Printing system, indicating device, and recording medium

Abstract

The present application provides a printing system, an indication device and a recording medium for improving the operability of a user. The printing system (1) includes a plurality of processing devices (200), a printing device (300), and an information processing device (100) including a first control unit (150) configured to cause an APP screen (500) including a first device object (610), a plurality of second device objects (630) corresponding to the plurality of processing devices, respectively, and a third device object (650) corresponding to the printing device to be displayed, and configured to cause the processing device corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform a RIP process and the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform a printing process when an operation of associating the first device object, the second device object, and the third device object is received.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing system, an indicating device, a control method for the indicating device, and a procedure. Background Technology

[0002] Printing data is converted into raster images by a raster image processor (RIP) and then printed by a printing press. However, recent printing presses have achieved high-speed printing processes, and the conversion to raster images performed by the RIP also requires high speed.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a fast rasterization system implemented by distributed RIP processing with a print manager, which assigns tasks to multiple RIPs for parallel processing according to the task content.

[0004] However, in the fast rasterization system implemented by distributed RIP processing disclosed in Patent Document 1, since task management is performed by the print manager, the user cannot set the distributed conditions.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-310450 Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure discloses a printing system comprising: multiple processing units for performing RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing of data of a printing object; one or more printing devices for performing printing processing of printing an image based on the data of the printing object onto a printing medium; and an instruction device for receiving specified operations for the processing units performing the RIP processing and the printing devices performing the printing processing. The instruction device includes: a display unit; a control unit that causes the display unit to display a screen including a first device object representing the instruction device, multiple second device objects corresponding to the multiple processing units, and a third device object corresponding to the printing device; and an operation unit that receives operations for associating the first and second device objects, and operations for associating the second and third device objects. The control unit generates control information that causes the processing unit corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform the RIP processing, and causes the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform the printing processing.

[0007] This disclosure discloses an indicating device that accepts specified operations from a processing device that performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing on data of a printing object and a printing device that performs printing processing on an image based on the data of the printing object onto a printing medium. The indicating device includes: a display unit; a control unit that causes the display unit to display a screen including a first device object representing the indicating device, a plurality of second device objects corresponding to a plurality of processing devices, and a third device object corresponding to the printing device; and an operation unit that accepts operations that associate the first device object and the second device objects, and operations that associate the second device object and the third device object. The control unit generates control information that causes the processing device corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform the RIP processing, and causes the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform the printing processing.

[0008] This disclosure pertains to a recording medium containing a program executed by a computer mounted on an instruction device. The instruction device receives specified operations from a processing device performing RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing on data of a printing object and from a printing device performing printing processing to print an image based on the data of the printing object onto a printing medium. The program causes the computer to perform the following steps: displaying a screen containing a first device object representing the instruction device, multiple second device objects corresponding to multiple processing devices, and a third device object corresponding to the printing device; receiving operations to associate the first and second device objects, and operations to associate the second and third device objects; and generating control information that causes the processing device corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform the RIP processing, and the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform the printing processing. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of the system structure of a printing system.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an example image showing a screenshot of an app.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an example image showing a screenshot of an app.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an example image showing a screenshot of an app.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an example image showing a screenshot of an app.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an example image showing a screenshot of an app.

[0015] Figure 7 This is an example image showing a screenshot of an app.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which control information is transmitted.

[0017] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the operation of an information processing device.

[0018] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating the operation of an information processing device. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] 1. System Structure

[0021] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the system structure of this embodiment.

[0022] The system 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which an information processing device 100, a plurality of processing devices 200, and a plurality of printing devices 300 are connected via a network 10. Figure 1 The diagram shows three processing units 200A, 200B, and 200C, and three printing units 300A, 300B, and 300C. However, the number of processing units 200 and printing units 300 connected to network 10 can be one or more. In the following text, when collectively referring to processing units 200A, 200B, and 200C, it will be referred to as processing unit 200; when collectively referring to printing units 300A, 300B, and 300C, it will be referred to as printing unit 300. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 The system architecture shown illustrates an example of how the various devices of the information processing device 100, the processing device 200, and the printing device 300 are connected to the network via wired connections. However, the connection between the various devices and the network 10 can also be wireless.

[0023] Network 10 is a wired or wireless transmission line for transmitting information from devices connected to network 10. Network 10 may include, for example, various local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), etc., including Ethernet. Ethernet is a registered trademark.

[0024] The information processing device 100 is equivalent to an indicator device.

[0025] The information processing device 100 is a device that accepts specified operations from the processing device 200 that performs RIP processing and the printing device 300 that performs printing processing. The information processing device 100 generates control information based on the accepted operation. This control information is information that causes the processing device 200, specified by the operation, to perform RIP processing and the printing device 300, specified by the operation, to perform printing processing. The information processing device 100 can be, for example, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, a desktop PC, or a smartphone.

[0026] The processing device 200 is a device for performing RIP processing. The processing device 200 may be, for example, a laptop PC or a desktop PC. The RIP processing performed by the processing device 200 includes resolution processing, rasterization processing, imposition processing, halftone processing, color separation processing, etc.

[0027] Parsing processing refers to the process of parsing various types of PDL (Page Description Language) data that are input.

[0028] Rasterization is the process of extracting objects such as text, images, and vector graphics contained in PDL data based on the parsing results of the parsing process, and converting them into bitmap data that can form an image.

[0029] Imposition processing is the process of configuring the bitmap data of each page, converted through rasterization, into the correct positions according to the printing settings.

[0030] Halftone processing is the process of converting printed image data in a bitmap format, which is represented in multiple gray levels, into a number of gray levels that the printing apparatus 300 can output.

[0031] Color separation processing is the process of dividing printed image data into data for each color of ink, i.e., color separation data.

[0032] In the following text, resolution processing and rasterization processing are collectively referred to as rendering processing. Rendering processing is equivalent to the first processing step. Furthermore, panelization processing, halftone processing, and color separation processing are collectively referred to as halftone processing. Halftone processing is equivalent to the second processing step.

[0033] When printing image data that has undergone rendering and halftone processing by processing device 200 is input into printing apparatus 300, it prints an image based on the printing image data onto a printing medium.

[0034] 2. Structure of Information Processing Device

[0035] Next, the hardware structure of the information processing device 100 will be described.

[0036] The information processing device 100 includes a first communication interface 110, a first input / output interface 130, a touch panel 135, and a first control unit 150. Hereinafter, the interface will be abbreviated as I / F.

[0037] The first communication I / F 110, the first input / output I / F 130, and the first control unit 150 are connected via bus 105 in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other via data.

[0038] The first communication I / F110 includes a connector and interface circuitry, and is wired to network 10. The first communication I / F110 includes, for example, a network interface card (NIC) as the interface circuitry.

[0039] The first input / output I / F130 has a connector and interface circuitry, and is connected to a touch panel 135. The first input / output I / F130 is, for example, a USB interface corresponding to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard.

[0040] The touch panel 135 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic electroluminescent (EL) panel and a touch sensor. Illustrations of the display panel and touch sensor are omitted. The touch panel 135 serves as both a display unit and an operation unit.

[0041] When the touch panel 135 detects a user's touch operation on the display panel, it outputs information indicating the location of the detected touch operation to the first control unit 150. A coordinate system is preset on the display panel, and when the touch panel 135 detects a touch operation, it outputs the coordinates of the touch operation location in this coordinate system as location information to the first control unit 150.

[0042] The first control unit 150 is a computer device having a first storage unit 160 and a first processor 170.

[0043] The first storage unit 160 includes a volatile storage device and a non-volatile storage device.

[0044] Volatile storage devices are composed of, for example, random access memory (RAM). Non-volatile storage devices are composed of, for example, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

[0045] The volatile storage device is used as the computing area of ​​the first processor 170.

[0046] The non-volatile storage device stores the control program, including the application program 163. Hereinafter, the application program 163 will be referred to as APP163.

[0047] The first storage unit 160 has a shared folder that is shared with the processing device 200 and the printing device 300 connected to the network 10. The shared folder is a folder or directory of the information processing device 100 configured to be accessible from the processing device 200 and the printing device 300 connected to the same network 10.

[0048] The shared folder in the first storage unit 160 is set up for each processing device 200 connected to the network 10 and for each process executed by the processing device 200. The processes executed by the processing device 200 include rendering processing and halftone processing.

[0049] For example, in the first storage unit 160, a shared folder for rendering process monitoring and a shared folder for halftone processing monitoring are provided as shared folders shared with the processing device 200A. The shared folder for rendering process monitoring refers to the shared folder monitored by the second processor 250 of the processing device 200A that performs the rendering process. Similarly, the shared folder for halftone processing monitoring refers to the shared folder monitored by the second processor 250 of the processing device 200A that performs the halftone processing process.

[0050] Furthermore, in the first storage unit 160, a shared folder for rendering processing monitoring and a shared folder for halftone processing monitoring are provided as shared folders shared with the processing device 200B. Similarly, in the first storage unit 160, a shared folder for rendering processing monitoring and a shared folder for halftone processing monitoring are provided as shared folders shared with the processing device 200C. The meanings of the shared folders for rendering processing monitoring and halftone processing monitoring are the same as those for the shared folders shared with the processing device 200A.

[0051] The first processor 170 is an arithmetic processing device equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The first processor 170 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, the first processor 170 may also be a system-on-a-chip (SoC) integrated with other circuitry, comprising part or all of the first storage unit 160. Additionally, the first processor 170 may be a combination of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that performs predetermined arithmetic operations. Furthermore, the first processor 170 may be configured with all its functions installed in hardware, or it may be constructed using a programmable device.

[0052] 3. Structure of the processing device

[0053] Next, the structure of the processing device 200A will be described. Since the processing devices 200A to 200C have substantially the same structure, the structure of the processing device 200A will be described here, while the description of the structures of the processing devices 200B and 200C will be omitted.

[0054] The processing device 200A is a structure in which the second communication I / F 210 and the second control unit 230 are connected to each other via a bus 205 in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other.

[0055] The second communication I / F210 includes a connector and interface circuitry, and is wired to network 10. The second communication I / F210 may include a NIC as the interface circuitry.

[0056] The second control unit 230 is a computer device equipped with a second storage unit 240 and a second processor 250.

[0057] The second storage unit 240 includes both volatile and non-volatile storage devices. Since the structure of the second storage unit 240 is the same as that of the first storage unit 160, detailed description is omitted.

[0058] The second storage unit 240 has a shared folder that is shared with the information processing device 100, other processing devices 200B, 200C and printing device 300 connected to the network 10.

[0059] The shared folder is set up for each printing device 300 connected to network 10 and for each process executed by the printing device 300. The processes executed by the printing device 300 include printing processing, which will be described later.

[0060] For example, in the second storage unit 240, a shared folder for printing process monitoring is provided as a shared folder shared with the printing apparatus 300A. Furthermore, in the second storage unit 240, a shared folder for printing process monitoring is provided as a shared folder shared with the printing apparatus 300B. Additionally, in the second storage unit 240, a shared folder for printing process monitoring is provided as a shared folder shared with the printing apparatus 300C. The shared folders for printing process monitoring refer to the shared folders monitored by the third processor 350 of the printing apparatuses 300A, 300B, and 300C, respectively, which execute the printing process.

[0061] The second processor 250 is a processing device equipped with a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. The second processor 250 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors.

[0062] 4. Structure of the printing apparatus

[0063] Next, the structure of the printing apparatus 300 will be described.

[0064] The printing apparatus 300 includes a third communication I / F 310, a third control unit 330, and a printing unit 360.

[0065] The third communication I / F310 includes a connector and interface circuitry, and is wired to network 10. The third communication I / F310 includes, for example, a NIC as the interface circuitry.

[0066] The third control unit 330 is a computer device equipped with a third storage unit 340 and a third processor 350.

[0067] The third storage unit 340 includes both volatile and non-volatile storage devices. Since the structure of the third storage unit 340 is the same as that of the first storage unit 160, detailed description is omitted.

[0068] The third processor 350 is a computing device equipped with a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. The third processor 350 can consist of a single processor or multiple processors.

[0069] The printing unit 360 includes, for example, an ink cartridge for storing ink and a nozzle for ejecting ink supplied from the ink cartridge onto a sheet. Illustrations of the ink cartridge and nozzle are omitted. Under the control of the third control unit 330, the printing unit 360 prints images on the sheet using an inkjet printing method. The printing unit 360 is not limited to a structure that prints using an inkjet printing method; it can also be a structure that prints using an electrophotographic method.

[0070] 5. Operation of the information processing device

[0071] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of an APP screen 500 displayed on the display unit 131 of the information processing device 100.

[0072] When the first control unit 150 selects APP 163 via touch operation, it executes the selected APP 163 and displays it on the touch panel 135. Figure 2 The app screen shown is 500.

[0073] The first control unit 150 that executes APP163 is connected to the network 10 and detects the processing device 200 and the printing device 300 that are capable of communicating with each other with the information processing device 100.

[0074] Next, the first control unit 150 obtains the specification information and IP address of the detected processing device 200, and obtains the recommended specification information and IP address of the printing device 300 from the printing device 300. The specification information corresponds to the processing capacity, and the recommended specification information corresponds to the required processing capacity.

[0075] The specifications obtained from the processing device 200 include CPU performance, RAM and memory capacity, and network performance. CPU performance includes, for example, the number of cores, the number of threads, and clock frequency. Network performance refers to information related to communication performance via network 10, and is evaluated, for example, based on values ​​measured using the PING command.

[0076] Furthermore, the recommended specifications obtained from the printing apparatus 300 also include CPU performance, RAM and memory capacity, and network performance. The recommended specifications are information stored in the third storage unit 340 of the printing apparatus 300 during its manufacture by providing this information to the supplier of the printing apparatus 300. The recommended specifications are information indicating the specifications required of the processing apparatus 200. More specifically, the recommended specifications are information indicating the specifications of the processing apparatus 200 that enable it to perform printing processing without reducing the processing speed of the printing process.

[0077] Next, the first control unit 150 causes the APP screen 500 to display the objects representing the information processing device 100, the detected processing device 200, and the printing device 300.

[0078] In this embodiment, the object is an image that symbolizes the information processing device 100, the processing device 200, and the printing device 300.

[0079] The object corresponding to the information processing device 100 is recorded as the first device object 610. The object corresponding to the processing device 200 is recorded as the second device object 630. The object corresponding to the printing device 300 is recorded as the third device object 650.

[0080] In the first device object 610, the IP address 615 of the information processing device 100 is displayed, and the processing box 620 indicates the processing that can be selected in the information processing device 100.

[0081] The processing frame 620 includes a graphic of the name of the process that can be executed in the information processing device 100 and a rectangle surrounding the name of the process. The processing frame 620 displayed within the first device object 610 includes a UI (User Interface) display processing frame 621 and a rendering processing frame 623.

[0082] The UI display processing box 621 displays "UI display processing" as the processing name. UI display processing refers to the processing of displaying the APP screen 500 on the touch panel 135 of the information processing device 100 and accepting operations from the user.

[0083] The "Rendering Process" is displayed as the name of the process in the rendering processing box 623.

[0084] From the perspective of the attached diagram, operators are displayed on the right side of the UI display processing box 621 and on the left and right sides of the rendering processing box 623.

[0085] The operator displayed on the left side of the rendering processing box 623 is called the front operator 710, and the operator displayed on the right side of the UI display processing box 621 and the rendering processing box 623 is called the back operator 730.

[0086] The second device object 630 includes a second device object 630A corresponding to the processing device 200A, a second device object 630B corresponding to the processing device 200B, and a second device object 630C corresponding to the processing device 200C.

[0087] In each of the second device objects 630, the IP address 635 of the corresponding processing device 200 and the processing box 640 indicating the processing that can be selected in the processing device 200 are displayed.

[0088] The processing frame 640 contains a graphic of the name of the process that can be executed in the processing device 200 and a rectangle surrounding the name of the process. The processing frame 640 displayed within the second device object 630B includes a rendering processing frame 641 and a halftone processing frame 643.

[0089] The rendering processing box 641 displays "Rendering Process" as the processing name. The rendering processing box 641 corresponds to the first processing object.

[0090] The term "Halftone Processing" is displayed as the processing name in halftone processing box 643. Halftone processing box 643 corresponds to the second processing object.

[0091] Furthermore, in the view of the accompanying drawings, a forward operator 710 is displayed to the left of the rendering processing box 641 and the halftone processing box 643, and a backward operator 730 is displayed to the right of the rendering processing box 641 and the halftone processing box 643.

[0092] The third device object 650 includes a third device object 650A corresponding to the printing device 300A, a third device object 650B corresponding to the printing device 300B, and a third device object 650C corresponding to the printing device 300C.

[0093] In each third device object 650, the IP address 655 of the corresponding printing device 300 and the processing box 660 indicating the processing that can be selected in the printing device 300 are displayed.

[0094] The processing frame 660 contains a graphic of the name of the process that can be performed in the printing apparatus 300, and a rectangle surrounding the name of the process. The processing frame 660, displayed within the third apparatus object 650, includes a printing processing frame 661.

[0095] The printing process box 661 displays "Printing Process" as the process name.

[0096] Furthermore, in the view of the attached figure, a front operation symbol 710 is shown on the left side of the printing processing frame 661.

[0097] Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 This is an example diagram to represent a screen size of 500 in an app. Specifically, Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the processing device 200 for performing rendering processing in the APP screen 500. Figure 3 This indicates the state of the operator 730 behind the UI display processing box 621 when the user touches it with their finger. Furthermore, Figure 4 This indicates the state where the user's finger, which is being touched, moves to the front operator 710 of the rendering processing frame 641. Furthermore, due to layout constraints, in... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the middle, a portion of the APP screen 500 displaying the first device object 610 and the second device object 630B is enlarged and shown.

[0098] For example, suppose that processing device 200B is selected as the processing device 200 that performs rendering processing.

[0099] The user touches the operator 730 behind the UI display processing box 621 with their finger, and moves the finger that made the touch to the operator 710 in front of the rendering processing box 641 while keeping it in contact with the touch panel 135.

[0100] When the first control unit 150 selects another operator and an unconnected rear operator 730 or front operator 710 via touch operation, it causes the touch panel 135 to display the connection line 750. The connection line 750 is equivalent to a line segment.

[0101] The first control unit 150 causes the displayed connection line 750 to extend in accordance with the movement of the user's finger moving on the touch panel 135.

[0102] The user moves their finger to the front operator 710 and then removes their finger from the touch panel 135 at the position of the front operator 710. In this case, the first control unit 150 connects the rear operator 730 of the UI display processing box 621 and the front operator 710 of the rendering processing box 641 via the connecting line 750. This operation is equivalent to associating the first device object 610 with the rendering processing box 641.

[0103] Similar to the mapping between the UI display processing box 621 and the rendering processing box 641, the user associates the rendering processing box 641 with the halftone processing box 643. The halftone processing box 643 associated with the rendering processing box 641 can be a halftone processing box 643 contained within the same second device object 630. Furthermore, the halftone processing box 643 associated with the rendering processing box 641 can also be a halftone processing box 643 contained within other second device objects 630.

[0104] Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 This is an example diagram to represent a screen size of 500 in an app. Specifically, Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the printing apparatus 300 selected for printing processing in the APP screen 500.

[0105] Figure 5 This indicates the state of the user's finger touching the operator 730 behind the halftone processing box 643. Furthermore, Figure 6 This indicates the state of the user's finger moving to the operation symbol 710 in front of the printing processing frame 661. Furthermore, due to layout considerations, in... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6In the middle, a portion of the APP screen 500 displaying the second device object 630B and the third device object 650 is enlarged and shown.

[0106] In addition, Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The image shows the state in which the selected processing device 200B is used as the device for halftone processing, and the rendering processing frame 641 and the halftone processing frame 643 of the second device object 630B are connected by the connecting line 750.

[0107] When the first control unit 150 detects that the position of the operation symbol 730 behind the halftone processing frame 643 is the operation position for touch operation, it changes the display size of the third device objects 650A, 650B and 650C.

[0108] The first control unit 150 compares the specification information obtained from the processing device 200B with the recommended specification information obtained from the printing devices 300A to 300C, and changes the display size of the third device object 650 based on the comparison results.

[0109] For example, the first control unit 150 changes the display size of the third device object 650 in five levels in the order of first display size, second display size, third display size, fourth display size, and fifth display size. The first display size is the largest of the five display sizes, and the fifth display size is the smallest of the five display sizes.

[0110] If the first control unit 150 meets the recommended specifications for all four items—CPU performance, RAM and memory capacity, and network performance—it displays the third device object 650 at a first display size. If three of the four items meet the recommended specifications, the first control unit 150 displays the third device object 650 at a second display size. The second display size is smaller than the first display size. The first control unit 150 similarly changes the display size of the third device object 650 thereafter, and if none of the four items meet the recommended specifications, it displays the third device object 650 at a fifth display size. Furthermore, the change in the display size of the third device object 650 is not limited to five levels; it can also be two or three levels.

[0111] When the display size of the third device object 650 is changed, the user selects the printing device 300 to perform the printing process based on the changed display size of the third device object 650. At this time, by selecting the third device object 650 with the largest display size, the most suitable printing device 300 can be selected.

[0112] Assume that printing device 300A is selected as the printing device 300 to perform the printing process. The user touches the operation symbol 730 behind the halftone processing frame 643 with his finger, and moves the finger that made the touch to the position of the operation symbol 710 in front of the third device object 650A corresponding to the printing device 300A while keeping it in contact with the touch panel 135.

[0113] When the first control unit 150 selects other operators and unconnected rear operators 730 or front operators 710 through touch operation, it causes the touch panel 135 to display the connection line 750.

[0114] The first control unit 150 causes the displayed connection line 750 to extend in accordance with the movement of the user's finger moving on the touch panel 135.

[0115] The user moves their finger to the front operator 710 and then removes their finger from the touch panel 135 at the position of the front operator 710. In this case, the first control unit 150 connects the rear operator 730 of the halftone processing frame 643 and the front operator 710 of the printing processing frame 661 via the connecting line 750. This operation is equivalent to associating the halftone processing frame 643 with the third device object 650.

[0116] In the above Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The description explains the connection of the connecting line 750 from the second device object 630 to the third device object 650. It can also be used in conjunction with... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 Conversely, the connecting line 750 connects the front operator 710 displayed on the third device object 650 to the rear operator 730 displayed on the second device object 630.

[0117] In addition, Figure 6 The diagram shows a third device object 650A corresponding to printing apparatus 300A, a third device object 650B corresponding to printing apparatus 300B, and a third device object 650C corresponding to printing apparatus 300C. However, it is also possible to show only the third device object 650, which corresponds to the printing apparatus 300A, 300B, or 300C available to the selected processing apparatus 200, from the third device objects 650A to 650C.

[0118] For example, the third device objects 650A to 650C corresponding to the printing device 300 whose power supply is cut off are not displayed in the APP screen 500.

[0119] Furthermore, assuming that processing device 200B is selected as the processing device 200 for rendering and halftone processing, the first control unit 150 can also compare the specification information obtained from processing device 200B with the recommended specification information obtained from printing devices 300A to 300C, and delete the third device objects 650 in printing devices 300A to 300C that do not meet the recommended specifications. That is, only the third device objects 650 of printing devices 300 that can be used by processing device 200B are displayed.

[0120] For example, the first control unit 150 may be configured not to display the third device object 650 whose display size is determined to be the fifth display size on the APP screen 500, or it may be configured not to display the third device object 650 with a display size smaller than the third display size on the APP screen 500.

[0121] Figure 7 This is an example diagram to represent a screen size of 500 in an app. Specifically, Figure 7 This indicates a state where the user's hand, which is touching the front operation symbol 710 of the printing processing frame 661, moves in the direction of the processing device 200. Due to page layout, in Figure 7 In the middle, a portion of the APP screen 500 displaying the second device objects 630A to 630C and the third device object 650B is enlarged and shown.

[0122] When the first control unit 150 detects that the position of the operation symbol 710 in front of the printing processing frame 661 is the operation position for touch operation, it changes the display size of the second device objects 630A, 630B and 630C.

[0123] The first control unit 150 compares the specification information obtained from the processing device 200B with the recommended specification information obtained from the printing devices 300A to 300C, and changes the display size of the second device object 630 based on the comparison result. The method for changing the display size of the second device object 630 is the same as that for the third device object 650.

[0124] When the display size of the second device object 630 is changed, the processing device 200 that performs halftone processing is selected based on the changed display size of the second device object 630. At this time, as... Figure 7 As shown, by selecting the second device object 630C with the largest display size, the most suitable processing device 200 can be selected.

[0125] When the device for performing UI processing, rendering processing, halftone processing, and printing processing is selected and the OK button (not shown) is pressed, the first control unit 150 generates control information.

[0126] The control information is for instructing the processing device 200 corresponding to the second device object 630 selected through the operation of the APP screen 500 to perform rendering processing and / or halftone processing. Furthermore, the control information is for instructing the printing device 300 corresponding to the third device object 650 selected through the operation of the APP screen 500 to perform printing processing. The control information is described in a predetermined language. For example, JDF (Job Definition Format) is used as the predetermined language.

[0127] The control information includes the IP address of the processing device 200 that performs the rendering process, and the folder path of the shared folder that the rendering process is monitored.

[0128] In addition, the control information includes the IP address of the processing device 200 that performs halftone processing, and the folder path of the shared folder that the halftone processing is monitored.

[0129] In addition, the control information includes the IP address of the printing device 300 that performs the printing process, the folder path indicating the location of the shared folder monitored by the printing process, and the printing port or drive queue name, etc.

[0130] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which control information is transmitted.

[0131] Reference Figure 8 The actions performed by the processing device 200 and the printing device 300 according to the control information will be explained. Figure 8 This describes the flow of control information when selecting processing device 200A as the processing device 200 for rendering and halftone processing, and selecting printing device 300C as the printing device 300 for printing processing. Furthermore, it is assumed that the shared folder monitored by the second control unit 230 of processing device 200A performing rendering processing is the shared folder 165 of information processing device 100. Furthermore, it is assumed that the shared folder monitored by the second control unit 230 of processing device 200A performing halftone processing is the shared folder 251 of processing device 200A. Furthermore, it is assumed that the shared folder monitored by the third control unit 330 of printing device 300C performing printing processing is the shared folder 253 of processing device 200A.

[0132] When generating control information, the first control unit 150 saves the generated control information and PDL data in a shared folder 165. This shared folder 165 is monitored by the second control unit 230 of the processing device 200A that performs rendering processing.

[0133] The second control unit 230 of the processing device 200A, which monitors the shared folder 165, obtains control information and PDL data from the shared folder 165. The second control unit 230 of the processing device 200A performs rendering processing on the obtained PDL data. Subsequently, referring to the control information, the second control unit 230 of the processing device 200A saves the control information and the rendered data in the shared folder 251. This shared folder 251 is the folder monitored by the second control unit 230 of the processing device 200A that performs halftone processing.

[0134] The second control unit 230 of the processing device 200A that monitors the shared folder 251 obtains control information and rendered data from the shared folder 251.

[0135] The second control unit 230 of the processing apparatus 200A performs halftone processing on the acquired rendered data. Subsequently, referring to control information, the second control unit 230 of the processing apparatus 200A saves the control information and the halftone-processed print image data in a shared folder 253. This shared folder 253 is a folder monitored by the third control unit 330 of the printing apparatus 300C that performs the printing process.

[0136] The third control unit 330 of the printing apparatus 300C, which monitors the shared folder 253, obtains control information and printing image data from the shared folder 253. The third control unit 330 of the printing apparatus 300C then prints an image based on the obtained printing image data onto a printing medium.

[0137] Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing device 100.

[0138] Reference Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The flowchart shown illustrates the operation of the information processing device 100.

[0139] The first control unit 150 determines whether APP163 has been selected (step S1). If APP163 has not been selected (step S1 / No), the first control unit 150 remains in standby mode until APP163 is selected.

[0140] When APP163 is selected (step S1 / Yes), the first control unit 150 executes the selected APP163 and detects the processing device 200 and printing device 300 that can communicate via network 10 (step S2). Then, the first control unit 150 obtains the specification information of the processing device 200 from the detected communicable processing device 200 (step S3). In addition, the first control unit 150 obtains the recommended specification information of the printing device 300 from the detected communicable printing device 300 (step S4).

[0141] Next, the first control unit 150 causes the touch panel 135 to display the APP screen 500 (step S5). In the APP screen 500, the first device object 610, the second device object 630 corresponding to the communicable processing device 200 detected in step S2, and the third device object 650 corresponding to the communicable printing device 300 are displayed.

[0142] Next, the first control unit 150 receives the operation of associating the UI display processing box 621, the rendering processing box 641, the halftone processing box 643, and the printing processing box 661 (step S6). The user outputs the operation of associating the UI display processing box 621, the rendering processing box 641, the halftone processing box 643, and the printing processing box 661 by performing a touch operation on the touch panel 135.

[0143] When the UI display processing box 621, rendering processing box 641, halftone processing box 643, and printing processing box 661 are associated, the first control unit 150 generates control information (step S7).

[0144] The control information includes instructions to the processing device 200 corresponding to the second device object 630 included in the rendering processing frame 641 selected in step S6 to perform rendering processing. Furthermore, the control information includes instructions to the processing device 200 corresponding to the second device object 630 included in the halftone processing frame 643 selected in step S6 to perform halftone processing. Additionally, the control information includes instructions to the printing device 300 corresponding to the third device object 650 included in the printing processing frame 661 selected in step S6 to perform printing processing.

[0145] Next, the first control unit 150 saves the control information generated in step S7 in a shared folder (step S8). This shared folder is monitored by the processing device 200 that performs the rendering process. Because the control information is saved in the shared folder, the processing device 200 specified by the control information performs the rendering process and halftone processing, and the printing device 300 specified by the control information performs the printing process.

[0146] Next, refer to Figure 10 The flowchart shown is for Figure 9 The details of step S6 will be explained below. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, only the operation method of connecting the preceding operator 710 to the following operator 730 is shown in this processing flow; however, the operation of connecting the preceding operator 710 to the following operator 730 can also be performed.

[0147] First, the first control unit 150 determines whether the operation character 730 following the UI display processing box 621 has been selected via touch operation (step S61). If the operation character 730 following the UI display processing box 621 has not been selected (step S61 / No), the first control unit 150 proceeds to the determination in step S64.

[0148] When the first control unit 150 selects the operation 730 behind the UI display processing box 621 through touch operation (step S61 / Yes), it determines whether the operation 710 in front of the rendering processing box 641 has been selected through touch operation (step S62).

[0149] If the front operator 710 of the rendering processing frame 641 is not selected (step S62 / No), the first control unit 150 remains in standby mode until the front operator 710 of the rendering processing frame 641 is operated.

[0150] When the front operator 710 is selected (step S62 / Yes), the first control unit 150 connects the rear operator 730 of the UI display processing box 621 and the front operator 710 of the rendering processing box 641 via the connecting line 750 (step S63).

[0151] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether the operator 730 behind the rendering processing frame 641 was selected through a touch operation (step S64). If the operator 730 behind the rendering processing frame 641 was not touched (step S64 / No), the first control unit 150 proceeds to the determination in step S67.

[0152] When the operator 730 behind the rendering processing frame 641 is touched (step S64 / Yes), the first control unit 150 determines whether the operator 710 in front of the halftone processing frame 643 has been selected (step S65). If the operator 710 in front of the halftone processing frame 643 has not been selected (step S65 / No), the first control unit 150 remains in standby mode until the operator 710 in front of the halftone processing frame 643 is selected.

[0153] When the front operator 710 is selected (step S65 / Yes), the first control unit 150 connects the rear operator 730 of the rendering processing box 641 and the front operator 710 of the halftone processing box 643 via the connecting line 750 (step S66).

[0154] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether the operation symbol 730 behind the halftone processing frame 643 was selected by touch operation (step S67). If the operation symbol 730 behind the halftone processing frame 643 was not touched (step S67 / No), the first control unit 150 proceeds to the determination in step S71.

[0155] When the first control unit 150 selects the operation 730 behind the halftone processing frame 643 via touch operation (step S67 / Yes), it changes the display size of each third device object 650 (step S68). The first control unit 150 changes the display size of each third device object 650 based on the specification information obtained from the processing device 200 in step S3 and the recommended specification information obtained from the printing device 300 in step S4 (step S68).

[0156] For example, if the specifications of the processing device 200 shown in the specification information meet all the specifications required by the recommended specification information, the first control unit 150 displays the display size of the third device object 650 at the first display size.

[0157] Furthermore, the first control unit 150 changes the display size of the third device object 650 to a second display size, a third display size, and a fourth display size based on the degree to which the specifications of the processing device 200 shown in the specification information meet the specifications required by the recommended specification information. The second display size is larger than the third display size, and the third display size is larger than the fourth display size.

[0158] In addition, if the specifications of the processing device 200 shown in the specification information do not meet all the specifications required by the recommended specification information, the first control unit 150 displays the display size of the third device object 650 at the fifth display size.

[0159] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether the front operation symbol 710 of the printing processing frame 661 has been selected (step S69). If the front operation symbol 710 of the printing processing frame 661 has not been selected (step S69 / No), the first control unit 150 remains in standby mode until the front operation symbol 710 of the printing processing frame 661 is selected.

[0160] When the front operator 710 is selected (step S69 / Yes), the first control unit 150 connects the rear operator 730 of the halftone processing frame 643 and the front operator 710 of the printing processing frame 661 via the connecting line 750 (step S70).

[0161] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether the operation has been accepted through a touch operation on the touch panel 135 (step S71). If the operation has not been accepted (step S71 / No), the first control unit 150 returns to the determination in step S61.

[0162] When the first control unit 150 accepts the completion operation (step S71 / Yes), it determines whether the UI display processing box 621, rendering processing box 641, halftone processing box 643 and printing processing box 661 have been connected (step S72).

[0163] If the UI display processing frame 621, rendering processing frame 641, halftone processing frame 643, and printing processing frame 661 are not connected (step S72 / No), the first control unit 150 returns to the determination in step S61. Alternatively, if the UI display processing frame 621, rendering processing frame 641, halftone processing frame 643, and printing processing frame 661 are connected (step S72 / Yes), the first control unit 150 proceeds to the processing in step S7.

[0164] The above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0165] For example, the first control unit 150 may also obtain information indicating the processing status of the processing device 200 when obtaining specification information from the processing device 200. Similarly, the first control unit 150 may also obtain information indicating the processing status of the printing device 300 when obtaining recommended specification information from the printing device 300. Based on this information, the first control unit 150 may, when the processing load of the user-selected processing device 200 is high, change the processing device 200 performing rendering processing and halftone processing based on the information indicating the processing status obtained from the processing device 200. The first control unit 150 generates control information to cause the selected processing device 200 to perform at least one of rendering processing and halftone processing.

[0166] Similarly, the first control unit 150 can also change the printing device 300 performing the printing process based on information indicating the processing status obtained from the printing device 300 when the processing load of the printing device 300 selected by the user is high. The first control unit 150 generates control information to make the selected printing device 300 perform the printing process.

[0167] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first control unit 150 changed the display size of the third device object 650 in five levels in the order of first display size, second display size, third display size, fourth display size, and fifth display size.

[0168] Furthermore, the display color of the third device object 650 can be changed, or the third device object 650 can be made to blink, based on the specification information obtained from the processing device 200 and the recommended specification information obtained from the printing device 300 in step S4. Alternatively, when the third device object 650 is made to blink, the more specifications of the display device 200 that meet the recommended specifications of the printing device 300, the shorter the blinking interval should be.

[0169] Furthermore, although in the above embodiment, objects are associated through user operation of the touch panel, it is also possible to display the application screen on a monitor such as a laptop PC and perform the operation of associating objects by user operation of input devices such as a mouse.

[0170] also, Figure 1 The functional units of the information processing apparatus 100, processing apparatus 200, and printing apparatus 300 shown are representations of functional structures, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessarily required to install hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually; of course, it is also possible to configure a structure where one or more processors execute programs to implement the functions of multiple functional units. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a portion of the functions implemented through software may be implemented in hardware, or a portion of the functions implemented through hardware may be implemented in software. In addition, the specific detailed structures of the other parts of the information processing apparatus 100, processing apparatus 200, and printing apparatus 300 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0171] Furthermore, in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the information processing device 100, Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The processing units in the flowchart shown are divided according to the main processing content. This invention will not be affected by... Figure 9 as well as Figure 10The flowchart shown above is limited by the method and name of the division of the processing units. Furthermore, the processing of the information processing device 100 can be further divided into more processing units based on the processing content, or it can be divided in a way that includes more processing within a single processing unit. Moreover, the processing order in the flowchart above is not limited to the example shown.

[0172] Furthermore, when the control method of the information processing device 100 is implemented by the computer included in the information processing device 100, the program that the computer can execute can also be configured by means of a recording medium or a transmission medium for transmitting the program. As the recording medium, magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory devices can be used. Specifically, portable or stationary recording media such as floppy disks, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media can be listed. Blu-ray is a registered trademark.

[0173] 6. Summary of this disclosure

[0174] The following is a summary of this disclosure.

[0175] Postscript 1

[0176] A printing system includes: multiple processing units that perform RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing on data of a printing object; one or more printing devices that perform printing processing to print an image based on the data of the printing object onto a printing medium; and an instruction device that accepts specified operations for the processing units performing the RIP processing and the printing devices performing the printing processing. The instruction device includes: a display unit; a control unit that causes the display unit to display a screen including a first device object representing the instruction device, multiple second device objects corresponding to the multiple processing units, and a third device object corresponding to the printing device; and an operation unit that accepts operations to associate the first and second device objects, and operations to associate the second and third device objects. The control unit generates control information that causes the processing unit corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform the RIP processing, and causes the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform the printing processing.

[0177] According to this structure, by performing operations that associate objects displayed on the screen with each other, it is possible to select a processing device for RIP processing and a printing device for printing processing, thereby improving the user's ease of use.

[0178] Appendix 2

[0179] As described in Appendix 1, the printing system includes a first process and a second process in the RIP process. The control unit causes the display unit to display a plurality of second device objects, each representing a first processing object of the first process and a second processing object of the second process. The operation unit accepts operations that associate the first device object with the first processing object, operations that associate the first processing object with the second processing object, and operations that associate the second processing object with the third device object. The control unit generates control information that causes a processing device corresponding to a second device object containing the first processing object associated with the first device object to perform the first process, causes a processing device corresponding to a second device object containing the second processing object associated with the first processing object to perform the second process, and causes a printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second processing object to perform the printing process.

[0180] According to this structure, by performing operations that associate objects displayed on the screen, it is possible to select the processing apparatus for the first and second processes included in the RIP processing, and the printing apparatus for the printing process, thereby improving the user's ease of use.

[0181] Appendix 3

[0182] As described in Appendix 2, in the printing system, when the operation unit accepts an operation to select the first processing object, the control unit displays a line segment connecting the first device object and the first processing object; when the operation unit accepts an operation to select the second processing object, the control unit displays a line segment connecting the first processing object and the second processing object; and when the operation unit accepts an operation to select the third device object, the control unit displays a line segment connecting the second processing object and the third device object.

[0183] According to this structure, among the multiple objects displayed on the screen, the selected object is connected to each other by line segments. Therefore, the user can easily identify the selected object.

[0184] Appendix 4

[0185] As described in Appendix 2 or 3, in the printing system, when the operation unit receives an operation that associates the first processing object and the second processing object, the control unit displays a third device object of a printing device that is available to the processing device corresponding to the second device object containing the second processing object.

[0186] According to this structure, when a processing device for performing the second processing is selected, a third device object of the printing device that can be used by that processing device is displayed. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0187] Appendix 5

[0188] The printing system described in any one of Appendices 2 to 4, wherein the control unit obtains first information representing the processing capability of each of the plurality of processing devices, and obtains second information representing the required processing capability of each of the plurality of printing devices, wherein when the operation unit receives an operation that associates the first processing object and the second processing object, it changes the display mode of the printing device corresponding to the processing capability of the processing device and the required processing capability of the printing device based on the first information of the processing device corresponding to the second device object containing the second processing object and the plurality of second information obtained from the plurality of printing devices.

[0189] According to this structure, when a first processing object and a second processing object are associated, the processing capability of the processing device containing the second processing object is changed to match the display mode of the printing device that corresponds to the required processing capability of the printing device. Therefore, it is possible to select a printing device that corresponds to the processing capability of the selected processing device.

[0190] Appendix 6

[0191] An indicating device accepts specified operations from a processing device that performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing on data of a printing object and a printing device that performs printing processing on an image based on the data of the printing object onto a printing medium. The indicating device includes: a display unit; a control unit that causes the display unit to display a screen including a first device object representing the indicating device, a plurality of second device objects corresponding to a plurality of processing devices, and a third device object corresponding to the printing device; and an operation unit that accepts operations that associate the first and second device objects, and operations that associate the second and third device objects. The control unit generates control information that causes the processing device corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform the RIP processing, and causes the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform the printing processing.

[0192] According to this structure, by performing operations that associate objects displayed on the screen with each other, it is possible to select a processing device for RIP processing and a printing device for printing processing, thereby improving the user's ease of use.

[0193] Appendix 7

[0194] A control method for an indicator device, wherein the indicator device accepts specified operations from a processing device performing RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing on data of a printing object and a printing device performing printing processing on an image based on the data of the printing object onto a printing medium. The control method for the indicator device includes the following steps: displaying a display screen comprising a first device object representing the indicator device, a plurality of second device objects corresponding to a plurality of processing devices, and a third device object corresponding to a printing device; accepting operations of associating the first device object and the second device objects, and operations of associating the second device objects and the third device objects; and generating control information that causes the processing device corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform the RIP processing, and causes the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform the printing processing.

[0195] According to this structure, by performing operations that associate objects displayed on the screen with each other, it is possible to select a processing device for RIP processing and a printing device for printing processing, thereby improving the user's ease of use.

[0196] Postscript 8

[0197] A program executed by a computer mounted on an indicator device, wherein the indicator device receives specified operations from a processing device performing RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing on data of a printing object and a printing device performing printing processing on a printing medium to print an image based on the data of the printing object, the program causing the computer to perform the following steps: displaying a screen comprising a first device object representing the indicator device, a plurality of second device objects corresponding to a plurality of processing devices respectively, and a third device object corresponding to the printing device; receiving operations to associate the first device object and the second device objects, and operations to associate the second device objects and the third device objects; and generating control information that causes the processing device corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform the RIP processing, and causes the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform the printing processing.

[0198] According to this structure, by performing operations that associate objects displayed on the screen with each other, it is possible to select a processing device for RIP processing and a printing device for printing processing, thereby improving the user's ease of use.

[0199] Symbol Explanation

[0200] 1… Printing system; 10… Network; 100… Information processing device; 105… Bus; 110… First communication I / F; 130… First input / output I / F; 135… Touch panel; 150… First control unit; 160… First storage unit; 163… App; 170… First processor; 200, 200A, 200B, 200C… Processing device; 205… Bus; 210… Second communication I / F; 230… Second control unit; 240… Second storage unit; 250… Second processor; 300, 300A, 300B, 300C… Printing apparatus; 310… Third communication I / F; 330… Third control unit; 340… 3. Storage Unit; 350… Third Processor; 360… Printing Unit; 500… App Screen; 610… First Device Object; 615… IP Address; 620… Processing Frame; 621… UI Display Processing Frame; 623… Rendering Processing Frame; 630, 630A, 630B, 630C… Second Device Object; 635… IP Address; 640… Processing Frame; 641… Rendering Processing Frame; 643… Halftone Processing Frame; 650, 650A, 650B, 650C… Third Device Object; 655… IP Address; 660… Processing Frame; 661… Printing Processing Frame; 710… Forward Operator; 730… Backward Operator; 750… Connecting Line.

Claims

1. A printing system comprising: Multiple processing units perform raster image processing on the data of the printed object; One or more printing apparatuses perform printing processes that print images based on data of the printed object onto a printing medium; An instruction device that accepts specified operations from the processing device performing the raster image processing and the printing device performing the printing processing. The indicating device includes: Display section; The control unit causes the display unit to display a screen that includes a first device object representing the indicating device, a plurality of second device objects corresponding to the plurality of processing devices respectively, and a third device object corresponding to the printing device; The operation unit accepts operations that associate the first device object and the second device object, as well as operations that associate the second device object and the third device object. The control unit generates control information that causes the processing device corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform the raster image processing, and causes the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform the printing processing. The control unit compares the specification information obtained from the processing device with the recommended specification information obtained from the plurality of printing devices, and deletes the third device objects that do not meet the recommended specifications from the plurality of printing devices, and only displays the third device objects of the printing devices that can be used by the processing device.

2. The printing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The raster image processing includes a first processing and a second processing. The control unit causes the display unit to display the plurality of second device objects, including a first processing object representing the first processing and a second processing object representing the second processing. The operation unit accepts operations that associate the first device object with the first processing object, operations that associate the first processing object with the second processing object, and operations that associate the second processing object with the third device object. The control unit generates control information that causes the processing device corresponding to the second device object, which includes the first processing object associated with the first device object, to perform the first processing, causes the processing device corresponding to the second device object, which includes the second processing object associated with the first processing object, to perform the second processing, and causes the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second processing object to perform the printing processing.

3. The printing system as described in claim 2, wherein, The control unit When the operation unit accepts the operation of selecting the first processing object, the line segment connecting the first device object and the first processing object is displayed. When the operation unit accepts the operation of selecting the second processing object, the line segment connecting the first processing object and the second processing object is displayed. When the operation unit accepts the operation of selecting the third device object, the line segment connecting the second processing object and the third device object is displayed.

4. The printing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, When the operation unit receives an operation that associates the first processing object and the second processing object, the control unit displays a third device object that is available to the printing device corresponding to the second device object containing the second processing object.

5. The printing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The control unit obtains first information representing the processing capability of each of the plurality of processing devices, and Second information representing the required processing capacity of the printing apparatus to the processing apparatus is obtained from each of the plurality of printing apparatuses. When the operation unit receives an operation that associates the first processing object and the second processing object, it changes the display mode of the printing device corresponding to the processing capability of the processing device and the required processing capability of the printing device based on the first information of the processing device corresponding to the second device object containing the second processing object and the multiple second information obtained from the multiple printing devices respectively.

6. An indicating device that accepts designated operations from a processing apparatus for raster image processing of data of a printing object and a printing apparatus for printing processing of an image based on the data of the printing object onto a printing medium. The indicating device includes: Display section; The control unit causes the display unit to display a screen that includes a first device object representing the indicating device, a plurality of second device objects corresponding to a plurality of processing devices respectively, and a third device object corresponding to a printing device; The operation unit accepts operations that associate the first device object and the second device object, as well as operations that associate the second device object and the third device object. The control unit generates control information that causes the processing device corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform the raster image processing, and causes the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform the printing processing. The control unit compares the specification information obtained from the processing device with the recommended specification information obtained from the plurality of printing devices, and deletes the third device objects that do not meet the recommended specifications from the plurality of printing devices, and only displays the third device objects of the printing devices that can be used by the processing device.

7. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon that causes a computer mounted on an indicator device to execute. The indicating device receives instructions from the processing device that performs raster image processing on the data of the object to be printed and the printing device that performs printing processing on the image based on the data of the object to be printed onto the printing medium. The program causes the computer to perform the following steps: The step of displaying a display screen that includes a first device object representing the indicating device, a plurality of second device objects corresponding to a plurality of processing devices respectively, and a third device object corresponding to a printing device; The steps of accepting the operation of associating the first device object with the second device object and the operation of associating the second device object with the third device object; The step of generating control information is as follows: the control information causes the processing device corresponding to the second device object associated with the first device object to perform the raster image processing, and causes the printing device corresponding to the third device object associated with the second device object to perform the printing processing. The steps include comparing the specification information obtained from the processing device with the recommended specification information obtained from the plurality of printing devices, deleting third device objects from the plurality of printing devices that do not meet the recommended specifications, and displaying only the third device objects of the printing devices that the processing device can use.

Images