Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium that save time for arranging printing media one by one on a platen of a flatbed printer and more accurately arrange the printing media. An information processing apparatus (10) processes information related to a flatbed printer (20) that prints an image on a medium fixed to a platen (230) by a jig, the information processing apparatus (10) including: an acquisition section (113) that acquires a jig template that indicates an image of the jig and print image data that indicates a print image that should be printed on the medium; and a preview generation section (114) that generates preview image data that indicates a preview image in which the image of the jig template and the print image to be printed on the medium overlap, based on the jig template and the print image data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for information processing. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, as a printing apparatus that mainly performs printing on a medium in a three-dimensional shape or a medium having a thickness, a flat head printer is known. In the flat head printer, a large medium such as a panel or an advertising board made of acrylic or wood, or a small medium such as a cup mat is placed on a placement table, and an image is printed on the placed medium by an inkjet method.

[0003] In the flat head printer, a medium that has been cut in advance is arranged on the placement table in alignment with a printing position. In the position alignment of the existing flat head printer, a printing position is set using software such as a printing application. In particular, in the field of commercial printing, software such as a RIP (Raster Image Processor) is used.

[0004] For example, in Patent Literature 1, regarding the setting of a printing position, a technology of aggregating data relating to a plurality of printing images corresponding to respective media into one printing data is described. In particular, in this technology, a layout of the printing images is set by designating a blank between the printing images in an operation screen displayed on a display device of a computer or an operation panel of a flat head printer.

[0005] In the flat head printer, in the case of printing a medium in a three-dimensional shape such as a golf ball or a ballpoint pen, a jig for fixing the medium in the three-dimensional shape is used. A recess that conforms to the shape of the medium is provided on the jig, and the medium in the three-dimensional shape is fixed by placing the medium in the recess.

[0006] Figure 7 An example of a setting screen in the RIP software in the case of using the jig is shown. When a printing position is designated for a medium that is fixed with the jig 51 placed on the placement table 50 using the RIP software, the position where the jig 51 is provided does not need to be designated, but the position of the medium needs to be designated. In the existing position alignment, the user of the RIP software needs to designate the position of the medium for each of the recesses one by one. In this case, the user needs to designate the position of the medium in the recesses one by one, and thus the work is complicated. Figure 7The position of each of the coordinates of the position J of the jig 51 from the origin O and the coordinates of the positions C1 to C6 of the respective recesses 52A to 52F from the coordinates of the position J are added together, and the resultant position is calculated and set in the RIP software. In this method, it is difficult to know in which position the printed image is printed with respect to the medium before printing. Further, since the user of the RIP software is caused to perform the calculation of the position alignment, a setting error in the RIP software is induced.

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-202837 SUMMARY

[0008] An information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application is an information processing apparatus that processes information related to a flatbed printer that prints an image on a medium fixed to a platen by a jig, the information processing apparatus including: an acquisition unit that acquires a jig template that indicates an image of a shape of the jig and print image data that indicates a print image that should be printed on the medium; and a preview generation unit that generates, based on the jig template and the print image data, preview image data that indicates a preview image in which the image of the jig template and the print image to be printed on the medium overlap.

[0009] Further, an information processing method according to one embodiment of the present application is an information processing method that processes information related to a flatbed printer that prints an image on a medium fixed to a platen by a jig, in the information processing method, a jig template that indicates an image of a shape of the jig and print image data that indicates a print image that should be printed on the medium are acquired, and based on the jig template and the print image data, preview image data that indicates a preview image in which the image of the jig template and the print image to be printed on the medium overlap is generated.

[0010] Further, a recording medium according to one embodiment of the present application records a program for information processing that processes information related to a flatbed printer that prints an image on a medium fixed to a platen by a jig, in which the program causes a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires a jig template that indicates an image of a shape of the jig and print image data that indicates a print image that should be printed on the medium; and an image data generation unit that generates, based on the jig template and the print image data, preview image data that indicates a preview image in which the image of the jig template and the print image to be printed on the medium overlap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 A block diagram showing the structure of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 A block diagram showing the structure of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0013] Figure 3 A block diagram showing the structure of the flatbed printer 20.

[0014] Figure 4A A flowchart showing one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0015] Figure 4B A flowchart showing one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0016] Figure 5A A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the display apparatus in one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0017] Figure 5B A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the display apparatus in one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0018] Figure 5C A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the display apparatus in one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0019] Figure 5D A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the display apparatus in one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0020] Figure 5E A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the display apparatus in one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0021] Figure 5F A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the display apparatus in one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0022] Figure 5G A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the display apparatus in one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0023] Figure 5H A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the display apparatus in one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0024] Figure 6 A diagram showing the manner of the image of the recess in one example of the action of the information processing system 1.

[0025] Figure 7 A diagram showing an example of a setting screen in the RIP software in the related art example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the size and the scale of each part are appropriately different from the actual situation. Furthermore, since the following embodiment is a preferred specific example, various limitations that are technically preferred are added, but as long as there is no description in the following description that particularly limits the present disclosure, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these modes.

[0027] 1. Overall Configuration

[0028] Figure 1 A block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 is provided with one information processing apparatus 10 and one flatbed printer 20. The information processing apparatus 10 and the flatbed printer 20 are connected in a manner that enables communication therebetween. In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 and the flatbed printer 20 are connected via a network 30. Figure 1 The configuration shown is merely an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, it can be configured such that a plurality of flatbed printers 20 are connected to one information processing apparatus 10 in a manner that enables communication.

[0029] The information processing system 1 is a system for printing an image on a medium that is mainly a three-dimensional medium or a medium having a thickness, which is placed on a placement table 230 provided in the flatbed printer 20.

[0030] The information processing apparatus 10 processes information related to the flatbed printer 20 that prints an image on a medium that is fixed on the placement table 230 by a jig.

[0031] The flatbed printer 20 is a flatbed printer that prints a print medium by an inkjet method under the control implemented by the information processing apparatus 10. The print medium is not particularly limited as long as it is a medium that can be printed by an inkjet method, and can be, for example, various papers, various cloths, or various films, or the like. In particular in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the print medium be a three-dimensional medium or a medium having a thickness.

[0032] In particular in the present embodiment, the flatbed printer 20 prints an image on a medium that is fixed on the placement table 230 by a jig, by control from the information processing apparatus 10.

[0033] 2. Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus

[0034] Figure 2A block diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described. The information processing apparatus 10 is exemplified by a PC, but is not limited thereto, and can be a tablet terminal or a smartphone, for example. The information processing apparatus 10 includes a processing apparatus 110, a storage apparatus 120, a display apparatus 130, an input apparatus 140, and a communication apparatus 150. The respective elements of the information processing apparatus 10 are connected to each other by a single or a plurality of buses for communication of information.

[0035] The processing apparatus 110 is a processor that controls the entire information processing apparatus 10, and is constituted by a single or a plurality of chips, for example. The processing apparatus 110 is constituted by a central processing apparatus (CPU: Central Processing Unit) including an interface connected to a peripheral apparatus, an arithmetic apparatus, a register, and the like, for example. In addition, a part or all of the functions of the processing apparatus 110 can be implemented by a hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like. The processing apparatus 110 executes various processes in parallel or one by one.

[0036] The storage apparatus 120 is a recording medium that is readable by the processing apparatus 110, and stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR1 executed by the processing apparatus 110 and a program for executing the RIP described above. In addition, the storage apparatus 120 stores a print image to be printed on a medium, an image of an outline of a jig, and a jig template that is an image representing a shape of a jig generated by the jig generation section 112 described later. Further, the storage apparatus 120 can also store preview image data of a preview image representing a preview image in which an image of the jig template and a print image are overlaid, which is generated by the preview generation section 114 described later. The storage apparatus 120 can be constituted by at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, for example. The storage apparatus 120 can also be referred to as a register, a cache, a main memory, a main storage apparatus, or the like.

[0037] The display device 130 is a device that displays an image, character information, and the like. The display device 130 displays various images under the control of the processing device 110. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel are appropriately used as the display device 130.

[0038] The input device 140 is a device that receives an operation from a user. For example, the input device 140 is configured to include a keyboard, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, or the like. Here, the input device 140 can also function as the display device 130 in a case where the input device 140 is configured to include a touch panel.

[0039] The communication device 150 is a hardware that functions as a transmission and reception device for communicating with another device, particularly the flatbed printer 20. The communication device 150 is also referred to as a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, or the like, for example.

[0040] The processing device 110 functions as a reception unit 111, a template generation unit 112, an acquisition unit 113, and a preview generation unit 114 by reading and executing the control program PR1 from the storage device 120. In addition, the control program PR1 can be transmitted from another device such as a server that manages the information processing system 1 via a communication network.

[0041] The reception unit 111 receives information related to the number of recesses on the jig. In addition, in a case where the recesses are a plurality of recesses, the reception unit 111 receives information related to the intervals between the recesses. Furthermore, the reception unit 111 receives information related to the direction and distance of one recess in one or a plurality of recesses from a predetermined point in the jig. The reception unit 111 receives at least these pieces of information as reception information. The reception of the reception information can be achieved by acquiring information input from the input device 140 by a user of the information processing system 1, for example. Details of the operation of the reception unit 111 will be described later. Figures 5A-5D

[0042] In addition, in the present specification, a recess on a jig that fixes a medium is referred to as a "fixing device".

[0043] ​The template generation section 112 generates a jig template indicating an image of a shape of a jig, based on the reception information received by the reception section 111. Specifically, the template generation section 112 generates a jig template by configuring one or a plurality of recesses based on the reception information, with respect to an image of an outer shape of a jig stored in the storage device 120. Further, the template generation section 112 stores the generated jig template in the storage device 120. In addition, the image of the outer shape of the jig can also be generated based on information input from the input device 140 by a user of the information processing system 1.

[0044] The acquisition section 113 acquires a jig template and print image data indicating a print image that should be printed on a medium. More specifically, the acquisition section 113 acquires a jig template and print image data stored in the storage device 120 from the storage device 120. However, the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the acquisition section 113 can acquire a jig template generated immediately by the template generation section 112 instead of a template stored in the storage device 120, without passing through the storage device 120. Alternatively, the acquisition section 113 can acquire print image data input by a user of the information processing system 1 via the input device 140 instead of print image data stored in the storage device 120, without passing through the storage device 120.

[0045] The preview generation section 114 generates preview image data indicating a preview image in which an image of a jig template and a print image to be printed on a medium are overlapped, based on the jig template and the print image data acquired by the acquisition section 113. On this basis, the preview generation section 114 causes the display device 130 to display a preview image based on the generated preview image data.

[0046] For example, in a case where a print image is larger than a recess in a jig, the preview generation section 114 generates preview image data indicating a preview image in which a print image cut out in accordance with a shape of a recess in a jig is overlapped on an image of the recess in the image of the jig template. On the other hand, in a case where a print image is smaller than a recess in a jig, the preview generation section 114 generates preview image data indicating a preview image in which a print image moved to a desired position in the recess is overlapped on an image of the recess, in accordance with an operation of a user of the information processing system 1. Details of the operation of the preview generation section 114 will be described later by referring to Figures 5A-5H

[0047] 3. Structure of flatbed printer

[0048] Figure 3 ​A block diagram showing a configuration example of the flatbed printer 20 will be described. The flatbed printer 20 is provided with an ink head 210, an ink head moving device 220, a platen 230, a display device 240, an input device 250, and a communication device 260.

[0049] The ink head 210 is a device that ejects ink toward a medium fixed to the platen 230 by a clamp. The ink head 210 ejects ink supplied from an unillustrated ink cartridge toward the medium from a plurality of nozzles not shown under the control of the information processing device 10. More specifically, the ink head 210 has an unillustrated pressure chamber and a driving element for each nozzle, and causes the pressure in the pressure chamber to fluctuate by the driving element to thereby eject the ink in the pressure chamber from the nozzle. The driving element is, for example, a piezoelectric element or a heating element. Furthermore, the number of colors of the ink ejected by the ink head 210 is not limited.

[0050] The ink head moving device 220 is a mechanism that moves the ink head 210 with respect to the platen 230. In the present embodiment, the ink head moving device 220 moves the ink head 210 in a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction that are parallel with respect to the platen 230. In the flatbed printer 20, the movement of the ink head 210 and the ejection of ink are performed in parallel to thereby form an image on a print surface of a medium as a print medium.

[0051] The platen 230 is a table that places a medium as a print medium. The platen 230 is disposed at a lower position than the ink head 210.

[0052] The display device 240 is a device that displays an image, character information. The display device 240 displays various images under the control of an unillustrated processing device. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel are appropriately used as the display device 240.

[0053] The input device 250 is a device that receives an operation from a user. For example, the input device 250 is configured to include a touch panel, a touch pad, or a pointing device such as a mouse. Here, the input device 250 can also function as the display device 240 in the case of being configured to include a touch panel.

[0054] The communication device 260 is hardware as a transmission / reception device for communicating with other devices, particularly the information processing device 10. The communication device 260 is, for example, referred to as a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, or the like.

[0055] 4. Operation of the information processing system 1

[0056] Next, the operation of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4A-4B ,Figures 5A-5H Figure 6 The operation of the information processing system 1 will be described. Figures 4A-4B A flowchart showing one example of the operation of the information processing system 1. Figures 5A-5H A diagram showing one example of a screen displayed on the display device 130 in one example of the operation of the information processing system 1. Figure 6 A diagram showing the manner of the image of the recess in one example of the operation of the information processing system 1.

[0057] First, the acquisition unit 113 acquires the image of the outer shape of the jig (S1). More specifically, the acquisition unit 113 can acquire the image of the outer shape of the jig stored in the storage device 120. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 113 can generate the image of the outer shape of the jig based on information input by the user of the information processing system 1 via the input device 140, such as information related to the width and height of the jig. Thus, as shown in the first screen displayed on the display device 130, the image showing the case where the jig 231 is placed at the center of the placement table 230 is displayed. In addition, the image of the outer shape of the jig can be acquired by the template generation unit 112 instead of the acquisition unit 113. Furthermore, the structure can be such that the image of the outer shape of the jig can be displayed at an arbitrary position within the image of the placement table 230 according to the operation of the user of the information processing system 1. Figure 5A

[0058] Next, the acquisition unit 113 acquires the image data of the recess (S2). Thus, as shown in the second screen displayed on the display device 130, the image 233 of the recess is displayed. In addition, the image data of the recess can be acquired by the template generation unit 112 instead of the acquisition unit 113. Figure 5B

[0059] In a case where the image of the recess shown by the image data of the recess includes a special color (S3: Yes), the acquisition unit 113 acquires the outline of the special color (S4). On the other hand, in a case where the image of the recess does not include a special color (S3: No), the process shifts to S6 described later. Here, the "special color" refers to a color used for determining the outline of the recess, which is different from the color mainly used in the image of the recess itself. In the example shown in Figure 5B , the outline 234 indicated by the special color is indicated by a broken line. In addition, the outline of the special color can be acquired by the template generation unit 112 instead of the acquisition unit 113.

[0060] After the outline of the special color is acquired, the template generation unit 112 sets a region with the outline of the special color as the outer periphery as the image of the recess (S5). In Figure 5B ​​​In the second screen displayed on the display device 130, the area with the outline 234 in the special color as the outer periphery is the image 232A set as the recess in the first screen displayed on the display device 130.

[0061] In addition, in a case where the outline of the image itself shown by the recess image data can be used as the outline of the recess, the processes of S3 to S5 can be omitted. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6 In a case where the image shown by the recess image data contains, for example, polka dots or dots, it is possible that the polka dots or dots are mistaken for one recess each. In this case, as shown in Figure 6 By setting the special color on the outline 234, it is possible to suppress the possibility of the mistake.

[0062] After the recess image is set, the template generation section 112 sets the number of rows and columns of the recesses and the intervals (S6). More specifically, the template generation section 112 sets the number of rows and columns of the recesses and the intervals based on the reception information containing the number of rows and columns of the recesses and the intervals between the recesses in a case where the recesses are multiple, which is received by the reception section 111. In Figure 5C In the example shown in

[0063] Next, the template generation section 112 sets the coordinate value of the recess serving as the reference (S7). More specifically, as shown in Figure 5D The template generation section 112 draws a rectangle R such that it circumscribes all of the recess images 232A to 232F. On this basis, the template generation section 112 sets the recess image 232F, which is the recess image closest to the origin J of the jig 231 among the recess images 232A to 232F circumscribed by the rectangle R, as the recess image serving as the reference. Further, the template generation section 112 sets the vertex C A closest to the origin of the jig 231 among the four vertices of the rectangle R as the origin of the recess serving as the reference. On this basis, the template generation section 112 sets the coordinate value of the vertex C A as the coordinate value of the recess serving as the reference. In addition, the rectangle R, the origin O of the stage 230, the origin J of the jig 231, and the coordinate of the recess serving as the reference, i.e., the vertex C A may or can not be explicitly shown in the first screen displayed on the display device 130.

[0064] Next, the template generation unit 112 calculates the coordinate values ​​of each recess based on the number of recesses in the horizontal and vertical directions set in S6, the spacing between the recesses, and the coordinate values ​​of the recesses that serve as references set in S7. Here, the coordinate values ​​of each recess are set to the vertex closest to the origin of the clamp 231 among the four vertices of the rectangle inscribed in each recess.

[0065] Through these processes S1 to S8, a fixture template is generated. Alternatively, if a fixture template already stored in the storage device 120 is used instead of regenerating the fixture template, the process of obtaining the fixture template stored in the storage device 120 by the obtaining unit 113 can be performed instead of the processes S1 to S8.

[0066] Next, the acquisition unit 113 acquires the printed image stored in the storage device 120 (S9). The preview generation unit 114, based on the operation content obtained by the user of the information processing system 1 via the input device 140, places the acquired printed image onto the recess on the display screen of the display device 130 (S10). Figure 5E In the example, a printed image 235 is displayed on a second screen of the display device 130. The user of the information processing system 1, for example, manipulates the objects contained in the printed image 235 by operating a mouse. Figure 5E In the example, the letter "A" is moved to the desired position within the contour 236A of the recess.

[0067] like Figure 5E As illustrated, when the size of the recess, i.e., the size of the recess outline 236A, is smaller than the printed image 235 (S11: Yes), the preview generation unit 114 generates preview image data representing the preview image based on the printed image 235 cropped according to the recess outline 236A (S12) (S13). When the size of the recess outline 236A is the same as or larger than the printed image 235 (S11: No), the preview generation unit 114 generates preview image data representing the preview image without omitting the processing of S12 (S13).

[0068] Finally, the preview generation unit 114 causes the display device 130 to display a preview image obtained based on the generated preview image data (S14). Figure 5F This represents an example of a preview image displayed on the first screen of the display device 130. For example... Figure 5F As shown, in Figure 5DIn the position where the image 232A of the concave portion is located, a print image 237A to be printed on the medium fixed in the concave portion is displayed. However, the manner of previewing the image is not limited to this. For example, it can be configured such that, by executing the processes of S9 to S12 only once, the preview generation section 114 causes the display section 130 to display a preview image indicating a case where the same print image 237A is printed on the media fixed to all the concave portions, as shown in (a) of FIG. 23. Figure 5G Alternatively, by repeatedly executing the processes of S9 to S12 by the number of concave portions, the preview generation section 114 causes the display section 130 to display a preview image indicating a case where different print images 237A to 237F are printed on the media fixed to all the concave portions, as shown in (b) of FIG. 23. Figure 5H Alternatively, by repeatedly executing the processes of S9 to S12 by the number of concave portions, the preview generation section 114 causes the display section 130 to display a preview image indicating a case where different print images 237A to 237F are printed on the media fixed to all the concave portions, as shown in (b) of FIG. 23.

[0069] In addition, Figures 5A-5H The illustrated display screen can also be realized as a UI (User Interface) of the RIP software installed on the information processing apparatus 10.

[0070] 5. Effects achieved by the information processing system 1

[0071] As described above, according to the present embodiment, there is provided an information processing apparatus 10 that processes information related to a flatbed printer 20 that prints an image on a medium fixed on a platen 230 by a jig, the information processing apparatus 10 including: a retrieval section 113 that retrieves a jig template indicating an image of the jig, and print image data indicating a print image that should be printed on the medium; and a preview generation section 114 that generates, based on the jig template and the print image data, preview image data indicating a preview image in which the image of the jig template and the print image to be printed on the medium are overlaid.

[0072] For the position alignment of the medium and the print image in the flatbed printer 20, the information processing apparatus 10 can easily generate the preview image data indicating the preview image in which the print image is printed on the medium by using the jig template. Moreover, the user of the information processing apparatus 10 can more easily perform the position alignment of the print image and the medium fixed to the platen 230 by the jig in the flatbed printer 20 based on the preview image.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, it can be configured in such a manner that the information processing apparatus 10 further includes a display section 130 that displays the preview image.

[0074] The information processing apparatus 10 can confirm the printing result before performing the printing of the print image on the medium by displaying the preview image by the display section 130.

[0075] Further, according to the present embodiment, it can also be configured in a manner in which one or a plurality of fixing devices for fixing the medium are provided on the jig, the image of the jig template includes an image of the one or the plurality of fixing devices, and the preview image is an image in which the print image is superimposed on an image of all or a part of the one or the plurality of fixing devices.

[0076] Thus, the jig template can include an image of the fixing device for fixing the medium.

[0077] Further, according to the present embodiment, it can also be configured in a manner in which the information processing apparatus 10 further includes: a reception unit 111 that receives reception information including the number of one or a plurality of fixing devices, a distance between the fixing devices in the case where the fixing devices are a plurality of, and a direction and a distance of one of the one or the plurality of fixing devices from a predetermined point inside the jig; and a template generation unit 112 that generates a jig template based on the reception information.

[0078] Thus, for example, a new jig template can be generated based on the above-described reception information input via the input device 140.

[0079] 6. Modification

[0080] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, instead of providing a recess on the jig, a protrusion can be provided as the fixing device for fixing the medium. By providing a protrusion on the jig, it is possible to fix, for example, a medium provided with a recess such as a CD or a DVD with the jig. Further, it can be configured that a jig template indicating the shape of the jig provided with the protrusion can be used.

[0081] Explanation of Symbols

[0082] 1... information processing system; 10... information processing apparatus; 20... flatbed printer; 110... processing apparatus; 111... reception unit; 112... template generation unit; 113... acquisition unit; 114... preview generation unit; 120... storage apparatus; 130... display apparatus; 140... input device; 150... communication apparatus; 210... ink head; 220... ink head moving device; 230... placement table; 231... jig; 232A to 232F, 233... image of recess; 234... outline; 235... print image; 236A... outline of recess; 237A to 237F... print image; 240... display apparatus; 250... input device; 260... communication apparatus.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus that processes information related to a flatbed printer that prints an image on a medium fixed to a platen by a jig, wherein the information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a jig template that indicates an image of a shape of the jig and print image data that indicates a print image that should be printed on the medium; and a preview generation unit that generates, based on the jig template and the print image data, preview image data that indicates a preview image in which the image of the jig template and the print image to be printed on the medium overlap, wherein the preview generation unit generates, in a case where the print image is larger than the fixing device within the jig, preview image data that indicates a preview image in which the print image that is cut in accordance with the shape of the fixing device within the jig overlaps on an image of the fixing device within the image of the jig template.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus further includes a display unit that displays the preview image based on the preview image data.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information processing apparatus includes one or more fixing devices on the jig, wherein the image of the jig template includes images of the one or more fixing devices, and wherein the preview image is an image in which the print image overlaps on images of all or a part of the one or more fixing devices. The information processing apparatus further includes: an acceptance unit that accepts acceptance information including a number of the one or more fixing devices, a distance between the fixing devices in a case where the fixing devices are a plurality of fixing devices, and a direction and a distance of one of the one or more fixing devices from a predetermined point within the jig; and a template generation unit that generates the jig template based on the acceptance information.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is a recess or a protrusion on the jig.

6. An information processing method that processes information related to a flatbed printer that prints an image on a medium fixed to a platen by a jig, In the information processing method, an acquisition unit acquires a jig template that indicates an image of a shape of the jig and print image data that indicates a print image that should be printed on the medium, a preview generation unit generates, based on the jig template and the print image data, preview image data that indicates a preview image in which the image of the jig template and the print image to be printed on the medium overlap, and in a case where the print image is larger than the fixing device within the jig, the preview generation unit generates preview image data that indicates a preview image in which the print image that is cut in accordance with the shape of the fixing device within the jig overlaps on an image of the fixing device within the image of the jig template. ​ 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 7. A recording medium recording thereon an information processing program for processing information related to a flatbed printer that prints an image on a medium fixed to a platen by a clamp, wherein the information processing program causes a computer to function as: an acquisition function that acquires a clamp template indicating an image of the clamp and print image data indicating a print image that should be printed on the medium; an image data generation function that generates, based on the clamp template and the print image data, preview image data indicating a preview image in which the image of the clamp template and the print image to be printed on the medium overlap each other, the clamp is provided with a fixing device for fixing the medium thereon, and in a case where the print image is larger than the fixing device in the clamp, the image data generation function generates preview image data indicating a preview image in which a print image cut out in conformity with a shape of the fixing device in the clamp is overlaid on an image of the fixing device in the image of the clamp template.

Images