Information processing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing device, and the subject of the invention is to prompt whether the printing order of tasks with common specific attributes is continuous or not in a manner that a user can easily recognize. The information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit that acquires job data indicating a job executed by a printing apparatus; and a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a list indicating a printing order of a plurality of jobs on the basis of the job data, the display control unit varies the display mode of the list in a case where the list includes two or more contiguous tasks and is a contiguous task having a specific attribute that is a common task, and in a case where the list does not include the contiguous task.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there were known technologies for displaying a list of tasks stored in a multifunction printer. Patent Document 1 describes a method whereby, by having a user drag and drop the displayed tasks, the output order of the tasks is changed in a manner that matches their position after being released.

[0003] When tasks with common attributes are printed sequentially, the efficiency of the printing process or its subsequent processes will be relatively good. The aim is to provide prompts in a way that is easy for users to identify whether the printing sequence of tasks with common attributes is sequential.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-104863 Summary of the Invention

[0005] An information processing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: an acquisition unit that acquires task data representing tasks performed by a printing apparatus; and a display control unit that, based on the task data, causes the display unit to display a list representing the printing order of multiple tasks. The display control unit adjusts the display method of the list depending on whether the list contains consecutive tasks or not. The consecutive tasks are two or more consecutive tasks that share a common attribute. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the printing system.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process.

[0008] Figure 3 A diagram to represent an example of a task list.

[0009] Figure 4 A diagram to represent an example of a task list.

[0010] Figure 5 A diagram to represent an example of a task list.

[0011] Figure 6 A diagram to represent an example of a task list.

[0012] Figure 7 A diagram to represent an example of a task list.

[0013] Figure 8 A diagram to represent an example of a task list.

[0014] Figure 9 A diagram to represent an example of a task list.

[0015] Figure 10 A diagram to represent an example of a task list. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.

[0017] (1) First implementation method:

[0018] (1-1) Structure of the printing system:

[0019] (1-2) Structure and display control of the information processing device:

[0020] (2) Other implementation methods:

[0021] (1) First implementation method:

[0022] (1-1) Structure of the printing system:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the overall structure of a printing system including a user terminal 200, which is an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system of this embodiment is a system that performs printing processes and subsequent printing processes to produce printed materials.

[0024] In this embodiment, the printing system includes user terminals 100, 200, 300, and 500, a printer 400 as a printing device, a processing device 600, and a server 700. These devices are capable of communicating with each other via a network. The network can be of various types, including a local area network (LAN) or a structure where devices located in physically separate locations communicate with each other via the Internet. Furthermore, Figure 1 The number of devices shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited.

[0025] In this embodiment, the printed material produced in the printing system is envisioned as labels (stickers). In the printing process, printer 400 prints label images on a medium in the form of a roll of paper. In subsequent processes, processing equipment 600 performs die-cutting on the printed medium using a die that matches the shape and size of the label image's outline. The shape of the label image's outline may vary depending on the task. For example, when printing label images for multiple tasks on a roll of paper, and when the shape of the die in subsequent processes differs between tasks in the printing sequence, die-cutting operations are required between these tasks in processing equipment 600. As the number of die-cutting operations increases, the workload of operators in subsequent processes increases. Therefore, it is preferable to minimize the number of die-cutting operations for a single roll of paper. That is, it is preferable that printing tasks with the same type of die in subsequent processes are printed consecutively on a single roll of paper. In this embodiment, the task manager can change the order of multiple printing tasks for the same medium before the printing process to reduce the number of die-cutting operations in subsequent processes. The user terminal 200 of this embodiment provides a function that can visually assist and facilitate the sequence determination operation.

[0026] Server 700 is a computer equipped with a processor, storage medium, and communication unit (not shown). Server 700 has the function of accumulating task data representing tasks performed in the printing system and managing the progress of the tasks. The task data packet contains data required by printer 400 and processing equipment 600 to perform the task. For example, the task data includes image data of the object to be printed, and other data such as... Figure 3 The data shown includes order name, task name, delivery quantity, number of copies, media width, printing length, and processing methods for subsequent steps. Furthermore, the task data in server 700 also includes data used by server 700 to manage task progress (e.g., setting the number of copies to wait for), and data indicating the printing order. User terminal 100 is the terminal used by the task creator who created the task data. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the printing process in this embodiment.

[0027] As shown in step S100, the task creator registers task data in server 700 in order to entrust the printing process and subsequent processes based on the created task data. Examples of task creators include designers who decide on label designs and sales managers of printing companies that own printer 400. When server 700 receives task data sent from user terminal 100, the processor of server 700 accepts the task and saves it in the storage medium of server 700 (step S105).

[0028] User terminal 200 is a terminal used by a task administrator to determine the execution order of tasks created by the task creator and registered in server 700. An example of a task administrator could be a site manager in a printing plant equipped with printer 400. The task administrator operates user terminal 200 to view a list of tasks registered in server 700. The list of tasks before rearrangement is displayed, for example, in the order in which the tasks were processed. When the task administrator rearranges the tasks to determine the printing order (step S110), server 700 accepts the determined printing order and saves it (step S115). Details of step S110 will be described later.

[0029] User terminal 300 is a computer used to enable printer 400 to perform printing based on a list of tasks registered in server 700. For example, an operator in a printing plant uses user terminal 300 to check the list of tasks registered in server 700, perform pre-printing setup, media placement for printer 400, etc. (step S120), and then enables printer 400 to perform printing (step S125). Printer 400 obtains task data (including printing order) from server 700 via user terminal 300 and performs printing based on the task data in that printing order (step S130). When the printing of a task included in the list is completed, printer 400 notifies server 700 via user terminal 300 of information indicating that printing is complete. Server 700 updates data indicating task progress based on this notification. Furthermore, the operator removes the printed media from printer 400.

[0030] The operator operates the user terminal 500 to view the task overview of the server 700 and confirm the tasks awaiting subsequent processes using the processing equipment 600. Furthermore, the operator places the medium (the printed material completed up to the printing process) corresponding to the task awaiting subsequent process onto the processing equipment 600, and based on the processing information printed on the medium, places the die-cutting mold used in the die-cutting process onto the processing equipment 600, and causes the processing equipment 600 to perform the die-cutting process.

[0031] The user terminal 200 will be described in detail below.

[0032] (1-2) Structure and display control of the information processing device:

[0033] The user terminal 200, which functions as an information processing device, includes a processor 210, a storage medium 220, a communication unit 230, and a user interface (UI) unit 240. The processor 210 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and is capable of executing various programs stored in the storage medium 220. In this embodiment, the processor 210 is capable of executing a task display program that provides a task display function to display tasks registered in the server 700. Furthermore, the processor 210 can be constructed as a single chip, or as multiple chips, or as a System-on-Chip (SoC) along with various functional modules that enable the user terminal 200 to operate. Alternatively, an ASIC can be used instead of a CPU, or a structure can be constructed where the CPU and ASIC work together. In the case of the devices in this embodiment having a processor, the processor can be implemented in various ways, similar to the processor 210. Additionally, the task display program can be a program pre-installed and stored in the storage medium 220, or a web application that operates in the web browser of the user terminal 200 based on information provided by the server 700.

[0034] The communication unit 230 includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices according to various wired or wireless protocols. In this embodiment, the user terminal 200 can communicate with the server 700 via the communication unit 230. The UI unit 240 includes a display, buttons, etc. Furthermore, a device such as a mouse can be connected via the communication unit 230. Additionally, the display can be a touch panel type display. The display functions as a display unit. The processor 210 displays various information on the display and handles operations performed on input units such as buttons, mouse, and touch panel.

[0035] The processor 210 functions as an acquisition unit 211, a display control unit 212, and a receiving unit 213 by executing a task display program. Through the function of the acquisition unit 211, the processor 210 acquires task data representing the tasks performed by the printer 400. That is, in this embodiment, the processor 210 acquires task data already registered in the server 700. Through the function of the display control unit 212, the processor 210 causes the display to show a list representing the printing order of multiple tasks. Figure 3 An example is shown of a GUI displayed under the control of the display control unit 212 by executing a task display program, and an example of a list contained in that GUI. The list is an overview of tasks registered in the server 700; in this embodiment, it displays an overview of multiple printing tasks being printed on a single roll of media. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, tasks are displayed with their printing order indicated by their position at the top of the list. Furthermore, the printing order numbers for the tasks are numbered in ascending order from the top of the list. Figure 3 In the example, each task is represented by the order name, task name, and displayed in a way that establishes associations with attributes such as delivery quantity, set waiting number of copies, number of copies, media width, printing length, and processing 1 (indicating the processing method of the type of die for the subsequent process). Figure 3 The attribute shown is an example. In addition, various data can be displayed by associating them with different tasks, or it can be left unassigned. Figure 3 A portion of the attributes shown is displayed.

[0036] Through the function of the receiving unit 213, the processor 210 receives operations from the user to change the order of tasks in the list. When the task administrator operates the UI unit 240 to select any task included in the list and change its position in the list, the processor 210 changes the printing order of each task according to the printing order corresponding to the changed position. By using the receiving unit 213 in the user terminal 200, the task administrator can arbitrarily change the execution order of tasks included in the list. More specifically, as... Figure 3As shown, "Up" and "Down" buttons are displayed adjacent to each other in the list. It can also be configured such that by having the task administrator select the task whose printing order is to be changed from the list and press these buttons, the task administrator can change the printing order to an earlier or later position compared to the original printing order. Furthermore, even without using the "Up" and "Down" buttons, the task administrator can change the execution order of tasks by dragging and dropping tasks included in the list. The process performed by the processor 210 to change the execution order of tasks as described above is called order change processing. Additionally, the method of operation by the task administrator for rearranging the order is not particularly limited.

[0037] By displaying the functions of the control unit 212, the processor 210 can display the list differently depending on whether the list contains consecutive tasks that are two or more consecutive tasks with a common specific attribute, or whether the list does not contain consecutive tasks. In this embodiment, the specific attribute is an attribute related to subsequent processes. The attribute related to subsequent processes is an attribute related to the subsequent process executed after the task executed by the printer 400 is completed; in this embodiment, it is the type of die used in the processing equipment 600.

[0038] The processor 210 differentiates the display method based on whether the printing order of tasks with common die-cutting mold types is consecutive (i.e., displayed adjacently in the list) or not (i.e., tasks with common die-cutting mold types do not exist in the list, or even if they do, they are not consecutive). This process performed by the processor 210 to determine whether tasks with common attributes are consecutive is called continuity determination processing. Continuity determination processing is preferably performed each time order change processing is executed. That is, preferably, the processor 210 performs continuity determination processing based on whether order change processing has been performed.

[0039] Figure 3 This example shows that although there are common die-cutting tasks in the list (label tasks 1 and 4, label tasks 2 and 5, label tasks 3 and 6), the printing order of these common die-cutting tasks is not consecutive.

[0040] Figure 4 It shows from Figure 3The state is changed, and the label task 4 is moved between label tasks 1 and 2. The printing order becomes label tasks 1, 4, 2, 3, 5, and 6 in that order. Label tasks 1 and 4 share the same die type, Circle. Therefore, tasks with the same die type are rearranged sequentially. Figure 4 The state is shown as containing consecutive tasks in the list. The processor 210 performs a continuity determination process, and if the list contains consecutive tasks, displays a predetermined graphic at the position corresponding to the consecutive task in the list based on the result. On the other hand, the predetermined graphic is not displayed at positions not corresponding to consecutive tasks. In this way, the display method of the list is different by displaying and not displaying graphics. Here, the method of differentiating the display method of the list is not particularly limited, as long as the user can recognize the difference. For example, it is also possible to display the position and string corresponding to the consecutive task in the list with a predetermined color, and on the other hand, to display the position and string not corresponding to the consecutive task with a different color. In this embodiment, the predetermined graphic is two parallel lines sandwiching consecutive tasks, and the shape is different from the lines representing the boundaries of the rows showing each task. Specifically, in the list, lines of the same color and line type are displayed at the top of the row representing the earliest printed task and the bottom of the row representing the latest printed task (in...). Figure 4 In the example, L11 and L12 (thick black lines) are used to represent consecutive tasks, indicating that tasks sandwiched between these two lines are consecutive tasks. If the list does not contain consecutive tasks, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the processor 210 does not display predetermined graphics at the positions corresponding to the tasks included in the list. That is, it does not display graphics at the top of the row representing label task 1 and the bottom of the row representing label task 4. Figure 4 The thick lines shown.

[0041] The processor 210 displays predetermined graphics in such a way that the display method differs depending on whether the list contains consecutive tasks or not. Therefore, task administrators can easily identify whether a list contains consecutive tasks based on whether the predetermined graphics are displayed. Furthermore, when consecutive tasks are included, displaying predetermined graphics at the positions corresponding to the consecutive tasks allows task administrators to easily identify which tasks in the list are consecutive.

[0042] Figure 5 It shows from Figure 4The state shown represents a further rearrangement by the task administrator to make tag tasks 3 and 6 consecutive, and tag tasks 5 and 2 consecutive. For tag tasks 3 and 6, the die-cutting pattern is a common type (Triangle), thus they are consecutive tasks. Similarly, for tag tasks 5 and 2, the die-cutting pattern is a common type (Rectangle), thus they are consecutive tasks. In the case of multiple consecutive tasks in the list, in this embodiment, the processor 210 makes the color of a predetermined graphic (i.e., two lines) different in each consecutive task. Figure 5 In the example, lines L11 and L12, which intersect tasks 1 and 4, are represented in black; lines L21 and L22, which intersect tasks 3 and 6, are represented in light gray; and lines L31 and L32, which intersect tasks 5 and 2, are represented in dark gray. This way, when the list contains multiple consecutive tasks, the pre-defined graphical display differs for each consecutive task, allowing task administrators to easily identify summaries of consecutive tasks.

[0043] Alternatively, the predefined graphic can be a rectangular frame enclosing consecutive tasks. Besides... Figure 4 In addition to the two lines L11 and L12 shown, rectangles enclosing consecutive tasks can also be displayed by connecting the upper left of the row representing the earliest printing order task to the lower left of the row representing the latest printing order task, and by connecting the upper right of the row representing the earliest printing order task to the lower right of the row representing the latest printing order task. When the list contains multiple consecutive tasks, the rectangles corresponding to each consecutive task can also be configured to differ in display style (color, line type, etc.).

[0044] As described above, in this embodiment, the way the list is displayed differs depending on whether the list contains consecutive tasks or not. Therefore, according to this embodiment, task administrators can easily identify whether the list contains consecutive tasks.

[0045] (2) Other implementation methods:

[0046] The above-described embodiments are one example for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments are possible. For example, the product in the printing system is not limited to a label. The product can be a product completed after the printing process with subsequent processes, or a product completed after the printing process without subsequent processes. When the product is completed with subsequent processes, the subsequent processes are not limited to die-cutting performed by a die, but various subsequent processes can be envisioned as described later.

[0047] The printing system described in the above embodiments is an example, and the printing system is not limited to the structure described in the above embodiments. For example, task data can also be transmitted and received through individual user terminals without going through a server. The information processing device involved in this invention is not limited to the terminal operated by the task administrator described in the above embodiments. For example, the information processing device can be a printer or a multifunction printer with printing functions, a terminal operated by an operator of the printing process, or a terminal operated by a task creator, commissioning person, or other user. Task creation, printing sequence determination, pre-printing work, and printing instructions to the printer can also be implemented by a single information processing device.

[0048] The predetermined graphics displayed at the positions corresponding to the continuous tasks are not limited to the lines and frames listed in the above embodiments. Figure 6 Another example of a pre-defined graphic is shown. In Figure 6 In the example, label tasks 1 and 4, label tasks 3 and 6, and label tasks 5 and 2 are consecutive tasks for subsequent die-cutting processes with die types of Circle, Triangle, and Rectangle, respectively. Figure 6 In the example, the triangular arrow markers a11, a12, a21, a22, a31, and a32 shown in the column indicating the printing order of each task represent the range of consecutive tasks. That is, the range of consecutive tasks is represented by an upward arrow marker (e.g., a11) and a downward arrow marker (a12 relative to a11) that is closest to the upward arrow marker in the row below the row displaying the upward arrow marker. The task corresponding to the row displaying the upward arrow markers a11, a21, and a31 is the task with the earliest execution order in the consecutive tasks, and the task corresponding to the row displaying the downward arrow markers a12, a22, and a32 represents the task with the latest execution order in the consecutive tasks. More specifically, the processor 210 determines through a consecutive judgment process that label tasks 4 and 3 are not consecutive tasks (i.e., within consecutive tasks, label task 3 is the task with the earliest execution order), and thus displays the upward arrow marker a21 in label task 3. Furthermore, the processor 210 determines that tag tasks 6 and 5 are not consecutive (i.e., tag task 6 is the task with the latest execution order within consecutive tasks), and thus displays the downward arrow marker a22 in tag task 6.

[0049] Although Figure 6 In the example, the consecutive tasks are composed of two tasks each. However, in the case where the consecutive tasks consist of three or more tasks, it can also be done as follows: Figure 7That is, the display control unit can also be configured to display the tasks in the list differently for tasks included in a series of tasks whose attributes are common to both preceding and following tasks in the printing order, and for tasks included in a series of tasks whose attributes are common to one task but not to the other. Specifically, Figure 7 The following situation is shown, that is, except with Figure 6 Similarly, the example uses an upward arrow to label a41 and a downward arrow to label a43 to represent the summary of consecutive tasks, and also represents a circular figure a42 in the consecutive tasks that are neither the first nor the last task. More specifically, in Figure 7 In the example, label tasks 1, 4, 3, and label tasks 5, 2 are consecutive tasks with die types of Circle and Rectangle, respectively. Processor 210 determines, through continuity judgment, that label task 1 is the earliest executed task among the consecutive tasks with die type of Circle, and thus displays an upward arrow marker a41 on label task 1. Furthermore, processor 210 determines that label tasks 3 and 6 are not consecutive tasks (i.e., within the consecutive tasks with die type of Circle, label task 3 is the latest executed task), and thus displays a downward arrow marker a43 on label task 3. Additionally, processor 210 determines that label task 4 is a task that is consecutive with label task 1 (adjacent to the earlier side) and label task 3 (adjacent to the later side), meaning it is neither the first nor the last task among the consecutive tasks with die type of Circle, and thus displays a circular graphic a42 on label task 4. In this way, by displaying different graphics for the initial, intermediate, and final tasks in a series of tasks, users can easily identify the initial, intermediate, and final tasks.

[0050] Furthermore, the display control unit can also be configured to display predetermined graphics at positions corresponding to each task in the list when the list does not contain consecutive tasks, and to display predetermined graphics at positions not corresponding to consecutive tasks when the list contains consecutive tasks. According to this configuration, the user can easily identify whether consecutive tasks are included in the list based on the presence or absence of predetermined graphics. Figure 8 This shows an example of a display where consecutive tasks are not included in the list. Figure 9 It shows from Figure 8 This is an example of a display where the states are rearranged in a sequential manner, with tasks 1 and 4 listed consecutively. That is, if the processor 210 determines that there are no consecutive tasks, such as... Figure 8As shown, the predefined graph m is displayed in each task included in the list. Figure 8 , Figure 9 In the example, it is represented by a circle with an exclamation mark inside (in which case, it can also be set to, for example, when it is determined to contain consecutive tasks). Figure 9 As shown, the predetermined graphic m is not displayed in tasks that belong to consecutive tasks, but remains in a state where the predetermined graphic m is displayed in tasks that do not belong to consecutive tasks.

[0051] Furthermore, the display control unit can also be configured to display a predetermined graphic at a position corresponding to a third task that exists between the first and second tasks and whose specific attributes are not common to the first and second tasks, when the printing order of the first and second tasks is not consecutive. Figure 10 In the label printing tasks from first to fifth, except for the fourth label printing task, the die-cutting mold type is the same for all tasks, all using the Circle pattern. In this case, the processor 210 displays a predetermined graphic w at the position corresponding to the fourth label printing task (the third task) (the row of label task 6). Figure 10 (This is indicated by a triangle with an exclamation mark inside). This display allows users to easily identify that the fourth label task in the printing order is a task that blocks the printing order of the label tasks before and after it (the third label task (first task) and the fifth label task (second task)).

[0052] In the above embodiments, the specific attributes that define the conditions for continuous tasks are attributes related to subsequent processes in the printing process. Subsequent processes can be one process or multiple processes. As subsequent processes, in addition to die-cutting using a die as shown in the above embodiments, they can also include cutting, hot stamping, lamination, etc., performed by a cutting plotter. By making these tasks, which share common attributes related to subsequent processes, continuous, the workload in subsequent processes can be reduced compared to discontinuous cases.

[0053] Specific attributes can take many forms besides those related to subsequent processes. These specific attributes can also be related to the type of media used by the printing apparatus during task execution. Media-related attributes include, for example, the material and width of the media. While the first embodiment lists printing tasks for the same type of media, printing tasks for different types of media can also be displayed in the same list. In such cases, it can be configured such that if printing tasks for the same media are consecutive, they are considered to be included in the list as consecutive tasks, and if printing tasks for the same media are not consecutive, they are considered not to be included in the list as consecutive tasks. With this configuration, the user can easily identify whether media-related attributes are common. When the printing sequence of tasks with common media-related attributes is consecutive, the number of media changes can be reduced during the printing process (and also in subsequent processes if they exist). Furthermore, it can be configured to guide the user towards the idea that reducing the number of media changes is possible by making tasks with common media types consecutive.

[0054] Specific attributes can also be related to the type of ink used by the printing apparatus during the execution of a task. For example, in the printing process, white ink or varnishing ink is sometimes changed depending on the task. Furthermore, in dyeing and printing, special color inks are sometimes changed. Continuously performing tasks using the same color ink can reduce the number of ink change operations (this information can also be used to guide understanding). Additionally, for example, white ink is prone to sedimentation, so continuous stirring during use will maintain its efficiency.

[0055] Specific attributes can also be attributes related to the delivery object of the printed matter after the task is completed. By continuously printing on tasks with common delivery objects, it is possible to summarize packaging materials and transportation preparations, thereby making it more efficient. Furthermore, it can also be configured to guide and suggest this meaning.

[0056] Specific attributes can also be those related to the delivery date of the task. By summarizing and printing according to each delivery date, the labor and time required for summarizing prints within the same delivery date can be reduced. Furthermore, it is not limited to delivery dates being on the same day; a structure can be used to print tasks with delivery dates within a predetermined period in a continuous manner. In this case, a structure can be used to guide and suggest the printing order in a way that, among the completed rolls of deliverables, tasks with earlier delivery dates are printed further back (e.g., in the case of prints completed in a single printing process, tasks with earlier delivery dates are printed later).

[0057] The display control unit can also be structured such that it accepts the specification of any one of the multiple attributes of a task, and designates tasks with common attributes as consecutive tasks. That is, it can also be configured to treat tasks with common attributes and consecutive printing order specified by the user as consecutive tasks and to differ in display mode from any of the methods described above. In this configuration, guidance can be provided in a way that easily identifies consecutive tasks that meet the user's needs. Furthermore, the user can specify two or more attributes (N is an integer of two or more). It can also be structured such that, when the user specifies N attributes, tasks with common attributes and consecutive printing order are considered consecutive tasks.

[0058] Alternatively, a structure can be provided where the user does not specify the attributes for setting as consecutive tasks. That is, a structure can be used where tasks with any two or more common attributes and consecutive printing order are designated as consecutive tasks. By configuring it in this way, the user can identify the presence of consecutive tasks even if they are included in the list without the user's knowledge. Furthermore, it can be configured to prompt the user about which attributes are common. Additionally, it can be configured to differentiate the display methods for cases where one attribute is common and the printing order is consecutive, two attributes are common and the printing order is consecutive, and three attributes are common and the printing order is consecutive.

[0059] Furthermore, although the first embodiment assumes that multiple printing jobs are performed for a single roll of media (i.e., that the media type is the same), the type of media used (e.g., width) may differ depending on the job during the printing process. It is also possible to display the printing jobs for different media types in a list. In such cases, jobs that share common attributes related to media type and attributes related to subsequent processes can be considered consecutive jobs.

[0060] Furthermore, this invention can also be applied as a program or method executed by a computer. Moreover, such systems, programs, and methods can be implemented either as standalone devices or using components from multiple devices, including various other methods. Furthermore, they can be appropriately modified to include a portion as software and a portion as hardware. Moreover, the invention also applies to recording media for programs that control the system. Of course, the recording medium for this program can be a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and the same consideration can be given to any recording medium developed in the future.

[0061] Symbol Explanation

[0062] 100…User terminal; 200…User terminal; 210…Processor; 211…Display control unit; 212…Acceptance unit; 220…Storage medium; 230…Communication unit; 240…UI unit; 300…User terminal; 400…Printer; 500…User terminal; 600…Processing equipment; 700…Server.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires task data indicating tasks to be executed by a printing apparatus; a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a list indicating print orders of a plurality of tasks based on the task data, the display control unit causing the display unit to display the list in different manners for a case where the list includes continuous tasks and a case where the list does not include the continuous tasks, the continuous tasks being two or more tasks that are continuous and have a specific attribute in common.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the list in different manners by displaying a predetermined pattern at positions in the list corresponding to the continuous tasks and not displaying the predetermined pattern at positions not corresponding to the continuous tasks in the case where the list includes the continuous tasks, and not displaying the predetermined pattern in the list in the case where the list does not include the continuous tasks.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the list in different manners for tasks that are: tasks included in the continuous tasks and having the attribute in common with tasks on both sides in the print order; and tasks included in the continuous tasks and having the attribute in common with one of the tasks and not having the attribute in common with the other task.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a predetermined pattern at positions in the list corresponding to each task included in the list in the case where the list does not include the continuous tasks, and does not display the predetermined pattern at positions in the list corresponding to the continuous tasks and displays the predetermined pattern at positions not corresponding to the continuous tasks in the case where the list includes the continuous tasks.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus comprises a reception unit that receives an operation to exchange the order of tasks in the list from a user.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific attribute relates to a kind of medium used by the printing apparatus at the time of execution of a task.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific attribute relates to a kind of ink used by the printing apparatus at the time of execution of a task.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific attribute relates to a subsequent process executed after a task executed by the printing apparatus ends.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific attribute relates to a delivery destination of a printed matter printed by execution of a task.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific attribute relates to a delivery deadline of a task.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ​ The application receives a designation of any one attribute from among a plurality of attributes possessed by a task, and sets a task that is continuous and has the attribute designated in common as the continuous task.

Images