Abstract: The present invention provides a printing apparatus and a printing method which, even if print media of different sizes are printed, can print images in well-balanced, optimum layouts according to the size of each of the print media. Thus, the printing apparatus according to the present invention has leading end detector which detects a leading end of a print medium and trailing end detector which detects a trailing end of the print medium. The printing apparatus further has print control unit which prints images based on a first print data for which a print start position is determined on the basis of the leading end detected by the leading end detector and second print data for which a print start position is determined on the basis of the trailing end detected by the trailing end detector.

Abstract: For use when the recordable area of a recording medium is smaller than recording data, there is provided a recording device that can determine the priority of divided areas and preferentially record a high-priority area. The recording device assigns priority to each of the recording areas of a whole image on one page and, if it is determined that the whole image does not fit on the recording medium, performs at least one of rearranging the recording position of a high-priority area, changing the recording size of a low-priority area, and discarding a part of recording data of the low-priority area based on the priority of the recording areas to prevent any part of the image of the high-priority area from being lost.

Abstract: A printing method and apparatus capable of continuously printing printing information on a plurality of labels at a correct position without reducing throughput. Upon printing an image on labels stuck on a roll-shaped continuous sheet with a predetermined interval while reciprocally scanning a printhead, the printing apparatus receives a raster image command from a host and bitmaps raster data to a data buffer having a capacity capable of storing data for a single scan-printing by the printhead, discriminates whether or not raster data to be printed on a plurality of continuous labels can be bitmapped to the data buffer, bitmaps null data for rasters corresponding to a predetermined interval between the labels to the data buffer in accordance with the discrimination result, further discriminates whether or not data for a single scan-printing by the printhead is bitmapped to the data buffer, and prints by scanning the printhead in accordance with the discrimination result.

Abstract: Upon reaction of data from a host computer, an image forming apparatus analyzes the data, and maps bitmap images onto corresponding image memories in accordance with the analysis result. When it is determined that the data includes a barcode image, non-barcode image data mapped on the black image memory is OR-mapped onto the cyan, magenta, and yellow image memories. The barcode image is mapped onto the black image memory to print.

Abstract: A label printer performs recording on a roll label comprising a number of label sheets bonded in succession on a release sheet. The printer utilizes an ink jet method to attain a smaller size and to print information accurately. The printer comprises a conveyance section for conveying the label roll to an ink jet print head, an ink supply section for supplying ink to the head, and a recovery unit for making the head performance stable. A conveyance surface of the label roll is made substantially horizontal, with the ink jet print head and the recovery unit disposed above the surface and the ink supply section disposed underneath the surface.