JP7156458B2 - print controller - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and the like having a function of inserting interleaving paper, and more particularly to a printing apparatus and the like capable of improving user convenience when the interleaving paper runs out.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printing apparatuses having a function of inserting interleaving paper between print jobs have been widely used.

In view of the fact that it is inconvenient not to be able to insert a slip sheet between different jobs of the same user, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200100 discloses a technique for inserting a slip sheet between different jobs of the same user when certain conditions are met. is described.

JP 2014-133328 A

By the way, when the interleaving paper runs out during printing using the function to insert interleaving paper, or when the user specifies the paper feed slot for feeding the interleaving paper, there is a control that is more user-friendly. desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus having a function of inserting interleaving paper, which can improve user convenience when the interleaving paper runs out. be.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a printing device having a function of inserting interleaving paper, including a plurality of paper feed openings and a printing mechanism for printing on paper fed from the paper feed openings. and a control unit for controlling the printing mechanism, wherein when the printing mechanism tries to feed the interleaving paper from the paper feed opening for interleaving paper feeding, the paper feeder for feeding the interleaving paper When there is no interleaving paper in the paper slot, the control unit selects the paper supply slot for feeding the interleaf paper based on the paper type of the paper used for printing the print target data and the setting of the paper supply slot. That is, a paper feed port different from the original is selected as a paper feed port for feeding a new interleaving paper.

Further, in the above-described invention, in a preferred aspect, a paper size is set in association with the paper feed port, and the control section corresponds to the paper size of the paper used for printing the data to be printed. It is characterized in that the paper feed port to be used is selected as a paper feed port for new interleaving paper feeding with priority over the other paper feed ports.

Further, in the above invention, in a preferred aspect, a paper size and a paper feed direction are set in association with the paper feed port, and the control section controls the size of the paper used for printing the data to be printed. A paper feed port corresponding to a paper size and a paper feed direction is selected as a new paper feed port for feeding a slip sheet with priority over other paper feed ports.

Further, in a preferred aspect of the above invention, the control unit determines whether or not there is a paper feed port corresponding to the paper size and paper feed direction of the paper used for printing the data to be printed, If it is determined that there is a paper feed slot, this paper feed slot is selected as the paper feed slot for new interleaving paper with priority over other paper feed slots, and if it is determined that there is no paper feed slot, printing is performed. It is characterized in that the paper feed port corresponding to the paper size of the paper used for printing the target data is selected as the paper feed port for feeding the new interleaving paper with priority over the other paper feed ports.

Further, in the above-described invention, in a preferred aspect, paper quality is set in association with the paper feed port, and the control section controls the operation of inserting paper that has disappeared from the paper feed port for feeding interleaving paper. When the paper quality is colored paper, the paper feed port corresponding to the colored paper is selected as the paper feed port for new interleaving paper feeding with priority over the other paper feed ports.

Further, in the above-described invention, in a preferred aspect, information indicating whether or not the paper feed outlet is to be automatically selected is set in association with the paper feed outlet, and the controller controls the paper feed outlet for the print job. When automatic paper source selection is set, specify that the paper source that is the target of automatic paper source selection is to be selected as the paper source for new insert paper prior to other paper sources. Characterized by

Further, in the above invention, a preferred aspect is that paper quality is set in association with the paper feed slot, and the control section selects the paper feed slot corresponding to plain paper or recycled paper as a new interleaving paper. The paper feeding port is selected with priority over other paper feeding ports.

Further, in a preferred aspect of the above invention, when the paper used for printing the data to be printed is OHP paper, the control unit newly sets the paper feed port corresponding to plain paper or recycled paper. It is characterized in that the paper feed port is selected with priority over other paper feed ports.

Further, in the above invention, a preferred aspect is that the paper size is set in association with the paper feed port, and the control unit determines that the paper used for printing the data to be printed is OHP paper. , it is determined whether or not there is a paper feed port corresponding to the paper size of the OHP paper, and if it is determined that there is a paper feed port, the paper feed port corresponding to the paper size of the OHP paper is used as a new interleaving paper. When it is determined that there is no paper feed port when the paper feed port for paper feed is selected with priority over other paper feed ports, whether or not there is a paper feed port corresponding to the paper size larger than the paper size of the OHP paper. If it is determined that there is a paper feed port, the paper feed port corresponding to the paper size larger than the paper size of the OHP paper is used as a new paper feed port for feeding interleaving paper. It is characterized by preferentially selecting.

Further, according to a preferred aspect of the above invention, when the paper used for printing the data to be printed is an OHP paper, the control unit controls that the paper used for printing the data to be printed is other than the OHP paper. A paper feed port for feeding a new slip sheet is selected based on a rule different from a rule for selecting a paper feed port for feeding a slip sheet when the paper is the same.

In order to achieve the above object, according to another aspect of the present invention, a print control device for controlling a printing device having a plurality of paper feed ports and a function of inserting interleaving paper has a print setting screen corresponding to the printing device. It is to control the selection of the paper feed slot for interleaving paper on the print setting screen based on the set paper type and the paper type of the paper used for printing the print target data.

Further, in the above invention, a preferred aspect thereof is a paper feeder that feeds paper having a paper size that is set on the print setting screen and that is different from the paper size of the paper used for printing the data to be printed. It is characterized by controlling the selection of the paper feed port for interleaving paper on the print setting screen so that the mouth is not selected as the paper feed port for interleaving paper.

Further, in the above invention, a preferred aspect thereof is to feed paper in a paper feed direction that is set on the print setting screen and is different from the paper feed direction of the paper used for printing the data to be printed. and controlling the selection of the paper feed port for interleaving paper on the print setting screen so that the paper feed port for interleaving paper is not selected as the paper feed port for interleaving paper.

Further, in the above invention, a preferred aspect thereof is that the paper size set on the print setting screen is the paper size of the paper used for printing the data to be printed, and the interleaving paper selected on the print setting screen. If the size of the paper to be fed from the paper feed port for the paper differs from that of the paper to be fed from the It is characterized by changing to a paper feed port for feeding paper having a paper size that matches the paper size of the paper used for printing the target data.

Further, in the above invention, a preferred aspect thereof is the paper feed direction set on the print setting screen, which is the paper feed direction of the paper used for printing the data to be printed, and the paper feed direction selected on the print setting screen. If the paper feed direction for the slip sheet is different from the paper feed direction, the paper feed slot selected as the paper feed slot for the slip sheet is set to the paper size set on the print settings screen. The present invention is characterized in that the paper feed port is changed to one that feeds paper in a paper feed direction that matches the paper feed direction of paper used for printing data to be printed.

Further, in the above invention, a preferred aspect thereof is that the paper size set on the print setting screen is the paper size of the paper used for printing the data to be printed, and the interleaving paper selected on the print setting screen. If the size of the paper to be fed by the paper feed slot for is different from the paper size of the paper to be used for printing the data to be printed and the paper size of the paper to be fed by the paper feed slot for the selected interleaving It is characterized by displaying a message to the effect that the size and the size do not match.

Further, in the above invention, a preferred aspect thereof is the paper feed direction set on the print setting screen, which is the paper feed direction of the paper used for printing the data to be printed, and the paper feed direction selected on the print setting screen. If the paper feed direction of the paper to be fed by the paper feed slot for slip sheets is different, the paper feed direction of the paper used for printing the print target data and the paper feed slot for the selected slip paper are fed. The present invention is characterized in that a message is displayed to the effect that the paper feed direction and the paper feed direction do not match.

Further, in the above-described invention, a preferred aspect thereof is that the type of paper used for printing the data to be printed is the type of paper set on the print setting screen, and the type of interleaving paper selected on the print setting screen. If the paper type of the paper to be fed by the paper feed slot for is different, it is determined whether or not the paper feed slot is set to automatic on the print setting screen, and it is determined that the paper feed slot is set to automatic. In this case, the paper type of the paper used for printing the data to be printed is changed to a paper type that matches the paper type of the paper fed by the selected paper feed port for inserting paper.

In order to achieve the above object, still another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of paper feed openings, a printing mechanism for printing on paper fed from the paper feed openings, and a slip sheet inserting function. In the control method for controlling a printing device having If there is no paper, a paper feed port different from the paper feed port for feeding the interleaving paper is newly used based on the paper type of the paper used for printing the print target data and the setting of the paper feed port. It is to select as a paper feed slot for paper feed.

Further objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments of the invention described below.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram according to an embodiment of a printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when a slip sheet runs out; FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for display control of a setting screen for interleaving paper; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for interleaving paper;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, such an embodiment does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the same reference numbers or symbols are used to denote the same or similar components.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The printer 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The printer 2 has a function of inserting interleaving paper. selects an alternative interleaving paper feed port 24 based on the paper type used in the print job and the paper type used in the interleaving paper. Also, in the host computer 1 or the printer 2, when the user sets the paper feed port 24 (paper feed device, paper cassette 3) for slip sheets, the paper type set in the print job is used as the paper type. Selection of the paper feed port 24 is controlled. With these processes, user convenience can be improved when the interleaving paper runs out, when the user sets the paper feed port 24 for the interleaving paper, and the like.

Note that the paper type is the type of print medium (paper) on which the printer 2 prints, and includes at least paper size, paper feed direction, and paper type. there is Also, the print job here refers to the text to be printed (data to be printed) that is delimited by inserting a slip sheet.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 2 is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints on paper in accordance with a print request from a host device such as a host computer 1 or an operation of the printer 2 . The printer 2 has a function of inserting slip sheets between print jobs.

The host computer 1 is communicably connected to the printer 2, and issues a print request to the printer 2 based on a user's operation or the like. The host computer 1 is configured by a personal computer or the like, and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, HDD, display device, operation device, communication interface, and the like (not shown).

The host computer 1 has a driver section 11 as a functional configuration, as shown in FIG. The driver unit 11 generates print data for the printer 2 based on instructions from an application (not shown) that generates graphics and characters to be printed, and transmits the print data to the printer 2 .

The driver unit 11 (print control device) includes various setting information about printing conditions and the like in printing data, and provides a setting screen for the setting as a user interface. The setting screen is displayed on the display unit of the host computer 1, and the user can input (select) setting information based on the screen.

This setting information includes information about the paper used for the print job and interleaving paper. Specifically, information on "paper feed port", "paper size", "paper feed direction", and "paper quality" is included. The "paper feed port" is an item for specifying which of the multiple paper feed ports 24 provided in the printer 2 the paper is fed from, and the "paper size" is the size of the paper used for printing. (A4, A3, etc.), and "paper feed direction" specifies the paper orientation (vertical or horizontal, here, the same as the paper discharge direction) when paper is fed and discharged. "Paper quality" is an item for designating the type of paper (plain paper, recycled paper, etc.).

For "Paper Source", it is possible to set "Paper Source Auto". When set in this way, the printer 2 side automatically feeds the appropriate paper based on other settings. Select mouth 24 .

The driver unit 11 includes a driver program for the printer 2, a CPU that operates according to the program, a RAM, and the like.

The printer 2 includes a control unit 21, a printing mechanism 22, an operation panel 23, a paper feed port 24, a transport path 25, a storage unit 26, and the like, as shown in FIG. The control unit 21 is a controller that controls each unit of the printer 2, and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, NVRAM, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. as a hardware configuration.

When the control unit 21 (print control device) receives a print request such as when print data is received from the host computer 1, the control unit 21 controls the print mechanism 22 to print under print conditions according to the content set in the print job. , to print the image to be printed on paper. Regarding the paper to be used, the control unit 21 selects an appropriate paper feed port 24 based on the above-described settings of the "paper feed port", "paper size", "paper feed direction", and "paper quality". ), and paper is fed from there for printing.

In addition, as described above, in the printer 2, when receiving a print request that includes inserting a slip sheet, when the slip sheet causes an out-of-paper error, the paper type and slip sheet set in the print job determines (selects) an alternative paper feed slot 24 for slip sheets based on the paper type set in . In addition, when the user sets the interleaving paper on the operation panel 23, the display and setting are controlled based on the paper type set in the print job.

The processing performed by the control unit 21 is executed by cooperative operation of a program that instructs the processing, a CPU that operates according to the program, and ROM, RAM, and NVRAM that store the program.

The printing mechanism 22 prints on paper or the like (printing medium) according to instructions from the control unit 21 . The printing mechanism 22 includes a printing unit 221, a transport unit 222, and the like, as shown in FIG. The printer 2 also includes a plurality of paper feed ports 24 and transport paths 25 .

In this embodiment, three paper feed ports 24 (24A, 24B, 24C) are provided, and paper cassettes 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) containing various types of paper are inserted into each of them. At the time of printing, paper is fed from one of the paper feed ports 24 and the fed paper is transported along the transport path 25 .

The conveying unit 222 includes a conveying roller, a drive source, a transmission device, and the like, conveys the paper fed from the paper feed port 24 to the printing position, and then conveys and discharges the printed paper.

The printing unit 222 prints on the paper conveyed to the printing position. In this embodiment, the printing unit 222 includes a print head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink, a carriage mounted with the print head, and moving in the sub-scanning direction.

The operation panel 23 is a user interface for the printer 2, and includes a display monitor, operation buttons, and the like. The operation panel 23 displays a setting screen to the user via the display monitor under the control of the control unit 21, and inputs information set by the user by operating the operation buttons.

The storage unit 26 stores information that associates each of the paper feed ports 24A to 24C with at least one of paper size, paper feed direction, and paper quality. The storage unit 26 also stores information indicating whether or not each of the paper feed ports 24A to 24C is subject to automatic paper feed port selection. Note that the storage unit 26 is composed of a non-volatile memory or the like. In addition, the user can operate the display device of the host computer 1 and the operation panel 23 of the printer 2 to set paper sizes and the like to correspond to the paper feed ports 24A to 24C. Note that the user may perform the above setting in advance before starting printing, but the setting timing is not limited to this, and may be any timing.

In the host computer 1 and the printer 2 according to the present embodiment, which are configured as described above, when an instruction to insert a slip sheet is issued, the driver unit 11 first causes the driver unit 11 to perform printing including the setting information described above. Data is generated and transmitted to the printer 2, and the printer 2 interprets the print data and executes print processing under print conditions suitable for the setting information.

In the course of such processing, the printer 2 is characterized by the processing when the interleaving paper runs out and when the user makes settings for the interleaving paper. .

First, the process when the printer 2 receives print data using the function of inserting a slip sheet and runs out of the slip sheet during printing will be described. FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when a slip sheet runs out.

First, when the control unit 21 detects that the sheet feeding port 24 that has been feeding slip sheets has run out of paper, it temporarily suspends the printing that was being executed (step S1 in FIG. 2). Then, the control unit 21 displays a message indicating that the slip sheet is out of paper on the operation panel 23 and the display device of the host computer 1 (step S2 in FIG. 2).

After that, the control unit 21 executes a process for feeding the interleaving paper from the alternative paper feed port 24. Depending on whether the print job being processed uses OHP paper or not, the process is executed. change the contents of

If the print job is to print on OHP paper (Yes in step S3 in FIG. 2), the control unit 21 determines the paper size of the OHP paper (the paper size of the paper used in the print job). It is determined whether or not there is a paper feed port 24 for feeding a paper having a paper size matching with (step S4 in FIG. 2).

As a result of the determination, if it is determined that there is a paper feed port 24 that feeds paper of the matching paper size (Yes in step S4 in FIG. 2), the control unit 21 selects the corresponding paper feed port 24. Select (step S6 in FIG. 2). After that, the process moves to step S15.

On the other hand, as a result of the above determination, if it is determined that there is no paper feed port 24 for feeding paper of the matching paper size (No in step S4 in FIG. 2), the control unit 21 determines the paper size of the OHP paper. It is determined whether or not there is a paper feed port 24 for feeding paper of a paper size larger than that (step S5 in FIG. 2).

As a result, if it is determined that there is a paper feed port 24 that feeds paper of a paper size larger than the paper size of OHP paper (Yes in step S5 in FIG. 2), the corresponding paper feed port 24 is selected. (step S7 in FIG. 2). After that, the process moves to step S15. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no paper feed port 24 for feeding paper of a paper size larger than that of OHP paper (No in step S5 in FIG. 2), the process proceeds to step S20.

Next, returning to step S3, if the print job does not use OHP paper (No in step S3 of FIG. 2), paper that matches the paper size and paper feed direction of the paper used in the print job It is determined whether or not there is a paper feed port 24 for feeding paper of the size and paper feed direction (step S8 in FIG. 2).

As a result of the determination, if it is determined that there is a paper feed port 24 that feeds paper of the same paper size and paper feed direction (Yes in step S8 in FIG. 2), the control unit 21 The paper mouth 24 is selected (step S6 in FIG. 2). After that, the process moves to step S12.

On the other hand, as a result of the above determination, if it is determined that there is no paper feed port 24 for feeding paper of the same paper size and paper feed direction (No in step S8 in FIG. 2), the control unit 21 performs printing. It is determined whether or not there is a paper feed port 24 for feeding paper of a paper size that matches the paper size of the paper used in the job (step S9 in FIG. 2).

As a result, if it is determined that there is a paper feed port 24 that feeds paper of the matching paper size (Yes in step S9 in FIG. 2), the relevant paper feed port 24 is selected (step S9 in FIG. 2). S11). After that, the process moves to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no paper feed port 24 for feeding paper of the matching paper size (No in step S9 in FIG. 2), the process proceeds to step S20.

At step S12, the control section 21 determines whether or not the slip sheet being used is colored paper (step S12 in FIG. 2).

As a result of the determination, if the interleaving paper is not colored paper (No in step S12 in FIG. 2), the control unit 21 sets the "paper feed port" among the paper feed ports 24 selected at that time. is set to "automatic paper feed slot", the paper feed slot 24 to be selected is preferentially selected (step S13 in FIG. 2). If there are a plurality of such paper feed ports 24, multiple selections are made as such, and if there is no such paper feed port 24, the selected contents are not changed by the processing. After that, the process moves to step S15.

On the other hand, if the interleaving paper is colored paper as a result of the above determination (Yes in step S12 in FIG. 2), the control unit 21 selects the colored paper from the paper feed port 24 selected at that time. The paper feed port 24 for paper is selected preferentially (step S14 in FIG. 2). If there are a plurality of such paper feed ports 24, multiple selections are made as such, and if there is no such paper feed port 24, the selected contents are not changed by the processing. After that, the process moves to step S15.

In step S15, the control unit 21 preferentially selects the paper feed port 24 for feeding plain paper or recycled paper among the paper feed ports 24 selected at that time (step S15 in FIG. 2). . If there are a plurality of such paper feed ports 24, multiple selections are made as such, and if there is no such paper feed port 24, the selected contents are not changed by the processing.

Next, the control unit 21 displays on the display panel 23 and the display device of the host computer 1 a screen for selecting whether or not to change the paper feed port 24 for inserting paper (step S16 in FIG. 2). In this display, it is preferable to display the content of the paper type of the paper fed from the paper feed port 24 to be changed.

If the user performs a selection operation on the screen and the selection result received from the host computer 1 or the operation panel 23 is a selection to change the paper feed slot 24 (Yes in step S17 of FIG. 2). , the control unit 21 changes the paper feed port 24 for feeding the slip sheet to the paper feed port 24 selected at that time (step S18 in FIG. 2). If there are a plurality of paper feed ports 24 selected at that time, the control unit 21 selects one of them and changes it to that paper feed port 24 .

As a result, the alternative paper feed port 24 for the interleaving paper is determined, so the control unit 21 restarts the printing process and terminates the processing when the interleaving paper runs out.

On the other hand, if the user's selection result is a selection not to change the paper feed slot 24 (No in step S17 in FIG. 2), the process proceeds to step S20.

At step S20, the control unit 21 displays a message prompting the user to replenish the slip sheet on the host computer 1 and the operation panel 23 (step S20 in FIG. 2). As a result, the processing when the interleaving paper runs out ends, and when the interleaving paper is replenished, printing resumes, and when the user performs a cancel operation, the printing is canceled.

As described above, the printer 2 preferentially selects the paper feed port 24 that feeds plain paper or recycled paper when selecting the alternative paper feed port 24 for interleaving paper. Also, when the print job uses OHP paper, the paper feed port 24 that feeds paper having the same paper size as the OHP paper is preferentially selected. For example, the paper feed port 24 for feeding paper having a paper size larger than that of the OHP paper is selected. Also, when the print job does not use OHP paper, the paper feed port 24 that feeds paper having the same paper size and paper feed direction as the paper used in the print job is preferentially selected. If such a paper feed port 24 does not exist, a paper feed port 24 that feeds paper having the same paper size as the paper used in the print job is selected. Also, when the interleaving paper is colored paper, the paper feed port 24 for feeding the colored paper is preferentially selected.

Next, a description will be given of the processing when the user performs a setting operation for the interleaving paper. FIG. 3 is a flowchart exemplifying the display control procedure of the interleaving setting screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for interleaving paper.

When the user makes settings for the interleaving paper when requesting printing, the interleaving setting screen (A in FIG. ). On this screen, when the user performs an operation to put a check in the check box for "insert paper" (B in FIG. 4) in order to print with the paper inserted, the driver unit 11 of the host computer 1 or the printer 2 executes the processing based on FIG.

First, the driver unit 11 or the control unit 21 selects one paper feed port 24 of the printer 2 (step S31 in FIG. 3), and the paper size and paper feed direction of the paper fed therefrom are set according to the print job. It is determined whether or not the paper size and paper feed direction match the set paper size (step S32 in FIG. 3).

After that, the driver unit 11 or the control unit 21 records the determination result in RAM or the like (step S33 in FIG. 3).

The driver unit 11 or the control unit 21 executes the selection (S31), determination (S32), and recording (S33) processes for all the paper feed ports 24 (No in step S34 in FIG. 3), Based on the record of the determination result, the user selects the paper feed port 24 whose paper size and paper feed direction do not match the paper size and paper feed direction set for the print job. Control is performed so that it cannot be performed (step S35 in FIG. 3). On the setting screen, the driver unit 11 or the control unit 21 changes the display to the effect that these paper feed ports 24 cannot be selected. In the example shown in FIG. 4, in the pull-down menu (E in FIG. 4) for selecting the paper feed port 24 (tray in FIG. 4) for inserting paper, for example, the paper size of the paper fed from the tray indicated by C and the paper feed direction do not match the paper feed size and paper feed direction of the print job, and are displayed in gray. The tray indicated by D can be selected, and the paper size and paper feeding direction of the paper fed therefrom match the paper size and paper feeding direction of the print job.

After that, when the paper size or the paper feed direction of the print job is changed (Yes in step S36 in FIG. 3), the driver unit 11 or the control unit 21 executes the process from step S31 again to perform the user selection. Do the same for control.

Then, when the check box for inserting the slip sheet (the check box for "insert sheet" (B in FIG. 4)) is cleared (Yes in step S37 in FIG. 3), the selection control process for setting the slip sheet is executed. finish.

It should be noted that the following process may be performed as an alternative process when inserting paper is set. When the selection control as described above is not performed, if the paper size of the paper fed from the paper feed port 24 for slip sheets selected by the user is different from the paper size set in the print job, The driver unit 11 or the control unit 21 changes the paper feed port 24 for inserting paper to a paper feed port 24 that feeds paper having a paper size that matches the paper size of the print job.

Similarly, when the paper feeding direction of the paper fed from the paper feeding port 24 for slip sheets selected by the user is different from the paper feeding direction set in the print job, the driver unit 11 or the control The unit 21 changes the paper feed port 24 for inserting paper to a paper feed port 24 that feeds paper in a paper feed direction that matches the paper feed direction of the print job.

As another method, when the selection control as described above is not performed, the paper size of the paper fed from the paper feed port 24 for interleaving paper selected by the user is the paper size set in the print job. If it is different from the size, the driver unit 11 or the control unit 21 displays a message to that effect to the user.

Similarly, when the selection control as described above is not performed, the paper feed direction of the paper fed from the paper feed port 24 for slip sheets selected by the user is the paper feed direction set in the print job. If the direction is different, the driver unit 11 or the control unit 21 displays a message to that effect to the user.

Another method is to set the "Paper Source" setting of the print job to "Paper Source Auto" and match the paper type set for the print job and the paper type set for the interleaving paper. If not, the driver unit 11 or the control unit 21 supplies paper from the paper feed slot 24 that is selected when the paper type of the print job is set to "automatic paper feed slot". Change the paper type of the paper to a paper type that matches the paper type set for the slip sheet.

As a modification, an embodiment may be adopted in which some of the judgment steps (S3, S4, S5, S8, S9, S12, S17) that are conditional branching in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 are omitted.

As described above, in the printer 2 according to the embodiment and the modified example, when the interleaving paper runs out during the printing process of inserting the interleaving paper, the paper type of the print job and the paper type of the interleaving paper selects an alternate paper feed slot 24 for the slip sheet based on . As a result, it is possible to continue printing with an appropriate interleaf sheet, and it is possible to improve user convenience.

Furthermore, in the selection of the alternative paper feed slot 24, if the setting of the "paper feed slot" of the slip sheet is set to "automatic paper feed slot", the control unit 21 sets the "automatic paper feed slot". Of the paper feed ports 24 to be selected at the time of , the paper feed port 24 having the same paper size as that of the cut-out interleaving paper is preferentially selected. This makes it possible to use alternative paper feeds that meet user needs.

Also, in selecting the alternative paper feed port 24, the paper feed port 24 that feeds the paper of the paper size that matches the paper size of the interleaving paper is selected from the paper feed ports 24 that feed normal paper or recycled paper. selected with priority. This allows alternative sheet feeding without causing a problem.

Furthermore, in that case, the paper feed port 24 that supplies paper whose paper feeding direction is the same as that of the interleaving paper is preferentially selected. This allows a more trouble-free alternative paper feed.

Further, in the selection of the alternative paper feed port 24, if the slip sheet is colored paper, the paper feed port 24 for feeding colored paper is preferentially selected. This makes it possible to use alternative paper feeds that meet user needs.

Also, when a print job uses OHP paper, the paper feed port 24 for feeding plain paper or recycled paper is preferentially selected. As a result, sticking between OHP sheets can be prevented with inexpensive interleaving paper, and user needs can be satisfied while improving user convenience through alternative paper feeding.

Also, when a print job uses OHP paper, a paper feed port 24 for feeding paper having a paper size that matches the paper size of the paper used for the print job, and such a paper feed port 24 If not, the paper feed port 24 that feeds paper having a paper size larger than the paper size of the paper used for the print job is preferentially selected. Therefore, even when alternative paper feeding is performed, the interleaving paper does not become smaller than the OHP paper, so sticking between the OHP papers can be reliably prevented.

Also, when a print job uses OHP paper, control of alternative paper feeding is changed from when other paper is used. As a result, appropriate alternative paper feeding suitable for the characteristics of OHP paper is executed, and user convenience can be improved.

Further, when the user sets the interleaving paper, the driver unit 11 or the control unit 21 controls the setting of the interleaving paper feed port 24 based on the paper type set for the print job. As a result, it is possible to prevent printing using interleaving paper that does not match the paper of the print job, and improve user convenience.

Specifically, on the screen for setting interleaving paper, the paper feed port 24 that feeds paper that does not match the paper size or paper feed direction of the paper set for the print job cannot be selected. This prevents the user from setting slip sheets that are not suitable for the print job.

As an alternative, if a paper feed port 24 that feeds paper that does not match the paper size or paper feed direction set for the print job is selected, a message to the effect that it does not match is displayed to the user. be. This prompts the user to correct erroneous slip sheet settings in advance.

In the present embodiment, an example in which a CPU (processor) executes each process has been described.

Here, in this specification, the CPU may be composed of one or more CPUs, or may be composed of one or more integrated circuits (eg, ASIC). Also, the CPU may be configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and one or more integrated circuits.

The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Host computer 2... Printer 3 (3A, 3B, 3C)... Paper cassette 11... Driver part 21... Control part 22... Printing mechanism 23... Operation panel 24 (24A, 24B, 224C)... Paper feed port 25 Conveying path 26 Storage unit 221 Printing unit 222 Conveying unit.

Claims (7)

A print control device for controlling a printing device having a plurality of paper feed ports and a function of inserting interleaving paper,
Controlling selection of a paper feed port for interleaving paper on the print setting screen based on the paper type set on the print setting screen corresponding to the printing device and the paper type of the paper used for printing the data to be printed. death,
The paper size set on the print setting screen and used for printing the data to be printed
The size of the paper and the size of the paper feed slot for the interleaving paper selected on the print setting screen
If the paper size and the paper size are different, the paper feed port selected as the paper feed port for interleaving paper is
The paper size that is set on the setting screen and is used for printing the data to be printed.
Change to a paper source that feeds paper with a paper size that matches the size
A print control device characterized by: In claim 1,
A paper feed port that feeds paper of a paper size that is set on the print setting screen and is different from the paper size of the paper used to print the data to be printed is not selected as a paper feed port for interleaving paper. A print control device, which controls selection of a paper feed slot for interleaving paper on the print setting screen as described above. In claim 1,
A paper feed port that feeds paper in a paper feed direction that is set on the print setting screen and that is different from the paper feed direction of the paper used for printing the data to be printed is a paper feed port for interleaving paper. A print control device, which controls selection of a paper feed slot for inserting paper on the print setting screen so that it is not selected as a print control device. A printing control device for controlling a printing device having a plurality of paper feed ports and a function of inserting interleaving paper,
The paper type set on the print setting screen corresponding to the printing device and the data to be printed
Based on the paper type of the paper used for printing the data, the paper feed slot for interleaving paper
controls the selection of
The paper feed direction that is set on the print setting screen and the paper feed direction of the paper used for printing the print target data, and the paper that is fed by the paper feed port for interleaving paper selected on the print setting screen. If the paper feed direction and the paper feed direction are different, the paper feed port selected as the paper feed port for slip sheets is used to feed the paper of the paper size set on the print setting screen and used for printing the data to be printed. A print control device characterized by changing to a paper feed port for feeding paper in a paper feed direction that matches the paper feed direction. A printing control device for controlling a printing device having a plurality of paper feed ports and a function of inserting interleaving paper,
The paper type set on the print setting screen corresponding to the printing device and the data to be printed
Based on the paper type of the paper used for printing the data, the paper feed slot for interleaving paper
controls the selection of
The paper size of the paper that is set on the print setting screen and that is used for printing the data to be printed, and the paper size of the paper that is fed by the paper feed slot for interleaf selected on the print setting screen. and are different, the paper size of the paper used to print the data to be printed, and
A printing control apparatus, characterized in that a message is displayed to the effect that the size of the paper fed by the selected paper feed port for inserting paper does not match the size of the paper. A printing control device for controlling a printing device having a plurality of paper feed ports and a function of inserting interleaving paper,
The paper type set on the print setting screen corresponding to the printing device and the data to be printed
Based on the paper type of the paper used for printing the data, the paper feed slot for interleaving paper
controls the selection of
The paper feed direction that is set on the print setting screen and the paper feed direction of the paper used for printing the print target data, and the paper that is fed by the paper feed port for interleaving paper selected on the print setting screen. If the paper feed direction is different from the paper feed direction, the paper feed direction of the paper used for printing the print target data and the paper feed direction of the paper fed by the paper feed port for the selected interleaving paper do not match. A print control device characterized by displaying a message. A printing control device for controlling a printing device having a plurality of paper feed ports and a function of inserting interleaving paper,
The paper type set on the print setting screen corresponding to the printing device and the data to be printed
Based on the paper type of the paper used for printing the data, the paper feed slot for interleaving paper
controls the selection of
The paper type of the paper that is set on the print setting screen and used for printing the data to be printed, and the paper type of the paper that is fed by the paper feed slot for interleaf selected on the print setting screen. , and is different, it is determined whether or not automatic paper feed is set on the print setting screen. A print control device, wherein the type is changed to a paper type consistent with the paper type of the paper fed from the selected interleaving paper feed port.

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