Information processing device, display method, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, a display method, and a recording medium that enable users to easily grasp variable printing content. The control device (100) includes: a memory (120) that stores variable data (123) comprising multiple page images, each page image having a variable area where the image varies according to each page and a non-variable area having the same image regardless of the page; and a display processing unit (113) that causes a display device (160) to display a print preview of the variable data (123), the display processing unit (113) also causing the display to show a print preview of one or more column images, each column image being an image formed by arranging multiple page images in a column in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing device, a display method, and a program. Background Technology

[0002] Techniques for displaying print previews in variable printing have been known for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a preview window that allows switching between images on a page-by-page basis.

[0003] Because Patent Document 1 switches the structure of the image corresponding to each page in the preview window on a page-by-page basis, multiple image switching operations may be performed when the user previews the desired page. Therefore, Patent Document 1 presents the problem that users may not be able to easily grasp the variable printing content.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-062864 Summary of the Invention

[0005] One solution to the above-mentioned problem is an information processing apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores variable data including multiple page images, each page image having a first region where the image varies according to each page and a second region having the same image regardless of the page; and a display processing unit that causes the display unit to display a print preview of the variable data, the display processing unit causing the print preview to display one or more column images, each column image being an image formed by arranging multiple page images in a column in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium.

[0006] Another way to solve the above-mentioned problem is a display method that includes the following steps: displaying a print preview screen containing variable data including multiple page images, wherein each page image has a first area where the image is variable for each page and a second area where the same image is independent of the page; the print preview screen displays one or more column images, wherein each column image is an image in which multiple page images are arranged in a column in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium.

[0007] Another approach to solving the aforementioned problem is a program that enables the processor to function as a display processing unit, which in turn causes the display unit to display a print preview screen containing variable data including multiple page images. The page images have a first area where the image varies according to each page and a second area where the same image is present regardless of the page. The display processing unit causes the print preview screen to be displayed, which displays one or more column images, where each column image is an image formed by arranging the multiple page images in a column in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the structure of a printing apparatus.

[0009] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating the structure of the control system for a printing apparatus.

[0010] Figure 3 A diagram representing an example of variable data.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an example diagram showing a print preview.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to illustrate the column images.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the column images.

[0014] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the page unit switching button.

[0015] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the unit switching buttons for the first and second columns.

[0016] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the start column toggle button and the end column toggle button.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to explain the page number input field.

[0018] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device.

[0019] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device.

[0020] Figure 13 This is an example diagram showing a print preview.

[0021] Figure 14A diagram illustrating the structure of a printing system. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] First Implementation Method

[0024] First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0025] Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of printing apparatus 1.

[0026] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis represents the vertical direction and the vertical direction of the printing device 1 in its set state. The X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. The X-axis represents the front-back direction of the printing device 1. The Y-axis represents the left-right direction of the printing device 1. The left-right direction of the printing device 1 is the width direction of the printing medium S. The positive direction of the Z-axis represents upward. The positive direction of the X-axis represents backward. The positive direction of the Y-axis represents right.

[0027] Printing apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer that forms an image by ejecting ink from a printing medium S. Various types of sheets can be used as the printing medium S used in printing apparatus 1. Examples of printing medium S include ordinary paper or high-quality paper, or films made of synthetic resin. In the following description, label paper is illustrated as the printing medium S. Label paper is a roll of paper formed by arranging labels on a release liner.

[0028] The printing apparatus 1 includes a media supply unit 2, a media conveying unit 3, a printing unit 4, a drying unit 5, a media recovery unit 6, a control device 100, and a display device 160.

[0029] The control device 100 is an example of an "information processing device". The display device 160 is an example of a "display unit".

[0030] The media supply unit 2 supplies the printing media S to the printing unit 4. The media supply unit 2 has a cylindrical or cylindrical supply shaft 21. The supply shaft 21 is rotated by the power of the unwinding motor 184. A roll body 22 is mounted on the supply shaft 21 to overlap and wind the printing media S into a roll shape, and the printing media S is unwound from the roll body 22 by the rotation of the supply shaft 21.

[0031] The media conveying unit 3 conveys the printing medium S supplied by the media supply unit 2 in the conveying direction indicated by the symbol F. The media conveying unit 3 has a plurality of conveying rollers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 that abut against the printing medium S, thereby forming the conveying path of the printing medium S.

[0032] Conveyor rollers 31, 32, and 33 convey the printing medium S, which is unwound from the media supply unit 2, toward the printing unit 4. A pair of conveyor rollers 34 and 35 hold the printing medium S and convey it toward the printing unit 4.

[0033] The printing unit 4 prints an image on a label on the printing medium S by ejecting ink toward the printing medium S. The printing unit 4 includes a plurality of ink ejection heads 41 and a carriage 42 for holding the ink ejection heads 41.

[0034] The carriage 42 is capable of reciprocating along a first guide rail 43 in the X-axis direction, and the first guide rail 43 is mounted on the printing apparatus 1 along the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the carriage 42 is capable of reciprocating along a second guide rail (not shown) in the Y-axis direction, and the second guide rail is mounted along the Y-axis direction. The carriage 42 is driven by a first carriage motor 181 and a second carriage motor 182, thereby causing the printhead 41 to move in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. That is, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a horizontal inkjet printer.

[0035] The printing unit 4 performs printing in the width direction of the printing medium S by ejecting ink while moving the nozzle 41 in the Y-axis direction. The printing unit 4 also moves the nozzle 41 in the X-axis direction relative to the printing medium S while the printing medium S is stationary. Here, the printing unit 4 moves the nozzle 41 in the Y-axis direction to perform printing in the width direction of the printing medium S. Thus, while the media transport unit 3 stops transporting the printing medium S, the printing unit 4 performs printing on the printing medium S in an area extending in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0036] The media transport unit 3 intermittently transports the printing medium S using the power of the transport motor 183. Specifically, the media transport unit 3 transports the printing medium S a predetermined length in the transport direction F and then stops the printing medium S. Here, the predetermined length is the length in the X-axis direction that the printing unit 4 can print during the period when the transport of the printing medium S is stopped. The printing unit 4 moves the nozzle 41 in both the Y-axis and X-axis directions and performs printing on the stopped printing medium S. When the printing performed by the printing unit 4 is completed, the media transport unit 3 continues to transport the printing medium S along the X-axis direction.

[0037] The printing apparatus 1 includes an impression plate 44 disposed opposite to the printing unit 4. The impression plate 44 has a rectangular surface arranged parallel to the XY plane. The impression plate 44 supports the printing medium S from the side opposite to the printing unit 4. A heater is provided below the impression plate 44 to heat the impression plate 44. The printing medium S is heated during or before and after printing, thereby promoting the drying of the ink sprayed onto the printing medium S.

[0038] The printing medium S, on which an image has been printed, is conveyed from the printing section 4 to the drying section 5 via conveyor rollers 36 and 37. The drying section 5 is equipped with, for example, a heater for heating the printing surface of the printing medium S or a heater for heating the back side of the printing surface. By heating the printing medium S, the drying section 5 dries the ink adhering to the printing medium S.

[0039] The printing medium S is conveyed from the drying section 5 to the media recovery section 6 via conveyor rollers 38, 39, and 40. The media recovery section 6 has a take-up shaft 61 that is rotated by the power of a take-up motor 185. The media recovery section 6 takes up the printing medium S dried in the drying section 5 and recovers it onto the take-up shaft 61.

[0040] Conveyor rollers 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 all contact one surface of the printing medium S, guiding and conveying it simultaneously. Conveyor rollers 34 and 35 clamp and convey the printing medium S. However, this is only one specific example, and the number and structure of the conveyor rollers in the media conveying unit 3 can be appropriately modified. For example, the media conveying unit 3 may also have multiple pairs of rollers that clamp the printing medium S.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the control system of printing apparatus 1.

[0042] The printing apparatus 1 includes an input device 150, a display device 160, and a communication device 170. The input device 150, display device 160, and communication device 170 are connected to a control device 100. The input device 150 is a device for users operating the printing apparatus 1 to input various information onto the printing apparatus 1, such as a switch, keyboard, or mouse. The input device 150 outputs the information input by the user to the control device 100. The display device 160 includes a display 160A, and displays various information on the display 160A according to the control of the control device 100. The printing apparatus 1 may also include a touch panel that integrates the input device 150 and the display device 160. Additionally, although... Figure 1The illustration shows a case where the display device 160 is located at the upper rear part of the printing apparatus 1, but the location of the display device 160 is not limited to the upper rear part. The communication device 170 includes communication hardware such as an antenna and communication circuitry, thereby enabling communication with external devices separate from the printing apparatus 1.

[0043] The control device 100 is a device for controlling various parts of the printing apparatus 1. The control device 100 includes a processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a memory 120, an interface 130, and a drive circuit 140.

[0044] Memory 120 is an example of a “storage unit”.

[0045] The processor 110 controls each part of the printing apparatus 1 by reading and executing the control program 121 stored in the memory 120. The processor 110 functions as a communication control unit 111 and a printing control unit 112 by executing the control program 121 stored in the memory 120. Furthermore, the processor 110 functions as a display processing unit 113 and a data processing unit 114 by executing the image processing program 122 stored in the memory 120.

[0046] Image processing program 122 is an example of a "program".

[0047] The memory 120 stores the control program 121, the image processing program 122, setting data related to the settings of the printing apparatus 1, and various other data. When the printing apparatus 1 receives variable data 123, the memory 120 stores the variable data 123. The memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the memory 120 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute the working area of ​​the processor 110.

[0048] Image processing program 122 is a program that has the following functions: generating a print preview screen VG as a print preview image; displaying the print preview screen VG; generating raster data or print data; and outputting the generated raster data or print data. Although the image processing program 122 in this embodiment is a different program from the control program 121, it may also be a program included in the control program 121.

[0049] Figure 3 A diagram representing an example of variable data 123.

[0050] Variable data 123 refers to data used in variable printing. Variable data 123 consists of multiple pages. Variable data 123 includes the number of pages constituting variable data 123 and the page image PG corresponding to each page. PDF (Portable Document Format) can be cited as an example of the data format for variable data 123.

[0051] In the following explanation, when page images PG are represented by page numbers, the number is appended after the symbol of PG. That is, when representing a page image PG corresponding to the page with page number n, in other words, when representing a page image PG corresponding to the nth page when the first page is the first page, it is represented as page image PGn in the following explanation. n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0052] The page image PG contained in variable data 123 has a variable region VA that varies with each page and a non-variable region NVA that has the same image regardless of the page. Figure 3 Each of the page images PG shown has two variable regions VA1 and VA2, and three invariant regions NVA1, NVA2, and NVA3.

[0053] A variable region VA is an example of a "first region". A non-variable region NVA is an example of a "second region".

[0054] Figure 3 The variable data 123, consisting of 100 pages, is shown. Figure 3 In this example, page images PG1, PG50, and PG100 from 100 page images PG are shown as representative examples. As can be clearly seen by comparing each of page images PG1, PG50, and PG100, the images of the non-variable regions NVA1, NVA2, and NVA3 are identical in page images PG1, PG50, and PG100. On the other hand, the images of the variable regions VA1 and VA2 are different in page images PG1, PG50, and PG100.

[0055] Interface 130 includes communication hardware such as connectors and interface circuits. Interface 130 is connected to input device 150, display device 160, and communication device 170, and performs data communication with these devices.

[0056] The drive circuit 140 is connected to the nozzle 41, the first carriage motor 181, the second carriage motor 182, the conveyor motor 183, the unwinding motor 184, the winding motor 185, and the drying section 5.

[0057] The drive circuit 140 outputs control signals according to the control of the control device 100, thereby actuating the nozzle 41, the first carriage motor 181, the second carriage motor 182, the conveyor motor 183, the unwinding motor 184, and the rewinding motor 185. Furthermore, the drive circuit 140 actuates the drying section 5. The conveyor motor 183 drives the media conveying section 3, thereby driving the rotation of at least one of the conveyor rollers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40.

[0058] The control device 100 drives the printhead 41, causing ink to be ejected toward the printing medium S. The control device 100 also drives the first carriage motor 181, causing the carriage 42 to move in the X-axis direction. The control device 100 further drives the second carriage motor 182, causing the carriage 42 to move in the Y-axis direction. The control device 100 alternately and repeatedly performs the main scan performed by the first carriage motor 181, the second carriage motor 182, and the printhead 41, and the secondary scan performed by the transport motor 183, thereby intermittently transporting the printing medium S and intermittently printing on it.

[0059] The control device 100 drives the conveyor motor 183, thereby moving the printing medium S in the conveying direction. The control device 100 also drives the unwinding motor 184, causing the supply shaft 21 to rotate and unwind the printing medium S. The control device 100 further drives the winding motor 185, causing the winding shaft 61 to rotate and wind up the printing medium S. The control device 100 also activates the heater in the drying section 5, thereby drying the ink adhering to the printing medium S.

[0060] As described above, the processor 110 functions as a communication control unit 111, a printing control unit 112, a display processing unit 113, and a data processing unit 114.

[0061] The communication control unit 111 communicates with an external device separate from the printing device 1 via the communication device 170.

[0062] The printing control unit 112 performs intermittent printing. That is, the printing control unit 112 controls the print head 41, the first carriage motor 181, the second carriage motor 182, the conveyor motor 183, the unwinding motor 184, the rewinding motor 185, and the drying unit 5, so as to intermittently print on the printing medium S while intermittently conveying the printing medium S.

[0063] The display processing unit 113 causes the display device 160 to display the print preview screen VG. The print preview screen VG will be described below. When the display processing unit 113 receives an operation from the user on the print preview screen VG via the input device 150, it switches the display content of the print preview screen VG to the display content corresponding to the received operation.

[0064] The data processing unit 114 generates data to be output to the printing control unit 112 based on the variable data 123. The data processing unit 114 generates raster data such as TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) data as the data to be output to the printing control unit 112. The data processing unit 114 generates raster data for each column image CG, as described below. The data processing unit 114 outputs the generated raster data to the printing control unit 112. The printing control unit 112 generates printing data for printing the column image CG represented by the raster data input from the data processing unit 114, and prints the column image CG onto the printing medium S based on the generated printing data. Furthermore, the printing data includes control commands conforming to the command system of the printing apparatus 1.

[0065] Alternatively, the data processing unit 114 may be a structure that generates printing data based on the generated raster data and outputs the generated printing data to the printing control unit 112.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 This section explains the VG (Print Preview) screen. Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 In the diagram, the vertical direction is referred to as the first direction and denoted by the symbol D1, while the direction to the right is referred to as the second direction and denoted by the symbol D2. The first direction D1 corresponds to the width direction of the printing medium S and is the direction of the short side of the print preview image VG. The second direction D2 is orthogonal to the first direction D1 and corresponds to the transport direction F of the printing medium S, and is the direction to the right when viewing the print preview image VG from the main viewpoint.

[0067] Figure 4 This is an example diagram showing a print preview screen (VG).

[0068] The print preview screen (VG) has a task overview area (JA), a print preview area (PA), and a settings area (SA).

[0069] The Task Overview Area JA is a section that displays a list of data names for data added to the Print Preview Screen VG as print jobs. Variable data 123 and other data can be added to the Print Preview Screen VG. Furthermore, data other than variable data 123 may be, for example, data consisting of only one page. Figure 4 The task overview area JA shown illustrates the case where variable data 123 of the data name "aaa-bbb.pdf" is added to the print preview screen VG.

[0070] The print preview area PA includes the image display area PA1 and the operation area PA2.

[0071] Image display area PA1 is the area for displaying printed content. When displaying variable-print content, image display area PA1 can display column images CG. Column images CG are images formed by arranging multiple page images PG in a column along the first direction D1.

[0072] In the following description, when distinguishing column images CG, a number is appended after the symbol of CG. This number will be referred to as the "column number". In the case of a column image CG with column number m, it will be denoted as column image CGm in the following description. m is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In this embodiment, the smaller the column number, the smaller the page number of the corresponding column image CG, which includes the page image PG. Therefore, column image CG1 includes page image PG1. Figure 4 The print preview screen VG illustrates the case where the image display area PA1 displays column image CG1.

[0073] Here, the column image CG is described in detail.

[0074] Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the column image CG.

[0075] exist Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the image PG, the numbers shown represent page numbers.

[0076] Figure 5 Each of the column images CG is a column image CG displayed when the print preview screen VG represents the printed content when one sheet is printed per page. Figure 5 The example illustrates a case where variable data 123 consists of ten pages, and a column image CG contains four page images PG.

[0077] In the print preview screen VG, where one sheet is printed per page, the page numbers of the multiple page images PG contained in the column image CG are consecutive. Furthermore, the multiple page images PG contained in the column image CG are arranged such that the page numbers increase in size from top to bottom in the image.

[0078] about Figure 5 For example, the variable data 123 consists of ten pages, and a column image CG contains four page images PG. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, column image CG1 contains page images PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4; column image CG2 contains page images PG5, PG6, PG7, and PG8; and column image CG3 contains page images PG9 and PG10.

[0079] Figure 6 Each of the column images CG is a column image CG displayed in the print preview screen VG when three sheets are printed per page.

[0080] like Figure 6 As shown in the print preview screen VG when multiple sheets are printed per page, page images PG with the same page number are arranged adjacently in a column image CG. Regarding the page numbering unit, the page numbers are consecutive in a column image CG, and the page numbers increase from top to bottom in the image. If multiple page images PG with the same page number are not all included in a single column image CG, then the multiple page images PG with the same page number are included in multiple column images CG with consecutive column numbers.

[0081] exist Figure 6 In the example, the variable data 123 consists of five pages, and one column image CG contains four page images PG. Therefore, column image CG1 contains three page images PG1 and one page image PG2, column image CG2 contains two page images PG2 and two page images PG3, column image CG3 contains one page image PG3 and three page images PG4, and column image CG4 contains three page images PG5.

[0082] Return to Figure 4The description states that the operation area PA2 contains multiple software buttons for switching the content displayed in the image display area PA1. Operation area PA2 includes the following software buttons: First Page Unit Switching Button KB1, Second Page Unit Switching Button KB2, First Column Unit Switching Button KB3, Second Column Unit Switching Button KB4, First Column Switching Button KB5, and Last Column Switching Button KB6. Additionally, operation area PA2 includes a page number input field NA. Details of operation area PA2 will be described below. The First Column Unit Switching Button KB3, Second Column Unit Switching Button KB4, First Column Switching Button KB5, and Last Column Switching Button KB6 are switching buttons KB that change the currently displayed column image CG in the print preview screen VG to another column image CG, unit by column image CG. Switching unit by column image CG means that by the user pressing the switching button KB once, the currently displayed column image CG is changed to another column image CG.

[0083] The first column unit switch button KB3 and the second column unit switch button KB4 are examples of "column unit switch buttons". The page number input field NA is an example of "receiving section".

[0084] The setting area SA is an area that accepts various settings for the page image PG displayed in the image display area PA1. In this embodiment, the setting area SA accepts settings for the layout of the page image PG and settings for the color of the page image PG. The setting area SA has a layout setting button RB for implementing layout settings for the page image PG and a color setting button CB for implementing color settings for the page image PG. The layout setting button RB and the color setting button CB are both software buttons. Figure 4 The image shows how the layout setting button RB was selected in the setting area SA.

[0085] The layout settings area SA has numerical adjustment buttons SPB1, SPB2, SPB3, and SPB4, which are used to adjust the zoom in and out of the page image PG. Additionally, the layout settings area SA has a drop-down menu PD1, which is used to adjust the rotation of the page image PG. Furthermore, the layout settings area SA has numerical adjustment buttons SPB5 and SPB6, which are used to adjust the margins in the column image CG. Additionally, the layout settings area SA has numerical adjustment buttons SPB7 and SPB8, which are used to adjust the number of sheets per page and the spacing between two page images PG. Finally, the layout settings area SA has a numerical adjustment button SPB9, which is used to adjust the number of copies printed. In addition, the layout settings area SA has a drop-down menu PD2, through which you can accept settings on whether to arrange and display multiple page images PG, that is, whether to display column images CG.

[0086] In addition, when a column image CG is set to be displayed, the number of page images PG contained in a column image CG varies depending on the content set in the layout setting area SA.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, the print preview screen VG has an add button TB, a delete button DB, and a print button PB. The add button TB, delete button DB, and print button PB are software buttons. The add button TB is used to add data containing variable data 123 to the print preview screen VG. The delete button DB is used to delete data containing variable data 123 from the print preview screen VG. The print button PB is used to perform printing based on the variable data 123. When the print button PB is operated, the data processing unit 114 generates raster data or print data. The data processing unit 114 generates and outputs raster data or print data sequentially, starting from the column image CG with the smallest column number. Thus, multiple column images CG are printed on the printing medium S, with the smaller the column number, the further downstream it is in the transport direction F.

[0088] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The operating area PA2 is described in detail. Additionally, in... Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10In the example, the setting area SA accepts the setting for displaying the column image CG via the drop-down menu PD2.

[0089] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the unit switching buttons KB1 for the first page and KB2 for the second page.

[0090] The first page unit switching button KB1 and the second page unit switching button KB2 switch the selected page image PG in the image display area PA1 on a page-by-page basis. When the first page unit switching button KB1 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the selected object from page image PGn to page image PGn-1.

[0091] For example, when the page image selected in the image display area PA1 is PG2, when the first page unit switch button KB1 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the selected object from page image PG2 to page image PG1.

[0092] When the second page unit toggle button KB2 is pressed once, it switches the selected object from page image PGn to page image PGn+1.

[0093] For example, when the page image selected in the image display area PA1 is PG2, when the second page unit switch button KB2 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the selected object from page image PG2 to page image PG3.

[0094] Assuming that the page image PG corresponding to the page with the smallest page number in the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 is selected, the first page unit switching button KB1 is operated once. In this case, the display control unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CGm to column image CGm-1.

[0095] For example, if the variable data 123 consists of ten pages and a column image CG contains four page images PG, and the image display area PA1 is currently displaying column image CG2 while page image PG5 is selected, then when the first page unit switch button KB1 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CG2 to column image CG1.

[0096] Assuming that the page image PG corresponding to the page with the largest page number in the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 is selected, the second page unit switch button KB2 is operated once. In this case, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CGm to column image CGm+1.

[0097] For example, if the variable data 123 consists of ten pages and one column image CG contains four page images PG, let's say the image display area PA1 is displaying column image CG1 and page image PG4 is selected. In this case, when the second page unit switch button KB2 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CG1 to column image CG2. Figure 7 The switching method for this example is shown.

[0098] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the unit switching buttons KB3 (first column) and KB4 (second column).

[0099] The first column unit switching button KB3 and the second column unit switching button KB4 switch the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 to another column image CG. When the first column unit switching button KB3 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CGm to column image CGm-1.

[0100] For example, when the image display area PA1 is displaying column image CG2, and the first column unit switching button KB3 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CG2 to column image CG1.

[0101] When the second column unit switching button KB4 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CGm to column image CGm+1.

[0102] For example, if the variable data 123 consists of ten pages and a column image CG contains four page images PG, the image display area PA1 is set to display column image CG2. In this case, when the second column unit switching button KB4 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CG2 to column image CG3. Figure 8 The switching method for this example is shown.

[0103] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the start column switch button KB5 and the end column switch button KB6.

[0104] The start column switch button KB5 and the end column switch button KB6 switch the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 to another column image CG. When the start column switch button KB5 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 to column image CG1. Column image CG1 is a column image CG that includes the page image PG corresponding to the first page among the page images PG contained in the variable data 123.

[0105] For example, when the image display area PA1 is displaying column image CG3, and the first column switching button KB5 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CG3 to column image CG1.

[0106] When the final column switching button KB6 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 to the column image CG that corresponds to the last page in the page image PG contained in the variable data 123.

[0107] For example, if the variable data 123 consists of ten pages and a column image CG contains four page images PG, the image display area PA1 is set to display the column image CG1. In this case, when the final column switch button KB6 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CG1 to column image CG3. Figure 9 The switching method for this example is shown.

[0108] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to explain the page number input field NA.

[0109] The page number input field NA accepts page numbers as page designations. The display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 to a column image CG that includes the page image PG corresponding to the page number input into the page number input field NA.

[0110] For example, if the variable data 123 consists of twenty pages and a column image CG contains four page images PG, then the image display area PA1 is currently displaying column image CG2. In this case, when page number 18 is entered into the page number input field NA, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 from column image CG2 to column image CG5. Figure 10 The switching method for this example is shown.

[0111] exist Figure 10The example shows a print preview screen VG when one sheet is printed per page. In a print preview screen VG where multiple sheets are printed per page, if multiple page images PG corresponding to the pages specified via the page number input field NA are included in multiple column images CG, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 to the next column image CG.

[0112] That is, the column image CG to be switched by the display processing unit 113 includes a page image PG arranged adjacent to the page image PG corresponding to the page specified via the page number input field NA, which is one of a plurality of page images PG corresponding to the page specified via the page number input field NA. When using Figure 6 When describing this in detail, for example, if page number 2 is entered into the page number input field NA, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG to column image CG1, which includes page image PG2 arranged adjacent to page image PG1.

[0113] Furthermore, in the print preview screen VG where multiple copies are printed per page, if all the multiple page images PG corresponding to the page specified via the page number input field NA are contained within a single column image CG, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 to the next column image CG. That is, the display processing unit 113 switches to a column image CG containing the page image PG corresponding to the page number entered in the page number input field NA. When using... Figure 6 In a detailed description, for example, when page number 5 is entered into the page number input field NA, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG to a column image CG4 that includes page image PG5.

[0114] Next, the operation of the control device 100 will be explained. In the explanation of the operation of the control device 100, the operation when data is added to the print preview screen VG and the operation when the operation area PA2 is operated will be explained separately.

[0115] First, let's explain the actions taken when data has been added to the print preview screen VG.

[0116] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device 100.

[0117] The display processing unit 113 of the control device 100 adds data to the print preview screen VG based on the operation of the add button TB (step SA1).

[0118] The display processing unit 113 determines whether the data added in step SA1 is variable data 123 (step SA2).

[0119] The judgment in step SA2 is described in detail.

[0120] For example, if the data format of the added data is PDF / VT, the display processing unit 113 determines that the data added in step SA1 is variable data 123. Furthermore, if the data format of the added data is not PDF / VT, the display processing unit 113 determines that the data added in step SA1 is not variable data 123. PDF is short for Portable Document Format, and VT is short for Variable and Transactional. PDF / VT is the PDF data format defined by Adobe Systems (registered trademark).

[0121] Furthermore, for example, if the added data has a DPart hierarchical structure, the display processing unit 113 determines that the data added in step SA1 is variable data 123, and if the added data does not have a DPart hierarchical structure, it determines that the data added in step SA1 is not variable data 123.

[0122] If the display processing unit 113 determines that the data is not variable data 123 (step SA2: No), it performs the processing in step SA4. On the other hand, if the display processing unit 113 determines that the data is variable data 123 (step SA2: Yes), it determines whether the setting is to display multiple page images PG, that is, whether the setting is to display column images CG (step SA3).

[0123] Step SA3 is described in detail.

[0124] For example, in the setting area SA where the layout settings of the page image PG are implemented, if the drop-down menu PD2 indicates "vertical arrangement", the display processing unit 113 makes a positive judgment in step SA3. On the other hand, if the drop-down menu PD2 does not indicate "vertical arrangement", the display processing unit 113 makes a negative judgment in step SA3.

[0125] If the display processing unit 113 determines that the setting is not to display multiple page images PG in an orderly manner (step SA3: No), it performs rendering of one page image PG displayed in the image display area PA1 (step SA4).

[0126] The display processing unit 113 converts the color of a rendered page image PG into the color set in the setting area SA (step SA5).

[0127] The display processing unit 113 displays a color-converted page image PG in the image display area PA1 (step SA6). That is, the display processing unit 113 causes the display device 160 to display a print preview screen VG, which is a print preview screen VG of the color-converted page image PG.

[0128] Returning to the explanation of step SA3, if the display processing unit 113 determines that the setting is to display multiple page images PG in an orderly manner (step SA3: Yes), it performs page determination processing (step SA7).

[0129] In the page determination process, the display processing unit 113 determines the number of pages for multiple display objects based on the page number corresponding to the layout settings of the set area SA. For example, when variable data 123 is added to the print preview screen VG, it is predetermined that column image CG1 will be displayed, and the number of pages corresponding to the layout settings is 4. In this case, the display processing unit 113 determines pages 1 to 4 in the page determination process.

[0130] Next, the display processing unit 113 performs rendering of the page image PG corresponding to the page determined in the page determination process (step SA8).

[0131] The display processing unit 113 converts the color of the rendered page image PG into the color set in the setting area SA (step SA9).

[0132] The display processing unit 113 displays the column image CG, which includes the color-converted page image PG, in the image display area PA1 (step SA10). That is, the display processing unit 113 causes the display device 160 to display a print preview screen VG, which is a print preview screen VG that includes the column image CG, which includes the color-converted page image PG.

[0133] Next, the operation of the control device 100 when the operating area PA2 is operated will be explained.

[0134] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device 100.

[0135] The display processing unit 113 of the control device 100 determines whether an operation has been performed in the operation area PA2 (step SB1).

[0136] If the display processing unit 113 determines that no operation has been performed in the operation area PA2 (step SB1: no), it will repeat the determination of step SB1.

[0137] On the other hand, when the display processing unit 113 determines that an operation has been performed in the operation area PA2 (step SB1: Yes), it determines whether the data of the page image PG containing the display object in the image display area PA1 is variable data 123 (step SB2). The determination in step SB2 is performed in the same way as the determination in step SA1.

[0138] If the display processing unit 113 determines that the data of the page image PG containing the display object in the image display area PA1 is not variable data 123 (step SB2: no), it performs the processing of step SB4.

[0139] On the other hand, when the display processing unit 113 determines that the data of the page image PG containing the display object in the image display area PA1 is variable data 123 (step SB2: Yes), it determines whether to set the display of multiple page images PG in an array, that is, whether to set the display of column images CG (step SB3). The determination in step SB3 is performed in the same way as the determination in step SA3.

[0140] If the display processing unit 113 determines that the setting is not to display multiple page images PG in an orderly manner (step SB3: No), it determines whether one page image PG of the display object has been rendered (step SB4).

[0141] If the display processing unit 113 determines that a page image PG of the display object has not been rendered (step SB4: No), it renders the page image PG of the display object (step SB5). In addition, the rendered page image PG establishes a correspondence between the color setting information at the time of rendering and the appropriate page number, and stores it in the memory 120.

[0142] The display processing unit 113 converts the color of a rendered page image PG into the color set in the setting area SA (step SB6).

[0143] The display processing unit 113 displays a color-converted page image PG in the image display area PA1 (step SB7).

[0144] Returning to the explanation of step SB4, if the display processing unit 113 determines that a page image PG of the display object has been rendered (step SB4: Yes), it determines whether the color setting during rendering and the color setting shown in the current setting area SA are different for the page image PG of the display object (step SB8).

[0145] If the display processing unit 113 determines that the color setting during rendering is different from the current color setting (step SB8: Yes), it reads a page image PG of the display object from the memory 120 and converts the color of the read page image PG into a color corresponding to the current color setting of the setting area SA (step SB6). Then, the display processing unit 113 displays the color-converted page image PG in the image display area PA1 (step SB7).

[0146] On the other hand, if the display processing unit 113 determines that the color setting during rendering is the same as the current color setting (step SB8: No), it reads a page image PG of the display object from the memory 120 and displays it in the image display area PA1 (step SB7). If a negative determination is made in step SB8, the display processing unit 113 does not perform color conversion on the read page image PG.

[0147] Returning to the explanation of step SB3, if the display processing unit 113 determines that the setting is to arrange multiple page images PG (step SB3: Yes), it performs page determination processing (step SB9).

[0148] Step SB9, the page determination process, determines the pages for multiple display objects based on the operations received by operation area PA2 and the number of pages corresponding to the layout settings of setting area SA. For example, in Figure 7 In the example case, the display processing unit 113 determines, during the page determination process, that the pages to be displayed are pages 5 to 8. Furthermore, for example, in... Figure 8 In the example case, the display processing unit 113 determines, during the page determination process, that the pages to be displayed are pages 9 and 10. Furthermore, for example, in... Figure 9 In the example case, the display processing unit 113 determines, during the page determination process, that the pages to be displayed are pages 9 and 10. Furthermore, for example, in... Figure 10 In the example case, the display processing unit 113 determines the pages to be displayed as pages 17 to 20 during the page determination process.

[0149] The display processing unit 113 determines whether all pages determined in the page determination process have been rendered (step SB10). As described above, the rendered page image PG establishes a correspondence between the color setting information at the time of rendering and the appropriate page number, and stores it in the memory 120.

[0150] If the display processing unit 113 determines that not all pages have been rendered (step SB10: No), it renders the page image PG corresponding to the page determined in the page determination process (step SA11).

[0151] The display processing unit 113 converts the color of the rendered page image PG into the color set in the setting area SA (step SA12).

[0152] The display processing unit 113 displays the column image CG, which includes the color-converted page image PG, in the image display area PA1 (step SA14).

[0153] Returning to the explanation of step SB10, if the display processing unit 113 determines that rendering has been completed for all pages (step SA10: Yes), it determines for each page image PG of the display object whether the color setting during rendering is different from the color setting shown in the current setting area SA (step SB13).

[0154] If the display processing unit 113 determines that the color setting during rendering is different from the current color setting (step SB13: Yes), it reads all page images PG of the display objects from the memory 120 and converts all the colors of the read page images PG into colors corresponding to the current color setting (step SB12). Then, the display processing unit 113 displays the column image CG containing the color-converted page images PG in the image display area PA1 (step SB14).

[0155] On the other hand, if the display processing unit 113 determines that the color setting during rendering is the same as the current color setting (step SB13: No), it reads all page images PG of the display objects from the memory 120 and displays all column images CG containing the read page images PG in the image display area PA1 (step SB14). If a negative determination is made in step SB13, the display processing unit 113 does not perform color conversion on the read page images PG.

[0156] As described above, the control device 100 includes: a memory 120 that stores variable data 123 comprising a plurality of page images PG, each page image PG having a variable region VA whose image varies according to each page and a non-variable region NVA having the same image regardless of the page; and a display processing unit 113 that causes the display device 160 to display a print preview screen VG of the variable data 123. The display processing unit 113 causes the print preview screen VG to display a column image CG, which is an image formed by arranging a plurality of page images PG in a column in a first direction D1 corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium S.

[0157] Accordingly, multiple page images (PG) corresponding to each page are displayed simultaneously in the print preview screen (VG), allowing users to easily grasp the print content of variable prints.

[0158] The display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed on the print preview screen VG to another column image CG.

[0159] Accordingly, the column image CG currently displayed on the print preview screen VG is switched to another column image CG, so that even when multiple page images PG are contained in multiple column images CG, the user can easily grasp the print content of the variable print.

[0160] The print preview screen VG has a column unit switching button. When the column unit switching button is activated, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed on the print preview screen VG to the previous or next column image CG.

[0161] Accordingly, when the column unit switching button is activated, the column image CG switches to the previous or next column, allowing the user to switch the column image CG at the desired time. This makes it easier for the user to manage variable printing content and improves user convenience. Furthermore, the user can switch to other column image CGs with a single operation, reducing the time required to display other column image CGs.

[0162] The print preview screen VG includes at least one of a start column switch button KB5 and a last column switch button KB6. When the start column switch button KB5 is activated, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed on the print preview screen VG to another column image CG, including a page image PG corresponding to the first page in the page images PG contained in the variable data 123. When the last column switch button KB6 is activated, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed on the print preview screen VG to another column image CG, including a page image PG corresponding to the last page in the page images PG contained in the variable data 123.

[0163] Accordingly, by operating the start column switch button KB5 and the end column switch button KB6, the column image CG currently displayed on the print preview screen VG can be switched to a column image CG that includes the page image PG corresponding to the first or last page. Therefore, users can easily grasp the column image CG containing the page image PG corresponding to the first or last page, thus making it easier for them to understand the variable printing content.

[0164] The print preview screen VG has a page number input field NA for the page to be accepted. The display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed on the print preview screen VG to another column image CG, including the page image PG corresponding to the page accepted by the page number input field NA.

[0165] Accordingly, a column image CG containing a page image PG corresponding to the page specified by the user is displayed, thus enabling the user to more easily grasp the print content of variable printing.

[0166] When multiple page images PG corresponding to the page specified via the page number input field NA are included in multiple column images CG, the other column images CG to be switched by the display processing unit 113 include page images PG that are arranged adjacent to the page image PG corresponding to the page specified via the page number input field NA and the page image PG corresponding to the previous page of the page specified via the page number input field NA.

[0167] Accordingly, in the print preview screen VG when multiple sheets are printed per page, the user can easily display the column image CG, which includes two page images PG corresponding to the specified page and the page preceding it. Therefore, in variable printing where multiple sheets are printed per page, the user can easily grasp the printing content of two consecutively numbered pages. Thus, the user can easily grasp the printing content for variable printing where multiple sheets are printed per page.

[0168] The control device 100 includes a data processing unit 114, which generates raster data or printing data of each column image CG for each column image CG, and outputs the generated raster data or the generated printing data to the printing control unit 112.

[0169] Therefore, it is possible to output printing results corresponding to the printing content displayed on the print preview screen VG. Thus, it is possible to output printing results corresponding to the printing content known to the user.

[0170] The display method implemented by the control device 100 includes the following steps: the display device 160 displays a print preview screen VG containing variable data 123, including multiple page images PG. Each page image PG has a variable region VA where the image varies according to each page and a non-variable region NVA that has the same image regardless of the page. The print preview screen VG displays a column image CG, which is an image formed by arranging multiple page images PG in a column along a first direction D1 corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium S.

[0171] Accordingly, it achieves the same effect as the control device 100 described above.

[0172] Image processing program 122 causes processor 110 to function as display processing unit 113, which causes display device 160 to display a print preview screen VG containing variable data 123 including multiple page images PG. Each page image PG has a variable region VA that varies for each page and a non-variable region NVA that has the same image regardless of the page. Display processing unit 113 displays the print preview screen VG, which displays a column image CG, which is an image formed by arranging multiple page images PG in a column along a first direction D1 corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium S.

[0173] Accordingly, it achieves the same effect as the control device 100 described above.

[0174] Second Implementation Method

[0175] Next, the second implementation method will be described.

[0176] Regarding the structure of the second embodiment, for structures identical to those in the first embodiment, the same symbols are used and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0177] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the number of column images CG displayed in the print preview screen VG is different.

[0178] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a print preview screen VG of the second embodiment.

[0179] The print preview area PA in the second embodiment includes an image display area PA1A and an operation area PA2A.

[0180] Image display area PA1A is the area for displaying printed content. Image display area PA1A can display a printable image IG. Printable image IG is an image in which multiple column images CG are arranged in a row along the second direction D2. The upper limit of the number of column images CG contained in printable image IG corresponds to the upper limit of the number of column images CG that can be printed in one conveying of intermittent printing. This upper limit corresponds to the length of the image that the printhead 41 can print in the X-axis direction.

[0181] Hereinafter, when distinguishing printable images IG, a number will be appended after the symbol of IG. When representing a printable image IG with the number i, it will be designated as printable image IGe. i is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In this embodiment, the smaller the number following the symbol of IG, the smaller the page number PG that the printable image IG contains.

[0182] exist Figure 13The example shows a printable image IG1 containing column images CG1, CG2, and CG3. That is, in Figure 13 In the example, the upper limit of the number of column images CG that can be printed by intermittent printing in a single delivery is three.

[0183] The operation area PA2A includes multiple software buttons for switching the displayed content of the image display area PA1A. The operation area PA2A includes the following software buttons: First Page Unit Switching Button KB1A, Second Page Unit Switching Button KB2A, First Image Unit Switching Button KB7, Second Image Unit Switching Button KB8, First Column Switching Button KB5A, and Last Column Switching Button KB6A.

[0184] The first page unit switching button KB1A, like the first page unit switching button KB1, switches the selected page image PG. Assume that in the printable image IG currently displayed in the image display area PA1A, the first page unit switching button KB1A is operated once while the page image PG corresponding to the page with the smallest page number is selected. In this case, the display control unit 113 switches the printable image IG currently displayed in the image display area PA1A from printable image IGe to printable image IGe-1.

[0185] The second page unit switching button KB2A, like the second page unit switching button KB2, switches the page image PG of the selected object. Assuming that the page image PG corresponding to the page with the highest page number is selected in the printable image IG currently displayed in the image display area PA1A, the second page unit switching button KB2A is operated once. In this case, the display control unit 113 switches the printable image IG currently displayed in the image display area PA1A from printable image IGe to printable image IGe+1.

[0186] The first image unit switching button KB7 and the second image unit switching button KB8 switch the printable image IG currently displayed in the image display area PA1A to another printable image IG. When the first image unit switching button KB7 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the printable image IG currently displayed in the image display area PA1A from printable image IGe to printable image IGe+1. When the second image unit switching button KB8 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the printable image IG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 from printable image IGe to printable image IGe-1.

[0187] The page number input field NAA accepts page numbers as page designations. The display processing unit 113 switches the printable image IG displayed in the image display area PA1A to a printable image IG containing a page image PG corresponding to the page number input into the page number input field NA.

[0188] As described above, the control device 100 of the second embodiment includes: a memory 120 that stores variable data 123 comprising a plurality of page images PG, each page image PG having a variable region VA whose image varies according to each page and a non-variable region NVA having the same image regardless of the page; and a display processing unit 113 that causes the display device 160 to display a print preview screen VG of the variable data 123. The display processing unit 113 causes the print preview screen VG to display a plurality of column images CG, wherein the column images CG are images formed by arranging the plurality of page images PG in a column in a first direction D1 corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium S.

[0189] Accordingly, the page image PG corresponding to the page is simultaneously displayed in the print preview screen VG, thus allowing the user to easily grasp the print content of the variable print. Furthermore, since more page images PG are displayed simultaneously compared to the first embodiment, the user can more easily grasp the print content of the variable print.

[0190] The print preview screen VG displays a printable image IG having multiple column images CG that can be printed in a single transport during intermittent printing. The multiple column images CG of the printable image IG are arranged in a second direction D2 corresponding to the transport direction F of the printing medium S. The display processing unit 113 switches the printable image IG currently displayed on the print preview screen VG to another printable image IG.

[0191] Accordingly, the printable image IG currently displayed on the print preview screen VG is switched to another printable image IG. Therefore, even when multiple page images PG are contained within multiple printable image IGs, users can easily grasp the printable content that can be printed.

[0192] Third Implementation Method

[0193] Next, the third implementation method will be described.

[0194] Regarding the structure of each part in the third embodiment, for structures that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the same symbols are used and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0195] Figure 14 A diagram showing the structure of the printing system 1000.

[0196] The printing system 1000 of the third embodiment includes a printing device 1A and a PC (Personal Computer) 7.

[0197] PC7 is an example of an "information processing device" in this embodiment.

[0198] Compared to the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the processor 110 in the printing apparatus 1A does not function as a display processing unit 113 or a data processing unit 114. Furthermore, compared to the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the memory 120 in the printing apparatus 1A does not store the image processing program 122 or the variable data 123.

[0199] PC7 can be a laptop PC, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone.

[0200] PC7 includes a PC control unit 700, an input unit 701, a display unit 702, and a communication unit 703.

[0201] The PC control unit 700 includes a PC processor 710, such as a CPU or MPU, that executes programs, and a PC memory 720. The PC control unit 700 reads and executes the control program 721 stored in the PC memory 720 via the PC processor 710, thereby controlling various parts of the PC 7. The PC processor 710 executes the image processing program 122 stored in the PC memory 720, thereby functioning as the display processing unit 113 and the data processing unit 114 described in the first embodiment.

[0202] In this embodiment, the PC processor 710 is an example of a "processor". In this embodiment, the PC memory 720 is an example of a "storage unit".

[0203] PC memory 720 is a memory that stores the programs executed by PC processor 710 and the data processed by PC processor 710. PC memory 720 stores control program 721, image processing program 122, variable data 123, and various other data executed by PC processor 710. PC memory 720 has non-volatile storage areas. Alternatively, PC memory 720 may also have volatile storage areas, thus constituting the working area of ​​PC processor 710.

[0204] The input unit 701 is connected to input units such as operation switches, touch input panels, mice, and keyboards provided on the PC 7. It detects user operations on the input units and outputs the detection results to the input interface in the PC control unit 700. Based on the input from the input unit 701, the PC control unit 700 performs processing corresponding to the operations on the input units.

[0205] The display unit 702 includes a display screen and displays information on the display screen under the control of the PC control unit 700.

[0206] The communication unit 703 is a communication interface equipped with communication circuits, connectors, etc., and communicates with the printing device 1A according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication standard of the communication unit 703 can be either a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0207] The PC processor 710 functions as the display processing unit 113 and the data processing unit 114 described in the first embodiment.

[0208] The display processing unit 113 of the PC processor 710 causes the display unit 702 to display the print preview screen VG. When the display processing unit 113 receives an operation from the user on the print preview screen VG via the input unit 701, it switches the display content of the print preview screen VG to the display content corresponding to the received operation. Furthermore, the print preview screen VG displayed by the display processing unit 113 in the third embodiment can be either the print preview screen VG of the first embodiment or the print preview screen VG of the second embodiment.

[0209] The data processing unit 114 of the PC processor 710 generates data to be output to the printing control unit 112 based on the variable data 123. The data processing unit 114 generates raster data such as TIFF data as the data to be output to the printing control unit 112. The data processing unit 114 generates raster data for each column image CG (described later) for each column image CG. The data processing unit 114 outputs the generated raster data to the printing control unit 112 of the printing apparatus 1A via the communication unit 703. The printing control unit 112 of the printing apparatus 1A generates printing data for printing the column images CG shown in the raster data input from the data processing unit 114, and prints the column images CG onto the printing medium S based on the generated printing data.

[0210] Alternatively, the structure could be as follows: the data processing unit 114 of the PC processor 710 generates printing data based on the generated grid data and outputs the generated printing data to the printing control unit 112 of the printing apparatus 1A.

[0211] According to the third embodiment, it achieves the same effect as the first and second embodiments.

[0212] The above-described embodiments represent only one aspect of the present invention, and can be modified and applied arbitrarily within the scope of the present invention.

[0213] Although the third embodiment described above is a structure for displaying the print preview screen VG on a display provided with PC7, PC7 can also be a structure for displaying the print preview screen VG on an external display.

[0214] The print preview screen VG described above can also replace the page number input field NA, or a column number input field can be added on top of it. The column number input field is the area for inputting column numbers. When a column number is entered into the column number input field, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG currently displayed in the image display area PA1 to the column image CG with the column number entered in the column number input field. In this configuration, each column image CG is assigned a column number.

[0215] The print preview screen VG described above can also have a toggle button KB to switch to the column image CG with the smallest column number and a toggle button KB to switch to the column image CG with the largest column number.

[0216] Although the printing method described above is a horizontal inkjet method, the printing method of the printing apparatus 1 can also be a horizontal inkjet method or a serial inkjet method. Furthermore, the printing method of the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to inkjet; other printing methods such as electrophotographic methods using toners can also be used.

[0217] In the embodiments described above, the printing apparatus 1 may also have functions other than printing functions, such as scanning or faxing.

[0218] Processor 110 and PC processor 710 can be configured using multiple processors or a single processor. Processor 110 and PC processor 710 can also be hardware programmed to implement the functions described later. That is, processor 110 and PC processor 710 can be configured, for example, using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0219] also, Figure 2 as well as Figure 14The components shown are merely examples, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessarily necessary to install hardware corresponding to each component individually; of course, it is also possible to configure the structure so that the functions of each component are implemented by a processor executing a program. Furthermore, a portion of the functions implemented by software in the embodiments described above can be implemented as hardware, or a portion of the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented using software. In addition, the specific details of the other components of the control device 100 and the printing devices 1 and 1A can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0220] also, Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The steps shown are units divided according to the main processing content, and the present invention is not limited to the method and name of the processing unit division. It is also possible to further divide the processing content into more step units. Furthermore, a step unit can be divided to include more processes. Moreover, the order of these steps can be appropriately replaced without affecting the spirit of the invention.

[0221] Symbol Explanation

[0222] 1, 1A… Printing apparatus; 5… Drying section; 7… PC (Information Processing Unit); 41… Printhead; 100… Control device (Information Processing Unit); 110… Processor; 111… Communication control unit; 112… Printing control unit; 113… Display processing unit; 114… Data processing unit; 120… Memory (Storage Unit); 121… Control program; 122… Image processing program (program); 123… Variable data; 130… Interface; 140… Drive circuit; 150… Input device; 160… Display device (Display Unit); 170… Communication device; 181… First carriage motor; 182… Second carriage motor; 183… Conveyor motor; 184… Unwinding motor; 185… Rewinding motor; 702…Display unit; 710…PC processor (processor); 720…PC memory (storage unit); CG…Column image; D1…First direction; D2…Second direction; F…Transport direction; IG…Printable image; KB…Switch button; KB3…First column unit switch button (switch button, column unit switch button); KB4…Second column unit switch button (switch button, column unit switch button); KB5…First column switch button (switch button); KB6…Final column switch button (switch button); NA…Page number input field (receiving unit); NVA…Variable area (second area); PG…Page image; S…Printing medium; VA…Variable area (first area); VG…Print preview screen.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: The storage unit stores variable data containing multiple page images, each page image having a first region where the image varies according to each page and a second region having the same image regardless of the page. The display processing unit causes the display unit to show a print preview of the variable data. The display processing unit causes the print preview screen, which displays one or more column images, to be displayed. The column images are images formed by arranging multiple page images in a column in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium. The print preview screen has a column unit switching button. When the column unit switching button is activated, the display processing unit switches the column image currently displayed on the print preview screen to the previous or next column image.

2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The print preview screen includes at least one of a start column switch button and a finish column switch button. When the start column switching button is activated, the display processing unit switches the column image currently displayed on the print preview screen to another column image that includes the page image corresponding to the first page from the page images contained in the variable data. When the final column switch button is activated, the display processing unit switches the column image currently displayed on the print preview screen to another column image that includes the page image corresponding to the last page among the page images contained in the variable data.

3. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The print preview screen has a designated receiving section for the receiving page. When the receiving unit accepts the page designation, the display processing unit switches the column image currently displayed on the print preview screen to another column image that includes the page image corresponding to the page designated via the receiving unit.

4. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, In the case where multiple page images corresponding to the page specified via the receiving unit are included in multiple column images, the other column images to be switched by the display processing unit include page images that are arranged adjacent to the page image corresponding to the page specified via the receiving unit and the page image preceding the page specified via the receiving unit.

5. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The print preview screen displays the printable image. The printable image has a plurality of column images that are printable in a single conveyance of intermittent printing. The printable image comprises a plurality of column images arranged in a second direction corresponding to the transport direction of the printing medium. The display processing unit switches the printable image currently displayed on the print preview screen to another printable image.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The system includes a data processing unit that generates raster data or printing data for each column image and outputs the generated raster data or printing data to a printing control unit.

7. A display method, wherein, The steps include displaying a print preview screen containing variable data, including multiple page images, wherein each page image has a first area where the image varies for each page and a second area where the same image is present regardless of the page. The print preview screen displays one or more column images, wherein each column image is formed by arranging multiple page images in a column along a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium. The print preview screen has a column unit switching button. When the column unit switching button is activated, the column image currently displayed on the print preview screen is switched to the previous or next column image.

8. A recording medium having a program that enables a processor to function as a display processing unit. The display processing unit causes the display unit to display a print preview screen containing variable data, including multiple page images. Each page image has a first area where the image varies depending on the page, and a second area where the same image is present regardless of the page. The display processing unit causes the print preview screen, which displays one or more column images, to be displayed. The column images are images formed by arranging multiple page images in a column in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium. The print preview screen has a column unit switching button. When the column unit switching button is activated, the display processing unit switches the column image currently displayed on the print preview screen to the previous or next column image.

Images