Information processing apparatus and system, control method, program product, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing apparatus and system, a control method, a program product, and a storage medium. The information processing apparatus is capable of performing an operation from start of printing to completion of cutting with a simple setting. The information processing apparatus is communicatively connected to a cutting machine for cutting a printed sheet medium, and processes information transmitted to and received from the cutting machine. The information processing apparatus includes: an information obtaining means for obtaining, from a cutting machine, capability information relating to a cutting capability of the cutting machine; a job obtaining section for obtaining a print job including print condition information related to a print condition; and an information generating section configured to generate cutting condition information related to a cutting condition when cutting the medium with the cutter based on the capability information obtained by the information obtaining section and printing condition information included in the print job obtained by the job obtaining section. The cutting machine cuts the medium based on the cutting condition information generated by the information generating section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device connectable to a cutting machine, a control method thereof, a computer program product thereof, and an information processing system. Background Art

[0002] There are known cutting machines for cutting media such as printed paper and cloth, etc. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-323272 (a copy of US20030202835 A1) discloses a printing apparatus including a printing unit for printing on a medium and a cutting unit for cutting the printed medium.

[0003] However, when cutting the printed medium, a printing device having only a printing unit and a cutting machine having only a cutting unit are more commonly used than a printing device having both a printing unit and a cutting machine. In the case of using such a printing device and a cutting machine, a printing setting for setting a printing condition and a cutting setting for setting a cutting condition are required respectively, and as a result, there is a problem that the setting operation becomes complicated and usability may be reduced. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides an information processing device, an information processing system, a control method for the information processing device, and a computer program product for the information processing device, which are capable of executing a series of operations from the start of printing to the completion of cutting with simple settings.

[0005] Therefore, an aspect of the present invention provides an information processing device that is communicably connected to a cutter for cutting printed sheet media and processes information sent to and received from the cutter. The information processing device includes: an information acquisition unit for acquiring capability information related to the cutting capability of the cutter from the cutter; a job acquisition unit for acquiring a print job including print condition information related to print conditions; and an information generation unit for generating cutting condition information related to cutting conditions when the medium is cut by the cutter based on the capability information acquired by the information acquisition unit and the print condition information included in the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit. The medium is cut by the cutter based on the cutting condition information generated by the information generation unit.

[0006] According to the present invention, a series of operations from the start of printing to the completion of cutting are performed with simple settings.

[0007] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration in the case where the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied to an image forming apparatus.

[0009] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0010] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the cutting machine.

[0011] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the cutting machine.

[0012] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a communication terminal.

[0013] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the communication terminal.

[0014] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system.

[0015] Figure 8 : is a diagram showing an example of cutting setting information (cutting condition information) generated by the image forming apparatus based on printing setting information (printing condition information).

[0016] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9G is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the image forming apparatus.

[0017] Fig.10 : is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed by a print driver for an image forming apparatus operating on a communication terminal.

[0018] Fig.11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the print cutting cooperative application.

[0019] Fig.12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between the image forming apparatus, the cutter, and the print driver.

[0020] Fig.13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between a user, a print driver, an image forming apparatus, and a cutter.

[0021] Fig.14 is a diagram showing an example of cutting instruction information.

[0022] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C: is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on an image forming apparatus in online storage device connection setting in the print cutting cooperative application.

[0024] Fig.17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the print cutting cooperative application.

[0025] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 This is a flowchart of the cutting machine registration process in step S1702 (subroutine) of the flowchart shown.

[0026] Fig.19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between a user, an image forming apparatus, a cutting machine, and an external storage device.

[0027] Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B is a diagram showing an example of cutting instruction information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in these embodiments. For example, each of the units constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can show the same function. In addition, any component can be added. In addition, two or more than two arbitrary configurations (features) in the embodiments can be combined.

[0029] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 14 A first embodiment is described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration in the case where the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied to an image forming apparatus. Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 100 shown is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral). Figure 7 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 is communicably connected to the cutter 300 and the communication terminal 500. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 may process information transmitted to and received from the cutter 300 and the communication terminal 500.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 100 has a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, a storage device 104, an image bus I / F (interface) 105, an operation unit I / F 106, a system bus 107, an image bus 108, and a network I / F 110. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit (display unit) 112, a USB host I / F 113, a USB storage device 114, an RTC 115, a device I / F 120, a scanner 170, a scanner image processor 180, a printer image processor 190, and a printer 195.

[0031] The CPU 101 is a computer that boots an OS (Operating System) by a boot program stored in a ROM 103. The CPU 101 performs various processes on the OS by executing programs stored in a storage device 104. The RAM 102 is used as a work area of ​​the CPU 101 and also as an image storage area for temporarily storing image data.

[0032] The storage device 104 stores programs and image data. The programs include, for example, programs for causing the CPU 101 to execute units or components of the image forming apparatus 100 (control methods for information processing apparatus). The CPU 101 is communicably connected to the ROM 103, RAM 102, operation unit I / F 106, network I / F 110, USB host I / F 113, and image bus I / F 105 via a system bus 107.

[0033] The operation unit I / F 106 is an interface with an operation unit 112 having a touch panel. The operation unit I / F 106 transmits image data to be displayed on the operation unit 112 to the operation unit 112. The operation unit I / F 106 transmits information input from a user through the operation unit 112 to the CPU 101. The network I / F 110 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 100 to a LAN.

[0034] The USB host I / F 113 is an interface for communicating with the USB storage device 114. The USB host I / F 113 transmits data stored in the storage device 104 to the USB storage device 114. As a result, the data stored in the storage device 104 is stored in the USB storage device 114. The USB host I / F 113 transmits the data stored in the USB storage device 114 to the CPU 101. The USB storage device 114 is an external storage device for storing data, and is detachably connected to the USB host I / F 113. A plurality of types of USB devices including the USB storage device 114 can be connected to the USB host I / F 113.

[0035] The RTC 115 counts the current time. For example, the time information provided from the RTC 115 is used to record the job input time. The image bus I / F 105 is a bus bridge for communicatively connecting the system bus 107 to the image bus 108 for high-speed transmission of image data and converting the data format. The image bus 108 is connected to the device I / F 120, the scanner image processor 180, and the printer image processor 190. The scanner 170 and the printer 195 are connected to the device I / F 120. The device I / F 120 performs conversion between the synchronous and asynchronous systems of the image data. The scanner image processor 180 corrects, processes, and edits the input image data. The printer image processor 190 corrects the print output image data according to the printer 195 and converts the resolution.

[0036] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a print cutting cooperative application 210, a job control module 231, a UI control module 232, a storage control module 233, and an NW (network) control module 234. Each component is a software module implemented by the CPU 101 executing a main program loaded on the RAM 102. The UI control module 232 displays a screen on the operation unit 112 and receives an operation from a user via the operation unit I / F 106. The UI control module 232 has a function of notifying other modules and a function of controlling screen updates by receiving drawing instructions from other modules. The job control module 231 receives a job execution instruction from the UI control module 232, and controls job processing such as copying, scanning, and printing.

[0037] The NW control module 234 receives communication requests from other modules to control the network I / F 110. Thus, communication with external devices is controlled. The NW control module 234 also receives notifications from external devices and notifies other modules of the contents of the notifications. The storage control module 233 records and manages setting information and job information recorded in the storage device 104. Each module located in the hierarchy of the OS can access the storage control module 233 to refer to a setting value or set the setting value.

[0038] The print cutting cooperation application 210 is one of the submodules included in the OS, and controls the application that runs in conjunction with the cutting machine 300. The number of submodules included in the OS is arbitrary. The print cutting cooperation application 210 includes an overall control module 220, a cutting setting information generation module (information generation component) 221, a cutting machine control module (information acquisition component) 222, a cutting mark generation module 223, and an image generation module 224.

[0039] When receiving the notification of the user operation from the UI control module 232, the overall control module 220 determines the content of the user operation. Then, the overall control module 220 gives instructions to the cutting setting information generation module 221, the cutting mark generation module 223 and the cutting machine control module 222 based on the content of the user operation. The overall control module 220 can request the cutting setting information generation module 221 to generate cutting setting information (cutting condition information) related to the cutting conditions of the cutting machine 300 when cutting (information generation step). The overall control module 220 can request the cutting mark generation module 223 to generate a cutting mark setting. The cutting mark is a mark attached to the medium as the cutting object. The cutting position performed by a tool such as a cutter is determined based on the cutting mark. The overall control module 220 can also request the cutting machine control module 222 to communicate with the cutting machine 300.

[0040] The cutting setting information generating module 221 maintains Figure 8 Table 800 is shown. Table 800 shows the relationship between print setting information (print condition information) related to the print condition when printing and cutting setting information. That is, in table 800, the print setting information and the cutting setting information are associated with each other. The print setting information is included in the print job output from the communication terminal 500 to the image forming device 100.

[0041] When receiving a request for generating cutting setting information from the overall control module 220, the cutting setting information generating module 221 generates the cutting setting information based on the table 800. The cutting setting information generating module 221 may return the cutting setting information to the overall control module 220. The cutter control module 222 communicates with the cutter 300 via the NW control module 234. Under the control of the overall control module 220, the cutter control module 222 obtains the capacity information of the cutter 300 (information obtaining step). The capacity information relates to the maximum capacity of the cutter 300 when cutting.

[0042] The cutter control module 222 also notifies the cutter 300 of the cutting setting information and the cutting start instruction for starting cutting. The cutting mark generation module 223 generates a cutting mark setting corresponding to the capability information of the cutter 300. Under the control of the overall control module 220, the cutting mark generation module 223 requests the image generation module 224 to generate an image by adding a cutting mark to the print object image.

[0043] The image generation module 224 accepts the request from the cutting mark generation module 223 and adds the cutting mark corresponding to the user input information to the printing object image. Then, the image generation module 224 returns the printing object image with the cutting mark added to the overall control module 220. The overall control module 220 displays the printing object image with the cutting mark added on the operation unit 112 via the UI control module 232. When the user instructs the overall control module 220 to execute printing, the overall control module 220 requests the job control module 231 to print the printing object image with the cutting mark added.

[0044] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the cutting machine 300 . Figure 3 The cutter 300 shown is a device for cutting a printed sheet medium. The cutter 300 includes a controller unit 310, an operation unit 320, a display unit 330, a sensor unit 340, and a cutting unit 350. The controller unit 310 includes a CPU 312, a memory 313, a network I / F 314, an operation unit I / F 315, a display unit I / F 316, a device I / F 317, and a controller 318, which are communicably connected to each other via a system bus 311.

[0045] The CPU 312 realizes the functions of the cutting machine 300 by executing the control program stored in the memory 313. The memory 313 includes, for example, ROM, RAM, and HDD. In addition to the control program, the memory 313 stores, for example, various data such as cutting settings (cutting conditions) and position information. The memory 313 may also include an external storage device such as a USB memory or an external hard disk. The network I / F 314 is an interface for communicating with, for example, the image forming apparatus 100 via a LAN.

[0046] The operation unit 320 is connected to the controller unit 310 via the operation unit I / F 315. The display unit 330 is connected to the controller unit 310 via the display unit I / F 316. The sensor unit 340 and the cutting unit 350 are connected to the controller unit 310 via the device I / F 317. The operation unit 320 receives an input operation of a user, and is configured by, for example, an input device having a cursor key and a determination key.

[0047] The display unit 330 displays information such as cutting settings to the user, and is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, etc. The sensor unit 340 detects a cutting mark on a cutting target medium based on a sensor output, and obtains image data by scanning the medium. The cutting unit 350 includes a cutter for cutting the cutting target medium, a driving roller for moving the cutter, and a conveying mechanism for moving the medium.

[0048] The operations of the operation unit 320, the display unit 330, the sensor unit 340, and the cutting unit 350 are controlled by control signals sent from the controller 318 of the controller unit 310. Specifically, in order to implement the cutting process by the cutter 300, the controller 318 sends a control signal to the cutting unit 350 according to the signals received from the operation unit 320 and the sensor unit 340. In the cutting unit 350, the medium and the cutter are moved by driving the conveying mechanism and the driving roller according to the control signal. Thus, the medium can be cut into a predetermined shape.

[0049] Figure 4 4 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the cutting machine 300. The cutting machine 300 includes a network control module 401, an apparatus control module 402, a storage control module 403, a UI control module 404, a cutting condition setting module 405, and a cutting process execution module 406. Each software module is implemented by the CPU 312 executing a control program.

[0050] The network control module 401 controls a plurality of communication protocols supported by the cutting machine 300 via the network I / F 314. The device control module 402 is a program for controlling the sensor unit 340 and the cutting unit 350 via the device I / F 317. The storage control module 403 is a program for managing and controlling memory access of the memory 313.

[0051] The UI control module 404 is a program for controlling the operation unit 320 via the operation unit I / F 315 and controlling the display unit 330 via the display unit I / F 316. The cutting condition setting module 405 is a program for receiving cutting setting information from the operation unit I / F 315 and the network I / F 314, and updating and storing data in the memory 313. The cutting process execution module 406 is a program for receiving a cutting execution signal from the operation unit I / F 315 and the network I / F 314, and controlling the cutting unit 350 according to the cutting setting information.

[0052] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of communication terminal 500 . Figure 5The communication terminal 500 shown may be, for example, a desktop or notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smart phone, etc. The communication terminal 500 includes a CPU 501, a RAM 502, a ROM 503, a storage device 504, an operation unit I / F 505, an operation unit 506, a display unit I / F 508, a display unit 509, a network I / F 510, and a USB I / F 511. The CPU 501, the RAM 502, the ROM 503, the storage device 504, the operation unit I / F 505, the display unit I / F 508, the network I / F 510, and the USB I / F 511 are connected via a system bus 507 so as to be communicable with each other.

[0053] The CPU 501 reads a control program stored in the ROM 503 or the storage device 504 to control the functions of the communication terminal 500. In addition, the storage device 504 stores software for controlling the image forming apparatus 100 to perform printing (i.e., the print driver 1001). The RAM 502 is a main storage memory of the CPU 501, and is used as a temporary storage area for expanding various control programs stored in the ROM 503 and the storage device 504. The ROM 503 stores the control program executable by the CPU 501. The storage device 504 is an SSD or an HDD, etc., and stores image data and application programs.

[0054] The operation unit I / F 505 is communicatively connected to the operation unit 506. The operation unit 506 is a device for detecting an input from a user, and includes, for example, a mouse or a keyboard, etc. The display unit I / F 508 is communicatively connected to the display unit 509. The display unit 509 is a device for displaying the processing content of the communication terminal 500 so that the user can grasp the processing content, and has, for example, a liquid crystal monitor. For example, the network I / F 510 sends and receives data to the image forming apparatus 100. The USB I / F 511 sends and receives data to an external device (such as a USB memory) via a cable conforming to USB. The operation unit 506 can be connected to the communication terminal 500 via the USB I / F 511.

[0055] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the communication terminal 500. Figure 6 As shown, the communication terminal 500 includes a display processing module 601, an input processing module 602, a communication management module 603, an image processing module 604, a device registration module 605, a device management module 606, a print instruction module 607, and a cutting instruction module 608. These software modules of the communication terminal 500 are application software programs stored in the storage device 504 of the communication terminal 500, and can cooperate with the image forming apparatus 100 and the cutting machine 300.

[0056] The display processing module 601 controls the content displayed on the display unit 509 when the application is executed. The input processing module 602 detects input from the operation unit 506 when the application is executed, and sends the input information to other software modules. The communication management module 603 controls the communication with the image forming apparatus 100 and the cutting machine 300 via the network I / F 510. The image processing module 604 generates image data with a cutting mark, print data, cutting data, etc. according to the user operation input from the input processing module 602.

[0057] The device registration module 605 detects the image forming apparatus 100 and the cutting machine 300 connected via the network I / F 510 and the USB I / F 511, and stores the information related to each device in the storage device 504. The information related to the device includes, for example, device type information and device communication information. The device management module 606 updates or deletes the information related to the device registered by the device registration module 605. Although the device registration module 605 and the device management module 606 are included in the application software in this embodiment, this is not restrictive. For example, the device registration module 605 and the device management module 606 can realize the function by cooperating with the driver software module stored in the storage device 504 of the communication terminal 500.

[0058] The print instruction module 607 transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 100 according to the user operation input from the input processing module 602. For this transmission, the device communication information managed by the device management module 606 is used. The cutting instruction module 608 transmits the data required for cutting to the cutting machine 300 according to the user operation input from the input processing module 602. For this transmission, the device communication information managed by the device management module 606 is used.

[0059] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system. Figure 7 The information processing system 700 shown includes an image forming apparatus 100, a cutting machine 300, and a communication terminal 500. The image forming apparatus 100 and the communication terminal 500 are connected via a network 701 so as to be communicable with each other. The image forming apparatus 100 and the cutting machine 300 are connected via a network 702 different from the network 701 so as to be communicable with each other.

[0060] although Figure 7The image processing system 700 shown includes one image forming device 100, one cutting machine 300 and one communication terminal 500, but may include two or more image forming devices, two or more cutting machines, or two or more communication terminals. In addition, the cutting machine 300 and the communication terminal 500 may be connected via a network 701, a network 702 or a network different from these networks to be communicable with each other.

[0061] Figure 8 800 is a table showing examples of cutting setting information (cutting condition information) generated by the image forming apparatus based on the printing setting information (printing condition information). In table 800, as examples of the printing setting information, the types of media (i.e., sheets) to be printed are listed. In addition, ordinary sheets, thick sheets, and cover sheets are exemplified as sheet types. In addition, as examples of the cutting setting information, cutting pressure, cutting speed, and the number of cuts at one position are given.

[0062] "Cutting pressure" is the pressure with which the cutting blade of the cutter is pressed against the medium to be cut during cutting. "Cutting speed" is the speed of the cutter during cutting. "Number of cuts at one position" is the number of cuts at each position of the sheet during cutting. For example, when a portion of the sheet is cut along a circular cutting indicator line (cutting line), the number of turns that the cutter moves along the cutting indicator line depends on the thickness of the sheet.

[0063] The cutting pressure, cutting speed, and the number of cuts at one position are all set within the range of the capability represented by the capability information of the cutting machine 300. For example, when the cutting object is an ordinary thin sheet, the cutting setting information is set so that the cutting pressure is 1.0N, the cutting speed is 200mm / s, and the number of cuts at one position is 1 time. In addition, when the cutting object is a thick thin sheet, the cutting setting information is set so that the cutting pressure is 1.5N, the cutting speed is 200mm / s, and the number of cuts at one position is 2 times. In this way, in the present embodiment, the specific values ​​(parameter-related information) of the cutting pressure, cutting speed, and the number of cuts at one position corresponding to the sheet type are obtained as the cutting setting information. Thus, the cutting setting information generation module 221 can generate the cutting setting information based on the table 800 (capability information and print setting information). That is, the cutting setting information generation module 221 can generate the cutting setting information based on the print setting information within the range of the capability represented by the capability information. The cutting setting information is stored in the RAM 102.

[0064] Although the cutting setting information includes three parameters (these three parameters include cutting pressure, cutting speed and the number of cutting times at one position), this is not restrictive. The cutting setting information may include at least one of the three parameters, or may also include other parameters. The cutting setting information generated by the cutting setting information generation module 221 is sent to the cutting machine 300 at a timing before the sending of the cutting instruction. Then, the cutting machine 300 cuts the cutting object based on the cutting setting information.

[0065] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9G is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9G The operation screen shown is generated by the CPU 101 executing a program constituting the UI control module 232 , and is displayed on the operation unit 112 .

[0066] Fig. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 900 of the image forming apparatus. Fig. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 910 (application home screen) of the print cutting cooperative application. Fig. 9C 1 is a diagram showing a storage selection screen 920 for selecting a storage device as a source for obtaining a print data file. Fig.9D 1 is a diagram showing a file selection screen 930 for selecting a print data file. Fig.9E is a diagram showing a print setting screen 940 for setting print conditions when printing a print data file. Fig.9F 1 is a diagram showing a cutting preparation screen 950 for prompting the cutting machine to prepare for cutting. Figure 9G 1 is a diagram showing a cutting completion screen 960 for notifying the user that the cutting by the cutting machine is completed.

[0067] Fig. 9A The home screen 900 shown includes a copy icon 901, a scan icon 902, and a cut icon 903. When the copy icon 901 is operated (pressed), the image forming device 100 performs copying. When the scan icon 902 is operated, the image forming device 100 performs scanning. When the cut icon 903 is operated, the print cutting cooperation application 210 is activated. This allows cutting by the cutter 300. In this way, the cut icon 903 has a function as a selection operation component operated by the user to select whether to cut the medium by the cutter 300. Then, when the print cutting cooperation application 210 is activated, the display screen changes to Fig. 9B Application home screen 910 is shown.

[0068] The application home screen 910 includes a cutting machine connection setting area 911, a storage device connection setting area 912, a print start area 913, and an OK button 914. When the cutting machine connection setting area 911 and the OK button 914 are sequentially operated, the connection with the cutting machine 300 can be set. Then, when the connection setting with the cutting machine 300 is completed, the capability information of the cutting machine 300 can be obtained.

[0069] Thus, in this embodiment, the cutting machine connection setting area 911 has a function as an acquisition operation part operated by the user to instruct acquisition of capability information. In addition, when the storage device connection setting area 912 and the OK button 914 are operated in sequence, authentication information when connecting to an online storage device can be set. The online storage device is a cloud service that rents a storage area of ​​a storage device via a network. In addition, when the print start area 913 and the OK button 914 are operated in sequence, the display screen changes to Fig. 9C Storage selection screen 920 is shown.

[0070] The storage selection screen 920 includes a PC area 921, a USB area 922, an online storage area 923, and an OK button 924. When the PC area 921 and the OK button 924 are operated in sequence, a PC (e.g., the communication terminal 500) can be selected as the acquisition source of the print data file (i.e., the print job). This enables the print data file to be obtained from the PC. In this way, in the present embodiment, the PC area 921 has a function as a job acquisition operation part operated by the user to instruct the acquisition of the print data file.

[0071] Furthermore, when the USB area 922 and the OK button 924 are operated in sequence, the USB can be selected as the source of the print data file. When the online storage area 923 and the OK button 924 are operated in sequence, the online storage device can be selected as the source of the print data file. When the connection with the external storage device is successful, the display screen changes to Fig.9D The file selection screen 930 is shown. On the other hand, if the connection to the external storage device fails, an error message indicating the failure is displayed, and the display screen transitions to the application home screen 910.

[0072] File selection screen 930 displays areas for indicating file names of printable print data files among the print data files stored in the external storage device selected on storage selection screen 920. As areas for indicating file names of print data files, file name areas 931, 932, and 933 are displayed. File name area 931 indicates the name of a file in a raster image file format. File name area 932 indicates the name of a file in a JPEG format. File name area 933 indicates the name of a file in a PDF format. File selection screen 930 includes a preview button 934 and an OK button 935. When any one of file name areas 931 to 933 is selected and preview button 934 is operated, image data of the selected file can be displayed on operation unit 112 as a preview image. Furthermore, when any one of file name areas 931 to 933 is selected and OK button 935 is operated, the display screen changes to a preview image. Fig.9E The print setting screen 940 is shown.

[0073] The print setting screen 940 includes a setting item column for setting the printing conditions when printing the data file. As the setting item column, for example, a sheet size column 941, a sheet type column 942, a cutting area column 943, and a cutting mark setting column 944 are displayed. In the sheet size column 941, the printable sheet size (for example, A4 size, A3 size, or B4 size, etc.) supported by the image forming apparatus 100 in printing can be set. In the sheet type column 942, the type of sheet (for example, ordinary sheet, thick sheet, or coated sheet, etc.) supported by the image forming apparatus 100 in printing can be set.

[0074] The image forming apparatus 100 may restrict the selection of sheets other than sheets of sheet sizes and sheet types that the image forming apparatus 100 and the cutter 300 can support based on the capability information of the cutter 300. In this case, selectable items are filtered in the sheet size column 941 and the sheet type column 942. As described above, the capability information is information related to the maximum capability of the cutter 300 at the time of cutting. A cutting area, which is one of the cutting setting information sent to the cutter 300, may be set in the cutting area column 943.

[0075] As described above, the cutting setting information relates to the cutting conditions of the cutter 300 when cutting. The cutting area defines the cutting line along which the cutter 300 cuts the printed matter. In this embodiment, a square or circular area may be set as the cutting area, or the cutting setting information generation module 221 may detect the edge of the image based on the print data file and may set the cutting area to the detected edge.

[0076] In the cutting mark setting column 944, the addition of the cutting mark can be set. Specifically, it can be set whether to print the cutting mark for correcting the position information before the cutting machine 300 performs cutting, and the shape of the cutting mark when printing the cutting mark can be set. The print start button 945 is included in the print setting screen 940. After the settings in the sheet size column 941 to the cutting mark setting column 944, when the print start button 945 is operated, the printing of the print data file selected on the file selection screen 930 is started. After the printing is completed, the display screen changes to Fig.9F A cutting preparation screen 950 is shown.

[0077] The print setting screen 940 includes a preview button 946. After setting in the sheet size column 941 and the like, when the preview button 946 is operated, a composite image is generated in which the image of the print data file is composited with the cutting mark and the cutting area. The preview image is displayed on the operation unit 112 as a sample of the composite image.

[0078] The cutting preparation screen 950 includes a cutting start button 951 and a message 952. The message 952 includes an indication that printing is completed, an indication prompting the user to set the printed material to the cutting machine 300, and an indication prompting the user to operate the cutting start button 951. After the printed material printed by the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the cutting machine 300, when the user operates the cutting start button 951, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the cutting setting information to the cutting machine 300. In this way, the cutting start button 951 has a function as a transmission operation part operated by the user to instruct the transmission of the cutting setting information from the network I / F 110 (information transmission part).

[0079] The cutting start button 951 also serves as a cutting operation part operated by the user to instruct the cutting of the cutting machine 300. A part having a function as a sending operation part and a part having a function as a cutting operation part can be independently set. In addition, when the user operates the cutting start button 951, coordinate data of a cutting line for defining a cutting area is also sent together with the cutting setting information. The cutting machine 300 can cut the printed matter based on the cutting setting information.

[0080] After the transmission of the cutting setting information and the like to the cutting machine 300 is completed, the display screen changes to Figure 9G The cutting completion screen 960 is shown. The cutting completion screen 960 includes a yes button 961, a no button 962, and a message 963. The message 963 includes an indication that the cutting of the cutting machine 300 is completed and an indication whether to continue to use the print cutting cooperative application 210. When the yes button 961 is operated, the display screen changes to the file selection screen 930, and the print cutting cooperative application 210 can be continued to be used.

[0081] When the YES button 961 is operated, the display screen may transition to the application home screen 910 or the storage selection screen 920. In contrast, when the NO button 962 is operated, the display screen transitions to the home screen 900, and the print cutting cooperative application 210 is terminated.

[0082] Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed by a print driver for an image forming device running on a communication terminal. The print driver 1001 is a software module implemented by the CPU 501 of the communication terminal 500 executing a main program loaded into the RAM 502. There are multiple types of print drivers depending on the type of image forming device. For example, there is a print driver for the image forming device 100 that cooperates with the cutter 300 and a print driver for an image forming device that does not cooperate with the cutter 300, etc.

[0083] The user downloads the print driver 1001 to the RAM 502 via a web page, USB, disk, or the like. The download method is not particularly limited. The user activates the communication terminal 500 and displays the print driver 1001 on the operation unit 112. Fig.10 Operation screen 1000 is shown. The content displayed on operation screen 1000 may depend on the type of image forming apparatus.

[0084] The operation screen 1000 includes a basic setting screen 1010. The basic setting screen 1010 includes a document size drop-down list 1011; a page layout drop-down list 1012; radio button areas 1013, 1014, and 1015; an OK button 1017, and a preview image 1018. In the document size drop-down list 1011, the size of the sheet (medium) on which the image is printed can be selected (specified). The sheet size selectable in the document size drop-down list 1011 is not particularly limited. For example, the A4 size and the B5 size can be selected. Fig.10 In the example shown, A4 size is selected in the document size drop-down list 1011 .

[0085] A page layout can be selected in the page layout drop-down list 1012. There is no particular limitation on the page layout selectable in the page layout drop-down list 1012. For example, "1 in 1" where each sheet includes one page and "2 in 1" where each sheet includes two pages can be selected.

[0086] In the radio button area 1013, the user can select whether to use the option of using the print cutting cooperative application 210. The radio button area 1013 includes a yes button 1013a and a no button 1013b. The operation of the yes button 1013a allows the use of the print cutting cooperative application 210 and the operation of the radio button area 1014. On the contrary, the operation of the no button 1013b closes the operation screen 1000 and restricts further use of the print cutting cooperative application 210.

[0087] In the radio button area 1014, the user can select whether to add a cutting mark to the sheet to be printed by the print cutting cooperative application 210. The radio button area 1014 includes a yes button 1014a and a no button 1014b. The operation of the yes button 1014a allows the addition of the cutting mark and the operation of the radio button area 1015. On the contrary, the operation of the no button 1014b omits the addition of the cutting mark.

[0088] In the radio button area 1015, the user can select whether to make print settings via the operation unit 112 of the image forming apparatus 100. The radio button area 1015 includes a yes button 1015a and a no button 1015b. Operation of the yes button 1015a allows print settings of the image forming apparatus via the operation unit 112. On the contrary, operation of the no button 1015b allows printing based on the print settings on the operation screen 1000. When the OK button 1017 is operated, the setting contents set on the operation screen 1000 are sent to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network I / F 510 of the communication terminal 500.

[0089] Then, the image forming apparatus 100 can receive the setting contents set on the operation screen 1000 via the network I / F 110. The CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 executes the main program loaded into the RAM 102 based on the setting contents. When the yes button 1013a in the radio button area 1013 is operated, the CPU 101 executes the print cutting cooperative application 210. In addition, when a detailed setting item (not shown) is set in the radio button area 1015, the print cutting cooperative application 210 can display FIG. 9A to FIG. 9G The preview image 1018 shows a sheet sample including a print image and a cutting area.

[0090] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the print cutting cooperative application. The CPU 101 expands a program stored in the ROM 103 or the storage device 104 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the RAM 102 and executes the program. Fig.11 The individual steps in the flowchart shown.

[0091] like Fig.11As shown, in step S1101 (job obtaining step), the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus obtains a print job from the printer driver 1001 of the communication terminal 500 via the network I / F 110 (job obtaining means). The print job includes image data to be printed on a sheet, print setting information, etc. In addition, the print setting information includes the type of sheet on which the image is printed, etc. The CPU 101 requests the storage control module 233 to store the print setting information in the RAM 102.

[0092] Furthermore, when the print setting information includes information indicating that the Yes button 1013a is selected in the radio button area 1013, the CPU 101 executes the print cutting cooperative application 210. When the print cutting cooperative application 210 is executed, the overall control module 220 refers to the storage control module 233 and obtains the print setting information from the printer driver 1001.

[0093] In step S1102, the overall control module 220 refers to the information related to the radio button area 1015 included in the print setting information, and determines whether the setting is performed by the printer. When the print setting information includes information indicating that the yes button 1015a is selected in the radio button area 1015, it is determined that the setting is performed by the printer, and the process proceeds to step S1103. On the contrary, when the print setting information includes information indicating that the no button 1015b is selected in the radio button area 1015, it is determined that the setting is not performed by the printer, and the process proceeds to step S1104.

[0094] In step S1103, the overall control module 220 controls the UI control module 232 to display the Fig.9E When the print start button 945 in the print setting screen 940 is operated, the overall control module 220 replaces the information already obtained from the printer driver 1001 with the print setting information set in the print setting screen 940 to update the print setting information, and the process proceeds to step S1104.

[0095] In step S1104, the overall control module 220 requests the job control module 231 to perform printing based on the print settings. After the printing is completed, the overall control module 220 displays a message on the operation unit 112. Fig.9F The cutting preparation screen 950 shown in FIG. 9A . When the cutting start button 951 in the cutting preparation screen 950 is operated, the process proceeds to step S1105 .

[0096] In step S1105, the overall control module 220 requests the cutting setting information generation module 221 to generate cutting setting information. The cutting setting information generation module 221 generates the cutting setting information based on the capability information of the cutting machine and the print setting information obtained in step S1101 or the print setting information changed in step S1103 (see Figure 8 ).

[0097] The cutting setting information is saved (stored) in a memory unit such as the storage device 104 or the RAM 102. For example, when the sheet type of the print setting information is a normal sheet, cutting setting information defining a cutting pressure of 1.0 N, a cutting speed of 200 mm / s, and the number of cuts at one position of 1 is generated. The sheet cassette of the image forming apparatus 100 may be specified as the sheet type in the print setting information. In this case, the cutting setting information is generated after the type of the sheet stored in the sheet cassette is assigned with reference to the information set in the sheet cassette.

[0098] In step S1106, the overall control module 220 requests the cutting setting information generation module 221 to generate Fig.14 The cutting instruction information 1400 is shown. The cutting instruction information 1400 includes the coordinates of the cutting area on the sheet. The cutting setting information generation module 221 selects a cutting object from the image on the sheet to be printed and generates the cutting instruction information 1400. The cutting instruction information 1400 is stored in a memory unit such as the storage device 104 or the RAM 102.

[0099] In step S1107, the overall control module 220 requests the cutter control module 222 to send the cutting setting information to the cutter 300. The cutter control module 222 sends the cutting setting information stored in the storage device 104 or the RAM 102 to the cutter 300 via the NW control module 234. When receiving the cutting setting information, the cutter 300 notifies the overall control module 220 of the situation.

[0100] In step S1108, the overall control module 220 requests the cutting machine control module 222 to send the cutting instruction information 1400 to the cutting machine 300. The cutting machine control module 222 sends the cutting instruction information 1400 stored in the storage device 104 or the RAM 102 to the cutting machine 300 via the NW control module 234. When receiving the cutting instruction information 1400, the cutting machine 300 notifies the overall control module 220 of the situation.

[0101] In this embodiment, the cutting setting information and the cutting instruction information 1400 become available to the cutting machine 300 when they are sent to the cutting machine 300. However, this is not restrictive. For example, the cutting setting information or the cutting instruction information 1400 may be temporarily stored in a USB memory. In this case, the user connects the USB memory to the cutting machine 300 so that the cutting machine 300 can obtain the cutting setting information or the cutting instruction information 1400.

[0102] Fig.12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between the image forming apparatus 100, the cutter 300, and the print driver 1001. Once the setting is updated, Fig.12 The processing in steps S1201 to S1206 in the timing chart shown in FIG. 1 is not executed until the next update timing. The next update timing is the timing when the image forming apparatus 100 or the print driver 1001 is rebooted. Fig.12 As shown, in step S1201 , when the image forming apparatus 100 is booted, the image forming apparatus 100 (OS) requests the cutting machine 300 on the network 702 to obtain the capability information of the cutting machine 300 .

[0103] In step S1202, the cutting machine 300 responds to the request in step S1201 and returns the capability information of the cutting machine 300. The capability information includes, for example, the cutting pressure, the cutting speed, the number of cuts at one position (see Figure 8 ), the upper / lower limit values ​​of the cutting mark, the shape of the cutting mark, etc.

[0104] In step S1203, the image forming apparatus 100 (OS) controls the storage control module 253 to update the capability information of the cutting machine 300 with the information obtained in step S1202 as necessary.

[0105] In step S1204 , the print driver 1001 requests the image forming apparatus 100 to obtain capability information of the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0106] In step S1205, the image forming apparatus 100 returns the capability information of the image forming apparatus 100 to the printer driver 1001 in response to the request in step S1204. The capability information includes capability information of the cutter 300, information on sheet sizes and sheet types supported by the image forming apparatus 100, and the like.

[0107] In step S1206, the printer driver 1001 updates the print setting information based on the capability information of the image forming apparatus 100 returned in step S1205. The printer driver 1001 displays the updated information based on the updated information. Fig.10 Operation screen 1000 is shown.

[0108] Fig.13 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between a user, the print driver 1001, the image forming apparatus 100, and the cutter 300. Fig.13 As shown, in step S1301, the user displays the operation screen 1000 (see Fig.10 ) When the OK button 1017 in the operation screen 1000 is operated, the process proceeds to step S1302.

[0109] In step S1302 , the printer driver 1001 of the communication terminal 500 transmits a print job including the print setting information set on the operation screen 1000 and data of a print image to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network I / F 510 .

[0110] In step S1303, the OS of the image forming apparatus 100 receives the print job sent in step S1302 via the network I / F 110, and stores the print job in the RAM 102 or the storage device 104. When the print setting information in the print job includes information indicating that the Yes button 1013a in the radio button area 1013 is selected, the print cutting cooperative application 210 is loaded into the RAM 102 and becomes executable.

[0111] In addition, when the print setting information includes information indicating that the Yes button 1015a in the radio button area 1015 is selected, the process proceeds to step S1304. Conversely, when the print setting information includes information indicating that the No button 1015b in the radio button area 1015 is selected, the process proceeds to step S1307.

[0112] In step S1304, the overall control module 220 of the image forming apparatus 100 requests the UI control module 232 to display the print setting screen 940 (see Fig.9E ).

[0113] In step S1305, the user performs print setting on the operation unit 112 of the image forming apparatus 100. In step S1306, the overall control module 220 of the image forming apparatus 100 changes the print setting information obtained from the printer driver 1001 to the print setting information set in step S1305, and the process proceeds to step S1307.

[0114] In step S1307, the overall control module 220 of the image forming apparatus 100 requests the job control module 231 to print based on the print setting information. The job control module 231 controls the printer 195 to execute the print job. Thus, an image can be printed on a sheet. In the case where the print setting is performed in step S1305, the overall control module 220 receives a notification from the UI control module 232 that the print start button 945 is operated, and the print job is executed in step S1307.

[0115] In step S1308, the overall control module 220 of the image forming apparatus 100 requests the cutting setting information generation module 221 to generate cutting setting information. As described above, the cutting setting information generation module 221 generates the cutting setting information (see Figure 8 The cutting setting information generating module 221 returns the cutting setting information to the overall control module 220 .

[0116] In step S1309, the overall control module 220 of the image forming apparatus 100 requests the cutting setting information generation module 221 to generate cutting instruction information 1400 (see Fig.14 As described above, the cutting setting information generating module 221 generates the cutting instruction information 1400. The cutting setting information generating module 221 returns the cutting instruction information to the overall control module 220.

[0117] In step S1310, the overall control module 220 of the image forming apparatus 100 requests the cutter control module 222 to transmit the cutting setting information to the cutter 300. The cutter control module 222 transmits the cutting setting information to the cutter 300 via the NW control module 234.

[0118] In step S1311 , the cutter control module 222 of the image forming apparatus 100 returns the result of transmission to the cutter 300 (communication with the cutter 300 ) in step S1310 to the overall control module 220 .

[0119] In step S1312, the cutting condition setting module 405 of the cutting machine 300 receives the cutting setting information transmitted in step S1310 via the network I / F 314, and updates the settings according to the cutting setting information.

[0120] In step S1313, the overall control module 220 of the image forming apparatus 100 requests the UI control module 232 to display the cutting preparation screen 950 (see Fig.9F ).

[0121] In step S1314, the user can issue a cutting instruction on the cutting preparation screen 950. When the cutting start button 951 in the cutting preparation screen 950 is operated, the process proceeds to step S1315.

[0122] In step S1315, the overall control module 220 of the image forming apparatus 100 requests the cutter control module 222 to send cutting instruction information to the cutter 300. The cutter control module 222 sends the cutting instruction information to the cutter 300 via the NW control module 234.

[0123] In step S1316 , the cutter control module 222 of the image forming apparatus 100 returns the result of transmission to the cutter 300 (communication with the cutter 300 ) in step S1315 to the overall control module 220 .

[0124] In step S1317, the cutting process execution module 406 of the cutting machine 300 receives the cutting instruction information via the network I / F 314. Thus, the cutting machine 300 can cut the medium based on the cutting instruction information.

[0125] When receiving the notification of the transmission result in step S1316, in step S1318, the overall control module 220 of the image forming apparatus 100 requests the UI control module 232 to display the cutting completion screen 960 (see Figure 9G ). As a result, a cutting completion screen 960 is displayed.

[0126] As described above, in this embodiment, the print setting information in the print job can be obtained based on the capability information of the cutting machine 300 and the print setting information in the print job (ie, based on the table 800 (see Figure 8 )) generates cutting setting information used by the cutter 300 in cutting. This can omit the processing or operation of generating the cutting setting information separately from the printing condition information. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, when the printing setting information is obtained, the cutting setting information can be easily set. Thus, a series of operations from the start of printing to the completion of cutting can be performed quickly and easily, and usability is improved.

[0127] In the following, reference will be made to FIG. 15A to FIG. 20B A second embodiment will be described. The description will be focused on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and description of the same contents will be omitted. FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Fig.15A is a diagram showing an example of a first connection setting screen 1500 for performing a connection operation with a cutting machine. Fig. 15B is a diagram showing an example of a second connection setting screen 1510 for performing a connection operation with a cutting machine. Fig. 15C is a diagram showing an example of a third connection setting screen 1520 for performing a connection operation with a cutting machine. Fig.15D is a diagram showing an example of a fourth connection setting screen 1530 for performing a connection operation with a cutting machine.

[0128] As mentioned above, this can be done by Fig. 9B In the application home screen 910 shown in FIG. 1 , the cutter connection setting area 911 and the OK button 914 are sequentially operated to set the connection between the image forming apparatus 100 and the cutter 300. There is a case where the information related to the cutter 300 is not registered in the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the display screen changes to Fig.15A The first connection setting screen 1500 is shown. The first connection setting screen 1500 includes options 1501, 1502 and 1503 and an OK button 1504.

[0129] When the user sequentially operates option 1501 and OK button 1504, network communication can be set as a connection method with the cutting machine 300, and a cutting machine connectable via network communication can be searched. When the user sequentially operates option 1502 and OK button 1504, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication is set as a connection method with the cutting machine 300, and a cutting machine connectable via Bluetooth communication can be searched. When the user sequentially operates option 1503 and OK button 1504, USB communication is set as a connection method with the cutting machine 300, and a cutting machine connectable via USB communication can be searched.

[0130] In this way, the first connection setting screen 1500 (selection operation means) allows the user to select a connection method with the cutting machine 300. The connection method with the cutting machine 300 is not limited to a method via network communication, a method via Bluetooth communication, and a method via USB communication. Then, when a cutting machine 300 connectable via any communication is retrieved, the display screen changes to Fig. 15B On the other hand, when no connectable cutting machine 300 is found, the display screen changes to Fig. 15C A third connection settings screen 1520 is shown.

[0131] The second connection setting screen 1510 includes areas 1511, 1512, and 1513 and an OK button 1514. When a cutting machine connectable via any communication is retrieved, the image forming apparatus 100 obtains device information such as a device name and capability information from the cutting machine. This enables the device name to be displayed in areas 1511 to 1513. When the user sequentially operates one of the areas 1511 to 1513 and the OK button 1514, the cutting machine displayed in the operation area is connected.

[0132] In this way, the second connection setting screen 1510 (selection operation part) allows the user to select a desired cutting machine from the three displayed cutting machines. In addition, the device information is stored in the storage device 104 of the image forming apparatus 100. The device information stored in the storage device 104 can be associated with the print cutting cooperative application 210, and the device information can be restricted from being referenced by other applications. The third connection setting screen 1520 includes a back button 1521. When the user operates the back button 1521, the display screen returns to the first connection setting screen 1500. Thus, the cutting machine 300 can be connected again.

[0133] On the other hand, when the information about the cutting machine 300 is registered in the image forming apparatus 100, the display screen changes to Fig.15D The fourth connection setting screen 1530 shown. The fourth connection setting screen 1530 includes areas 1531, 1532, and 1533; a different device registration button 1534 and a back button 1535. The registered device names are displayed in areas 1531 to 1533, respectively. In addition, when the user operates the different device registration button 1534, a cutter different from the cutters displayed in areas 1531 to 1533 can be registered. In this case, the display screen changes to the first connection setting screen 1500, and the registration of the new cutter can be started. In addition, when the user operates the back button 1535, the display screen changes to the application home screen 910.

[0134] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C : is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of an image forming apparatus in online storage device connection setting in the print cutting cooperative application. Fig.16A is a diagram showing an example of a first connection setting screen 1600 for performing a connection operation with a storage device. Fig. 16B is a diagram showing an example of a second connection setting screen 1610 for performing a connection operation with a storage device. Fig. 16C is a diagram showing an example of a third connection setting screen 1620 for performing a connection operation with a storage device.

[0135] When the user Fig. 9B When the storage device connection setting area 912 and the OK button 914 are operated in sequence in the application home screen 910 shown in FIG. Fig.16A The first connection setting screen 1600 shown. On the first connection setting screen 1600, a connection with an online storage device can be set. The first connection setting screen 1600 includes areas 1601, 1602, and 1603; a new registration button 1604; an edit button 1605; a delete button 1606, and a back button 1607. The storage device names of the registered online storage devices are displayed in the areas 1601 to 1603, respectively.

[0136] When the user sequentially operates one of the regions 1601 to 1603 and the edit button 1605, the display screen changes to an edit screen for editing information related to the storage device displayed in the relevant region. On this edit screen, the storage device name and authentication information, etc. can be edited. When one of the regions 1601 to 1603 and the delete button 1606 are sequentially operated, the user can delete the information related to the storage device displayed in the relevant region. In addition, when the user operates the back button 1607, the display screen changes to the application home screen 910. When the user operates the new registration button 1604, the display screen changes to Fig. 16B A second connection settings screen 1610 is shown.

[0137] On the second connection setting screen 1610, the user can newly register information related to a new online storage device. The second connection setting screen 1610 includes areas 1611, 1612, 1613, and 1614 and a connection confirmation button 1615. The storage device name, host URL, user ID, and password are displayed in the areas 1611 to 1614 in this order, respectively. The information displayed in the areas 1611 to 1614 is necessary for connecting to the online storage device.

[0138] When the user operates the connection confirmation button 1615, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the online storage device via the NW control module 234. After the connection to the online storage device, the display screen changes to Fig. 16C The third connection setting screen 1620 is shown. The third connection setting screen 1620 includes a message area 1621 and a back button 1622. When the connection with the online storage device is successful, a message indicating success is displayed in the message area 1621. On the contrary, when the connection with the online storage device fails, a message indicating failure is displayed in the message area 1621. When the user operates the back button 1622, the display screen returns to the first connection setting screen 1600.

[0139] Although various settings in the print cutting cooperative application 210 are performed via the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment, these settings may be performed via the communication terminal 500. Furthermore, the cutter connection setting 911 and the storage device connection setting 912 may be set by accessing the web server of the image forming apparatus 100 from the web browser of the communication terminal 500. In this case, it is preferable to use a user interface function (so-called remote UI function) for enabling settings related to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0140] Fig.17 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the print cutting cooperative application. Fig.17As shown, in step S1700, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 starts the print cutting cooperative application 210, and the process proceeds to step S1701. In addition, when the print cutting cooperative application 210 is started, the application home screen 910 (see Fig. 9B ).

[0141] In step S1701, the CPU 101 determines whether the cutting machine 300 has been registered based on whether the registration information related to the cutting machine 300 is stored in the ROM 103 or the storage device 104. As a result of the determination in step S1701, when it is determined that the registration information is stored, the process proceeds to step S1703. On the contrary, as a result of the determination in step S1701, it is determined that the registration information is not stored, and the process proceeds to step S1702. In step S1702, the CPU 101 performs the cutting machine registration process. This will be referred to later. Fig.18 Describe the cutting machine registration process.

[0142] In step S1703, the CPU 101 determines whether the cutting machine 300 is connectable. This determination is performed as follows. That is, the CPU 101 controls the overall control module 220 to issue a connection request from the cutting machine control module 222 to the cutting machine 300 based on the cutting machine registration information. Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the cutting machine 300 is connectable based on whether a response to the connection request is received. Then, as a result of the determination in step S1703, when it is determined that the cutting machine 300 is connectable, the process proceeds to step S1704. On the contrary, as a result of the determination in step S1703, when it is determined that the cutting machine 300 is not connectable, the process proceeds to step S1714.

[0143] In step S1704, the CPU 101 obtains the device information of the cutting machine 300 determined to be connectable in step S1703, and the process proceeds to step S1705. The device information includes capability information, and in addition, the device information includes information such as the device name of the cutting machine 300, the sheet type and sheet size supported by the cutting machine 300, and the like.

[0144] In step S1705, the CPU 101 compares the device information obtained in step S1704 with the device information registered in the image forming apparatus 100 to determine whether the registered device information has changed. When generating the cutting setting information, the device information is referred to. Then, as a result of the determination in step S1705, when it is determined that the registered device information has changed, the process proceeds to step S1706. On the contrary, when it is determined in step S1705 that the registered device information has not changed, the process proceeds to step S1707.

[0145] In step S1706, the CPU 101 performs update processing to update the device information, and the process proceeds to step S1707. The processing in step S1705 may be omitted. In this case, the update processing of the device information in step S1706 is performed regardless of whether the device information is updated.

[0146] In step S1707, the CPU 101 obtains a print data file (print target file) from the external storage device, and the process proceeds to step S1708. Fig.9D ) to obtain a print data file by selecting any one of the file name areas 931 to 933.

[0147] In step S1708, the CPU 101 obtains print setting items (printing conditions) when printing the print data file obtained in step S1707, and the process proceeds to step S1709. The print setting items are set on the print setting screen 940 (see Fig.9E ) in the sheet size column 941 to the cut mark setting column 944, and obtain these setting values.

[0148] In step S1709, the CPU 101 performs printing of the print data file under the print setting obtained in step S1708, and the process proceeds to step S1710. The print data file is printed by processing the image data included in the print data file by the printer image processor 190 and transferring ink or toner to a sheet by controlling the printer 195 by the job control module 231. In addition, when the cutting mark setting column 944 in the print setting screen 940 is set to "ON", the image data obtained by synthesizing the cutting mark information related to the cutting mark generated by the cutting mark generating module 223 and the image data of the print data file by the image generating module 224 is printed.

[0149] In step S1710, the CPU 101 generates the cutting setting information of the cutting machine 300 by controlling the cutting setting information generating module 221 via the overall control module 220. Figure 8 ) to generate the cutting setting information. After the cutting setting information is generated, the process proceeds to step S1711.

[0150] In step S1711, the CPU 101 generates the cutting instruction information 1400 (see FIG. 1400 ) by controlling the cutting setting information generating module 221 via the overall control module 220. Fig.14). Specifically, the cutting setting information generation module 221 extracts the cutting area to be used as the cutting line from the image data of the print data file, and then generates the cutting instruction information using the two-dimensional coordinate data of the cutting area converted in such a way that the position of the cutting mark becomes the origin. After the cutting instruction information 1400 is generated, the process proceeds to step S1712.

[0151] In step S1712, the CPU 101 controls the NW control module 234 to transmit the cutting setting information generated in step S1710 to the cutting machine 300. After the cutting setting information is transmitted, the process proceeds to step S1713.

[0152] In step S1713, the CPU 101 controls the NW control module 234 to transmit the cutting instruction information 1400 generated in step S1711 to the cutting machine 300. After the cutting instruction information 1400 is transmitted, the process is terminated.

[0153] In step S1714 after step S1703, the CPU 101 displays a screen for prompting the user to re-register the cutting machine 300, and determines whether to re-register on the screen. As a result of the determination in step S1714, when it is determined that the user instructs to re-register, the process proceeds to step S1702. On the contrary, as a result of the determination in step S1714, when it is determined that the user does not instruct to re-register, the process ends.

[0154] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 Flowchart of the cutting machine registration process (subroutine) in step S1702 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Fig.18 As shown, in step S1800, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 obtains information about the selection result of the connection method with the cutting machine 300. The first connection setting screen 1500 (see Fig.15A ) selects a connection method with the cutting machine 300. Then, the CPU 101 obtains the selection result. After the execution of step S1800, the process proceeds to step S1801.

[0155] In step S1801, the CPU 101 searches for all devices that can be connected using the connection method selected in step S1800. In addition to the cutter 300, all devices may include devices other than the cutter. The CPU 101 obtains identification information of each device, determines whether the device is a cutter based on the identification information, and searches only for the cutter. After the execution of step S1801, the process proceeds to step S1802.

[0156] In step S1802, the CPU 101 obtains device information related to the (one or more than one) cutting machine retrieved in step S1801. When multiple cutting machines are retrieved in step S1801, the CPU 101 obtains device information related to each cutting machine. After execution of step S1802, the process proceeds to step S1803.

[0157] In step S1803, the CPU 101 obtains information on the result of selecting the cutting machine 300 registered in the image forming apparatus 100. The second connection setting screen 1510 (see Fig. 15B ) selects the cutting machine 300. Then, the CPU 101 obtains the selection result. After the execution of step S1803, the process proceeds to step S1804.

[0158] In step S1804, the CPU 101 registers the cutting machine 300 selected in step S1803. As the registration method, for example, there is a method of storing connection setting information for connecting the cutting machine 300 in the storage device 104 of the image forming apparatus. The connection setting information includes information such as a connection method and device information. After the execution of step S1804, the process is terminated.

[0159] Fig.19 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between a user, the image forming apparatus 100, the cutting machine 300, and the external storage device 400. Fig.19 As shown, in step S1900, the user operates the home page screen 900 (see Fig. 9A ) in one of the application buttons.

[0160] In step S1901, the image forming apparatus 100 starts the print cutting cooperative application 210. By starting, the application home screen 910 (see Fig. 9B ).

[0161] In step S1902, the user selects the file from the file selection screen 930 (see Fig.9D) in the file name areas 931 to 933 in the image forming apparatus 100. Although the file name areas 931 to 933 represent files set by the print driver 1001 in the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the file name areas 931 to 933 represent files set by operating the operation unit 112 (setting component) of the image forming apparatus 100. The files represented by the file name areas 931 to 933 are stored in the external storage device 400. In this case, the files represented in the file name areas 931 to 933 may be stored in the same external storage device 400, or may be stored in different external storage devices. In addition, the files represented in the file name areas 931 to 933 are not limited to being stored in the external storage device 400, and may be stored in the storage device 104 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0162] In step S1903, the image forming apparatus 100 accesses the external storage device 400 for storing the print target file selected in step S1902. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 requests the external storage device 400 to obtain the print data file.

[0163] In step S1904, the image forming apparatus 100 obtains the print target file from the external storage device 400 through the job control module 231 (job obtaining means). Although in the first embodiment, the obtaining source of the print target file (print job) is the print driver of the communication terminal 500, in the present embodiment, the obtaining source is the external storage device 400 for storing the print target file set through the operation unit 112.

[0164] In step S1905, the user operates the print setting screen 940 (see Fig.9E ) to input print settings. In step S1906, the image forming apparatus 100 updates the print settings based on the print settings input in step S1905. In step S1907, the user operates the print start button 945 in the print setting screen 940.

[0165] In step S1908, the image forming apparatus 100 performs a print process (step S1709). Thus, the print target file is printed. In step S1909, the image forming apparatus 100 generates cutting setting information. In step S1910, the image forming apparatus 100 generates cutting instruction information.

[0166] In step S1911 , the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the cutting setting information generated in step S1909 to the cutting machine 300 .

[0167] In step S1912, the cutter 300 updates the cutting setting information in the cutting condition setting module 405 based on the cutting setting information transmitted in step S1911. In step S1913, the cutter 300 transmits the update result in step S1912 to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0168] In step S1914, the user operates the cutting preparation screen 950 (see Fig.9F ) in the cutting start button 951.

[0169] In step S1915 , the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the cutting instruction information generated in step S1909 to the cutting machine 300 .

[0170] In step S1916 , when receiving the cutting instruction information transmitted in step S1915 , the cutter 300 transmits the reception result to the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0171] In step S1917, the cutting machine 300 executes the cutting process based on the cutting instruction information received by the cutting process execution module 406 in step S1916.

[0172] In step S1918, when the execution of the cutting process in step S1917 is completely completed or when an error occurs during the execution of the cutting process, the cutter 300 transmits this fact to the image forming apparatus 100 as a cutting result.

[0173] Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B An example of cutting instruction information is shown. Fig. 20A : is a diagram showing the coordinates of the corners of the cutting line relative to the printed matter. Fig. 20B FIG. 4 shows the cutting instruction information generated by the cutting setting information generating module. Fig. 20A As shown in FIG. 2 , a cutting line 2002 is printed on the printed product 2001. The cutting line 2002 shows the portion cut by the cutting machine 300. The cutting setting information generating module 221 of the image forming apparatus 100 converts the cutting line 2002 into two-dimensional coordinate information with the cutting mark position O being the origin, and generates Fig. 20B The cutting instruction information 2003 is shown. The cutting instruction information 2003 is generated in step S1910. The cutting instruction information 2003 includes the coordinates of the cutting area and the like.

[0174] As described above, even in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 can generate cutting setting information (see step S1710) based on the table 800. This enables easy setting of the cutting setting information, thereby enabling a series of operations from the start of printing to the completion of cutting to be performed quickly and easily.

[0175] Other embodiments

[0176] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0177] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0178] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-176843, filed on October 12, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. An information processing device that is communicably connected to a cutter for cutting a printed sheet medium and processes information sent to and received from the cutter, the information processing device comprising: An information obtaining component, used for obtaining capability information related to the cutting capability of the cutting machine from the cutting machine; A job obtaining component, used for obtaining a print job including print condition information related to the print condition; as well as an information generating means for generating cutting condition information related to cutting conditions when the sheet medium is cut by the cutting machine based on the capability information obtained by the information obtaining means and the printing condition information included in the print job obtained by the job obtaining means, The sheet medium is cut by the cutting machine based on the cutting condition information generated by the information generating component.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing device is communicatively connected to a device for storing a print driver, and Wherein, the job obtaining component obtains the print job from the print driver.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting component configured to set the print job, in, The job obtaining section obtains the print job from the setting section. 4 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a selection operation section operated by a user to select whether to cut the sheet medium using the cutter.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein: A plurality of cutting machines are communicatively connected to the information processing device, and The selection operation component allows the user to select a desired cutting machine from among the plurality of cutting machines.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein: The selection operation part allows a user to select a connection method with the cutting machine.

7. The information processing device according to claim 4 further comprises an acquisition operation component, and when a user operates the selection operation component to select cutting the sheet medium using the cutting machine, the acquisition operation component is operated by the user to instruct the information acquisition component to obtain the capability information.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a job obtaining operation component, which is operated by a user to instruct the job obtaining component to obtain the print job when the user operates the obtaining operation component to instruct the obtaining of the capability information.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, further comprising: An information sending component, used for sending the cutting condition information to the cutting machine; as well as A transmission operation unit is operated by the user to instruct the information transmission unit to transmit the cutting condition information when the user operates the job acquisition operation unit to instruct acquisition of the print job.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a cutting operation section operated by a user to instruct cutting using the cutting machine in a case where the user operates the transmission operation section to instruct transmission of the cutting condition information.

11. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, wherein: The information generating component generates at least one of the parameters as the cutting condition information, the parameters including: a pressing force of the cutting tool against the sheet medium during cutting, a cutting speed during cutting of the sheet medium, and a number of cutting times at one position during cutting of the sheet medium.

12. The information processing device according to claim 11, wherein: The printing condition information includes the type of sheet medium to be printed, and The information generating means generates information on parameters corresponding to the type of the sheet medium as the cutting condition information.

13. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8, further comprising an information sending component for sending the cutting condition information to the cutting machine.

14. The information processing device according to claim 13, further comprising a memory unit configured to store the cutting condition information, in, The information transmitting part can transmit the cutting condition information stored in the memory unit to the cutting machine after printing.

15. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14, further comprising a display unit configured to display a preview image showing a sample of the cutting area on the sheet medium.

16. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14, wherein: The information processing apparatus includes an image forming apparatus capable of printing.

17. An information processing system comprising: a cutter configured to cut the printed sheet media; as well as an information processing device that is communicably connected to the cutting machine and processes information sent to and received from the cutting machine, the information processing device comprising: An information obtaining component, used for obtaining capability information related to the cutting capability of the cutting machine from the cutting machine; a job obtaining component for obtaining a print job including print condition information related to the print condition; and an information generating means for generating cutting condition information related to cutting conditions when the sheet medium is cut by the cutting machine based on the capability information obtained by the information obtaining means and the printing condition information included in the print job obtained by the job obtaining means, The sheet medium is cut by the cutting machine based on the cutting condition information generated by the information generating component.

18. A control method for an information processing device that is communicably connected to a cutter for cutting printed sheet media and processes information sent to and received from the cutter, the control method comprising: an information obtaining step for obtaining capability information related to the cutting capability of the cutting machine from the cutting machine; a job obtaining step for obtaining a print job including print condition information related to the print condition; as well as an information generating step for generating cutting condition information related to cutting conditions when the sheet medium is cut by the cutter based on the capability information obtained in the information obtaining step and the printing condition information included in the print job obtained in the job obtaining step, The sheet medium is cut by the cutting machine based on the cutting condition information generated in the information generating step.

19. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the information processing apparatus according to claim 18. 20 . A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the information processing apparatus according to claim 18 .

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