A printing system is provided with a dummy data insertion unit configured to insert dummy data into print data based on waiting time occurring when post-processing is performed by a post-processing device (for example, a collating machine). In a printing unit, a dummy page is printed on the basis of the dummy data. A dummy page removing unit configured to remove a dummy page from printed printing paper so that the dummy page is not supplied to the post-processing device is provided between the printing device and the post-processing device.

An information processing method performs steps for an information processing apparatus to communicate with an image forming apparatus having first and second sheet output sections. The second sheet output section can be switched between a close position to serve to guide a sheet to the first sheet output section, and an open position not to guide the sheet to the first sheet output section but to stack the sheet. The method inputs a type of sheet, acquires information indicating whether the second sheet output section is in an open or closed state, and transmits image information to the image forming apparatus. When the sheet type recommends the sheet be output to the second sheet output section and the second sheet output section is in the closed state, a message is output to prompt to switch the second sheet output section into the open position before the image information is transmitted.

In a case where a first sheet paper having a first size is contained and a second sheet paper having a second size is not contained, a printer sends capability information including first size information indicating that the first size is contained and second size information indicating that the second size is contained to a terminal device. The printer receives image data and selection information indicating that a target size has been selected, and in a case where the selection information indicates that the second size has been selected as the target size, the printer executes the predetermined process on the first sheet paper, and in a case where the selection information indicates that the first size has been selected as the target size, the printer does not execute the predetermined process on the first sheet paper.

An image forming apparatus comprises a printing module, a transporting mechanism and a sorting module. The printing module prints data on media in order. The transporting mechanism transports the media past the printing module. The sorting module is disposed downstream of the transporting mechanism, and comprises an output mechanism, a rack and a driving pinion. The output mechanism transports the media out in a first direction. The rack is connected to the output mechanism. The driving pinion meshing with the rack drives the rack and the output mechanism to reciprocate in a second direction, different from the first direction, to sort the media into stacks. Thus, the sorting function can be achieved without providing a larger space and moving a discharge tray, and this is advantageous to the miniaturization of the image forming apparatus.

An image forming system for printing a sequence of image blocks on a continuous printing sheet based on image data, includes an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. A printing setting unit included by the information processing apparatus designates first information and second information. The first information indicates whether a printing order of the image blocks is to be a normal order or a reverse order. The second information indicates how many image blocks of the sequence are to be printed on each of a plurality of segments of the printing sheet. The image forming apparatus includes a cutting unit and a control unit. The cutting unit cuts the printing sheet. The control unit controls the cutting unit so as to separate the segments of the printing sheet. The control unit determines cutting positions on the printing sheet based on the first information and the second information.

A printer includes a receiver, a detector, and a sort controller. The receiver receives print data described in a page description language. The detector detects a predetermined specific command from the print data received by the receiver. If the detector detects the specific command, the sort controller performs control to sort a printout of a print data portion after the detected specific command from a printout of a print data portion before the detected specific command.

A printer includes a receiver, an inserter, and a sort controller. The receiver receives print data. In response to detection of a change in a reception condition for receiving the print data by the receiver, the inserter inserts separator information between a print data portion received before the detection and a print data portion received after the detection, and thereby generates print data including the separator information inserted thereinto. In response to detection of the separator information from the print data including the separator information inserted thereinto that is sequentially input from the inserter, the sort controller performs control to sort a printout of a print data portion after the detected separator information from a printout of a print data portion before the detected separator information.

According to an aspect of the invention, a mobile apparatus includes: a communication unit that performs wireless communication with an image processing apparatus; a first receiving unit that receives information indicating that printing is in progress from the image processing apparatus; a second receiving unit that receives information indicating that printing is completed from the image processing apparatus; and an output unit. When a connection state in the wireless communication with the image processing apparatus or a distance to the image processing apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition after the information indicating that printing is in progress is received from the image processing apparatus and before the information indicating that printing is completed is received from the image processing apparatus, the output unit outputs a message indicating that a printout output by the image processing apparatus is forgotten to be taken.

Even when a binding process for binding a plurality of sheets without using a staple is performed after performing printing on both faces of the sheets, the binding process can be performed so that the bound sheets are not easily separated. A control method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprises: performing a binding process for binding, without using a staple, a sheet on which an image is printed based on image data; specifying an area where the binding process is to be performed, the area being included in the image data; deleting image data of the specified area; and printing the image on the sheet based on the image data on which deleting is performed.

An image processing apparatus performs a binding process for binding a plurality of sheets. When a binding unit configured to bind sheets without using a staple performs the binding process, the image processing apparatus adds a mark for identifying a position where the binding process is performed.