plan to print at the end of the print job will be printed at least first. It suffices to control the placement after the label image placed on the roll paper.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 (printer controller 60 in the case of the configuration of FIG. 9) of this embodiment will be described. The CPU 32 executes the processing of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 by expanding and executing the label printing control program stored in the ROM 33 or the storage unit 35 in the RAM 34.

First, when the control unit 31 (image processing unit 31a) receives the print job from the client device 20, the control unit 31 rasterizes the print job and generates a label image and a test label image (S101).

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) analyzes the print job and performs various calculation processes (S102). Specifically, the number of labels (L) included in the print job, the number of test labels (T), the paper length required for job processing (A), and the paper length of the roll paper currently mounted on the paper feed unit 38a. (B) is calculated. The number of labels L and the number of test labels T are the number of prints of the label image and the test label image specified in the print job. The paper length (A) is the paper length required to print the label image of the number of labels (L) and the test label image of the number of test labels (T) at predetermined intervals. Further, the paper length (B) is the remaining amount of the loaded roll paper, which is the paper length obtained by subtracting the length used for printing from the preset length of the unused roll paper.

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) can print on the roll paper on which the print job is currently mounted (that is, on the roll paper on which the paper length (A) required for job processing is currently loaded. Whether it is less than or equal to the paper length (B)) is determined (S103).

If the print job can be printed on the roll paper currently mounted (Yes in S103), the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) can print all the label images and the test label images without any special processing. Printing is instructed, and the print processing unit 38b prints the test label image of the number of test labels (T) after the label image of the number of labels (L) according to the instruction (S104). For example, when printing 100 label images (100 to 1) and 2 test label images (TEST), 100, 99, 98, ..., 3, 2, 1, TEST, as shown in FIG. Print in the order of TEST.

On the other hand, if the print job cannot be printed on the currently mounted roll paper (No in S103), the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) is currently mounted because the print job is divided into a plurality of rolls. The number of labels (C) that can be printed on roll paper is calculated (S105). Here, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 3, C sheets of label images were printed on the roll paper to be printed first, but in this embodiment, the post-processing apparatus 40 immediately after printing the current roll. The control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) instructs the printing of the label of the CT sheet and the printing of the test label image of the T sheet so that the die can be cut out, and the printing processing unit 38b performs the printing process according to the instruction. Execute (S106). For example, in the same manner as above, when printing 100 label images (100 to 1) and 2 test label images (TEST), if 70 sheets can be printed with the current roll, the test label image Is moved from the end of the print job to the end of the first roll, and as shown in FIG. 4, 100, 99, 98, ..., 33, TEST, and TEST are printed on the current roll (first roll) in this order.

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) causes the display operation unit 37 or the like to display a warning prompting the user to replace the roll paper, and causes the user to replace the roll paper (S107). When the paper feed unit 38a has a roll paper replacement function, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) may instruct the paper feed unit 38a to replace the roll paper. Then, after the roll paper is replaced, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) instructs the printing of the remaining (L- (CT) sheets) of the label image, and the printing processing unit 38b performs the printing process according to the instruction. Execute (S108). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, printing is performed in the order of 32, 31, 30, ..., 3, 2, 1 on the replaced roll paper (second roll).

In the above, the arrangement of the test label image was changed when the print job was divided into multiple rolls. However, if the die-cutting is performed after the printing of the multiple rolls is completed, the die-cutting can be performed from the last printed roll paper. There is no need to change the placement of the test label image. Therefore, it is possible to set whether or not to perform die cutting immediately after the completion of printing on the first roll (without waiting for the completion of printing on the second roll) on the display operation unit 37 or the like, and according to the setting, the test label image It is also possible to control whether or not to move to the first roll. For example, if you want to perform die cutting on the first roll before the printing on the second roll is completed, you can control to move the test label image, and if you want to perform die cutting on both rolls after printing is completed, you can control the test label. Die-cutting may be performed from the second roll without moving the image.

In this way, if the remaining amount of roll paper is checked before the print job starts printing and it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into multiple roll papers for processing, printing is scheduled at the end of the print job. By arranging the alignment image 73 (test label image) at the end of the first roll (behind the label image placed on the first roll), when the printing of the first roll is completed, The die-cutting process can be started by the post-processing device 40, and the job processing time can be shortened.

Next, the image forming apparatus, the label printing control program, and the label printing control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

In the first embodiment described above, the case where the same label image is repeatedly printed has been described, but when the print job is a variable print job composed of individually different data such as a serial number and a personal name, die cutting. The later labels need to be in order. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) determines whether the print job is a variable print job in which the order of the label images is specified, and in the case of the variable print job, the print job is in order. A process of changing the printing order of the label images to be printed on each roll paper is performed so that the label images are die-cut.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 (printer controller 60 in the case of the configuration of FIG. 9) of this embodiment will be described. The CPU 32 executes the processing of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 by expanding and executing the label printing control program stored in the ROM 33 or the storage unit 35 in the RAM 34.

First, when the control unit 31 (image processing unit 31a) receives the print job from the client device 20, the control unit 31 rasterizes the print job and generates a label image and a test label image (S201).

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) analyzes the print job and performs various calculation processes (S202). Specifically, the number of labels (L) included in the print job, the number of test labels (T), the paper length required for job processing (A), and the paper length of the roll paper currently mounted on the paper feed unit 38a. (B) is calculated.

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) can print on the roll paper on which the print job is currently loaded (the paper length (A) required for job processing is the paper length of the roll paper currently loaded). (B) Is it less than or equal to?) (S203).

If the print job can be printed on the roll paper currently mounted (Yes in S203), the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) can print all the label images and the test label images without any special processing. Printing is instructed, and the print processing unit 38b prints the test label image of the number of test labels (T) after the label image of the number of labels (L) according to the instruction (S204).

On the other hand, if the print job cannot be printed on the currently mounted roll paper (No in S203), the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) divides the printing into a plurality of rolls, so that the currently mounted roll The number of labels (C) that can be printed on paper is calculated (S205).

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) determines whether it is set to print in order from the first label image on the first roll, such as when the print job is a variable print job (S206), and Yes. In the case of, the print label order is changed according to the number of labels (C) calculated in S205 (S207). Then, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) instructs the printing of the C-T label image and the T test label image, and the printing processing unit 38b executes the printing process according to the instruction (S208). For example, when printing 100 label images (100 to 1) and 2 test label images (TEST), if 70 sheets can be printed with the current roll, the test label image is printed from the end of the job. Move to the end of the first roll, and if S206 is Yes, change the print label order and change the print label order to 68, 67, 66, ..., 3, 2 for the current roll (first roll) as shown in FIG. , 1, TEST, TEST in that order. When S206 is No, as shown in FIG. 4, 100, 99, 98, ..., 33, TEST, and TEST are printed in this order on the current roll (first roll) as in the first embodiment. ..

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) causes the display operation unit 37 and the like to display a warning prompting the user to replace the roll paper, and causes the user to replace the roll paper (S209). When the paper feed unit 38a has a roll paper replacement function, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) may instruct the paper feed unit 38a to replace the roll paper in the same manner as described above. Then, after the roll paper is replaced, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) instructs the printing of the remaining (L- (CT) sheets) of the label image, and the printing processing unit 38b performs the printing process according to the instruction. Execute (S210). For example, when S206 is Yes, as shown in FIG. 5, 100, 99, 98, ..., 71, 70, 69 are printed on the replaced roll paper (second roll), and when S206 is No. Is printed on the replaced roll paper (second roll) in the order of 32, 31, 30, ..., 3, 2, 1 as shown in FIG.

In this way, when the print job is a variable print job, by changing the order of the labels and printing, the post-processing apparatus 40 can perform die cutting in the order from the first, and later the order of the labels. You can save the trouble of changing.

Next, the image forming apparatus, the label printing control program, and the label printing control method according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

In the first embodiment described above, when the printing job is divided into a plurality of rolls, the test label is moved to the end of the current roll for printing, but the post-processing apparatus 40 uses the post-processing apparatus 40 to print the plurality of rolls. When die-cutting separately, it is preferable that the test label image is also printed on the end of the roll paper after replacement. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) enables the display operation unit 37 and the like to set whether or not to print the test label image on each of the plurality of roll papers, so that the plurality of roll papers can be printed. In the case of setting to print a test label image on each, the test label image is placed after the label image placed on the roll paper to be printed later.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 (printer controller 60 in the case of the configuration of FIG. 9) of this embodiment will be described. The CPU 32 executes the processing of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15 by expanding and executing the label printing control program stored in the ROM 33 or the storage unit 35 in the RAM 34.

First, when the control unit 31 (image processing unit 31a) receives the print job from the client device 20, the control unit 31 rasterizes the print job and generates a label image and a test label image (S301).

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) analyzes the print job and performs various calculation processes (S302). Specifically, the number of labels (L) included in the print job, the number of test labels (T), the paper length required for job processing (A), and the paper length of the roll paper currently mounted on the paper feed unit 38a. (B) is calculated.

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) can print on the roll paper on which the print job is currently loaded (the paper length (A) required for job processing is the paper length of the roll paper currently loaded). (B) Is it less than or equal to?) (S303).

If the print job can be printed on the roll paper currently mounted (Yes in S303), the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) can print all the label images and the test label images without any special processing. Printing is instructed, and the print processing unit 38b prints the test label image of the number of test labels (T) after the label image of the number of labels (L) according to the instruction.

On the other hand, if the print job cannot be printed on the currently mounted roll paper (No in S303), the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) is currently mounted because the print job is divided into a plurality of rolls. The number of labels (C) that can be printed on roll paper is calculated (S305). Then, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) instructs the printing of the C-T label image and the T test label image, and the printing processing unit 38b executes the printing process according to the instruction (S306). For example, in the same manner as above, when printing 100 label images (100 to 1) and 2 test label images (TEST), if 70 sheets can be printed with the current roll, FIG. 4 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, 100, 99, 98, ..., 33, TEST, and TEST are printed on the current roll (first roll) in this order.

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) causes the display operation unit 37 and the like to display a warning prompting the user to replace the roll paper, and causes the user to replace the roll paper (S307). When the paper feed unit 38a has a roll paper replacement function, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) may instruct the paper feed unit 38a to replace the roll paper in the same manner as described above.

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) determines whether the test label image is set to be placed at the end of the second roll (S308), and also places the test label at the end of the second roll. If it is set to print (Yes in S308), the remaining (L- (CT) sheets) label image and T test label image are instructed to be printed, and the print processing unit 38b prints according to the instruction. The process is executed (S309). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, 32, 31, 30, ..., 3, 2, 1, TEST, and TEST are printed in this order on the replaced roll paper (second roll). On the other hand, if the test label is not placed at the end of the second roll (No in S308), the printing of the remaining (L- (CT) sheets) label image is instructed, and the print processing unit is used. 38b executes the printing process according to the instruction (S310). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, printing is performed in the order of 32, 31, 30, ..., 3, 2, 1 on the replaced roll paper (second roll).

In this way, when the print job is divided into a plurality of rolls, the alignment image 73 (test label image) is moved to the end of the first roll, or the alignment image 73 (test label) is also moved to the end of the original job. By making it possible to select whether to leave the image), it is possible to adjust the position every time the roll paper is set in the post-processing apparatus 40, even if the position adjustment is always required.

Next, the image forming apparatus, the label printing control program, and the label printing control method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, and FIG. 17 shows the number of labels to be printed on each roll paper and die cutting when the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is divided into a plurality of rolls and printed. It is a schematic diagram which shows the completion time.

In the first to third embodiments described above, the case of performing die cutting using one post-processing device 40 has been described, but the case of performing die cutting using a plurality of post-processing devices 40 has been described first. It is possible to perform post-cutting on both the roll paper for which printing is completed and the roll paper for which printing is completed later at the same time. In some cases, the print job cannot be processed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) makes it possible for the display operation unit 37 or the like to select whether or not to match the end timings of the die cutting in the plurality of post-processing devices 40, and the die cutting is performed. The quantity of label images to be placed on each roll paper is adjusted so that the end timings of the above are the same.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 (printer controller 60 in the case of the configuration of FIG. 9) of this embodiment will be described. The CPU 32 executes the processing of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16 by expanding and executing the label printing control program stored in the ROM 33 or the storage unit 35 in the RAM 34. In the following, a case where two post-processing devices 40 are made to execute the die cutting process will be described.

First, when the control unit 31 (image processing unit 31a) receives the print job from the client device 20, the control unit 31 rasterizes the print job and generates a label image and a test label image (S401).

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) analyzes the print job and performs various calculation processes (S402). Specifically, the number of labels (L) included in the print job, the number of test labels (T), the paper length required for job processing (A), and the paper length of the roll paper currently mounted on the paper feed unit 38a. (B) is calculated.

Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) can print on the roll paper on which the print job is currently loaded (the paper length (A) required for job processing is the paper length of the roll paper currently loaded). (B) Is it less than or equal to?) (S403).

If the print job can be printed on the roll paper currently mounted (Yes in S403), the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) can print all the label images and test label images without any special processing. Printing is instructed, and the print processing unit 38b prints the test label image of the number of test labels (T) after the label image of the number of labels (L) according to the instruction.

On the other hand, if the print job cannot be printed on the roll paper currently mounted (No in S403), the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) is set to want to simultaneously finish the die cutting of the two post-processing devices. It is determined whether or not it is (S405). If the die cutting end timing is set to be set to be simultaneous (Yes in S405), the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) is appropriate so that the two post-processing devices 40 complete the die cutting at the same time. The number of labels (C) is calculated (S406). On the other hand, if the die-cutting end timing is not set to be set at the same time (No in S405), the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) determines the number of labels (C) that can be printed on the roll paper currently mounted. Calculate (S407).

For example, in S406, the processing speed of the image forming apparatus 30 is X, the processing speed of the post-processing apparatus 40 is Y, and the number of sheets (C) to be printed on the first roll is calculated by the following formula.

C = number of labels for print job x (1 + Y / X) / (2 + Y / X) ... (1)

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the number of labels is 600 (including the test label), the processing speed of the image forming apparatus 30 is 100 ppm, and the processing speed of the post-processing apparatus 40 is 50 ppm,
600 x (1 + 50/100) / (2 + 50/100) = 360 sheets is the number of sheets to be printed on the first roll, and 240 sheets on the second roll. Then, let C be the number of sheets to be printed on the first roll calculated above. If the calculated number of sheets is larger than the remaining amount of the first roll, the die-cutting process cannot be completed at the same time, so the same number of sheets as S407 is set as C.

After that, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) instructs the printing of the C-T label image and the T test label image, and the printing processing unit 38b executes the printing process according to the instruction (S408). Next, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) causes the display operation unit 37 and the like to display a warning prompting the user to replace the roll paper, and causes the user to replace the roll paper (S409). When the paper feed unit 38a has a roll paper replacement function, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) may instruct the paper feed unit 38a to replace the roll paper in the same manner as described above. Then, after the roll paper is replaced, the control unit 31 (job processing unit 31b) instructs the printing of the remaining (L- (CT) sheets) of the label image, and the printing processing unit 38b performs the printing process according to the instruction. Execute (S410).

As described above, when the printing system includes a plurality of post-processing devices 40 and the plurality of post-processing devices 40 perform die-cutting on the plurality of roll papers, the end timing of the die-cutting by the plurality of post-processing devices 40 is determined. By adjusting the number of label images arranged on each roll paper so as to match, the processing time of the print job including the die cutting time can be shortened.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and its configuration and control can be appropriately changed as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the first embodiment, the case where the alignment image (test label image) is arranged at the end of the roll paper to be printed first is described, and in the second embodiment, the print job is a variable print job. A case will be described, and in the third embodiment, a case where an alignment image (test label image) is also arranged at the end of the roll paper to be printed later will be described, and in the fourth embodiment, a plurality of post-processings will be described. Although the case where the end timing of the die cutting in the apparatus 40 is matched has been described, the controls of these examples can be arbitrarily combined.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the print job is divided into two rolls and processed is described, but the label printing control method of the present invention is similarly applied to the case where the print job is divided into three or more rolls and processed. Can be applied.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case where two alignment images (test label images) are arranged at the end of the roll paper has been described, but the number of alignment images to be arranged may be one or more. Further, the configuration and shape of the alignment image are not limited to the description in the figure.

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for printing labels on roll paper, a label printing control program for controlling label printing, a recording medium on which the label printing control program is recorded, and a label printing control method in a printing system including the image forming apparatus. It is available.

10 Printing system 20 Client device 21 Control unit 21a OS
21b application 21c printer driver 22 CPU
23 ROM
24 RAM
25 Storage unit 26 Network I / F unit 27 Display unit 28 Operation unit 30 Image forming device 31 Control unit 31a Image processing unit 31b Job processing unit 32 CPU
33 ROM
34 RAM
35 Storage unit 36 Network I / F unit 37 Display operation unit 38 Printing engine 38a Paper feeding unit 38b Printing processing unit 38c Winding unit 40 Post-processing device 41 Control unit 42 CPU
43 ROM
44 RAM
45 Storage unit 46 Paper feed unit 47 Position adjustment unit 48 Processing unit 50 Communication network 60 Printer controller 70 Roll paper 71 Label sheet 72 Label image 73 Alignment image

Claims (19)

An image forming apparatus equipped with a printing engine that prints a label image on roll paper according to a print job, winds the printed paper into a roll, and discharges the printed paper.
An image processing unit that rasterizes the print job to generate the label image and an alignment image for the post-processing apparatus to die-cut the label image.
A job processing unit for designating the arrangement of the label image and the alignment image and instructing the printing engine to print is provided.
The job processing unit calculates the first paper length required for printing the label image and the alignment image in the quantity specified in the print job, and the second paper remaining on the mounted roll paper. Based on the result of comparison between the first paper length and the second paper length, it is determined whether the print job can be processed by the mounted roll paper, and the print job is performed. When it is determined that it is necessary to divide the paper into a plurality of roll papers and process the image, the alignment image to be printed at the end of the print job is placed on the roll paper to be printed at least first. Place after the image,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. When the job processing unit determines that it is necessary to divide the print job into a plurality of roll papers and process the print job, the die-cutting on the roll paper to be printed first and the printing of the roll paper to be printed after that. If it is started before the completion, the arrangement of the alignment image is changed.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the print job is a variable print job in which the order of the label images is specified, the job processing unit prints on each of the roll papers so that the label images are die-cut in the order. Change the print order of the label image.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. When the job processing unit determines that it is necessary to divide the print job into a plurality of roll papers and process the print job, the alignment image is displayed on the roll paper to be printed later. Place it later,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the die cutting of the plurality of rolls is performed by a plurality of post-processing devices,
The job processing unit adjusts the quantity of the label image to be arranged on each of the roll papers so that the end timings of the die cutting in the plurality of post-processing devices match.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The alignment image is a figure including lines extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the paper, or a composite image in which the figure is added to the label image.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Printing including an image forming apparatus including a printing engine for printing a label image on roll paper according to a printing job, winding the printed paper into a roll, and discharging the printed paper, and a post-processing apparatus for die-cutting the label image. A label print control program that runs on the system
To the image forming apparatus or the control device that controls the image forming apparatus,
The first process of rasterizing the print job to generate the label image and the alignment image for the post-processing apparatus to perform the die cutting.
By designating the arrangement of the label image and the alignment image, the printing engine is made to execute the second process of instructing printing.
In the second process, the first paper length required for printing the label image and the alignment image in the quantity specified by the print job is calculated, and the roll paper mounted on the image forming apparatus is calculated. The second paper length remaining in the image forming apparatus is calculated, and the printing job is processed by the roll paper mounted on the image forming apparatus based on the comparison result between the first paper length and the second paper length. If it is determined that this is possible and it is necessary to divide the print job into a plurality of rolls for processing, the alignment image to be printed is printed at least first at the end of the print job. Placed after the label image placed on the roll paper,
A label printing control program characterized by this. In the second process, when it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of roll papers and processed, the die-cutting on the roll paper to be printed first and the printing of the roll paper to be printed after that are performed. If it is started before the completion, the arrangement of the alignment image is changed.
The label printing control program according to claim 7. In the second process, when the print job is a variable print job in which the order of the label images is specified, printing is performed on each of the roll papers so that the label images are die-cut in the order. Change the print order of the label image.
The label printing control program according to claim 7 or 8. In the second process, when it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of roll papers and processed, the alignment image is placed on the roll paper to be printed later. Place it later,
The label printing control program according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the label printing control program is characterized. When the printing system includes a plurality of post-processing devices and the plurality of post-processing devices perform die cutting on the plurality of rolls, the printing system includes the plurality of post-processing devices.
In the second process, the quantity of the label image to be arranged on each of the roll papers is adjusted so that the end timings of the die cutting in the plurality of post-processing devices match.
The label printing control program according to any one of claims 7 to 10. The alignment image is a figure including lines extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the paper, or a composite image in which the figure is added to the label image.
The label printing control program according to any one of claims 7 to 11. Printing including an image forming apparatus including a printing engine for printing a label image on roll paper according to a printing job, winding the printed paper into a roll, and discharging the printed paper, and a post-processing apparatus for die-cutting the label image. Label printing control method in the system
The image forming apparatus or the control device that controls the image forming apparatus is
The first process of rasterizing the print job to generate the label image and the alignment image for the post-processing apparatus to perform the die cutting.
The second process of instructing the printing engine to print by designating the arrangement of the label image and the alignment image is executed.
In the second process, the first paper length required for printing the label image and the alignment image in the quantity specified by the print job is calculated, and the roll paper mounted on the image forming apparatus is calculated. The second paper length remaining in the image forming apparatus is calculated, and the printing job is processed by the roll paper mounted on the image forming apparatus based on the comparison result between the first paper length and the second paper length. If it is determined that this is possible and it is necessary to divide the print job into a plurality of rolls for processing, the alignment image to be printed is printed at least first at the end of the print job. Placed after the label image placed on the roll paper,
A label printing control method characterized by this. A client device, an image forming device that prints a label image on roll paper according to a print job acquired from the client device, winds up the printed paper in a roll shape, and discharges the label image, and post-processing for die-cutting the label image. A label printing control method in a printing system including an apparatus.
The client device
The first process of generating the label image and the alignment image for the post-processing apparatus to perform the die cutting.
A second process of designating the arrangement of the label image and the alignment image and generating the print job instructing the image forming apparatus to print, and
A third process of outputting the print job to the image forming apparatus is executed.
In the second process, the first paper length required for printing the label image and the alignment image in the quantity specified in the print job is calculated, and the roll paper mounted on the image forming apparatus is used. The remaining second paper length can be obtained, and the print job can be processed by the roll paper mounted on the image forming apparatus based on the comparison result between the first paper length and the second paper length. If it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of rolls and processed, the alignment image to be printed is printed at least first at the end of the print job. Placed after the label image placed on the roll paper,
A label printing control method characterized by this. In the second process, when it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of roll papers and processed, the die-cutting on the roll paper to be printed first and the printing of the roll paper to be printed after that are performed. If it is started before the completion, the arrangement of the alignment image is changed.
The label printing control method according to claim 13 or 14. In the second process, when the print job is a variable print job in which the order of the label images is specified, printing is performed on each of the roll papers so that the label images are die-cut in the order. Change the print order of the label image.
The label printing control method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the label printing control method is characterized. In the second process, when it is determined that the print job needs to be divided into a plurality of roll papers and processed, the alignment image is placed on the roll paper to be printed later. Place it later,
The label printing control method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the label printing control method is characterized. When the printing system includes a plurality of post-processing devices and the plurality of post-processing devices perform die cutting on the plurality of rolls, the printing system includes the plurality of post-processing devices.
In the second process, the quantity of the label image to be arranged on each of the roll papers is adjusted so that the end timings of the die cutting in the plurality of post-processing devices match.
The label printing control method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the label printing control method is characterized. The alignment image is a figure including lines extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the paper, or a composite image in which the figure is added to the label image.
The label printing control method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the label printing control method is characterized.

Images