Display device, display screen generation device, display method, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device, a display screen generating device, a display method, and a recording medium containing a display program that further improve a process management screen. The display device comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires the progress of a process of a printed material produced through multiple processes based on information sent from a printer; a second acquisition unit that acquires the progress based on a user's operation to advance the process; and a display unit that displays, in a recognizable manner, an automatically transferred process that automatically transfers to the next process based on the information sent from the printer, and a manually transferred process that manually transfers to the next process based on the operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, a display screen generating device, a display method, and a recording medium recording a display program. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, process management technology used to produce finished products through multiple processes is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that performs printing and cutting processes based on a file representing a submitted manuscript to produce a bound finished product.

[0003] The above-mentioned prior art describes displaying work process progress information (not detected, work in progress, work completed, alarm) on a UI screen for each of a plurality of tasks. There is a need for further improvement of the process management screen.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-155118 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A display device for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: a first acquisition unit, which acquires the progress of a process of a printed material produced through multiple processes based on information sent from a printer; a second acquisition unit, which acquires the progress based on an operation performed by a user to advance the process; and a display unit, which enables the display to display in a recognizable manner an automatic transfer process that automatically transfers to the next process based on information sent from the printer, and a manual transfer process that manually transfers to the next process based on an operation.

[0006] In addition, a display screen generating device for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: a first acquisition unit, which acquires the progress of a process of a printed material produced through multiple processes based on information sent from a printer; a second acquisition unit, which acquires the progress based on an operation performed by a user to advance the process; and a display unit, which generates a display screen that displays an automatic transfer process that automatically transfers to the next process based on information sent from a printer and a manual transfer process that manually transfers to the next process based on an operation in a recognizable manner.

[0007] In addition, the display method for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: obtaining the progress of the process of the printed material produced through multiple processes based on the information sent from the printer, obtaining the progress based on the operation of advancing the process performed by the user, and making the display display the automatic transfer process that automatically transfers to the next process based on the information sent from the printer and the manual transfer process that manually transfers to the next process based on the operation in an identifiable manner.

[0008] Furthermore, a display program for solving the above-mentioned problem enables a computer to function as the following components: a first acquisition unit that acquires the progress of a process of a printed material produced through multiple processes based on information sent from a printer; a second acquisition unit that acquires the progress based on an operation performed by a user to advance the process; and a display unit that causes the display to display an automatic transfer process that automatically transfers to the next process based on information sent from a printer and a manual transfer process that manually transfers to the next process based on an operation in a recognizable manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A diagram schematically showing an example of a production system.

[0010] Figure 2 A block diagram showing the structure of a server.

[0011] Figure 3 A block diagram showing the structure of a terminal.

[0012] Figure 4 A block diagram showing the structure of a printer.

[0013] Figure 5 This figure shows an example of a process management screen.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of process list information.

[0015] Figure 7 A diagram showing an example of file information.

[0016] Figure 8 A diagram showing an example of printer information.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the display screen generation process.

[0018] Figure 10 A flowchart showing the manual transfer process.

[0019] Figure 11 A diagram showing an example of a transmission pattern.

[0020] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the second graph.

[0021] Figure 13 This diagram shows examples of processes that can be manually transferred to the next step and processes that cannot be manually transferred to the next step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.

[0023] (1) System structure:

[0024] (1-1) Server structure:

[0025] (1-2) Terminal structure:

[0026] (1-3) Printer structure:

[0027] (2) Process management:

[0028] (2-1) Process management screen:

[0029] (3) Display screen generation processing:

[0030] (4) Manual transfer processing:

[0031] (5) Other implementation methods:

[0032] (1) System structure:

[0033] Figure 1 This figure schematically shows an example of a production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The production system 1 includes a server 10, a terminal 20, and a printer 30. In this embodiment, the number of devices shown in the figure is an example and is not limited. For example, the number of terminals 20 and printers 30 described is not limited to Figure 1 The number of servers 10 shown in the figure may be one or more. These devices can communicate with each other via a network. The network can be in various forms, such as a local network or the Internet, allowing devices in physically separate locations to communicate with each other.

[0034] In this embodiment, a user who manages and performs production operations receives a production request from a client. The user operates terminal 20 to input information indicating the details of the request. Terminal 20 transmits this information to server 10. Server 10 controls printer 30 to carry out the requested production.

[0035] In this embodiment, production system 1 is a system for producing printed materials. It performs predetermined post-processing, such as surface finishing, on printed materials printed based on a file representing the printing target, thereby producing finished products corresponding to the file. Different files representing the printing target result in different printed materials, and thus different finished products. On the other hand, by repeatedly performing the same process based on the same file, multiple identical finished products can be produced.

[0036] In the production system 1 involved in this embodiment, printing can be implemented based on an arbitrary file representing a printing object, and the number of finished products produced based on one file is also an arbitrary number. That is, it is possible to produce a number of printed materials corresponding to the demand, and the printed materials have content corresponding to the demand of the client who commissioned the production of the finished product. In this embodiment, the unit of entrustment is called a case. In addition, in this embodiment, the content of one case is determined based on one file. For example, in the case where two files are accepted from the same client and finished products are produced based on the two files, it will become a case where two cases are commissioned from the client. The number of finished products produced based on one file is an arbitrary number, and this number can be different for each case.

[0037] Hereinafter, the configuration of each device of the production system 1 that can implement such a display will be described.

[0038] (1-1) Server structure:

[0039] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the server 10. The server 10 includes a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, and a non-volatile memory 10c. The processor 10a includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, etc., which are not shown in the figure, and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c to control various parts of the server 10 and various devices connected to the network. In addition, the processor 10a can be composed of a single chip or a plurality of chips, and can also be composed as an SoC together with various functional modules that make the printer work. In addition, for example, an ASIC can be used instead of the CPU, and a structure in which the CPU and ASIC work together can also be used. In the case where each device in this embodiment has a processor, the processor can be implemented in various ways in the same way as the processor 10a.

[0040] The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The server 10 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 10b. In addition, the communication unit 10b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable storage devices installed in the server 10.

[0041] Various information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 10c of the server 10. For example, the nonvolatile memory 10c contains a manuscript file 10c1 representing a finished product. The manuscript file 10c1 is a file containing data representing the content to be printed on a printed material for producing the finished product. For example, a PDF file can be used as the manuscript file 10c1.

[0042] Furthermore, the nonvolatile memory 10c stores file information 10c3. The file information 10c3 includes the file name, project name, delivery date, and number of copies of the file to be printed. For details of the file information 10c3, please refer to Figure 7 This will be described in the following text.

[0043] Furthermore, the nonvolatile memory 10c records process list information 10c4. The process list information 10c4 is information defining the process for producing a printed matter. For details of the process list information 10c4, refer to Figure 6 The non-volatile memory 10c also stores printer information 10c5. The printer information 10c5 stores information such as the current status of each of the multiple printers used in the production of printed materials. Figure 8 In this embodiment, the file information 10c3, the process list information 10c4, and the printer information 10c5 are used to create a process management screen described later.

[0044] (1-2) Terminal structure:

[0045] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of terminal 20. Terminal 20 includes a processor 20a, a communication unit 20b, a nonvolatile memory 20c, a display 20d, and an input unit 20e. Processor 20a includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown), and can execute various programs stored in nonvolatile memory 20c to control various components of terminal 20.

[0046] The communication unit 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The terminal 20 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 20b. In addition, the communication unit 20b includes an interface for communicating with various removable memories installed in the terminal 20.

[0047] The non-volatile memory 20c of the terminal 20 stores a manuscript file 10c1 representing a case. The manuscript file 10c1 can be stored in the non-volatile memory 20c in any manner. For example, the manuscript file 10c1 prepared by a client who has commissioned the production of a finished product can be stored in a removable memory and transferred from the removable memory to the non-volatile memory 20c via the communication unit 20b. Alternatively, the manuscript file 10c1 can be obtained from an external device via a network. Furthermore, a user can create the manuscript file 10c1 using an application or the like on the terminal 20 and store it in the non-volatile memory 20c. Of course, the user can also edit the manuscript created by the client and store it as the manuscript file 10c1 in the non-volatile memory 20c. When entering a case, the user identifies the case based on the file name of the manuscript file 10c1 stored in the non-volatile memory 20c. When a job is input, the manuscript file 10c1 is transferred to the server 10. Alternatively, these files may be temporarily stored in the volatile memory of the terminal 20, transferred to the server 10, and stored permanently in the nonvolatile memory 10c of the server 10.

[0048] The display 20d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 20e is a device for the user to perform input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. Regardless of the method used, the user can operate the input unit 20e to input the user's intention while visually confirming the images and text displayed on the display 20d. In this embodiment, the user uses the display 20d and input unit 20e of the terminal 20 as a user interface to input the above-mentioned setting information. In addition, the processor 20a displays the process management screen described later on the display 20d so that the user can visually confirm it. In this case, the processor 20a functions as the display unit 20a3. The process management screen includes the automatic transfer process and the manual transfer process described later in a recognizable manner. In order to display the process management screen, the processor 20a obtains the progress of the automatic transfer process from the printer 30 via the server 10. In this case, the processor 20a functions as the first acquisition unit 20a1. Furthermore, when the manual transfer process is completed, the user uses the input unit 20e to input content indicating that the process is completed. In this case, the processor 20a functions as the second acquisition unit 20a2.

[0049] (1-3) Printer structure:

[0050] Figure 4This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 30. The printer 30 includes a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, a non-volatile memory 30c, a printing unit 30d, and a UI unit 30e. The processor 30a includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown), and can execute various programs stored in the non-volatile memory 30c to control various components of the printer 30.

[0051] The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices using various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printer 30 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 30b. The communication unit 30b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable storage devices installed in the printer 30.

[0052] The printing unit 30d performs printing and can employ various printing methods, such as inkjet and electrophotography. The printing unit 30d includes actuators, various devices, sensors, drive circuits, and mechanical components for printing on various media. Sensors include sensors that detect various variable detection targets within the printer 30. While the detection targets are not limited, examples include sensors that detect the remaining amount of media and sensors that detect the remaining amount of each color of ink used in printing.

[0053] The UI unit 30e includes a touchscreen display, various buttons, and switches. The touchscreen display includes a display panel that displays various information, such as the printer 30 status and the remaining ink level, and a touch detection panel superimposed on the display panel to detect touch operations performed by a finger or the like. The processor 30a can obtain user operations via the UI unit 30e. Furthermore, the processor 30a can display various information on the UI unit 30e display to inform the user.

[0054] In this embodiment, multiple printers 30 are installed within a facility owned by a printing business operator, enabling printing of various projects in parallel in response to multiple requests from multiple clients. The server 10 associates the processing order of each project's print jobs with each of the multiple printers 30. The server 10 then issues a command to the printer 30 to start printing the projects, following the processing order. The server 10 then performs various image processing on the original document 10c1 to be printed and outputs print data indicating the content to be printed to the printer 30 via the communication unit 10b. The processor 30a of the printer 30 receives this print data via the communication unit 30b and controls the printing unit 30d based on this print data to perform printing. When printing is complete, the processor 30a outputs a message indicating the completion of printing to the server 10 via the communication unit 30b. Upon receiving this message via the communication unit 10b, the server 10 identifies the project in the next processing order after the project whose printing has been completed and issues a command to start printing for that project.

[0055] (2) Process management:

[0056] As described above, in the production system 1 according to this embodiment, when there are multiple cases where a finished product is produced through multiple processes, multiple devices operate in parallel. Therefore, in this embodiment, a user-friendly list is displayed to facilitate understanding of the production status in the production system 1.

[0057] In this embodiment, the server 10 and terminal 20 work together to display information related to process management. The processor 20a of the terminal 20 controls the display 20d to display a predetermined reception screen and receives user input based on information output from the input unit 20e. The user-entered information includes items such as the project name, delivery date, number of copies, target process, and print settings.

[0058] The information input by the user is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication unit 20b. When the processor 10a of the server 10 obtains the transmitted information, the processor 10a records the information in the nonvolatile memory 10c.

[0059] When transmitting this information, the processor 20a transmits the document file 10c1 indicated by the input information, i.e., the document file 10c1 specified by the case name, to the server 10. The processor 10a of the server 10 obtains the document file 10c1 via the communication unit 10b and stores it in the nonvolatile memory 10c. The file name of the document file 10c1 is recorded in the file information 10c3.

[0060] By adopting the above method, when the server 10 receives information related to a case from the terminal 20, the processor 10a associates the first of the multiple processes for producing printed materials as the currently executed process for the case. In the production system 1 according to this embodiment, a process management screen that displays the progress of the processes of multiple cases at a glance can be presented to the user.

[0061] (2-1) Process management screen:

[0062] Figure 5 This figure shows an example of a process management screen. In the process management screen of this embodiment, cases are displayed in a manner of being arranged vertically. In addition, a case information section 100 showing information related to the case and a chart section 200 showing the progress of the case are displayed horizontally. That is, in the process management screen, information on the same case is arranged horizontally, and information on different cases is arranged vertically. In the case information section 100, the case name, delivery date, file name, number of copies, and memo are displayed for each case. In the chart section 200, a list of multiple processes is arranged in the order of execution. In this embodiment, the processes are arranged in the order of execution so that the processes closer to the right are later.

[0063] In this embodiment, the envisioned processes are 11 processes, namely "Before Start", "To Be Corrected", "To Be Set", "Color Matching", "To Be Printed", "Printing", "Printing Completed", "Laminating (Laminating)", "Paneling", "Punching", and "Completion", and these processes are shown in the chart section 200. "Before Start" corresponds to the starting process of these processes. Rectangular areas representing these processes for each case are allocated. In the area corresponding to the process being executed, an execution icon (I 21 , I 22 , I 23 , I 24 Execution Icon I 21 , I 22 , I 23 , I 24 The circular figure included in is equivalent to the first figure.

[0064] A progress bar (C1, C2, C3, C4, etc.) is displayed, extending from the area of ​​the starting process (the "before" process in this embodiment), which is the first process among all processes, to the area of ​​the currently executing process. In each case, as the process advances, the progress bar extends to the right from the starting process. The left end of the progress bar connects to the left end of the rectangle corresponding to the starting process, and the right end of the progress bar connects to an icon such as the "in progress" icon displayed for the currently executing process or the error icon described later.

[0065] The thickness of the progress bar is thinner than the vertical length of the area corresponding to the process. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the background of the area where the progress bar is displayed. The process corresponding to the area through which the progress bar passes represents the process corresponding to the area to the left of the area displaying the "In Progress" icon, and is a completed process, excluding the non-executable processes described later. Furthermore, the process corresponding to the area not passed through by the progress bar represents the process corresponding to the area to the right of the area displaying the "In Progress" icon, and is a pending process, excluding the non-executable processes described later.

[0066] In this embodiment, a process that is not to be executed is indicated by displaying a slash in the area of ​​the process. Figure 5 In the example shown, a slash is displayed in the area of ​​the "color matching" process of Cases A, B, C, E, and G, indicating that the process is not executed in the production process of these cases. In addition, although in this embodiment, when a process that is later than the process that is not to be executed (the process displayed with a slash) is being executed, the progress bar is also displayed in the area of ​​the process that is not to be executed, but since the slash in the area of ​​the process that is not to be executed can be visually confirmed even when the progress bar is displayed, the user can recognize that the process is not to be executed. In this way, in this embodiment, since there are processes with slashes and processes without slashes in the area, the processes that are not to be executed and the processes that are to be executed are distinguished, thereby allowing the user to recognize whether the process set as the target is to be executed by the presence or absence of the slash.

[0067] In this embodiment, the processes are divided into three process groups 210, 220, and 230. Figure 5 In the example shown, the "before start" process and the "to be corrected" process belong to process group 210, the processes from "to be set" to "printing" belong to process group 220, and the processes from "printing completed" to "completed" belong to process group 230.

[0068] "Before" and "To be corrected" belonging to process group 210 are equivalent to the pre-processing process of the process (process group 220) executed in a manner coordinated with the printer 30. "Before" and "To be corrected" are manual transfer processes that are manually transferred to the next process based on the operation of advancing the process performed by the user. In addition, in this example, the process interval from the "Before" process to the "To be corrected" process is also called the manual transfer interval. In this embodiment, the operation of advancing the process performed by the user is to manually transfer to the next process. Figure 5 When the processor 20a of the terminal 20 detects this operation, it functions as the second acquisition unit 20a2.

[0069] The "Before" process is a process that indicates that the case has been registered and is Figure 5 The starting process of all processes in the example shown. When the user performs correction of the manuscript file 10c1 corresponding to the case, he operates the mouse of the terminal 20 to click on the area of ​​the next "to be corrected" process. When it is detected that the area of ​​the "to be corrected" process is clicked in the case where the process being executed is "before starting", the processor 20a sends information indicating that the process being executed is transferred from "before starting" to "to be corrected" to the server 10, and moves the execution icon of the case of the object from the "before starting" area to the "to be corrected" area. Based on the information sent from the terminal 20, the server 10 transfers the process being executed for the case of the object from "before starting" to "to be corrected". Specifically, the processor 10a uses the value indicating "to be corrected" to set the "process management ID in execution" stored in the file information 10c3 (refer to Figure 7 ) to update the process.

[0070] When the user completes the calibration work, they click the next "To Be Configured" process area. When the processor 20a detects that the next "To Be Configured" process area has been clicked in a case where the currently executing process is "To Be Calibrated," it sends information to the server 10 indicating that the currently executing process has been transferred from "To Be Calibrated" to "To Be Configured." The processor 20a then moves the currently executing process icon for the target case from the "To Be Calibrated" area to the "To Be Configured" area. Based on the information sent from the terminal 20, the server 10 transfers the currently executing process for the target case from "To Be Calibrated" to "To Be Configured."

[0071] In this embodiment, the four processes from "To be set" to "Printing" are automatically transferred processes that are executed in a coordinated manner with the printer 30 and automatically transferred to the next process when the execution of the process is completed. That is, the processor 10a obtains the progress of the process based on the information sent from the printer 30, and when the information sent from the printer 30 is information indicating that the execution of the process is completed, the process is automatically transferred to the next process of the completed process. The processor 10a sends information (display data) to the terminal 20 indicating that the process has been transferred based on the information sent from the printer 30. When the processor 20a of the terminal 20 obtains this information (the first acquisition unit 10a1), the process being executed is transferred to the next process and the process management screen is updated. In addition, the process interval from the "To be set" process to the "Printing" process is also called the system coordination interval.

[0072] The "Waiting for Setting" process is a process that waits for the completion of the user's printing condition setting operation. The user operates the UI of the terminal 20 or printer 30 to set the printing conditions for the target case. When the processor 10a detects that the setting has been completed, it transfers the currently executing process to the next "Color Matching" process. The processor 10a sends information to the terminal 20 indicating that the currently executing process for the target case has been transferred to the "Color Matching" process. Based on this information, the processor 20a of the terminal 20 moves the executing icon for the target case to the "Color Matching" process area. The "Color Matching" process is a process that prints a color matching pattern, measures the color of the printed result, and adjusts the color conversion LUT, etc., when using specialty inks. The processor 10a obtains the color measurement results obtained by the colorimeter and, if it determines based on the color measurement results that the color requested by the client can be reproduced, transfers the process to the next "Waiting for Printing" process.

[0073] The "Waiting to Print" process is a process that waits until printing starts. Specifically, the printer 30 assigned a print job for a target job waits until the job is ready to start printing. For example, if multiple print jobs are assigned to a single printer and the printing of the first print job is not completed, the jobs corresponding to the second and subsequent print jobs in the print order enter the "Waiting to Print" process. When the print job for the target job is assigned to the first job in the print order, the job is ready to start. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which the printer is deemed ready to start if the user inputs a print job start instruction after performing preparatory steps on the printer, such as replacing the media. Regardless of the method employed, upon receiving information indicating that the job is ready to start printing from the printer 30, the processor 10a transitions the currently executing process to the next "Print" process and, in conjunction with this, moves the currently executing icon on the terminal 20 to the "Print" process. Furthermore, the printers 30 that perform the color matching process and the printers 30 that perform the printing process are assigned based on the printing conditions of the target job, such as by selecting the printer 30 that can print the target job and, for example, the printer 30 with the shortest standby time before printing can begin. Alternatively, the assignment can be implemented so that printing of a single job is distributed among multiple printers 30.

[0074] The "Print" step is the step for printing the manuscript document 10c1 of the target case. When the processor 10a receives information from the printer 30 indicating that printing of the manuscript document 10c1 is complete, it automatically shifts the currently executing step to the next "Print Complete" step and, in conjunction with this, also moves the currently executing icon on the terminal 20 to the "Print Complete" step.

[0075] The five processes from "Print Complete" to "Complete" in process group 230 are post-processing processes (process group 220) executed in conjunction with printer 30. These processes are manually transferred to the next process based on a user's operation to advance the process. In this example, the process section from "Print Complete" to "Complete" is also referred to as the manual transfer section.

[0076] The "printing completed" process is the destination process that is automatically transferred when the printing process of the manuscript file 10c1 corresponding to the case is completed. When the process of laminating the printed medium is the execution object in the target case, the user clicks the area of ​​the "laminating" process. When it is detected that the area of ​​the next "laminating" process is clicked in the case where the process being executed is "printing completed", the processor 20a sends information to the server 10 indicating that the process being executed has been transferred from "printing completed" to "laminating", and moves the executing icon of the target case from the "printing completed" area to the "laminating" area. Later, similarly, when the operation of the process is completed, the user performs an operation to move the executing icon to the next process, thereby moving the executing icon to the next process through this operation. In addition, the executing process of the target case is also updated in the server 10. When the last "punching" process is completed, when the user performs an operation to move the executing icon to the next process in the next "completion" process, the executing icon is also moved to the "completion" process through this operation. In addition, the executing process of the object case is also updated in the server 10.

[0077] Figure 5 The executing icon I 21 This is an icon displayed in the "Completed" process area for a case where all the processes to be executed have been completed. 21 The check mark is displayed inside a circular shape, and the color inside the circular shape is different from the color of the in-progress icons other than the "Completed" process. Therefore, the color of the in-progress icon and the shape of the icon inside the circle make it easy for users to distinguish between completed and incomplete processes in the case.

[0078] In addition, when the printing process is being executed, as shown in the executing icon I 23 As shown, a frame is displayed that emphasizes the outline of the circular graphic (first graphic) indicating that the process is being executed. Therefore, when the "printing" process is being executed, it is easy to understand that the progress of the object case is the "printing" process. In addition, when the printing process is being executed, the expected completion time of the printing process is displayed in a predetermined display area corresponding to the icon being executed. In this embodiment, the predetermined display area is set to the process side that is later than the icon being executed in the same row as the case in which the process being executed is the printing process. A dialog box (for example, T 23), and the expected printing completion time is displayed in the dialog box. In this way, by displaying the expected printing completion time in the display area corresponding to the executing icon in the area of ​​the printing process, it is easy for the user to notice the expected completion time of the printing process. In addition, since the display area of ​​the expected completion time is displayed on the side of the process after the area of ​​the printing process being executed, the display of the expected completion time does not cause the icons or progress bars of other cases to be hidden, and the progress bar of the target case does not become hidden. In addition, the expected printing expected time may be configured as follows: in the case where the printing process is being executed, the executing icon of the printing process is displayed when the mouse moves over it, and is not displayed in other cases.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the background of odd-numbered rows is gray, and the background of even-numbered rows is white. By using different background colors for even-numbered and odd-numbered rows in this way, users can easily identify the case information section 100 and the chart section 200 for the same case by establishing a correspondence. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in rows with gray backgrounds (odd-numbered rows), the background colors of the areas for automatically transferred processes (system coordination sections, process group 220) and the areas for manually transferred processes (manual transfer sections, process groups 210 and 230) are different. The background color of the system coordination sections is a gray with a lower brightness than the background color of the manual transfer sections. By using different background colors for the areas for automatically transferred processes and the areas for manually transferred processes in this way, users can easily distinguish and recognize the areas for automatically transferred processes (system coordination sections, process group 220) and the areas for manually transferred processes (manual transfer sections, process groups 210 and 230). Alternatively, the background colors of even-numbered and odd-numbered rows may be different, and the background colors of the automatic transfer process area and the manual transfer process area in the even-numbered rows may be different. In this manner, the processor 20a (display unit 20a3) of the terminal 20 displays the automatic transfer process and the manual transfer process in a distinguishable manner, thereby allowing the user to easily distinguish between the automatic transfer process and the manual transfer process in the process list.

[0080] Furthermore, if the process being executed is a manual transfer process, the progress bar extending from the area of ​​the starting process to the area of ​​the process being executed will be filled in (for example, C1, C2, C4). In addition, if the process being executed is an automatic transfer process, the progress bar will be shaded (for example, C3). By adopting this method, it is easier for the user to recognize whether the process being executed is an automatic transfer process or a manual transfer process. In addition, it can also be displayed like Figure 5 As in the case of Case A, the progress bar for a case whose processes have been completed is displayed in a different color from the progress bar for a case that has not yet reached the completion stage (for example, the former is achromatic gray, while the latter is colored). This configuration makes it easier for users to distinguish between cases whose processes have been completed and those that have not yet reached the completion stage.

[0081] If an error occurs in a process being executed, a graphic indicating the error is displayed in the area of ​​the process being executed. The processor 10a identifies the case and process in which the error occurred based on the information sent from the printer 30. Figure 5 The icon shown is I 25 An example of an error icon displayed when an error occurs in the printing process is shown. 26 An example of an error icon indicating an error in the color matching process is shown. In this way, the display form of the error icon can be made different depending on the content of the error and the content of the process in which the error occurred. In the case where an error occurs in a process that is being executed, a progress bar extending from the area of ​​the starting process to the area of ​​the process in which the error occurred is also displayed. Since the error icon can be displayed 25 , I 26 The progress bar will be shaded because it is an automatic transfer process.

[0082] Furthermore, if an event that requires notification to the user occurs during an ongoing process, a graphic indicating the presence of notification information is displayed within the area of ​​the ongoing process. The processor 10a identifies the case and process for which notification information is required based on information transmitted from the printer 30. Figure 5 Icon I 27 An example of an icon indicating the presence of notification information is shown. When notification information is present in a process being executed, a progress bar extending from the area of ​​the starting process to the area of ​​the process where the notification information is present is also displayed. 27 The progress bar will be shaded because it is an automatic transfer process.

[0083] The details of the process list information 10c4, the file information 10c3, and the printer information 10c5 referred to in order to display the process management screen as described above will be described in order. Figure 6 This figure shows an example of process list information 10c4. In the process list information 10c4, multiple processes for producing printed materials are defined. In the process list information 10c4, each process is recorded in the order of display (execution order). A "process management ID" is assigned to each process. The "process name" of the process indicated by the process management ID is recorded in a manner that establishes a corresponding relationship with the process management ID. The "process name" is in Figure 5 It is used when displaying the name of each process in the graph portion 200 .

[0084] Each process belongs to any process group. The process group is identified by the "process group name". For example, in this example, the "before starting" process with the process management ID A1 belongs to the process group AA, the "printing" process with the process management ID B4 belongs to the process group BB, and the "laminating" process (laminating process) with the process management ID C2 belongs to the process group CC. In addition, the value of the "inter-system collaboration flag" is recorded for each process group. When the inter-system collaboration flag is a value indicating on (ON), it indicates that the group is a process group consisting of automatically transferred processes that are automatically transferred to the next process based on the information sent from the printer 30. When the inter-system collaboration flag is a value indicating off (OFF), it indicates that the group is a process group consisting of manually transferred processes that are manually transferred to the next process based on the operation of advancing the process performed by the user.

[0085] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of file information 10c3. The file information 10c3 records "Project Name", "File Name", "Delivery Date", "Number of Copies", "Memo Column", "Process Management ID in Execution" and "Process Setting Information List" for each file. "File Name" is the name of the file registered by the user as the object of process management, and "Delivery Date", "Number of Copies" and "Memo Column" record the information set by the user. In "Delivery Date", the delivery date and time are recorded. In "Number of Copies", the number of copies to be delivered is recorded. The "Memo Column" records work instructions and supplementary information, and is flexibly used in a way that makes it easy for the user to identify what kind of file the object is in the process management screen. "Project Name", "File Name", "Delivery Date", "Number of Copies" and "Memo Column" are generated. Figure 5 It is referred to when displaying data in the matter information section 100 of the process management screen.

[0086] The "Process Management ID in Execution" records the process management ID of the currently executing process among the processes being executed for the target case. The process management ID uses the process management ID defined in the process list information 10c4. If the currently executing process is an automatically transferred process, upon receiving information from the printer 30 indicating that the currently executing process has been completed, the processor 10a updates the "Process Management ID in Execution" with the process management ID of the next process whose invalidation flag is not "on." The invalidation flag will be described later. If the currently executing process is a manually transferred process, the processor 10a updates the "Process Management ID in Execution" based on an operation performed by the user to advance the process. That is, when the terminal 20 detects an operation performed by the user to advance the process, the terminal 20 notifies the server 10 of the destination process the user wishes to advance, and the processor 10a of the server 10 determines whether the destination process the user wishes to advance to is a process that can be transferred to the next step through this operation. When determining that the destination process that the user wants to advance is a process that can be transferred to the next step by this operation, the processor 10a sets the process management ID of the destination process that the user wants to advance to the “process management ID in execution”.

[0087] The "Process Setting Information List" records the "Process Management ID", "Invalidation Flag" and "Task Information List" for each process of the printed material used to produce the target case. The invalidation flag records the value indicating whether the target process is to be executed for the production of the target document. Figure 7 In the example, for the manuscript file 10c1 "aaa.pdf", the invalidation flag of the process with the process management ID "B2" is on, and the invalidation flags of the other processes are off. In this case, it means that in the production process of the printed material with the manuscript file 10c1 "aaa.pdf" as the object, the color matching process with the process management ID "B2" (see Figure 6 ) is a non-executable object.

[0088] The "task information list" records information related to tasks currently being executed in the target process. In the "task information list," for the process executing the task when the print task is currently being executed, the "print task ID," "serial number," "print settings," "number of copies," and "estimated print completion time" are recorded. The "print task ID" is an identifier for identifying the print task. The "serial number" is the serial number of the printer 30 used for the target print task. The "print settings" are the print setting information used for the target print task. The "number of copies" is the number of copies printed in the target print task. The "estimated print completion time" is the time when the target print task is expected to be completed. The processor 10a obtains the time required for the print task to be executed by the printer 30 for the target case. Specifically, for example, the processor 10a calculates the time required for each page based on printing conditions (such as the size of the media or the print quality), adds this required time to the number of pages per copy, and further adds the added required time to the number of copies, thereby obtaining the required time for the print task. The processor 10a calculates the expected printing completion time of the target printing job by adding the required time of the printing job to the current time. Figure 5 The process management screen shown is used to display the expected completion time of the printing process. The expected completion time can be calculated and updated periodically. Alternatively, the expected completion time can be calculated and updated when the user loads the process management screen. The expected print completion time is recorded in file information 10c3 when a print job is being executed and the expected print completion time for that print job has been calculated. When a print job is completed, the print job ID, serial number, print settings, number of copies, and expected print completion time are deleted from file information 10c3.

[0089] If there are multiple tasks being executed in the target process, "print job ID", "serial number", "print setting", "number of copies", and "print completion estimated time" are recorded for each task. Figure 7 In the example of FIG. 1 , the process (printing process, reference process) of “B4” currently being executed for the manuscript file 10c1 of “eee.pdf” is shown. Figure 6 ) has two jobs with "print job ID" "JOB001" and "JOB002". Figure 5 In the display of the expected completion time in the process management screen shown, the latest time among the expected printing completion times of the plurality of printing jobs is used. Figure 7In the example, the later of "17:00" and "17:15" is used as the time. Figure 5 The estimated printing completion time of the printing process of the displayed "eee.pdf" is displayed.

[0090] Figure 8 This figure shows an example of printer information 10c5. The printer information 10c5 records the current status of each printer 30 used in the production system 1. The printer information 10c5 records the "Printer Name," "Model Name," "Serial Number," "Status," "Error Information," and "Notification Information" for each printer 30. The "Printer Name" is the name of the printer 30 in question. The "Model Name" is the model name of the printer 30 in question. The "Serial Number" is the serial number used to identify the printer 30 in question.

[0091] "Status" indicates the current status of the target printer 30. When the status changes, it records states such as "Printing" or "Error Occurring" based on status information sent from the printer 30. "Error Information" indicates the details of the error currently occurring in the target printer 30. In this embodiment, the appearance of the error icon varies depending on the error. When an error occurs in the printer 30, the printer 30 notifies the server 10 of the "Error Occurring" status information and information indicating the error. When the processor 10a of the server 10 receives this information, it records the error code indicating the error in the "Error Information" of the printer 30. Furthermore, when the processor 10a receives a notification from the printer 30 indicating that the error has been resolved, it discards the error code recorded in the "Error Information." "Notification Information" indicates the details of the notification currently occurring in the target printer 30. When the processor 10a receives notification of notification information from the printer 30, it records the details of the notification in the "Notification Information" of the printer 30.

[0092] (3) Display screen generation processing:

[0093] Next, the process list information 10c4, the file information 10c3 and the printer information 10c5 are generated. Figure 5 The following describes the process of the process management screen shown in Figure 5The process of updating the entire process management screen shown is executed when a request to display the process management screen (or an update request) is received from the terminal 20, when the status of any printer 30 changes, or when a certain amount of time has passed since the previous screen update. During the process of updating the entire process management screen, the processor 10a generates display data for displaying the names of each item in the project information section 100 (project name, delivery date, file name, etc.) and display data for displaying the names of each item in the chart section 200 (item names such as "Before Start" and "To Be Corrected").

[0094] First, the process of generating display data for displaying each item in the case information section 100 will be described. The processor 10a refers to the file information 10c3 and, for each case recorded in the file information 10c3, generates display data for displaying information corresponding to the case name, delivery date, file name, number of copies, and memo in the rectangular areas provided for displaying these information (areas provided below each item in the case information section 100). Next, the process of generating display data for displaying each item in the chart section 200 will be described. For each case in the chart section 200, the processor 10a generates display data for displaying a number of rectangular areas corresponding to the number of steps. In this embodiment, the display data is generated in both the case information section 100 and the chart section 200 so that the background color of odd-numbered rows is gray and the background color of even-numbered rows is white. Furthermore, the display data is generated so that the areas for automatically transferred steps in the odd-numbered rows of the chart section 200 are dark gray and the areas for manually transferred steps are light gray.

[0095] Furthermore, the processor 10a executes the following process for each case in order to generate display data for displaying the graph section 200 in each case: Figure 9 Specifically, the display screen generation process shown in Figure 7 The case A, case B, etc. recorded in the file information 10c3 shown in FIG. Figure 9 When the display screen generation process is started for a case to be processed, the processor 10a executes the process of steps S100 to S110 for one process in the process setting information list of the case (file) to be processed. The process of steps S100 to S110 is repeated for all processes in the process setting information list. For example, when executing the process of step A Figure 9In the case of processing, steps S100 to S110 are repeated 11 times for elements A1 to C5 of the process setting information list of case A. In step S100, the processor 10a determines whether a disable flag is set for the process being processed. If a disable flag is set for the process being processed, the processor 10a generates display data for displaying the background of the process being processed as a diagonal line indicating a non-execution target process (step S105).

[0096] If it is determined in step S110 that all the processing of the process setting information list has been completed, the processor 10a obtains the process group including the process management ID being executed from the process list information (step S115). That is, the processor 10a obtains the file information 10c3 of the case to be processed (see Figure 7 ) in the "process management ID in execution". Then, the processor 10a refers to the process list information 10c4 (refer to Figure 6 ) to determine the process group to which the process management ID belongs.

[0097] Next, the processor 10a determines whether the determined process group is a system cooperation section (step S120). That is, the processor 10a determines whether the determined process group is a system cooperation section (step S120). Figure 6 ) refers to the inter-system collaboration flag of the process group to which the process indicated by the process management ID being executed belongs to determine whether the inter-system collaboration flag is a value indicating system collaboration.

[0098] If it is not determined to be a system cooperation section in step S120, the processor 10a displays a circular graphic (first graphic) in the area of ​​the process being executed, and displays a progress bar (filled) extending from the starting process to the area of ​​the process being executed (step S125). Figure 5 In the case of display data showing the execution icon of Case A and the progress bar filled with data. In addition, when the process being executed is a "completed" process, display data is generated for displaying an icon with a check mark inside a circular graphic. For Cases B, C, K, and L, the progress bar is filled with data. Figure 9 In step S125 of the display screen generation process, display data for displaying the execution icon and the filled progress bar is generated.

[0099] If it is determined in step S120 that the system cooperation section is in progress, the processor 10a executes the processes from step S130 to S180 for one process in the process setting information list of the case to be processed. The processes from step S130 to S180 are repeated for all processes in the process setting information list. For example, when executing the process from step S130 to S180 for case A, Figure 9 In the case of the processing of , the processing of steps S130 to S180 is repeated a total of 11 times for elements A1 to C5 of the process setting information list of case A.

[0100] In step S130, the processor 10a determines whether the task information list has the task ID. Figure 7 If it is not determined in step S130 that the print job ID corresponds to the process to be processed, the processor 10a considers that the process to be processed is not a process being executed and proceeds to step S180.

[0101] If it is determined in step S130 that a correspondence is established between the print job ID and the process to be processed, the processor 10a repeatedly performs the processing of steps S135 to S175 for the number of task IDs. If the process being executed is executed in one print job, the processing of steps S135 to S175 is executed once for the print job. If the process being executed is divided into multiple tasks and executed, the processing of steps S135 to S175 is executed a number of times corresponding to the number of tasks. For example, Figure 7 In the step B4, since the two task IDs are associated with each other, in this case, the processing from S135 to S175 is repeated twice.

[0102] In step S135, the processor 10a obtains the printer information that matches the serial number corresponding to the job ID of the processing target (step S135). That is, the processor 10a determines the serial number corresponding to the print job of the processing target and prints it in the printer information 10c5 (refer to Figure 8 ) to determine the printer that matches the serial number. Specifically, for example, Figure 7 When JOB001 in B4 is the task ID of the processing target, the processor 10a identifies the serial number of the printer that executes the task JOB001. Then, the processor 10a prints the printer information of the identified serial number (see Figure 8 ) to confirm.

[0103] Next, the processor 10a determines whether the printer information contains error information (step S140). Figure 8 ) refers to the error information in the printer determined in step S135 to determine whether a correspondence is established with the error information. If it is determined in step S140 that error information is included, the processor 10a generates display data for displaying an error icon (step S145) and proceeds to step S175. That is, the processor 10a generates display data for displaying an error icon ( Figure 5 For example, I 25 , I 26 An error icon having a form corresponding to the content of the error information recorded in the printer information 10c5 (eg, the type of error) may be used.

[0104] If it is determined in step S140 that the error information is not included, the processor 10a determines whether the printer information contains notification information (step S150). That is, the processor 10a determines whether the printer information contains notification information in the printer information 10c5 (refer to Figure 8 ) refers to the notification information in the printer determined in step S135 to determine whether a correspondence is established with the notification information. If it is determined in step S150 that the notification information is included, the processor 10a generates display data for displaying an icon for notification (step S155), and proceeds to step S175. That is, the processor 10a generates display data for displaying a notification icon ( Figure 5 I 27 ) display data.

[0105] If it is determined in step S150 that the notification information is not included, the processor 10a generates display data for displaying a circular graphic (first graphic) in the area of ​​the process to be processed (step S160). In addition, if the process to be processed is a printing process, the processor 10a displays a frame ( Figure 5 I 23 ).

[0106] Next, the processor 10a determines whether the task information contains an expected print completion time (step S165). Specifically, it determines whether the expected print completion time of the task being processed, as listed in the file information 10c3, contains a time. If it is determined in step S165 that the expected print completion time is included, the processor 10a generates display data for displaying the expected print completion time (step S170) and proceeds to step S175. Furthermore, in step S170, if the same process is executed as multiple tasks, the processor 10a uses the latest expected completion time of the multiple tasks as the time displayed in step S170.

[0107] In step S175, the processor 10a determines whether processing of all task IDs has been completed. If not, the process returns to step S135. If it is determined in step S175 that processing of all task IDs has been completed, the processor 10a determines whether processing of all process setting information lists has been completed (step S180). If it is not determined in step S180 that processing of all process setting information lists has been completed, the processor 10a repeats the process from step S135 on one of the unprocessed processes. If it is determined in step S180 that processing of all process setting information lists has been completed, the processor 10a generates display data for displaying a progress bar (shading) extending from the starting process to the currently executing process (step S185).

[0108] The processor 10a repeatedly performs the number of cases recorded in the file information 10c3. Figure 9 By performing the display screen generation process, it is possible to generate display data of the progress chart of each case of the chart unit 200. By adopting the above method, when generating the display data for display Figure 5 When the processor 10a obtains the display data of the entire process management screen, the processor 10a sends the display data to the terminal 20. When the processor 20a of the terminal 20 obtains the display data (first obtaining unit 20a1, second obtaining unit 20a2), it causes the display 20d to display the process management screen based on the display data (display unit 20a3).

[0109] (4) Manual transfer processing:

[0110] The following describes a user assistance display when the user operates the mouse to advance the process while the process management screen is displayed on the display 20 d of the terminal 20 in the above manner. Figure 10 A flowchart showing the manual transfer process. Figure 10The manual transfer process is executed by the processor 20a (second acquisition unit 20a2, display unit 20a3) of the terminal 20 when the mouse pointer is positioned at any position in the area of ​​each process in the graph unit 200 while the process management screen is displayed. When the manual transfer process starts, the processor 20a determines whether the mouse pointer has been clicked (step S200).

[0111] If the mouse is not clicked in step S200, that is, if the mouse is not clicked, the processor 20a determines whether the mouse pointer is in an area where the process can be manually transferred to the next step (step S205). Specifically, the processor 20a identifies the rectangular area corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer and identifies the case and process corresponding to the rectangular area. The processor 20a transmits the case and process corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer to the server 10. The processor 10a of the server 10 refers to the file information 10c3 and identifies the process management ID of the process being executed for the case. Based on the process list information 10c4, the processor 10a determines whether the currently executing process is a manually transferred process. If the currently executing process is a manually transferred process, the processor 10a identifies the process that follows the currently executing process, excluding processes not subject to execution, based on the file information 10c3. The processor 10a notifies the terminal 20 that the process that follows the currently executing process, excluding processes not subject to execution, is a process that can be manually transferred to the next step. Based on this notification, the processor 20 a of the terminal 20 determines whether the position of the mouse pointer is in an area corresponding to a step that can be transferred to the next step by manual operation.

[0112] If it is determined in step S205 that the mouse pointer is located in an area of ​​a process that can be manually transferred to the next step, the processor 20a displays a transparent graphic in the area where the mouse pointer has moved (step S210). Specifically, the processor 20a displays a transparent graphic that has the same shape as the currently displayed in-progress icon for the currently executed process and that is transparent to the background at the location of the mouse pointer. Figure 11 Icon I 28 An example of a transparent graphic displayed when the mouse passes over an area of ​​a process that can be transferred to the next step by manual operation is shown. Figure 11In the example, since the currently executing process is the immediately preceding manually transferred process in the system collaboration section, and the mouse pointer is located at the first process to be executed in the system collaboration section, the server 10 determines that the process being passed over by the mouse is a process that can be manually transferred to the next step. Other processes are not determined to be processes that can be manually transferred to the next step. Thus, by displaying an icon with the same shape and lighter color as the currently executing icon (overlaying the currently executing icon) when the mouse pointer is located in the area of ​​a process that can be manually transferred to the next step, the user can be aware that the mouse pointer is located at a location that can be manually transferred to the next step.

[0113] If it is determined in step S205 that the mouse pointer is not in the area of ​​the process that can be manually transferred to the next step, the processor 20a displays a second graphic at the position of the mouse pointer (step S215). The second graphic is a form for allowing the user to understand that the mouse pointer is in the area of ​​a process other than the process that can be manually transferred to the next step. Figure 12 The icon shown is I 29 , I 30 An example of a second graphic is shown. By displaying the second graphic in conjunction with the position of the mouse pointer, the user can be made aware that manual transfer is not possible in the process corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer. After executing step S210 or step S215, the processor 20a returns to step S200.

[0114] If the click position is not determined to be clicked in step S200, the processor 20a determines whether the click position is an area where the process can be transferred to the next step manually (step S220). In other words, the processor 20a performs the same determination as in step S205 on the click position.

[0115] If it is determined in step S220 that the clicked location is in an area where the process can be manually transferred to the next step, the processor 20a transfers the currently executed process to the process corresponding to the area containing the clicked location (step S225). That is, the processor 20a notifies the server 10 that the area where the process can be manually transferred to the next step has been clicked. Upon receiving this notification, the processor 10a of the server 10 updates the management ID of the currently executed process for the case in the file information 10c3. In addition, the processor 20a of the terminal 20 moves the executing icon to the area of ​​the process to be transferred to and displays it. That is, the executing icon displayed in the area of ​​the process before the transfer is hidden, and the executing icon is displayed in the area of ​​the process after the transfer. In addition, a progress bar extending from the starting process to the process after the transfer is displayed. If the process after the transfer is an automatically transferred process, the progress bar is displayed with a shaded shadow, while if the process after the transfer is a manually transferred process, the progress bar is displayed with a full fill.

[0116] If it is not determined in step S220 that the clicked position is in an area where the process can be transferred to the next step by manual operation, or after executing step S225 , the processor 20 a returns to the process of step 200 .

[0117] (5) Other implementation methods:

[0118] The above embodiment is an example for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can be adopted. For example, although in the above embodiment, the server 10 and the terminal 20 are composed of different devices, they can also be the same device, or they can be distributed among three or more devices. Figure 9 The illustrated process can also be executed on the terminal 20 side. Specifically, the server 10 can provide the terminal 20 with the latest file information 10c3, process list information 10c4, and printer information 10c5, and the processor 20a of the terminal 20 can execute the display screen generation process based on this information. Furthermore, the manual transfer process can also be executed on the server 10 after obtaining the user's operation details or pointer position on the terminal 20.

[0119] The display unit only needs to display the automatic transfer section and the manual transfer section in a distinguishable manner. For example, the color of the displayed text or the shape of the displayed icon may be different between the automatic transfer section and the manual transfer section.

[0120] The operation of advancing the process by the user can be performed using, for example, a touch panel or other various input devices other than a mouse. The operation corresponding to the mouse pass or the operation corresponding to the click can be appropriately designed according to the input device.

[0121] A process that cannot be transferred to the next step by an operation performed by the user to advance the process to the next step also corresponds to a process defined as follows. Consider the following situation, that is, after the first manual transfer process, there is an automatic transfer process, and after the automatic transfer process, there is a second manual transfer process. In this case, it is considered that when the first graphic (executing icon) indicating that it is being executed is displayed in the area of ​​the first manual transfer process, the area of ​​the second manual transfer process is not a process that can be transferred to the next step by the user's operation. For example, since the process that can be manually transferred to the next step from the manual transfer process immediately before the automatic transfer process is the first process of the automatic transfer process (except for the process that is not the object of execution), it is impossible to skip the first process of the automatic transfer process and set the manual transfer process that follows the automatic transfer process as the next process. Therefore, in this case, the second graphic is displayed at the position of the mouse pointer. When the expression is concretized according to the above embodiment, the above-mentioned automatic transfer process is a process of process group 220, the above-mentioned first manual transfer process is a process of process group 210 as a pre-processing process for printing, and the above-mentioned second manual transfer process is a process group 230 as a post-processing process for printing. Figure 12 I 30 The icon is displayed when the process being executed is the manual transfer process "to be corrected" immediately before the system cooperation section related to printing, and the process indicated by the area where the mouse is moved is the process "printing completed" immediately after the system cooperation section. In this state, since it is impossible to transfer to the "printing completed" process as the post-processing process of printing without executing the process of the system cooperation section (220) related to printing, the icon I indicating that the transfer is impossible is displayed. 30 to display.

[0122] In addition, a process that cannot be transferred to the next step by the user's operation to advance the process to the next step is also equivalent to a process defined as follows. In the case of a continuous manual transfer process, the process after the next process of the process currently being executed is not considered to be a process that can be transferred to the next step by the user's operation. Figure 13In the example, seven manual transfer steps are shown. Since the currently executed step is the second step from the left, and the third step from the left is a step that can be transferred to the next step by the user, the transparent graphic icon (I 31 ) is displayed. However, the fourth and subsequent steps from the left are not steps that can be transferred to the next step. Therefore, when the mouse passes over the area of ​​the fourth and subsequent steps from the left, the icon (I 32 ) to display.

[0123] In addition, the process of non-execution object is also equivalent to the process that cannot be transferred to the next step through the operation of the user. In this case, the second graphic is also displayed on the position of the mouse pointer.

[0124] A case is a unit that is the subject of processing in multiple processes, and by completing the process corresponding to the case, a finished product corresponding to the case is produced. Therefore, a case is, for example, a unit used to indicate that a predetermined finished product is obtained by carrying out processing from the beginning to the end of one or more processes. The number of finished products to be completed in a case is not limited and can be one or more. The finished product of each case only needs to be an item in a predetermined state. Of course, other finished products can also be completed through processes that use finished products produced through multiple cases.

[0125] The process corresponding to the case is an operation that is equivalent to at least a part of the processing required to complete the case, which may be different for each case or the same. In the production process, it is only necessary to be able to perform the processing of the process corresponding to the case. The process can be performed by a device, by a staff member, or by both. In the case of performing the processing by a device, it becomes a structure that performs the processing by electronically providing the start instruction of the processing and the information required for the processing. In the case of performing the processing by a staff member, it becomes a structure that performs the processing by transmitting the start instruction of the processing and the steps required for the processing to the staff member. Of course, the finished product produced is not limited to printed matter, and a production system for various finished products can be realized. That is, it can also be a production system that does not include printing processing in the processing.

[0126] The progress of a process only needs to indicate the degree of progress of the process. For example, it can be expressed through information indicating that each process has started, information indicating that each process has ended, information indicating the proportion of progress of the process, etc. The form used to display the progress of each process in the list is not limited to the above form, and a structure that indicates the degree of progress using a numerical value may also be used.

[0127] The direction in which the cases are arranged and the direction in which the processes are arranged in order of execution may also differ from the above-described embodiment. For example, the former may be arranged horizontally and the latter may be arranged vertically. Furthermore, the direction in which time proceeds may also differ from the above-described embodiment.

[0128] The process can be configured so that it can be personalized by the administrator by adding or deleting the process. In addition to the processes listed in the above embodiment, various processes can be conceived as the pre-printing process and the post-printing process.

[0129] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied as a program or method executed by a computer. In addition, the above-mentioned systems, programs, and methods may be implemented as separate devices or as components possessed by multiple devices, including various methods. In addition, it is possible to appropriately change the method in a manner such as one part being software and one part being hardware. Furthermore, the invention can also be established by a recording medium that is a program for controlling the system. Of course, the recording medium of the program may be either a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and it can be considered in exactly the same manner in any recording medium developed in the future.

[0130] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments do not limit the invention. Since the embodiments include a plurality of inventions having different effects, a single problem or effect found in the embodiments does not necessarily apply to all inventions included in the embodiments.

[0131] Explanation of symbols

[0132] 1…production system; 10…server; 10a…processor; 10b…communication unit; 10c…non-volatile memory; 10c1…manuscript file; 10c3…file information; 10c4…process list information; 10c5…printer information; 20…terminal; 20a…processor; 20a1…first acquisition unit; 20a2…second acquisition unit; 20a3…display unit; 20b…communication unit; 20c…non-volatile memory; 20d…display; 20e…input unit; 30…printer; 30a…processor; 30b…communication unit; 30c…non-volatile memory; 30d…printing unit; 30e…UI unit.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires, based on information sent from the printer, progress of a process related to a printed material produced through a plurality of processes; a second obtaining unit for obtaining the progress based on an operation performed by a user to advance the process; The display unit displays an automatic transfer process for automatically transferring to the next process based on information sent from the printer and a manual transfer process for manually transferring to the next process based on the operation in a recognizable manner.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The areas representing multiple processes are arranged in the order in which they are executed. The background colors of the area of ​​the automatic transfer process and the area of ​​the manual transfer process are different.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: When a region of a step that can be transferred to the next step by the operation is passed over by the mouse, the display unit displays a transparent graphic in the region, the transparent graphic indicating that the step corresponding to the region is a step that can be transferred to the next step by the operation.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: When the mouse passes over an area of ​​a process in which the operation cannot be used to transfer to the next step, the display unit does not display the transparent graphic in the area, but instead displays a second graphic at the position of the mouse pointer, the second graphic indicating that the operation cannot be used to transfer to the next step.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: In the case where the automatic transfer step is performed later than the first manual transfer step, and the second manual transfer step is performed after the automatic transfer step, Furthermore, when the area of ​​the second manual transfer step is passed over by the mouse while the first graphic indicating that the area of ​​the first manual transfer step is displayed, the second graphic is displayed at the position of the mouse pointer.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The first manual transfer process is a pre-processing process of printing, and the second manual transfer process is a post-processing process of printing.

7. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The display unit displays a progress bar extending from the region where the process is started to the region where the process is being executed. The progress bar is displayed as filled in when the currently executed process is the manual transfer process, and is displayed as shaded in when the currently executed process is the automatic transfer process.

8. A display screen generating device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires the progress of a process related to a printed material produced through a plurality of processes based on information sent from the printer; a second obtaining unit for obtaining the progress based on an operation performed by a user to advance the process; The display unit generates a display screen for displaying, in a recognizable manner, an automatic transfer step for automatically transferring to a next step based on information sent from the printer and a manual transfer step for manually transferring to a next step based on the operation.

9. A display method, comprising: Based on the information sent from the printer, the progress of the printed matter produced through multiple steps is obtained. The progress is made based on the operation of the user to advance the process, The display is made to display in a recognizable manner an automatic transfer step for automatically transferring to the next step based on the information sent from the printer and a manual transfer step for manually transferring to the next step based on the operation.

10. A recording medium having a display program recorded thereon, the display program causing a computer to function as: a first acquisition unit that acquires the progress of a process related to a printed material produced through a plurality of processes based on information sent from the printer; a second obtaining unit for obtaining the progress based on an operation performed by a user to advance the process; The display unit displays an automatic transfer process for automatically transferring to the next process based on information sent from the printer and a manual transfer process for manually transferring to the next process based on the operation in a recognizable manner.

Images