Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program product

Abstract

Provided are an information processing device, an information processing method, and a computer program product that effectively prevent mismatching between printed image data and the type of a medium. An image shape information storage unit (31) stores a plurality of pieces of image shape information that respectively represent different image shapes of a printed image printed on a medium. A correspondence information storage unit (34) stores correspondence information in which a plurality of pieces of category information and a plurality of pieces of image shape information are associated with each other. A print image data reception unit (36) acquires print image data set in a print job. A category selection unit (37) selects category information corresponding to the image shape information of the print image data acquired by the print image data reception unit (36) from the plurality of pieces of category information by referring to the correspondence information. The operation execution unit (40) executes at least one operation based on the category information selected by the category selection unit (37).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a flatbed printer as a printing device that primarily prints images on three-dimensional media or thick media. In a flatbed printer, a relatively large medium, such as an acrylic or wood panel or billboard, or a relatively small medium, such as a coaster, is placed on a loading platform and an image is printed on the loaded medium using an inkjet method.

[0003] In a flatbed printer, pre-cut media is aligned with the printing position and placed on the printing table. The printing position is set using software such as a printing application. RIP software is particularly used in commercial printing.

[0004] A technology for printing on media of various materials and shapes using a flatbed printer is known. As the number of compatible media types increases, setting the media type in RIP software requires selecting the appropriate media type from a large list of media types. This can result in the selection of a different media type than the desired media type.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-159645 Summary of the Invention

[0006] An information processing device is provided, which includes: a category information storage unit, which stores a plurality of category information respectively representing different categories of media; an image shape information storage unit, which stores a plurality of image shape information respectively representing different image shapes of printed images printed on the media; a corresponding information storage unit, which stores corresponding information that establishes a correspondence between the plurality of category information and the plurality of image shape information; a printing image data acquisition unit, which acquires printing image data set in a printing task; a category selection unit, which selects category information corresponding to the image shape information of the printing image data acquired by the printing image data acquisition unit from the plurality of category information by referring to the corresponding information; and an action execution unit, which executes at least one action based on the category information selected by the category selection unit.

[0007] An information processing method is provided, in which a computer implements the following processing, namely: storing a plurality of category information respectively representing different categories of media; storing a plurality of image shape information respectively representing different image shapes of printed images printed on the media; storing corresponding information that establishes a correspondence between the plurality of category information and the plurality of image shape information; obtaining printed image data set in a printing task; selecting category information corresponding to the image shape information of the obtained printed image data from the plurality of category information by referring to the corresponding information; and executing at least one action based on the selected category information.

[0008] A computer program product is provided, which includes a program that enables a computer to function as the following components, namely: a category information storage unit that stores multiple category information that respectively represent different categories of media; an image shape information storage unit that stores multiple image shape information that respectively represent different image shapes of printed images printed on the media; a corresponding information storage unit that stores corresponding information that establishes a correspondence between the multiple category information and the multiple image shape information; a print image data acquisition unit that acquires print image data set in a print task; a category selection unit that selects category information corresponding to the image shape information of the print image data acquired by the print image data acquisition unit from the multiple category information by referring to the corresponding information; and an action execution unit that executes at least one action based on the category information selected by the category selection unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A block diagram of the printing system.

[0010] Figure 2 It is the data structure diagram of the corresponding information.

[0011] Figure 3 A diagram showing the GUI of the RIP software.

[0012] Figure 4 This is the control flow when the GUI is displayed.

[0013] Figure 5 This is the control flow when the print image input button is clicked.

[0014] Figure 6 This is the control flow when the print image input button is clicked.

[0015] Figure 7 This is the control flow when the register button is clicked. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Although the present invention is described below by way of the embodiments of the invention, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, not all of the structures described in the embodiments are necessary technical means for solving the problems. For the purpose of clarity, the following description and drawings are omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed.

[0017] Overview of Printing System 1

[0018] Figure 1 1 shows a block diagram of the printing system 1. Figure 1 As shown, the printing system 1 includes an information processing device 2 and a printing device 3. The information processing device 2 is typically a personal computer, and the printing device 3 is a flatbed printer.

[0019] Information processing device 2 includes a processor 2a, memory 2b, input device 2c, display device 2d, and communication interface 2e. Information processing device 2 communicates with printing device 3 via communication interface 2e. Processor 2a can access memory 2b. Processor 2a reads and executes programs stored in memory 2b. Thus, the programs execute the functions of application program 4 and RIP software 5 (raster image processor) through hardware such as processor 2a. In the following, the execution of the functions of RIP software 5 by processor 2a may be referred to simply as "execution by RIP software 5."

[0020] The input device 2c is a unit for receiving operations performed by the user and is typically implemented by a keyboard or a pointing device.

[0021] The display device 2d is a unit for displaying visual information and is typically implemented by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode).

[0022] The application 4 generates print image data representing a pattern to be printed on a medium, that is, a print image, based on a drawing instruction from a user.

[0023] The media printed by the printing device 3 has a certain thickness. Typical examples include smartphone cases, badges, keychains, etc., but are not limited to these categories. Such media are sometimes referred to as commodities or media, but even for smartphone cases, the variety is vast. Furthermore, different types of media may also have different materials, necessitating different printing parameters when printing with the printing device 3.

[0024] The RIP software 5 generates first print control data based on the print image data and sends the generated first print control data to the printer 3. The first print control data is data used by the printer 3 to print the print image data. Furthermore, the RIP software 5 generates second print control data based on pattern information representing a registration pattern for properly positioning the medium in the printer 3 and sends the generated second print control data to the printer 3. The second print control data is data used by the printer 3 to print the registration pattern. The RIP software 5 is also called a printer driver. The details of the RIP software 5 will be described later.

[0025] The medium on which the positioning pattern is printed is typically paper. Therefore, in the following text, the paper on which the positioning pattern is printed is also referred to as positioning paper. Positioning paper is a specific example of a positioning medium.

[0026] The printing device 3 includes a controller 10 , a driving unit 11 , a carriage 12 , a recording head 13 , a medium supporting unit 14 , and a UV (Ultraviolet) irradiation unit (not shown).

[0027] The controller 10 includes a processor 10a and a memory 10b. The processor 10a executes processing according to predetermined firmware stored in the memory 10b.

[0028] The media support 14 is typically a flat, horizontal plate. When printing on multiple media simultaneously, multiple media are arranged on the media support 14. Therefore, the media support 14 can be said to support multiple media. When printing on multiple media simultaneously, typically, a positioning sheet is placed on the media support 14, and the multiple media are positioned relative to the media support 14 using a positioning pattern printed on the positioning sheet. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a heater is provided on the media support to promote ink drying, allowing the heater to regulate the temperature of the media support.

[0029] The recording head 13 uses an inkjet method to eject liquids such as ink to perform recording. The recording head 13 has multiple nozzles and ejects ink onto multiple media or sheets arranged on the media support 14. The controller 10 controls the recording head 13 using a predetermined ejection waveform based on first or second print control data received from the information processing device 2, thereby causing or preventing ink from being ejected from the multiple nozzles. This allows the recording head 13 to apply ink at a desired ink concentration to the media. The ink applied to the media forms an ink layer, and the number of ink layers may be multiple.

[0030] The carriage 12 and the drive unit 11 cause the recording head 13 to move relative to the medium support unit 14 and the medium. The carriage 12 carries the recording head 13 and causes the recording head 13 to move back and forth in the main scanning direction relative to the medium support unit 14 and the medium. The speed of this back and forth movement is referred to as the head speed. In addition, the drive unit 11 causes the recording head 13 to move relative to the medium support unit 14 and the medium in the sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the drive unit 11 causes the distance between the nozzles of the medium support unit 14 and the recording head 13 to vary in the perpendicular direction that intersects the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. This distance is also referred to as the medium support unit gap. The controller 10 varies the movement speed of the carriage 12, i.e., the scanning speed, and the size of the medium support unit gap according to the printing setting parameters described later.

[0031] The UV irradiation unit is mounted on, for example, the carriage 12 and, similarly to the recording head 13, moves in the main scanning direction relative to the medium support unit 14 and the medium. At this time, the UV irradiation unit irradiates the ink on the medium with ultraviolet light, thereby curing or hardening the ink on the medium. The controller 10 varies the UV irradiation intensity and number of UV irradiations provided by the UV irradiation unit based on the print setting parameters described below.

[0032] Details of RIP Software 5

[0033] The processor 2a, by executing the program of the RIP software 5, functions as a registration unit 35, a print image data receiving unit 36, a category selection unit 37, a print setting information selection unit 38, a pattern information selection unit 39, an operation execution unit 40, and a print execution unit 41. Furthermore, the memory 2b, by storing various information in accordance with the program of the RIP software 5, functions as a category information storage unit 30, an image shape information storage unit 31, a print setting information storage unit 32, a pattern information storage unit 33, and a correspondence information storage unit 34.

[0034] The category information storage unit 30 stores a plurality of category information. The plurality of category information respectively represents a plurality of different categories of media. Each category information typically includes an identification string that identifies the corresponding category. Hereinafter, the identification string that identifies the category is referred to as the category identification string.

[0035] The image shape information storage unit 31 stores a plurality of image shape information. The plurality of image shape information respectively represent different image shapes of the printed image printed on the medium. Here, the image shape typically refers to the vertical and horizontal dimensions as the size parameters of the printed image, that is, the vertical dimension and the horizontal dimension. However, instead of this, the image shape may also refer to the ratio of the vertical dimension to the horizontal dimension of the printed image, and may also refer to the external shape rather than the size. Here, the external shape refers to, for example, Figure 3 The quadrilateral with curved corners represents the outer shape of the smartphone case. This shape can be modified appropriately depending on the type of media, such as badges and keychains. In this embodiment, the image shape refers to the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the printed image. Hereinafter, the identification string that identifies the image shape will be referred to as the image shape identification string. Each piece of image shape information includes the image shape identification string that identifies the corresponding image shape and size parameters.

[0036] The print image is input into the RIP software 5 as print image data. The print image is typically produced by importing a template image suitable for the medium into the application 4 and processing the template image. Therefore, the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the print image are consistent with the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the template image used when producing the print image. The template image is composed of outlines representing the area where the print image is to be arranged. Outline typically includes, for example, bleed lines, cutting lines, printing guide lines, etc. The longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the template image are typically equivalent to the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the rectangle defined by the bleed lines. In addition, the size typically refers to the physical size obtained by actually measuring the print image printed on the paper, expressed in millimeters or inches.

[0037] Typically, template images are provided by distributors who sell media with the intention of printing on them later. For example, a distributor selling smartphone cases as media sells plain smartphone cases without printed patterns, and provides template images corresponding to the type of smartphone cases to the purchaser of the smartphone cases, who is also a user of the printing device 3. The user uses application 4 to process the template image received from the distributor to create a printed image. More specifically, the user uses application 4 to edit the template image and configure the desired pattern to match the outline to create a printed image. For example, in this case, the user can also add an image layer with the desired pattern as a different image layer to the image layer containing the outline of the template image to create a printed image. In either case, since the user does not need to change the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the template image when creating the printed image, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the produced printed image are consistent with those of the template image, respectively.

[0038] The print setting information storage unit 32 stores multiple print setting information items. Each piece of print setting information represents a plurality of different print settings. Each piece of print setting information typically consists of multiple print setting parameters. The following examples illustrate multiple print setting parameters. Some of the multiple print setting parameters illustrated below may be omitted. Each piece of print setting information includes an identification string that identifies the corresponding print setting and multiple print setting parameters. Hereinafter, the identification string that identifies the print setting is referred to as the print setting identification string.

[0039] Parameters related to the printing method (output resolution, ink concentration, media support temperature, media support distance, head speed, ejection waveform, number of ink layers)

[0040] Parameters related to the positioning pattern

[0041] UV irradiation mode (UV irradiation intensity, UV irradiation times)

[0042] Print image adjustment (input resolution, zoom ratio, number of copies, image rotation direction, image placement in RIP)

[0043] Parameters related to color settings (input profile, output profile, rendering intent, color correction (black point correction, pure color preservation), color replacement settings)

[0044] In addition, printing setting parameters may include parameters related to printing marks for implementing media cutting, parameters for printing information related to the printing task such as headers or footers, parameters for printing primers or topcoats, etc.

[0045] The pattern information storage unit 33 stores a plurality of pattern information. The plurality of pattern information respectively represents a plurality of different positioning patterns. Each piece of pattern information may also include image information of the corresponding positioning pattern. In this case, each piece of pattern information includes an identification string for identifying the corresponding positioning pattern and the image information. When the corresponding positioning pattern is a grid line that assists in positioning the corresponding medium, each piece of pattern information may also include the size parameters of the grid line. In this case, each piece of pattern information includes an identification string for identifying the corresponding positioning pattern and the size parameters. Hereinafter, the identification string for identifying the positioning pattern will also be referred to as a pattern identification string.

[0046] The correspondence information storage unit 34 associates a plurality of types of information, a plurality of print setting information, a plurality of pattern information, and a plurality of image shape information with each other. Figure 2 The data structure diagram of the corresponding information is shown in FIG. Figure 2 In

[15] , "Media Category" corresponds to category information. Character strings such as "smt_m_1", ​​"smt_m_2", and "keyho_m_1" shown in "Media Category" are category identification strings of the corresponding category information. "Print Settings" corresponds to print settings information. Character strings such as "smt_r_1", "smt_r_2", and "keyho_r_1" shown in "Print Settings" are print settings identification strings of the corresponding print settings information. "Positioning Pattern" corresponds to pattern information. Character strings such as "smt_p_1", "smt_p_2", and "keyho_p_1" shown in "Positioning Pattern" are pattern identification strings of the corresponding pattern information. "Image Shape" corresponds to image shape information. Character strings such as "smt_s_1", "smt_s_2", and "keyho_s_1" shown in "Image Shape" are image shape identification strings of the corresponding image shape information.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In the example, "smt_m_1" to "smt_m_6" are category identification strings associated with smartphone cases. "badge_m_1" and "badge_m_2" are category identification strings associated with badges. "keyho_m_1" to "keyho_m_5" are category identification strings associated with keychains.

[0048] In this embodiment, if Figure 2As shown, the correspondence information establishes a one-to-one correspondence relationship between one piece of type information, one piece of print setting information, one piece of pattern information, and one piece of image shape information. However, instead of this, one piece of type information may be associated with multiple pieces of print setting information, multiple pieces of pattern information, and multiple pieces of image shape information in a one-to-many manner.

[0049] The registration unit 35 registers the new correspondence in the correspondence information of the correspondence information storage unit 34. Specifically, the registration unit 35 obtains the category information, image shape information, print setting information, and pattern information that correspond to each other. The registration unit 35 stores the obtained category information in the category information storage unit 30. The registration unit 35 stores the obtained image shape information in the image shape information storage unit 31. The registration unit 35 stores the obtained print setting information in the print setting information storage unit 32. The registration unit 35 stores the obtained pattern information in the pattern information storage unit 33. Furthermore, the registration unit 35 stores the correspondence between the corresponding category information, image shape information, print setting information, and pattern information in the correspondence information of the correspondence information storage unit 34.

[0050] The print image data receiving unit 36 ​​receives print image data through user input. Thus, the print image data receiving unit 36 ​​acquires the print image data. The print image data receiving unit 36 ​​is a specific example of a print image data acquiring unit.

[0051] The category selection unit 37 refers to the corresponding information to select, from among the plurality of category information, category information corresponding to the image shape information of the print image data acquired by the print image data reception unit 36. The details are as follows.

[0052] First, the category selection unit 37 analyzes the print image data to obtain the image shape information of the print image data. Figure 2 The corresponding information shown in FIG. 1 is used to compare the image shape information with the plurality of image shape information registered in the corresponding information. Next, if image shape information matching the image shape information is registered in the corresponding information, the category selection unit 37 obtains the category information corresponding to the image shape information matching the image shape information. The details of the category selection unit 37 will be described later.

[0053] The print setting information selection unit 38 refers to the corresponding information to select the print setting information corresponding to the category information selected by the category selection unit 37 from among the plurality of print setting information.

[0054] The pattern information selection unit 39 selects pattern information corresponding to the category information selected by the category selection unit 37 from among the plurality of pattern information.

[0055] The action execution unit 40 performs various actions. For example, the action execution unit 40 generates a new print job. Furthermore, the action execution unit 40 sets the print image data obtained by the print image data receiving unit 36 ​​in the print job. Furthermore, the action execution unit 40 sets the category information selected by the category selection unit 37, the print setting information selected by the print setting information selection unit 38, and the pattern information selected by the pattern information selection unit 39 in the print job.

[0056] Below, refer to Figure 3 Next, the GUI 60 (Graphical User Interface) of the RIP software 5 displayed on the display device 2d by the action execution unit 40 will be described. The GUI 60 includes a tool bar 61, a file name list box 62, a preview box 63, and a print task panel 64. Figure 3 , GUI 60 is illustrated when printing is performed on six smartphone cases simultaneously.

[0057] The action execution unit 40 displays a print image input button 61a for inputting print image data, a print image print button 61b, a positioning pattern print button 61c, and a registration button 61d for registering a new correspondence in the correspondence information of the correspondence information storage unit 34 in the form of clickable buttons in the toolbar 61.

[0058] The operation execution unit 40 displays the file name of the print image data loaded by the user into the RIP software 5 in the file name list box 62. In other words, the operation execution unit 40 displays the file name of the print image data set in the print job in the file name list box 62.

[0059] The operation execution unit 40 superimposes and displays the print image p indicated by the print image data acquired by the print image data acceptance unit 36 ​​and the pattern image q indicated by the pattern information selected by the pattern information selection unit 39 in the preview frame 63 .

[0060] The action execution unit 40 displays the print job settings in the print job panel 64. The print job settings include at least category information, print setting information, and pattern information. That is, the action execution unit 40 displays the category identification string of the category information selected by the category selection unit 37, the multiple print settings indicated by the print setting information selected by the print setting information selection unit 38, and the pattern identification string of the pattern information selected by the pattern information selection unit 39. Figure 3 In the example shown, the print job has "smt_m_1" set as type information and "smt_p_1" set as pattern information. Furthermore, the print job also has print setting information such as output resolution, ink density, media support temperature, head speed, and UV irradiation intensity.

[0061] The print execution unit 41 executes a print job. Specifically, when the Print Image button 61b is clicked, the print execution unit 41 converts the print image data specified in the print job into first print control data and sends the first print control data to the printer 3. The printer 3 then prints based on the first print control data. Furthermore, when the Print Position Pattern button 61c is clicked, the print execution unit 41 generates second print control data based on the pattern information specified in the print job and sends the generated second print control data to the printer 3. The printer 3 then prints based on the second print control data.

[0062] Next, refer to Figures 4 to 7 , the control flow of RIP software 5 is explained. Figure 4 This is the control flow when the GUI 60 is displayed. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 This is the control flow when the print image input button 61a is clicked. Figure 7 This is the control flow when the registration button 61d is clicked.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the RIP software 5 determines whether the print image input button 61a is clicked (S100). If it is determined that the print image input button 61a is clicked (S100: Yes), the RIP software 5 enters the process Figure 5 If it is determined that the print image input button 61a has not been clicked (S100: No), the RIP software 5 advances the process to step S110.

[0064] The RIP software 5 determines whether the "Print Image Print" button 61b has been clicked (S110). If the "Print Image Print" button 61b has been clicked (S110: Yes), the print execution unit 41 of the RIP software 5 executes the print job (S115) and proceeds to S120. If the "Print Image Print" button 61b has not been clicked (S110: No), the RIP software 5 proceeds to S120.

[0065] The RIP software 5 determines whether the alignment pattern print button 61c has been clicked (S120). If the alignment pattern print button 61c has been clicked (S120: Yes), the print execution unit 41 of the RIP software 5 generates second print control data based on the pattern information set in the print job, sends the generated second print control data to the printer 3 (S125), and then proceeds to S130. If the alignment pattern print button 61c has not been clicked (S120: No), the RIP software 5 proceeds to S130.

[0066] The RIP software 5 determines whether the registration button 61d is clicked (S130). If it is determined that the registration button 61d is clicked (S130: Yes), the RIP software 5 enters the process Figure 7 If it is determined that the registration button 61d has not been clicked (S130: No), the RIP software 5 advances the processing to step S140.

[0067] The RIP software 5 determines whether the GUI 60 is closed (S140). If it is determined that the GUI 60 is closed (S140: Yes), the RIP software 5 ends the process. If it is not determined that the GUI 60 is closed (S140: No), the RIP software 5 returns the process to step S100. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the order of the steps is set to step S100, step S120, step S130, and step S140 for ease of understanding, but the order is not limited to this order. In addition, these four steps may be executed in parallel with each other.

[0068] When the print image input button 61a is clicked

[0069] When Figure 4 When the print image input button 61a is clicked (S100), Figure 5 As shown, the RIP software 5 creates a new print job (S200). Next, the print image data receiving unit 36 ​​displays an open file dialog box. The print image data receiving unit 36 ​​then obtains the print image data selected by the user through the open file dialog box (S210). The print image data receiving unit 36 ​​sets the print image data selected by the user as the print image data in the print job.

[0070] Next, the category selection unit 37 of the RIP software 5 refers to the corresponding information and selects category information corresponding to the image shape information of the print image data acquired by the print image data receiving unit 36 ​​from among the plurality of category information (S220-S300).

[0071] First, the category selection unit 37 analyzes the print image data to obtain the image shape information A of the print image data (S220). Figure 2The image shape information A is compared with the plurality of image shape information B registered in the corresponding information, and it is determined whether the image shape information B that matches the image shape information A is registered in the corresponding information (S230). If there is a matching image shape information B (S230: Yes), the category selection unit 37 selects and obtains the category information corresponding to the image shape information B that matches the image shape information A from the plurality of category information (S240), and enters the process. Figure 6 Step S400. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the image shape in this embodiment is the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the print image data displayed in the file name list box 62 with the file name “smt_1.3.pdf”.

[0072] If there is no matching image shape information B in step S230 ( S230 : No), the category selection unit 37 compares the image shape information A with the plurality of image shape information B registered in the corresponding information and selects the image shape information B most similar to the image shape information A ( S250 ).

[0073] Specifically, the category selection unit 37 calculates the Manhattan distance X of the image shape information A and calculates the Manhattan distances Y of each of the plurality of image shape information B. The category selection unit 37 selects at least one image shape information B having the smallest difference from the Manhattan distance X among the plurality of Manhattan distances Y as the first candidate list.

[0074] The category selection unit 37 also calculates the aspect ratio W of the image shape information A and the aspect ratio Z of each of the plurality of image shape information B. The category selection unit 37 selects at least one piece of image shape information B having the smallest difference from the aspect ratio W among the plurality of aspect ratios Z as a second candidate list.

[0075] Then, the category selection unit 37 identifies at least one piece of image shape information B selected as the first candidate list and the second candidate list as the image shape information B most similar to the image shape information A. The category selection unit 37 determines whether multiple pieces of image shape information B have been identified as the image shape information B most similar to the image shape information A (S260). If only one piece of image shape information B has been identified as the image shape information B most similar to the image shape information A (S260: No), the category selection unit 37 selects category information corresponding to the identified image shape information B from the multiple pieces of category information (S270).

[0076] When the category selection unit 37 identifies a plurality of image shape information B as the image shape information B most similar to the image shape information A (S260: Yes), it selects a plurality of category information corresponding to the identified plurality of image shape information B by referring to the corresponding information (S280), and typically presents the selected plurality of category information to the user in a dialog box. When the user selects one of the plurality of category information (S290), the category selection unit 37 determines the category information corresponding to the print image data as the selected category information (S300), and enters the process. Figure 6 Step S400.

[0077] exist Figure 6 In step S400, the print setting information selection unit 38 selects the print setting information corresponding to the category information selected by the category selection unit 37 from the plurality of print setting information by referring to the corresponding information (S400). Figure 3 As shown, the print setting information includes, as an example, "output resolution," "ink density," "medium support temperature," "head speed," and "UV irradiation intensity," and may also include other print settings.

[0078] Next, the pattern information selection unit 39 selects pattern information corresponding to the category information selected by the category selection unit 37 from among the plurality of pattern information by referring to the corresponding information ( S410 ).

[0079] Next, the operation execution unit 40 sets the category information selected by the category selection unit 37 , the print setting information selected by the print setting information selection unit 38 , and the pattern information selected by the pattern information selection unit 39 in the print job ( S420 ).

[0080] Then, the action execution unit 40 Figure 3 The setting contents of the print job are prompted to the user as shown in the print job panel 64 (S430), and the process enters Figure 4 S110. The print job settings include "output resolution," "ink density," "medium support temperature," "head speed," and "UV irradiation intensity" as print setting information, and may also include other print settings. When presenting the print job settings to the user, the action execution unit 40 may display each print setting in a pull-down menu, allowing the user to freely change each print setting.

[0081] When the registration button 61d is clicked

[0082] exist Figure 4 When the registration button 61d is clicked, Figure 7As shown, the registration unit 35 displays a registration screen in the form of a dialog box. The user enters corresponding category information, print setting information, pattern information, and image shape information through the registration screen. Consequently, the registration unit 35 obtains the category information and stores it in the category information storage unit 30 (S500), obtains the print setting information and stores it in the print setting information storage unit 32 (S510), obtains the pattern information and stores it in the pattern information storage unit 33 (S520), and obtains the image shape information and stores it in the image shape information storage unit 31 (S530).

[0083] Furthermore, various methods are contemplated for how the user enters image shape information on the registration screen. For example, the user can directly enter the vertical and horizontal dimensions numerically on the registration screen. In this case, an input box is displayed on the registration screen, and the user can enter numerical values ​​for the vertical and horizontal dimensions into the box using a keyboard or numeric keys provided as input device 2c. Alternatively, the user can enter print image data or template image data used in its creation on the registration screen. In this case, the registration unit 35 analyzes the print image data and template image data entered on the registration screen to obtain the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the print image and template image as image shape information.

[0084] Then, the registration unit 35 registers the correspondence relationship among the category information, print setting information, pattern information, and image shape information acquired in steps S500 to S530 in the correspondence information (S540), and returns the process to step S541. Figure 4 Step S140.

[0085] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. The above embodiments have the following features.

[0086] The information processing device 2 includes a category information storage unit 30, an image shape information storage unit 31, a correspondence information storage unit 34, a print image data receiving unit 36, a category selection unit 37, and an action execution unit 40. The category information storage unit 30 stores a plurality of category information items, each indicating a different category of media. The image shape information storage unit 31 stores a plurality of image shape information items, each indicating a different image shape of a print image printed on a medium. The correspondence information storage unit 34 stores correspondence information that establishes a correspondence between the plurality of category information items and the plurality of image shape information items. The print image data receiving unit 36 ​​(print image data acquisition unit) acquires print image data set in a print job. The category selection unit 37 selects, from the plurality of category information items, category information that corresponds to the image shape information of the print image data acquired by the print image data receiving unit 36 ​​by referring to the correspondence information. The action execution unit 40 executes at least one action based on the category information selected by the category selection unit 37. With the above configuration, processing is performed based on the category of the medium corresponding to the print image data, effectively preventing mismatches between the print image data and the medium type.

[0087] The image shape information indicates the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the printed image, or the aspect ratio of the printed image. According to the above configuration, the image shape information can be easily acquired by analyzing the printed image data.

[0088] Furthermore, the at least one action includes an action of presenting the category information selected by the category selection unit 37 (S430) or an action of setting the category information selected by the category selection unit 37 in the print job (S420). With the above configuration, since the category of the medium corresponding to the print image data is presented or set, a mismatch between the print image data and the medium category can be effectively prevented.

[0089] In addition, the information processing device 2 also includes a print setting information storage unit 32, which stores a plurality of print setting information that respectively represent the print settings used in printing on the medium. The corresponding information is information that establishes a correspondence between a plurality of category information, a plurality of image shape information, and a plurality of print setting information. The information processing device 2 also includes a print setting information selection unit 38, which selects the print setting information corresponding to the category information selected by the category selection unit 37 from the plurality of print setting information by referring to the corresponding information. At least one action includes an action based on the print setting information selected by the print setting information selection unit 38. According to the above structure, since printing is performed according to the category of the medium corresponding to the print image data, it is possible to effectively prevent the print image data from mismatching with the print settings.

[0090] Furthermore, the at least one action includes an action of presenting the print setting information selected by the print setting information selection unit 38 (S430) or an action of setting the print setting information selected by the print setting information selection unit 38 in the print job (S420). With the above configuration, since the print setting corresponding to the print image data is presented or set, it is possible to effectively prevent a mismatch between the print image data and the print setting.

[0091] The information processing device 2 also includes a pattern information storage unit 33, which stores a plurality of pattern information representing a plurality of different positioning patterns. The corresponding information is information that establishes a correspondence between a plurality of category information, a plurality of image shape information, and a plurality of pattern information. The information processing device 2 also includes a pattern information selection unit 39, which selects, from the plurality of pattern information, pattern information corresponding to the category information selected by the category selection unit 37 by referring to the corresponding information. At least one action includes an action based on the pattern information selected by the pattern information selection unit 39. According to the above structure, since processing is performed based on the pattern information corresponding to the printed image data, it is possible to effectively prevent mismatches between the printed image data and the positioning pattern.

[0092] Furthermore, the at least one action includes an action of prompting the pattern information selected by the pattern information selection unit 39 (S430) or an action of setting the pattern information selected by the pattern information selection unit 39 in the print job (S420). With the above configuration, since the registration pattern corresponding to the print image data is prompted or set, it is possible to effectively prevent mismatches between the print image data and the registration pattern.

[0093] Furthermore, the information processing device 2 further includes a registration unit 35 that obtains the category information and the image shape information and registers the correspondence between the category information and the image shape information in the correspondence information. With the above configuration, a new correspondence can be registered in the correspondence information.

[0094] In addition, when the image shape of the printing image data obtained by the printing image data acceptance unit 36 ​​is inconsistent with any of the image shapes of the multiple image shape information stored in the image shape information storage unit 31 (S230: No), the category selection unit 37 can also determine the image shape information whose image shape is most similar to the image shape of the printing image data obtained by the printing image data acceptance unit 36 ​​among the multiple image shape information stored in the image shape information storage unit 31, and select the category information corresponding to the determined image shape information from the multiple category information (S270).

[0095] In addition, when the image shape of the printing image data obtained by the printing image data acceptance unit 36 ​​is inconsistent with any of the image shapes of the multiple image shape information stored in the image shape information storage unit 31 (S230: No), the category selection unit 37 determines the multiple image shape information among the multiple image shape information stored in the image shape information storage unit 31 whose image shapes are most similar to the image shape of the printing image data obtained by the printing image data acceptance unit 36, and selects multiple category information corresponding to the most similar multiple image shape information (S280), and selects any one of the multiple category information based on user input (S290) (S300).

[0096] As mentioned above, although the preferred embodiment of this disclosure was described, the said embodiment can be changed as follows.

[0097] Typically, the print image data represents a print image corresponding to only one medium. However, the print image data may alternatively include a print image corresponding to six mediums. In this case, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the print image are larger than those of the former. Both can be registered separately in the corresponding information.

[0098] In the above examples, the program can be stored and provided to the computer using various types of non-transitory computer readable media (non-transitory computer readable medium). Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible recording media (tangible storage medium). Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (such as magneto-optical disks). Examples of non-transitory computer readable media also include CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (for example, including mask ROM. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media also include PROM (Programmable ROM, programmable read-only memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM, erasable programmable read-only memory), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)). In addition, the program can also be provided to the computer via various types of transitory computer readable media (transitory computer readable medium). Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer readable media can provide the program to a computer via a wired communication line such as electric wires and optical fibers, or a wireless communication line.

[0099] Explanation of symbols

[0100] 1…Printing system; 2…Information processing device; 2a…Processor; 2b…Memory; 2c…Input device; 2d…Display device; 2e…Communication interface; 3…Printing device; 4…Application program; 5…RIP software; 10…Controller; 10a…Processor; 10b…Memory; 11…Drive unit; 12…Slide carriage; 13…Recording head; 14…Media support unit; 30…Classification information storage unit; 31…Image shape information storage unit; 32…Print setting information storage unit; 33…Pattern information storage unit; 34… Response information storage unit; 35…registration unit; 36…print image data acceptance unit; 37…category selection unit; 38…print setting information selection unit; 39…pattern information selection unit; 40…action execution unit; 41…print execution unit; 60…GUI; 61…toolbar; 61a…print image input button; 61b…print image print button; 61c…positioning pattern print button; 61d…registration button; 62…file name list box; 63…preview box; 64…print task panel; p…print image; q…pattern image.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: a category information storage unit for storing a plurality of category information respectively indicating mutually different categories of media; an image shape information storage unit for storing a plurality of image shape information respectively indicating mutually different image shapes of a print image printed on the medium; a correspondence information storage unit for storing correspondence information in which the plurality of category information and the plurality of image shape information are associated with each other; a print image data acquisition unit that acquires print image data set in a print job; a category selection unit that selects, from among the plurality of category information, category information corresponding to the image shape information of the print image data acquired by the print image data acquisition unit, by referring to the corresponding information; An action execution unit executes at least one action based on the category information selected by the category selection unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The image shape information indicates the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the printed image or the aspect ratio of the printed image.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one action includes an action of presenting the category information selected by the category selection unit or an action of setting the category information selected by the category selection unit in the print job.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The system further includes a print setting information storage unit configured to store a plurality of print setting information items each indicating a print setting used for printing on the medium. The correspondence information is information that establishes a correspondence relationship between the plurality of category information, the plurality of image shape information, and the plurality of print setting information. The information processing apparatus further includes a print setting information selection unit configured to select, from among the plurality of print setting information, print setting information corresponding to the category information selected by the category selection unit by referring to the corresponding information. The at least one action includes an action based on the print setting information selected by the print setting information selection unit.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one action includes an action of presenting the print setting information selected by the print setting information selection unit or an action of setting the print setting information selected by the print setting information selection unit in the print job. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: The invention also includes a pattern information storage unit for storing a plurality of pattern information respectively representing a plurality of mutually different positioning patterns. The correspondence information is information that establishes a correspondence relationship between the plurality of category information, the plurality of image shape information, and the plurality of pattern information. The information processing device further includes a pattern information selection unit configured to select pattern information corresponding to the category information selected by the category selection unit from among the plurality of pattern information by referring to the corresponding information. The at least one action includes an action based on the pattern information selected by the pattern information selection unit.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one action includes an action of presenting the pattern information selected by the pattern information selection unit or an action of setting the pattern information selected by the pattern information selection unit in the print job.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The system further includes a registration unit configured to obtain the category information and the image shape information and register a correspondence between the category information and the image shape information in the correspondence information.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the image shape of the print image data acquired by the print image data acquisition unit does not match any of the image shapes of the plurality of image shape information stored in the image shape information storage unit, The category selection unit determines the image shape information whose image shape is most similar to the image shape of the print image data acquired by the print image data acquisition unit among the plurality of image shape information stored in the image shape information storage unit, and selects category information corresponding to the determined image shape information from the plurality of category information.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the image shape of the print image data acquired by the print image data acquisition unit does not match any of the image shapes of the plurality of image shape information stored in the image shape information storage unit, The category selection unit determines a plurality of image shape information whose image shapes are most similar to the image shape of the printing image data obtained by the printing image data acquisition unit among the plurality of image shape information stored in the image shape information storage unit, selects a plurality of category information corresponding to the plurality of most similar image shape information, and selects any one of the plurality of category information based on user input.

11. An information processing method, wherein: The computer performs the following processing, namely: storing a plurality of category information respectively indicating mutually different categories of media; storing a plurality of image shape information respectively indicating mutually different image shapes of printed images printed on the medium; storing correspondence information establishing correspondence between the plurality of category information and the plurality of image shape information; Obtaining printing image data set in the printing task; selecting, from the plurality of types of information, type information corresponding to the image shape information of the acquired print image data by referring to the corresponding information; At least one action based on the selected category information is performed.

12. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to function as: a category information storage unit for storing a plurality of category information respectively indicating mutually different categories of media; an image shape information storage unit for storing a plurality of image shape information respectively indicating mutually different image shapes of a print image printed on the medium; a correspondence information storage unit for storing correspondence information in which the plurality of category information and the plurality of image shape information are associated with each other; a print image data acquisition unit that acquires print image data set in a print job; a category selection unit that selects, from among the plurality of category information, category information corresponding to the image shape information of the print image data acquired by the print image data acquisition unit, by referring to the corresponding information; An action execution unit executes at least one action based on the category information selected by the category selection unit.

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