Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer readable storage medium, which can easily set processing content of an object constituting image data. A control unit (11) of an image processing device (1) executes preview screen display processing (step S02) for displaying a design editing screen (30) (preview screen of image data) on a display unit (14). The design editing screen (30) includes a preview area (31), an object list (32), and a processing input unit (35). The preview area (31) displays a preview of an object (Ob) constituting image data. The object list (32) displays the object information (33) in the form of a list. Processing content can be input to the processing input unit (35) for each object (Ob).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] An image processing apparatus generates image data that is output to an image forming apparatus such as a printer. The image forming apparatus may include a printer that forms an image by printing, or a cutting plotter that forms an image by cutting.

[0003] When the same image data contains both objects printed by a printer and objects cut by a cutting plotter, the image processing device generates and outputs image data corresponding to the specifications of the printer and the cutting plotter, respectively (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] [Existing technical documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-123241 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Users need to set processing options such as printing or cutting for each object. Here, if the screen for setting the processing options for an object is different from the preview screen, users need to switch screens for each object to set the processing options, making the job cumbersome.

[0009] In image processing devices, it is required to display a screen that allows for easy setting of the processing content of objects constituting image data.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] An image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is,

[0012] (1) An apparatus for generating image data that can be output to an image forming apparatus, and

[0013] It includes a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit based on user input via the operation unit.

[0014] The control unit performs preview screen display processing, which causes the display unit to display a preview screen of the image data.

[0015] The preview screen includes:

[0016] The preview area displays a preview of the objects that constitute the image data;

[0017] An object list, displaying information about the objects in a list format; and

[0018] The input processing unit is configured to allow input processing content for each of the objects.

[0019] (2) The image processing apparatus according to (1), wherein,

[0020] The image forming apparatus includes multiple image forming devices capable of performing different processes.

[0021] The processing input unit is configured to receive processing content that can be performed by each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses for each object.

[0022] The control unit performs image data output processing, which generates image data for each processing content input to the processing input unit and outputs the image data to the image forming apparatus capable of performing the corresponding processing content.

[0023] (3) The image processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein,

[0024] The processing input unit is configured to receive input for displaying or hiding the processing of each object in the preview area.

[0025] (4) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein,

[0026] The image forming apparatus includes a means for forming an image by cutting.

[0027] The processing input unit is configured to receive a cutting component input for the cutting when the cutting is input as the processing content.

[0028] (5) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein,

[0029] The image forming apparatus includes a device for forming an image by printing.

[0030] The control unit causes the display format of the object whose printing is input as the processing content at the processing input unit to be different from that of the object whose cutting is input as the processing content at the processing input unit in the preview area.

[0031] (6) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein,

[0032] The control unit displays the object in the preview area as a cutting line, on which the cutting was input as the processing content in the processing input unit.

[0033] (7) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0034] The control unit changes the display color in the preview area of ​​the object whose cutting is input as the processing content at the processing input unit.

[0035] (8) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0036] The control unit

[0037] In the preview screen display process,

[0038] If the user selects any object displayed in the preview area, the display of the selected object in the object list will change.

[0039] (9) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein,

[0040] The control unit

[0041] In the preview screen display process,

[0042] If the user selects any object displayed in the object list, the display of the selected object in the preview area will change.

[0043] (10) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein,

[0044] The control unit

[0045] Based on the user's request

[0046] Perform a filtering process that displays only objects in the object list that have had the same processing content entered in the processing input section.

[0047] (11) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein,

[0048] The control unit

[0049] In the screening process,

[0050] This will cause the preview area to display only the filtered objects.

[0051] (12) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein,

[0052] The processing input unit is configured to allow the same processing content to be entered in batches for multiple objects.

[0053] (13) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein,

[0054] Objects that can be processed in batches with the same content can be selected from at least one of the object list or the preview area.

[0055] An image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention

[0056] (14) A method performed by an image processing apparatus that generates image data that can be output to an image forming apparatus, wherein

[0057] The image processing device includes a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit based on user input via the operation unit.

[0058] Through the control unit

[0059] Perform preview screen display processing to cause the display unit to display a preview screen of the image data.

[0060] The preview screen includes:

[0061] The preview area displays a preview of the objects that constitute the image data;

[0062] An object list, displaying information about the objects in a list format; and

[0063] The input processing unit is configured to allow input processing content for each of the objects.

[0064] A computer-readable storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention is

[0065] (15) A computer-readable storage medium having a program that can be read by a computer and stores therein. The program is used to implement the function of an image processing apparatus that generates image data that can be output to an image forming apparatus, wherein...

[0066] The electronic device functions as a control unit, which controls the screen displayed on the display unit based on user input via the operation unit.

[0067] Make the control unit

[0068] Perform preview screen display processing to cause the display unit to display a preview screen of the image data.

[0069] The preview screen includes:

[0070] The preview area displays a preview of the objects that constitute the image data;

[0071] An object list, displaying information about the objects in a list format; and

[0072] The input processing unit is configured to allow input processing content for each of the objects.

[0073] [The effects of the invention]

[0074] With this invention, users can easily set the processing content of objects constituting image data from the preview screen. Attached Figure Description

[0075] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0076] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the screen displayed by the control unit and the display unit according to the process before the output image data.

[0077] Figure 3 This is an example of a main screen.

[0078] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is an illustration of the highlighted image.

[0079] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is an illustration of the picked-up display.

[0080] Figure 6 This is an example of a design editing screen.

[0081] Figure 7A This is a diagram illustrating how the object list changes when an object is selected in the preview area. Figure 7B This is a diagram illustrating how the preview area changes when an object is selected from the object list.

[0082] Figure 8A This is a diagram illustrating the input processing unit. Figure 8B This is a diagram showing the deformation of the input processing unit.

[0083] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the display form of an object corresponding to the processing content set in the processing input section.

[0084] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the batch input section.

[0085] Figure 11 This is an example of a design configuration form editing screen.

[0086] Figure 12 This is an example of a form editing screen.

[0087] Figure 13 This is an example of an output settings screen.

[0088] Figures 14A to 14C This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the mark addition process in the control unit.

[0089] Figure 15A and Figure 15B This diagram illustrates an example of layout adjustments for the control unit.

[0090] Figure 16 This is another example illustrating layout adjustments.

[0091] Figure 17A and Figure 17B This diagram illustrates the layout adjustments corresponding to the length of the printing area.

[0092] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing the hardware structure of an electronic device that constitutes an image processing device.

[0093] Explanation of icon numbers

[0094] 1: Image processing device

[0095] 11: Control Department

[0096] 12: Storage Department

[0097] 13: Operations Department

[0098] 14: Display Section

[0099] 20: Main screen

[0100] 21A, 21B, 21C: Display bar

[0101] 26: Calling the flag

[0102] 24: Calling Department

[0103] 25: Sorting Department

[0104] 30: Design Editing Screen (Preview Screen)

[0105] 31: Preview Area

[0106] 32: List of objects

[0107] 35: Input Processing Section

[0108] 36: Batch Input Section

[0109] 50: Design and configure the form editing screen (preview screen)

[0110] 51: Preview Area

[0111] 70: Output settings screen (preview screen)

[0112] 71: Preview Area

[0113] 72: Setting Input Section (Marking Setting Input Section, Copy Condition Input Section)

[0114] Ob, OB: Object

[0115] DS: Design

[0116] FM: Forms

[0117] PA: Printing area

[0118] MK: Trim mark (alignment mark)

[0119] CM: Center marker (a marker used for center alignment)

[0120] DM: Direction Marking (markings indicating the printing direction) Detailed Implementation

[0121] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0122] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the image processing apparatus 1 of the embodiment.

[0123] like Figure 1 As shown, the image processing device 1 generates image data that can be output to the image forming device 200.

[0124] The image forming apparatus 200 is an apparatus for performing image forming processing on the medium M.

[0125] Image forming apparatus 200 may include, for example, a printer 300 that forms an image by printing, or a cutting plotter 400 that forms an image by cutting.

[0126] Printer 300 can be configured, for example, as an inkjet printer that ejects ink IK to media M for printing.

[0127] Printer 300 includes, for example, a platform 301 supporting a medium M and a head 302 ejecting ink IK. The head 302 is disposed facing the platform 301. The head 302 ejects ink IK while moving relative to the medium M supported by the platform 301 in the scanning direction and the feed direction, thereby performing printing.

[0128] exist Figure 1In the middle, the direction from the front side of the paper towards the inside corresponds to the scanning direction, and the left and right direction of the paper corresponds to the feeding direction (media transport direction).

[0129] Furthermore, the movement of the head 302 relative to the medium M is only a relative movement. Therefore, the platform 301 can be moved instead of the head 302, or the medium M can be moved on the platform 301.

[0130] The cutting plotter 400 includes, for example, a platform 401 supporting a medium M and a head 402 holding a cutting member 403. The head 402 is disposed facing the platform 401. While the head 402 moves relative to the medium M supported by the platform 401 in the scanning direction and the feed direction, the cutting member 403 cuts the medium M.

[0131] The cutting plotter 400 can perform various cutting operations by switching cutting components 403 such as cutting blades, pens, and rollers.

[0132] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 200 may also be an apparatus capable of simultaneously performing both printing and cutting.

[0133] The medium M for forming the image in the image forming apparatus 200 may include, for example, synthetic resins such as propylene, vinyl chloride, and polyester, paper, cloth (fabric, non-woven fabric), wood, ceramics, metal, food, leather, etc.

[0134] The image processing apparatus 1 generates and outputs image data to the image forming apparatus 200 in a format corresponding to its respective specifications (e.g., JPEG, PDF, vector data, etc.).

[0135] Here, sometimes multiple image forming apparatuses 200 are used to process the same medium M to produce a printed product. For example, in Figure 1 The diagram shows a printed design in which the center of a colored circle is cut into a rectangle. To produce the printed material, a colored circle is first printed on a medium M using a printer 300. Then, the medium M is transferred from the printer 300 to a cutting plotter 400, where the center of the circle printed on the medium M is cut into a rectangle.

[0136] In addition, a printed material can be produced by printing on a medium M that has been printed by one printer 300 using another printer 300.

[0137] Thus, when processing is performed using multiple image forming apparatuses 200 to produce a printed material, the image processing apparatus 1 needs to generate image data corresponding to the processing performed by each image forming apparatus 200. Figure 1In this design, the image processing unit 1 generates and outputs colored circular image data (JPEG, PDF, etc.) to the printer 300. The image processing unit 1 also generates and outputs rectangular line image data (vector data, etc.) to the cutting plotter 400.

[0138] Image processing device 1 may include, for example, general-purpose electronic equipment (computer).

[0139] Electronic devices can be, for example, personal computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.

[0140] like Figure 1 As shown, the image processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12. An operation unit 13 and a display unit 14 are connected to the image processing apparatus 1. The operation unit 13 may include, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, or physical switch. The display unit 14 may include a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 may be integrated with the electronic device, or they may be connected to the electronic device via wired or wireless means.

[0141] The storage unit 12 contains an application program for implementing the functions of the control unit 11 of the image processing device 1. The user launches the application program via the operation unit 13, thereby enabling the functions of the control unit 11 in the electronic device.

[0142] The control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display various screens for generating image data. The control unit 11 performs image data generation processing based on the user's operation input via the screen.

[0143] The storage unit 12 stores the data required for the processing of the control unit 11, and temporarily stores the processing results of the control unit 11. As an example, the storage unit 12 stores the design used to generate image data, the design configuration form, and the respective data files DFa, DFb, and DFc of the form.

[0144] The control unit 11 outputs image data using the design or design configuration form to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0145] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the screen displayed by the control unit 11 on the display unit 14 according to the process before the output image data.

[0146] like Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the main screen 20, the design editing screen 30, the form selection screen 40, the design configuration form editing screen 50, the form editing screen 60, the output setting screen 70, etc.

[0147] When the user launches the application, the control unit 11 displays the main screen 20 (step S01: main screen display processing). The control unit 11 processes the display of other screens from the main screen 20 according to the user's operation via the main screen 20.

[0148] For example, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the design editing screen 30, the design configuration form editing screen 50, and the output setting screen 70 as preview screens of image data (step S02: preview screen display processing).

[0149] For example, when a user creates or edits image data, the control unit 11 displays the design editing screen 30 or the design configuration form editing screen 50. Additionally, when a user sets the output of image data to the image forming apparatus 200, the control unit 11 displays the output setting screen 70.

[0150] The control unit 11 performs a process of adding cropping marks to the image data as one of the output settings performed on the output setting screen 70 (step S03: mark addition process).

[0151] In addition, the control unit 11 performs processing to output image data to the image forming apparatus 200 based on the operations performed by the user on the output setting screen 70, etc. (step S04: image data output processing).

[0152] The following describes the screens displayed by the control unit 11 and the processing of the control unit 11 in each screen.

[0153] <Main Screen>

[0154] Figure 3 This is an example of a main screen display (20).

[0155] like Figure 3 As shown, the main screen 20 has a design display bar 21A, a design configuration form display bar 21B, and a form display bar 21C.

[0156] The design can be used for image data and consists of a combination of more than one object.

[0157] Forms are templates that can be integrated with designs.

[0158] The design configuration form is generated by combining the design with the form, and is created by configuring the design in the form.

[0159] As described, in storage unit 12 (refer to...) Figure 1The storage unit 11 contains data files DFa, DFb, and DFc for the three items. When the application is started, the control unit 11 reads the information of each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc from the storage unit 12 and displays the corresponding display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C.

[0160] like Figure 3 As shown, display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C are arranged vertically (in the first direction, the vertical direction in the figure) on the main screen 20.

[0161] In addition, the display bar 21B of the design configuration form is displayed vertically between the design display bar 21A and the form display bar 21C.

[0162] Thus, by displaying the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc in display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C on the main screen 20, the user is spared the effort of browsing the individual display screens of each data file. Furthermore, by viewing display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, the user can easily understand the available options when generating image data.

[0163] Furthermore, by designing the display bar 21B of the configuration form to be displayed between the display bar 21A of the design and the display bar 21C of the form, users can easily imagine how the design is combined with the form.

[0164] Display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C are positioned along the horizontal (second direction) axis of the main screen 20. At the left end of each of the display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, there is a "Create New" button 22 for generating new data files DFa, DFb, and DFc.

[0165] To the right of the new button 22 in display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, the information of each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc stored in the storage unit 12 is displayed horizontally.

[0166] In display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, information for each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc can be displayed, such as at least one of the following: thumbnail, filename, and last update time.

[0167] In addition, display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C display the call mark 26 of the pop-up menu 27 in the display area of ​​each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc.

[0168] The number of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc that can be displayed in display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C is limited by the screen size. If the number of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc stored in storage unit 12 exceeds the display capacity of display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, a call-up section 24 for the project screen will be displayed on the right side of display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C. The call-up section 24 may contain text such as "Show All".

[0169] A sorting section 25 is displayed above the display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C of the main screen 20. The sorting section 25 is used to extract and rearrange the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed in the display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C.

[0170] The taskbar TB is displayed above the sorting section 25 on the main screen 20. The processes that the control unit 11 can perform are displayed in the taskbar TB. The user selects a process using a mouse or the like, and the control unit 11 then performs the selected process.

[0171] Users can perform various operations via the main screen 20.

[0172] The following describes an example of the processing performed by the control unit 11 corresponding to the operation input made by the user via the main screen 20.

[0173] • Display of the editing screen

[0174] When the user selects the "New" button 22 or data file DFa, data file DFb, or data file DFc displayed in display bars 21A, 21B, or 21C of the main screen 20, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the editing screen corresponding to the selected item. The editing screen is... Figure 1 The design editing screen 30, design configuration form editing screen 50, or form editing screen 60 are shown. Details of each editing screen will be described later.

[0175] Users can select, for example, by clicking or double-clicking the "New" button 22 or the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc using a mouse. If the operation unit 13 is a touchscreen, users can select, for example, by tapping or pressing the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc with their finger or a stylus.

[0176] Highlight

[0177] The control unit 11 highlights the object selected by the user on the main screen 20. "Highlighting" means displaying the selected object in a different form than other objects. The highlighted object can be, for example, the entire display bar 21A, display bar 21B, display bar 21C, or individual data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed in display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C.

[0178] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is an illustration of the highlighted image.

[0179] Figure 4A This shows an example of highlighting the entire display bar. Figure 4A In the middle, display bar 21A is highlighted.

[0180] For example, when the pointer P of the user's mouse or other device overlaps with the display bar 21A, the control unit 11 can highlight the display bar 21A. As a highlight, the control unit 11 can, for example, make the selected display bar 21A appear larger than the other display bars 21B and 21C. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can add a seemingly floating visual effect to the selected display bar 21A, change its background color, or perform other highlighting actions.

[0181] By highlighting the user-selected display bar 21A, the user can easily confirm the information of the data file DFa in display bar 21A. Furthermore, since the user can also simultaneously view display bars 21B and 21C, it is easy to determine which form the design should be incorporated into, thus allowing for a concrete visualization of the final result.

[0182] Figure 4B This is a diagram showing an example of highlighting a data file DFa. Figure 4B The example shown is highlighting the data file DFa in display bar 21A.

[0183] For example, if the pointer P of the user's mouse or other device overlaps with any data file DFa in the display bar 21A, the control unit 11 can highlight the data file DFa. As a highlight, the control unit 11 can, for example, display the selected data file DFa as larger than the other data files DFa. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can add a seemingly floating visual effect to the selected data file DFa, change its background color, or surround it with a border.

[0184] By highlighting the data file DFa, users can easily identify the information in the DFa file. For example, by enlarging a thumbnail of the data file DFa, users can easily identify design details.

[0185] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can combine the overall highlighting of display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C with the highlighting of individual data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. For example, if the user selects individual data files DFa, DFb, and DFc from the already highlighted display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, the control unit 11 can further highlight the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc.

[0186] • Pickup display

[0187] On the user's home screen 20 (reference) Figure 3 When the design, design configuration form and any of the form's data files DFa, DFb, or DFc are selected, the control unit 11 will retrieve and display the data files DFa, DFb, or DFc of other related items.

[0188] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is an illustration of the picked-up display.

[0189] Figure 5A The pick display is shown when selecting the design's data file DFa. Figure 5B This shows an example of picking and displaying when selecting the data file DFb for the design configuration form.

[0190] like Figure 5A As shown, when the user selects any design data file DFa displayed in the display bar 21A, the control unit 11 causes the data file DFb of the design configuration form using the design to be picked up and displayed in the display bar 21C.

[0191] like Figure 5B As shown, when the user selects a data file DFb from any design configuration form displayed in display bar 21B, the control unit 11 causes the data file DFa of the design used in the selected design configuration form to be displayed in display bar 21A. Furthermore, the control unit 11 causes the data file DFc of the form used in the selected design configuration form to be displayed in display bar 21C.

[0192] Furthermore, although the illustration is omitted, when the user selects the data file DFc of any form displayed in the display bar 21C, the control unit 11 can make the data file DFb of the form configured using the selected form's design be picked up and displayed in the display bar 21B.

[0193] The selection of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc is not limited to a specific operation. For example, a user can select data files DFa, DFb, and DFc by overlapping the pointer P of the pointing device (mouse, touchpad, touch screen, etc.) with the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc.

[0194] The "pick-up display" format is not limited to a specific format; it refers to displaying data files DFa, DFb, and DFc selected by the user and their association with related data files.

[0195] For example, the control unit 11 can display only the data files related to the selected data files DFa, DFb, and DFc in each display bar 21A, 21B, and 21C. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can make the thumbnails of the relevant data files larger than other data files, add a floating visual effect, surround them with borders, or change the background color.

[0196] It can be difficult to determine which design was used, for example, from the thumbnails displayed on the main screen 20. This is especially true when multiple designs are used in a design configuration form or when multiple people are editing the same design configuration form, making it difficult to access the original design's data file, DFa.

[0197] In this embodiment, since the data files related to the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc selected by the user are picked up and displayed on the main screen 20, the user can easily access the relevant data files.

[0198] Extraction and rearrangement

[0199] The control unit 11 extracts or rearranges the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed in the display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C according to the conditions specified by the user.

[0200] like Figure 3 As shown, users can specify the conditions for extraction or rearrangement by operating the sorting section 25 displayed on the main screen 20.

[0201] The conditions for extraction or rearrangement can include, for example, the type of data file DFa, data file DFb, data file DFc, the last update date, data size, file name, etc.

[0202] Details will be described later. The design sometimes includes objects (Ob) whose processing content is specified as "cut" (see reference). Figure 9The control unit 11 can, for example, extract only the data files DFa and DFb containing the object Ob that has been specified as "cut" from the data files DFa and DFb of the design or design configuration form.

[0203] For example, a design data file DFa may sometimes contain a mixture of objects Ob that are designated "printed" and objects Ob that are designated "cut". However, based on the thumbnail displayed on main screen 20, it is difficult to identify the object Ob that is designated as cut. Through extraction processing, users can easily access the data file DFa containing the object Ob that is designated as cut.

[0204] • Display of pop-up menu

[0205] like Figure 3 As shown, in the display areas of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc in display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, a pop-up menu 27 call mark 26 is displayed. The user can, for example, click the call mark 26 with the mouse.

[0206] The control unit 11 displays a pop-up menu 27 based on the user's operation of the call marker 26. The pop-up menu 27 lists the processes that can be performed on data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. When the user selects the desired process from the displayed pop-up menu 27 by clicking or other means, the control unit 11 performs the selected process.

[0207] exist Figure 3 In the example, the pop-up menu 27 displays "Rename", "Delete", "Copy", "Export", and "Related Data Display".

[0208] When "Rename" is selected, the control unit 11 displays the file name input field and changes the file names of data file DFa, data file DFb, and data file DFc based on the input content.

[0209] If "delete" is selected, the control unit 11 deletes data files DFa, DFb, and DFc from the storage unit 12.

[0210] When "Copy" is selected, the control unit 11 copies the selected data files DFa, DFb, and DFc and stores them in the storage unit 12. The display unit 14 then displays an editing screen corresponding to the copied data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. When copying data files DFa, DFb, and DFc, the control unit 11 adds "-copy" or similar characters to the end of the filenames to distinguish them from the original data files DFa, DFb, and DFc.

[0211] When "Export" is selected, the control unit 11 exports data files DFa, DFb, and DFc to the storage media specified by the user.

[0212] When "Related Data Display" is selected, the control unit 11 performs the aforementioned picking and display. That is, it retrieves data files related to the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc, and picks and displays the corresponding data files in their respective display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C.

[0213] Furthermore, the processing displayed in pop-up menu 27 is not limited to the above content and can be appropriately configured.

[0214] Project screen display

[0215] When a user clicks on the call unit 24 of the project screen displayed on the main screen 20 using the mouse, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a project screen (not shown) that only displays the data file of the corresponding project.

[0216] exist Figure 3 In the example, when the user clicks the project screen display button in the display bar 21B, the control unit 11 reads the information of the data file DFb of all design configuration forms from the storage unit 12 and displays the project screen of the design configuration form.

[0217] Regarding the design, design configuration forms, and individual items within those forms, if the number of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc stored in the storage unit 12 is large, it may be impossible to display all of them on display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C. In this case, the user can click on the call unit 24 on the main screen 20 to browse a project screen that only displays the data files for the corresponding item. Therefore, even with a large number of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc, the user can easily access the desired data file. When the user selects any of the data files DFa, DFb, or DFc displayed on the project screen, the control unit 11 displays the editing screen for the corresponding item.

[0218] <Design Editing Screen>

[0219] like Figure 2 As shown, for example, when the user selects the main screen 20 (see reference). Figure 3 If the new button 22 or any data file DFa is displayed in the display bar 21A of the design, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the design editing screen 30 (preview screen).

[0220] Figure 6 This is an example of a design editing screen 30.

[0221] like Figure 6 As shown, the design screen includes a preview area 31 and an object list 32.

[0222] exist Figure 6 In the example, the preview area 31 is positioned in the center of the design editing screen 30, and the object list 32 is positioned adjacent to the preview area 31.

[0223] The design editing screen 30 also includes a taskbar TB. The taskbar TB displays menus or icons for user-selectable operations, numerical input fields, etc. Users can use a mouse or other means to select the desired menu or icon, and use a keyboard or other means to input the required settings.

[0224] In addition, the control unit 11 performs processing corresponding to the user's operation via the taskbar TB, and reflects the processing results in the preview area 31 and the object list 32.

[0225] Preview area 31 displays a preview of the design DS.

[0226] The canvas CB is displayed in the preview area 31, and objects Ob1 to Ob4 that constitute the design DS are configured on the canvas CB. In addition, when referring to objects Ob1 to Ob4 without distinguishing between them, they are referred to as "object Ob".

[0227] Users can select the graphic icon ICa in the taskbar TB to create graphic objects Ob1 and Ob2 on the canvas CB. Graphics include circles, polygons, shapes combining curves and lines, and hand-drawn graphics. Users can set the colors applied to the graphics or the line styles of the graphics.

[0228] exist Figure 6 Examples of objects Ob1 and Ob2 that generate triangles and hearts are shown. Furthermore, in... Figure 6 The text uses shading to represent color.

[0229] For example, a user can select the text icon ICb of the taskbar TB to generate a text object Ob3 on the canvas CB. The user can then set the text's color, line style, and font. Figure 6 The example shown illustrates how a text object Ob3, which generates the letter “A”, is generated.

[0230] Users can generate an image object (Ob4) by selecting the image icon (ICc) in the taskbar (TB) and reading the image onto the canvas (CB). Images include, for example, photographs and illustrations. By reading the image into the form, it is also possible to display the image in a specified shape.

[0231] exist Figure 6 The example shows the image object Ob4 generated after reading a photo within a star-shaped form.

[0232] Object list 32 displays the information of the objects in list form 33.

[0233] After generating object Ob based on user input, the control unit 11 displays information 33 of the generated object in the object list 32.

[0234] In the object list 32, the attributes (graphics, text, images, etc.) of each object Ob are displayed as object information, for example using icons 33a and text 33b. Icon 33a can be set as an icon representing the attribute of object Ob. For example, if it is a graphic object Ob, then icon 33a can correspond to graphic shapes such as triangles and hearts. Through icon 33a, the user can easily understand the correspondence between the object Ob displayed in the preview area 31 and the information 33 of the objects recorded in the object list 32.

[0235] The object information 33 is not limited to the example shown in the illustration. For example, when multiple objects Ob are displayed overlapping in the preview area 31, the overlapping order of the objects Ob can be displayed as the object information 33.

[0236] In the object list 32, checkboxes 34 and processing input sections 35 are provided side by side with the object information 33. The processing input section 35 is a field for inputting processing content for object Ob.

[0237] Users can enter a check mark in checkbox 34 by clicking with a mouse or other means. Checkbox 34 is used when the user selects a specific object Ob from the object list 32.

[0238] A checkbox 34a for batch input is provided at the top of the object list 32. When the user enters a check mark in the checkbox 34a, the control unit 11 batch inputs check marks in all checkboxes 34.

[0239] A batch input unit 36 ​​is provided at the bottom of the object list 32, which can batch input processing content for objects Ob that have been marked with checkmarks.

[0240] When multiple objects Ob with similar shapes or colors are displayed in the preview area 31, it can sometimes be difficult to know the correspondence between the preview area 31 and the object list 32.

[0241] Therefore, if the user selects to display an object Ob in either the preview area 31 or the object list 32, the control unit 11 can change the display of the same object Ob in the other.

[0242] Figure 7A This is a diagram illustrating the changes in the display of the object list 32 when object Ob is selected in preview area 31. Figure 7B This is a diagram illustrating the changes in the preview area 31 when object Ob is selected from object list 32.

[0243] like Figure 7A As shown, a user can select object Ob3, for example, by overlapping the mouse pointer P with the object Ob3 displayed in the preview area 31 and clicking or dragging a range R containing at least a portion of object Ob3.

[0244] For example, the control unit 11 may display the object Ob3 selected in the preview area 31 in the object list 32 in a different form than other objects Ob1, Ob2, and Ob4. For example, Figure 7A As shown, the control unit 11 can display the selected object Ob3 surrounded by a border F. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can also input a check mark in the checkbox 34 of the selected object Ob3. Or, the control unit 11 can change the display color of the selected object Ob3, draw an underline, change the display size, etc.

[0245] like Figure 7B As shown, a user can select object Ob1, for example, by overlapping the mouse pointer P with the checkbox 34 of object Ob1 in the object list 32 and clicking it to input a check mark.

[0246] The control unit 11 displays the selected object Ob1 in the preview area 31 in a different form than the other objects Ob2 to Ob4. For example, as Figure 7B As shown, the control unit 11 can display the selected object Ob1 surrounded by a frame F. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can perform actions such as flashing the selected object Ob1 or changing its display color.

[0247] Thus, when the user selects to display an object Ob in either the preview area 31 or the object list 32, the control unit 11 changes the display of the same object Ob in the other. This allows the user to easily grasp the correspondence between the object Obs in the preview area 31 and the object list 32. Even when the design DS contains multiple object Obs or when object Obs overlap, the user can easily understand the settings of each object Ob's attributes and processing content.

[0248] Figure 8A This is a diagram illustrating the input processing unit 35. Figure 8B This is a diagram showing the deformation of the processing input unit 35.

[0249] like Figure 8AAs shown, the processing input unit 35 allows users to select processing content for object Ob from a drop-down menu PM. When the user overlaps the mouse pointer P with the processing input unit 35 and clicks, the control unit 11 displays a drop-down menu PM containing the selectable processing content.

[0250] The drop-down menu PM can record the image forming apparatus 200 (see reference). Figure 1 The processing content performed by the control unit 11 and the processing content performed by the control unit 11. Figure 8A In the example, the drop-down menu PM displays options such as "Print", "Cut", "No Processing Required", and "Hide".

[0251] "Printing" refers to printing using printer 300, and "cutting" refers to cutting using a cutting plotter 400, etc.

[0252] "No processing required" means that no processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 200. That is, the object Ob selected as "no processing required" will be excluded from the image data output to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0253] "Hidden" means, in the same way as "no processing required", that the object Ob is hidden in the preview area 31 without processing by the image forming apparatus 200.

[0254] Furthermore, as described above, various cutting components 403 such as cutting blades, rollers, and pens can be used in the cutting plotter 400 (see reference). Figure 1 Therefore, as Figure 8B As shown, the drop-down menu PM can be set to or selected as the cutting component 403 used in the cutting (cutting blade, roller, pen, etc.).

[0255] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the display mode of the object Ob corresponding to the processing content set in the processing input unit 35.

[0256] like Figure 9 As shown, the input processing unit 35 can, for example, input "print" as the default processing content.

[0257] If the user changes the processing content from "print" to other processing content, the control unit 11 can change the display mode in the preview area 31 of the object whose processing content has been changed.

[0258] exist Figure 9 The image shows a text object Ob8 and a graphic object Ob9. For example... Figure 9 As shown, when the processing content is input as "print", objects Ob8 and Ob9 are displayed as solid lines and colored in the preview area 31.

[0259] When the user changes the processing content of the text object Ob8 from "print" to "cut", the control unit 11 changes the text object Ob8 to uncolored in the preview area 31 and displays the outline with cutting lines.

[0260] "Cut line" is not limited to a specific shape. The line that displays the object that has been "printed" can be set to have a different line type, line thickness, line color, etc., than the line that displays the object "Ob" that has been "printed". For example, Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the cutting line can be set as a dashed line. Alternatively, the cutting line can also be set as a dotted line, a dashed-dot line, a thin solid line, etc.

[0261] Similarly, the control unit 11 inputs "No processing required" or "Hidden" into the processing input unit 35 (see reference). Figure 8A and Figure 8B In the case of an object Ob that has been selected as "no processing required", the display mode of the object Ob in the preview area 31 can also be changed. For example, the control unit 11 can set the object Ob that has been selected as "no processing required" to be uncolored and display its outline using a light-colored line. For example, the control unit 11 can set the object Ob that has been selected as "hidden" to be hidden in the preview area 31.

[0262] When an object (Ob) that has not undergone printing or cutting remains in the preview area 31, it can be difficult for the user to visualize the final result. In such cases, by switching the object (Ob) to hidden, the user can perform editing tasks while visualizing the final result.

[0263] Furthermore, even when object Ob is hidden in preview area 31, object information 33 and processing input unit 35 are still recorded in object list 32. The user can switch object Ob back to be displayed as needed.

[0264] By changing the display form of the preview area 31 according to the processing content of each object Ob, users can easily visualize the final result.

[0265] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the batch input section 36.

[0266] As described above, users can input processing content for each object Ob through the processing input unit 35, which is set up for each object Ob. However, when the DS is designed to contain multiple object Obs, the task of inputting processing content for each object Ob individually can sometimes become cumbersome.

[0267] In this case, the user can set processing content for multiple objects Ob in batches through the batch input section 36 provided at the bottom of the object list 32.

[0268] The batch input unit 36 ​​sets processing content for objects Ob that have been checked in checkbox 34.

[0269] As described, by entering a check mark in the checkbox 34a for batch input located at the top of the object list 32, check marks can be entered in all checkboxes 34. Furthermore, if there is an object Ob that needs to be excluded from batch input, the user can click the checkbox 34 to deselect it.

[0270] Alternatively, as described, the user can click on the object Ob displayed in the preview area 31 using a mouse or similar device, and enter a check mark in the checkbox 34 (see [reference]). Figure 7A Alternatively, users can drag and drop multiple objects (Ob) using the mouse, and then enter checkmarks in the corresponding checkboxes (34) to select them in bulk.

[0271] Users can select the processing content to be applied in the batch input section 36 and click the application button 37 to batch input processing content for multiple objects Ob that have been checked in the checkbox 34.

[0272] like Figure 6 As shown, a filter icon ICd is displayed in the taskbar TB of the design editing screen 30. The control unit 11 filters objects Ob according to the user's operation on the filter icon ICd.

[0273] For example, when a user clicks the filter icon ICd using a mouse, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display an input field for entering filter criteria. The control unit 11 then performs the filtering based on the criteria entered by the user.

[0274] Filtering criteria can be set to attributes of the object Ob, processing content, etc. For example, users can input criteria to filter out objects Ob that have been "cut" as the processing content.

[0275] The control unit 11 can perform filtering based on the input conditions and reflect the results of the filtering in at least one of the object list 32 and the preview area 31.

[0276] For example, the control unit 11 can display only the filtered objects (Ob) in the object list 32 and the preview area 31. The control unit can also display only the objects (Ob) for which the filter condition "cut" has been entered in the object list 32 and the preview area 31.

[0277] When a Data Structure (DS) contains multiple Objects (Ob) and different processing content is input for each of them, by performing filtering, users can easily determine whether each Object (Ob) has been input with appropriate processing content.

[0278] Furthermore, the processing that can be performed via the design editing screen 30 is not limited to the examples described herein, and other processing can also be performed appropriately.

[0279] When the user saves the design from the menu of the taskbar TB, the control unit 11 stores the design DS generated in the design editing screen 30 and the data file DFa that records the processing content entered in the processing input unit 35 in the storage unit 12 (see reference). Figure 1 )middle.

[0280] <Form Selection Screen>

[0281] like Figure 2 As shown, when the user clicks on the display bar 21B of the main screen 20 (refer to...) Figure 3 When the user selects the "New" button 22, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the form selection screen 40. Although the illustration is omitted, the form selection screen 40 displays, for example, the data files DFc of the forms stored in the storage unit 12 in a list format. When the user selects any form data file DFc displayed in the form selection screen 40, the control unit 11 switches to the design configuration form editing screen 50 for combining the selected form with the design.

[0282] <Design Configuration Form Editing Screen>

[0283] like Figure 2 As shown, in the display bar 21B of the user selects the main screen 20 (refer to...) Figure 3 If the data file DFb of any design configuration form is displayed in the control unit 11, the control unit 11 will directly switch to the design configuration form editing screen 50 (preview screen).

[0284] Figure 11 This is an example of a design configuration form editing screen 50.

[0285] like Figure 11 As shown, the design configuration form editing screen 50 includes a preview area 51 and a taskbar TB.

[0286] The canvas CB is displayed in the preview area 51. The form FM selected by the user and the design DS that is composited with the form FM are configured on the canvas CB. Menus and icons indicating the processing that the control unit 11 can perform are displayed in the taskbar TB. By having the user select menus or icons using the mouse, the control unit 11 performs processing corresponding to the user's selection.

[0287] In addition, the control unit 11 changes the preview display in the preview area 51 according to the user's operation input.

[0288] The form FM contains one or more cells CL that can be combined with the design DS. The shape of the cell CL is not limited; for example, it can be set to a circle, rectangle, or other polygon, or a graphic composed of straight lines and curves.

[0289] For example, when users create printed materials such as stickers, labels, and cards using a design DS, they need to match the shape of the printed material (circle, quadrilateral, etc.). Furthermore, when printing on commercially available sticker backing paper or other media M, the shape of the design DS needs to be generated according to the format of the backing paper, and detailed settings for offsets, number of copies, copy intervals, and other copying conditions need to be configured, sometimes making the process complex. By pre-generating a form FM corresponding to the media M used, and combining the design DS with the form FM, users can easily create various printed materials.

[0290] exist Figure 11 The example shows a form FM with multiple circular cells CL.

[0291] like Figure 11 As shown, the design DS can be combined with the individual cells CL that constitute the form FM. The user selects the cell CL to be combined with the design DS by clicking, and selects the data file DFa of the design DS to be read into the cell CL. The control unit 11 copies the selected data file DFa and combines it into the cell CL. During the combination process, the control unit 11 adjusts the size of the design DS to match the size of the cell CL and trims it according to the shape of the cell CL.

[0292] Users can adjust the display range of the design DS within cell CL by dragging the design DS within cell CL using a mouse, or by using the scroll wheel to zoom in and out.

[0293] Users can set whether the outline of cell CL needs to be printed. For example, when... Figure 11 When the form is designed for printing on a sticker backing that allows for the peeling off of circular stickers, the outline of cell CL does not need to be printed. In this case, the user can set the outline of cell CL to not be printed.

[0294] Users can copy a design DS read from one cell CL to other cells CL. Users can copy the design DS, for example, by manipulating the copy icon in the taskbar TB. Alternatively, as... Figure 11 As shown, users can copy a design DS by clicking within a cell CL using the mouse and dragging it to other cells CL. When multiple cells CL are within the mouse's drag range, the design DS can be copied to all cells within that range.

[0295] Control unit 11 is configured to display a design editing screen 30 (see reference) for editing the design DS synthesized into the design configuration form, based on a user's request. Figure 6 Users can input requests, for example, by double-clicking the design DS to be combined into each cell CL with the mouse, or by long-pressing their finger on the touchpad. The control unit 11 stores the design DS edited by the user in the design editing screen 30 as a new data file DFa in the storage unit 12 (see reference). Figure 1 This allows users to copy the edited design (DS) to other cells (CL) in the design configuration form.

[0296] When a user, for example, interacts with the taskbar TB (see reference) Figure 11 When the save icon ICf is used, the control unit 11 stores the data file DFb of the generated design configuration form in the storage unit 12 (see reference). Figure 1 As described above, the data files DFc and DFa of the user-selected form FM and design DS are copied for use, therefore the data file DFb of the design configuration form is independent of the original data files DFa and DFc.

[0297] Control unit 11 is configured to record information related to the original form FM and the design DS data files DFc and DFa in the design configuration form data file DFb. Information related to the original data files DFa and DFc may be configured as filenames or the type of data files such as the design DS and form FM.

[0298] Control unit 11 is configured to use information recorded in the data file DFb of the design configuration form related to the original data files DFa and DFc for the main screen 20 (see reference). Figure 3 Pickup display (see reference) Figure 5A and Figure 5B ).

[0299] For example, when a user selects any one of the design DS data files DFa or any one of the form FM data files DFc on the main screen 20, the control unit 11 can search for and display the design configuration form data file DFb, which contains information related to the selected design DS data file DFa or the selected form FM data file DFc. Furthermore, when a user selects any design configuration form data file DFb on the main screen 20, the control unit 11 can search for and display the design DS data file DFa or the form FM data file DFc recorded in the selected design configuration form data file DFb.

[0300] In addition, when compositing the design DS into cell CL (see...) Figure 11 The control unit 11 can also embed hyperlinks to the original design DS data file DFa and data file DFc. In this case, when the user double-clicks / long-presses the design DS that is synthesized into each cell CL, the control unit 11 can display the design editing screen 30 of the original data file DFa. The user can reflect the edited content in the original data file DFa, or it can be stored in the storage unit 12 as another data file DFa.

[0301] <Form Editing Screen>

[0302] Regarding the form FM synthesized with the design, the pre-generated form FM as described above can be stored as a preset in the storage unit 12, but the user can also generate the form FM. In addition, the user can also edit the preset form FM.

[0303] For example, when the user selects the main screen 20 (see reference 11), the control unit 11... Figure 3 If the new button 22 or any data file DFc is displayed in the form display bar 21c, the display unit 14 displays the form editing screen 60.

[0304] Figure 12 This is an example of a form editing screen (60).

[0305] like Figure 12 As shown, the form editing screen 60 includes a preview area 61 and a setting input area 62.

[0306] The preview area 61 displays the canvas CB, and the user-generated form FM is displayed on the canvas CB.

[0307] The setting input unit 62 allows input of various settings for generating the form FM. The setting input unit 62 includes, for example, an input field 63 with the form name. The setting input unit 62 also includes an input field 64 for the medium M on which the form FM is applied. The input field 64 for the medium M includes, for example, input fields containing setting values ​​for output size, paper height, and paper width.

[0308] The setting input section 62 also has an input field 65 for cells CL configured in the form FM. The input field 65 for cells CL includes, for example, the number of rows and columns of cells CL, the height and width of each cell CL, the vertical spacing between cells CL, the horizontal spacing between cells CL, the shape of cells CL, and the radius of cells CL (in the case of circular cells CL).

[0309] The control unit 11 changes the preview display in the preview area 61 according to the user's input to the setting input unit 62. When the user clicks the generate button 66 displayed in the form editing screen 60, the control unit 11 stores the generated form FM data file DFc in the storage unit 12 (see reference). Figure 1 )middle.

[0310] <Output Settings Screen>

[0311] Figure 13 This is an example of an output setting screen 70.

[0312] Output setting screen 70 (preview screen) is a screen for inputting various settings, used to output user-generated designs or design configuration forms as image data corresponding to the specifications of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0313] When the user clicks on the design editing screen 30 (see reference) Figure 6 ) or design configuration form editing screen 50 (refer to) Figure 11 When the output setting icon ICe is displayed in the control unit 11, the display unit 14 displays the output setting screen 70.

[0314] Figure 13 The example shown is the case where the design is output as image data.

[0315] The output setting screen 70 includes a preview area 71 and a setting input section 72 (mark setting input section, copy condition input section).

[0316] like Figure 13 As shown, the canvas CB used for configuring the object OB is displayed in preview area 71. The printed area PA, indicated by the dashed line on the canvas CB, represents the area where the object OB can be configured.

[0317] Furthermore, the "Object OB" in the output settings screen 70 refers to the multiple objects Ob that constitute the design DS (see reference). Figure 4A and Figure 4B A set of (etc.).

[0318] like Figure 13 As shown, the output settings for inputting image data into the setting input unit 72 are displayed. The control unit 11 displays the settings input by the user into the setting input unit 72 on the preview area 71.

[0319] The input unit 72 is configured to include, for example, the input field 73 of an image forming apparatus 200 that outputs image data. The input field 73 is configured to input data from a printer 300 or a cutting plotter 400 (see reference 200) that is part of the image forming apparatus 200. Figure 1 The model name, etc. Figure 11The example shows an instance of entering "printer 300" in input field 73.

[0320] In addition, regarding the cutting plotter 400, the cutting components 403 (cutting blade, roller, pen, etc.) to be used can also be selected.

[0321] When printer 300 is entered in input field 73, the object OB displayed in preview area 71 becomes the object in design editing screen 30 (see reference). Figure 6 Set "Print" as a collection of objects OB that handle content.

[0322] When "cut plotter 400" is entered in input field 73, the object OB displayed in preview area 71 becomes the object in design editing screen 30 (see reference). Figure 6 In the code, "cutting" is set as a collection of objects Ob that process the content.

[0323] The setting input unit 72 also has an input field 74 for the size of the medium M. Furthermore, if the size of the medium M is preset as in a design configuration form, the preset value is automatically entered into the input field 74.

[0324] The input unit 72 has input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c. Input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c contain offsets, number of copies, and copy intervals that serve as copying conditions for object OB in the printing area PA.

[0325] Offset refers to the distance between object OB and the origin of printing area PA.

[0326] The number of copies refers to the number of objects OB that are copied in the printing area PA.

[0327] The copy interval refers to the interval between objects OB that are copied within the printing area PA.

[0328] In input fields C1, C2, and C3, you can input the horizontal and vertical values ​​of the printing area PA for the offset, number of copies, and copy interval, respectively.

[0329] like Figure 13 As shown, the control unit 11 causes the preview area 71 to display the object OB copied based on the input copying conditions (number of copies: 2 in the vertical direction, 2 in the horizontal direction).

[0330] As described, in the design configuration form editing screen 50 (refer to...) Figure 11 In this framework, the design can be copied in multiple formats by compositing the design DS into multiple cells CL of the form FM.

[0331] On the other hand, if the user wishes to simply copy and print the design without merging the design DS into the cell CL, the user can easily copy the design by inputting the copy conditions through the setting input section 72 of the output setting screen 70.

[0332] like Figure 13 As shown, the setting input unit 72 also has setting bars 76a and 76b for the rotation angle and reversal (mirror) of object OB.

[0333] In the illustrated example, the following example is shown: In setting bar 76a, any one of the four options, "0° (no rotation)," "90°," "180°," or "270°," can be set as the rotation angle of object OB. Furthermore, the rotation angle setting is not limited to these four levels and can be appropriately changed.

[0334] Additionally, the following example is shown: In setting bar 76b, the inversion mode of object OB can be set to any of "None", "Horizontal", or "Vertical". "Horizontal" refers to a horizontal inversion, and "Vertical" refers to a vertical inversion.

[0335] The setting input unit 72 also has a setting bar 77a for adding settings for the cutting mark MK.

[0336] The cutting mark MK is a registration mark printed on the medium M, and is sometimes called a guide line, cutting mark, or cross guide line.

[0337] For example, when using printer 300 (see reference) Figure 1 After printing the printing medium M, when cutting the medium M using a cutting plotter 400, a sensor installed in the cutting plotter 400 detects the cutting marks MK printed on the medium M. The cutting plotter 400 can use the detected cutting marks MK as a reference position for cutting alignment. In addition, by cutting the medium M along the cutting marks MK in the cutting plotter 400, the printed material can also be shaped into the finished size.

[0338] In addition, when printing media M using one printer 300 and then printing using another printer 300, the printing position can be aligned by using a sensor installed in the printer 300 to detect the cutting mark MK.

[0339] exist Figure 13 In the example, in setting field 77a, the setting mode of the cutting mark MK can be set to any one of "None", "Individual", or "Overall". Furthermore, the setting for adding the cutting mark MK is not limited to this. For example, a field can be provided in setting input section 72 to set the size of the cutting mark MK, or its position in the printing area PA, etc.

[0340] The control unit 11 performs mark addition processing to add cutting marks MK to the printing area PA according to the settings input into the setting field 77a. Figure 2 (Step S03). The control unit 11 displays the added cutting mark MK in the preview area 71. A toggle button 77c for displaying the cutting mark MK is provided in the setting input unit 72. The control unit 11 toggles the display and hiding of the cutting mark MK in the preview area 71 according to the user's operation of the toggle button 77c.

[0341] Figures 14A to 14C This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the mark addition process of the control unit 11.

[0342] exist Figures 14A to 14C The example shown is an example of setting the copy count of object OB to "1 for horizontal and 2 for vertical". Additionally, the shading lines representing the color of object OB are omitted.

[0343] exist Figure 14A The diagram shows the case where the trim mark MK is set to "None" in setting field 77a. In this case, the object OB1, which is the copy source, is offset from the origin O of the printing area PA to the offset input field 75a (see reference). Figure 13 The distance configuration in ) is as follows. The object OB2, which is the target of the copy, is entered from the object OB1, which is the source of the copy, into the input field 75b of the copy interval (refer to...). Figure 11 ) are arranged at intervals.

[0344] like Figure 14B As shown, when the user sets the setting for adding the cutting mark MK to "individual", the control unit 11 adds the cutting mark MK to each object OB1 and OB2 in the printing area PA.

[0345] like Figure 14C As shown, when the user sets the setting for adding the cutting mark MK to "whole", the control unit 11 adds the cutting mark MK to the entire printing area PA.

[0346] The cutting mark MK is not limited to a specific shape. As an example, the cutting mark MK can be an L-shaped structure formed by connecting one end of a horizontally extending line to one end of a vertically extending line, as shown in the figure. Alternatively, the cutting mark MK can also be a cross-shaped structure formed by the intersection of a vertically extending line and a horizontally extending line at their respective centers. Alternatively, the cutting mark MK can also be either a vertically extending line or a horizontally extending line.

[0347] The addition of the clipping mark MK is not limited to a specific form.

[0348] For example, such as Figure 14BAs shown, when the setting is set to "individual", the control unit 11 can set a rectangular area containing each object OB (for example, the area with double-dotted lines in the figure), and add clipping marks MK to the four corners of the area respectively.

[0349] For example, such as Figure 14C As shown, when the setting is set to "overall", the control unit 11 can add cutting marks MK to the four corners of the printing area PA respectively.

[0350] When performing mark addition processing, the control unit 11 adjusts the layout of the mark MK as needed. Figure 14B and Figure 14C The image shows the state after the control unit 11 has adjusted the layout of the cutting mark MK.

[0351] Figure 15A and Figure 15B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout adjustment of the control unit 11.

[0352] Figure 15A This is a diagram showing the layout state before adjustment when the addition setting of the clipping mark MK is set to "individual".

[0353] exist Figure 15A In the middle, the positions of objects OB1 and OB2 are maintained. Figure 14A The position is shown. In this state, when cutting marks MK are added to objects OB1 and OB2 respectively, sometimes cutting marks MK that extend beyond the printing area PA or overlap with each other may occur. If printing is performed in this state, there may be missing or overlapping cutting marks MK on the printed medium M, which may affect the accuracy of alignment during cutting.

[0354] If the cutting mark MK is not properly added to the printing area PA, the control unit 11 may output an alarm. Figure 15A For example, an example is shown where an alarm message is displayed in preview area 71. The content of the message is not limited; for example, it could be set to "Alert: Marker extends from the printed area". Alternatively, the alarm can also be output in the form of sound, warning tone, warning light, etc.

[0355] Additionally, the control unit 11 can display the automatic adjustment button 77d along with the alarm. The automatic adjustment button 77d is a button used to execute an instruction for layout adjustment received from the user. If the user clicks the automatic adjustment button 77d, the control unit 11 performs the layout adjustment.

[0356] The control unit 11 may adjust the layout of the cutting mark MK based on at least one of the following: the setting of adding the cutting mark MK, the information 33 of the object, the size of the cutting mark MK, and the size of the medium M.

[0357] The "Adding settings for crop mark MK" is, for example, in settings panel 77a (see...). Figure 13 The settings for "individual" or "overall" can be entered in the input field. The control unit 11 can adjust the layout based on the added settings.

[0358] "Object information" can be set to information such as the size of object OB, or entered into input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c (see reference). Figure 13 The copying conditions (offset, number of copies, and copying interval) of the input object OB. For example, the control unit 11 can change the value when it is not possible to properly add the clipping mark MK while the value is being entered into the input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c.

[0359] The size of the "cut mark MK" can be set to either the initially set size of the cut mark MK or the size of the cut mark MK specified by the user.

[0360] like Figure 15B As shown, the control unit 11 is configured to adjust the position of the object OB as an example of layout adjustment. Specifically, the control unit 11 adjusts the offset of the object OB and the copying interval relative to the input fields 75a and 75b (see reference). Figure 13 The value in ) increases or decreases accordingly. Thus, objects OB1 and OB2 move from their original positions, represented by the double-dotted line, to their positions, represented by the solid line. For example... Figure 15B As shown, the cutting marks MK added to the moved objects OB1 and OB2 do not extend from the printing area PA, and the overlap of the cutting marks MK is also eliminated. Therefore, the cutting marks MK can be properly printed on the medium M, maintaining the accuracy of alignment during cutting.

[0361] Figure 16 This is another example illustrating layout adjustments.

[0362] like Figure 16 As shown, when the cutting mark MK protrudes beyond the printing area PA, the control unit 11 is configured to adjust the size of the cutting mark MK. In the illustrated example, the control unit 11 shrinks the cutting mark MK to eliminate its protrusion from the printing area PA.

[0363] Furthermore, the size adjustment is not limited to the example shown. For example, the control unit 11 may also cut off only the portion of the cutting mark MK that extends from the printing area PA. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may shorten either the longitudinal or transverse length of the cutting mark MK.

[0364] Alternatively, the control unit 11 can adjust the size of the cutting mark MK to the size indicated by the user. For example, the user can select the cutting mark MK using a mouse and change its size by dragging or other means. If the user adjusts the size of one cutting mark MK, the control unit 11 can also adjust the size of other cutting marks MK at the same time.

[0365] Furthermore, the size adjustment of the cut mark MK can also be combined with layout adjustments based on the movement of the object OB.

[0366] For example, if the protrusion from the printing area PA cannot be eliminated even when the size of the cutting mark MK is adjusted to the minimum size, the control unit 11 can perform processes such as moving the object OB or reducing the number of copies of the object.

[0367] exist Figures 14A to 16 The example provided illustrates layout adjustments when the cut mark MK extends beyond the printing area PA, but layout adjustments are not limited to these examples.

[0368] Figure 17A and Figure 17B This diagram illustrates the layout adjustments corresponding to the length of the printing area PA. Figure 17A and Figure 17B In the example, a cut mark MK is added to the entire printed area PA.

[0369] For example, the control unit 11 can perform layout adjustments to adjust the size of the cutting mark MK when the length of the printing area PA exceeds the specified length L.

[0370] The length of the printing area PA corresponds to the feed direction in printer 300 or cutting plotter 400 (see reference). Figure 1 The length in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the printing area PA, depending on the output settings of the image data, correspond to the length in the feed direction. Figure 15A and Figure 15B The image shows an example of how the length of the printed area PA corresponds to the length of the vertical direction (vertical direction in the figure).

[0371] In printer 300 or cutting plotter 400, the longer the medium M is in the feed direction, the more prone it is to positional deviation. To reduce positional deviation, the accuracy requirement for the alignment of the cutting mark MK becomes higher. The larger the size of the cutting mark MK, the easier it is to detect using sensors, thus making it easier to maintain alignment accuracy. On the other hand, increasing the size of the cutting mark MK restricts the layout of the object OB and increases the amount of ink required for printing the cutting mark MK.

[0372] Therefore, if the length of the printing area PA exceeds the specified length L, which affects the accuracy of alignment, the control unit 11 enlarges the size of the cutting mark MK. Accordingly, the size of the cutting mark MK can be adjusted according to the required accuracy of alignment.

[0373] exist Figure 17A The example shown is where the length L1 of the printing area PA is shorter than the specified length L. In this case, the control unit 11 does not perform layout adjustments, but adds the initial size cutting mark MK to each of the four corners of the printing area PA.

[0374] exist Figure 17B The example shown is where the length L2 of the printing area PA is longer than the specified length L. In this case, the control unit 11 is configured to add a cutting mark MK, which is larger than the initially set size, to each of the four corners of the printing area PA.

[0375] In addition to adding the enlarged cutting mark MK, the control unit 11 is further configured to add the center mark CM (center alignment mark) or the direction mark DM to the printing area PA.

[0376] The center mark CM can be added, for example, to the middle of the length direction (vertical direction in the figure) of the printing area PA. The middle section only needs to be between one end and the other end of the printing area PA along its length, and is not limited to the exact center. Furthermore, the center mark CM can be placed in one or more locations within the middle section. In the illustrated example, the center mark CM is symmetrically positioned at one end and the other end of the width direction (horizontal direction in the figure) of the middle section.

[0377] The center mark CM is not limited to a specific shape; it can be the same shape as the usual cut mark MK, or it can be a different shape. In the example shown, the center mark CM is a shape formed by connecting one end of a horizontally extending straight line to the center of a vertically extending straight line.

[0378] In addition to detecting and aligning the cutting marks MK at the four corners of the printing area PA, a sensor is used to detect and align the middle mark CM, thus making it easy to maintain cutting accuracy even when the printing area PA becomes longer.

[0379] The direction mark DM is a mark indicating the feed direction of the medium M in the printer 300 or the cutting plotter 400. The direction mark DM can be printed, for example, on one end of the printing area PA along the length direction (lower side in the figure) corresponding to the upstream side of the feed direction.

[0380] Direction markers (DM) can be, for example, a triangle with its vertex pointing downstream of the feed direction, or an arrow indicating the downstream side of the feed direction.

[0381] Users can easily determine the correct mounting orientation by referring to the orientation mark DM when mounting the media M printed by printer 300 onto the cutting plotter 400.

[0382] The control unit 11 is configured to display the center mark CM or direction mark DM in the preview area 71 in a form different from the usual cut mark MK. For example, the center mark CM and direction mark DM can be displayed in a different color or line type than the usual cut mark MK.

[0383] In addition, center markers (CM) or direction markers (DM) can also be added to the printing area (PA) based on user input. For example, in Figure 13 In the output setting screen 70, a direction mark button 77b is provided in the setting input section 72. The control unit 11 can add the direction mark DM to the printing area PA according to the user's operation of the direction mark button 77b. The illustration is not shown, but a button for adding the intermediate mark CM can be provided in the setting input section 72 in the same way as the direction mark button 77b.

[0384] Additionally, as described above, in the input field 73 of the image forming apparatus 200 on the output setting screen 70 (refer to...) Figure 13 In addition to selecting the cutting plotter 400, the control unit 11 can also be configured to select the cutting component 403 to be used. The control unit 11 can add cutting marks MK that correspond to the specifications of the selected cutting component 403. For example, the control unit 11 can change the orientation, shape, or position of the cutting marks MK according to the selected cutting component 403.

[0385] Since users do not need to know the specifications of the cutting component 403 to add detailed cutting marks MK, the user's workload can be reduced.

[0386] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of adding the cropping mark MK on the output setting screen 70 has been described, but the control unit 11 can also be set on the design editing screen 30 (see reference). Figure 6 ) or design configuration form editing screen 50 (refer to) Figure 11 Add the trimming mark MK. In this case, the setting input section 72 can be set on the design editing screen 30 or the design configuration form editing screen 50.

[0387] like Figure 13 As shown, the output setting screen 70 is provided with an execution count input unit 78 and an output execution button 79. After the output setting on the output setting screen 70 is completed, the user inputs the number of executions using the image forming apparatus 200 using the execution count input unit 78, and clicks the output execution button 79 using a mouse or the like.

[0388] When the output execution button 79 is clicked, the control unit 11 performs image data output processing. Figure 2 (Step S04). Specifically, the control unit 11 converts the data file DFa and data file DFb of the design or design configuration form selected by the user into image data in a form corresponding to the specifications of the selected image forming apparatus 200.

[0389] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, in the same design, when both object Ob9, which is input as "printing" as processing content, and object Ob8, which is input as "cutting" as processing content, coexist, the control unit 11 generates commands to the printer 300 and the cutting plotter 400 (see reference). Figure 1 The image data output separately.

[0390] The control unit 11 generates image data containing object Ob9 for printer 300 and image data containing object Ob8 for cutting plotter 400.

[0391] The control unit 11 outputs the generated image data along with commands such as the number of executions to the corresponding image forming apparatus 200.

[0392] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the hardware structure of the electronic device 100 that constitutes the image processing apparatus 1.

[0393] like Figure 18 As shown, the electronic device 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a read-only memory (ROM) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, a communication interface (I / F) 107, and a media I / F 108. All these components are interconnected via a bus.

[0394] CPU 101 is configured to control the entire electronic device 100. CPU 101 can load the operating system (OS) or various programs stored in ROM 102 or HDD 104 into RAM 103 and execute them. Alternatively, CPU 101 can load programs stored in storage medium RM into RAM 103 via medium I / F 108 and execute them. Storage medium RM can be optical storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, magnetic storage medium, conductive memory magnetic tape media, semiconductor memory, etc.

[0395] In addition, the electronic device 100 may also include a CPU 101 as a processor and a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0396] Electronic device 100 also has display device 105 (corresponding to Figure 1 The display unit 14) and the input device 106 (corresponding to) Figure 1 (Operation unit 13). CPU 101 processes the operation performed by the user via input device 106 and displays the processing result on display device 105.

[0397] HDD 104 stores programs executed by CPU 101 or data used by the programs. Alternatively, a solid-state drive (SSD) may be included instead of HDD 104 or in addition to HDD 104. Communication I / F 107 outputs data received from other devices via a network NW such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN) to CPU 101. Furthermore, Communication I / F 107 sends data generated by CPU 101 to other devices. Other devices may be, for example, an image forming apparatus 200 (see reference 100). Figure 1 (or other electronic devices.) The CPU 101 can also load the necessary programs into the RAM 103 from other devices via the network NW.

[0398] In this embodiment, the CPU 101 of the electronic device 100 acts as a processor by executing an application loaded on RAM 103. Figure 1 The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 shown functions. In addition, memory such as ROM 102, RAM 103, and HDD 104 constitute the storage unit 12.

[0399] As described above, the image processing apparatus 1 described in the embodiments has, for example, the following structure.

[0400] (1) The image processing device 1 generates image data that can be output to the image forming device 200.

[0401] The image processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, which controls the screen displayed on the display unit 14 based on the operation input made by the user via the operation unit 13.

[0402] The control unit 11 executes the main screen display process (step S01) to make the display unit 14 display the main screen 20.

[0403] The main screen 20 displays designs that can be used for image data, forms that can be combined with designs, and design configuration forms that combine designs and forms in display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C.

[0404] The main screen 20 displays the display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C of the design, form, and design configuration form in a vertical (first direction) arrangement, and displays the display bar 21B of the design configuration form between the display bars 21A and 21C of the design in the vertical direction.

[0405] By configuring the image processing device 1 in this way, users can easily visualize the result of combining the form with the design from the main screen 20.

[0406] In the image processing apparatus 1, various results can be easily generated by combining user-generated designs with pre-generated forms. For example, the user can select the form to use from a selection screen that displays forms stored in the image processing apparatus 1. However, in a selection screen that only displays forms, it is difficult for the user to imagine which design to combine into the form, and it is also difficult to imagine what kind of result would be obtained if the design and the form were combined.

[0407] The image processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment displays display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C on the main screen 20, which arrange and display designs that can be used for image data, forms that can be combined with designs, and design configuration forms that combine designs and forms. Thus, when generating image data, the user can immediately see which designs or forms are available from the main screen 20. Furthermore, on the main screen 20, the design configuration form display bar 21C is displayed between the design display bar 21A and the form display bar 21C. Therefore, the user can concretely visualize the result of combining designs and forms while selecting the design and form to use.

[0408] (2) When the user selects the design, form or design configuration form data file DFa, data file DFb or data file DFc displayed on the main screen 20, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the editing screen (design editing screen 30, form editing screen 60, design configuration form editing screen 50) that allows editing of the selected item.

[0409] Therefore, by clicking the New button 22 or data file DFa, data file DFb, data file DFc from the display bar 21A, display bar 21B, and display bar 21C on the main screen 20, users can smoothly move to the editing screen of each project (design editing screen 30, form editing screen 60, and design configuration form editing screen 50).

[0410] (3) The image processing device 1 includes a storage unit 12, which stores the design, the form and the design configuration form data file DFa, data file DFb and data file DFc.

[0411] The main screen 20 displays display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C for each item in the design, form, and design configuration form. The display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C display the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc stored in the storage unit 12.

[0412] In display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, data files DFa, DFb, and DFc are arranged and displayed along a horizontal (second direction) that is orthogonal (intersecting) to the vertical (first direction).

[0413] By arranging and displaying data files DFa, DFb, and DFc in display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, users can at a glance from the main screen 20 know which data files DFa, DFb, and DFc are stored in the storage unit 12 for each item.

[0414] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described where the first direction corresponds to the vertical direction and the second direction corresponds to the horizontal direction. However, this is not a limitation of the example described; the first direction may also be set to the horizontal direction and the second direction to the vertical direction. In this case, on the main screen 20, display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C are displayed vertically. In each display bar 21A, 21B, and 21C, data files DFa, DFb, and DFc are displayed horizontally.

[0415] (4) The main screen 20 is configured to display at least one of the following for the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed in the display bar 21A, display bar 21B, and display bar 21C: thumbnail, file name, and last updated time information.

[0416] Therefore, when multiple data files DFa, DFb, and DFc are displayed in display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, the information displayed can distinguish each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc, making it easy for users to access the desired data files DFa, DFb, and DFc.

[0417] (5) The control unit 11 is configured to extract or rearrange the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed in the display bar 21A, display bar 21B, and display bar 21C according to the conditions specified by the user during the main screen display processing.

[0418] For example, a sorting section 25 is provided on the main screen 20 for inputting conditions for extraction or rearrangement. Users can specify the conditions for extraction or rearrangement by operating the sorting section 25.

[0419] When the image processing device 1 stores multiple data files DFa, DFb, and DFc, the user can easily access the desired data files DFa, DFb, and DFc by extracting or rearranging the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc.

[0420] For example, if the data file DFa of a design DS contains an object Ob that has been set to be cut, it can sometimes be difficult to identify it from the thumbnail. In this case, by extracting the data file DFa containing the object Ob that has been set to be cut, the user can easily access the data file DFa.

[0421] (6) In the main screen 20, the pop-up menu 27 is displayed in the display area of ​​each data file DFa, DFb, DFc in display bar 21A, display bar 21B, and display bar 21C. The call mark 26 is displayed in the display area of ​​each data file DFa, DFb, DFc in display bar 21A, display bar 21B, and display bar 21C.

[0422] In the main screen display processing, the control unit 11 displays the processing that can be performed on data files DFa, DFb, and DFc as a pop-up menu 27 based on the user's operation on the call mark 26.

[0423] By displaying the call marker 26 on the main screen 20, users can easily access the pop-up menu 27. Furthermore, users can easily specify the processing for each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc from the pop-up menu 27 without performing operations such as those on the taskbar TB.

[0424] (7) When the control unit 11 selects to copy data file DFa, data file DFb, and data file DFc from the pop-up menu 27, it copies the selected data file DFa, data file DFb, and data file DFc and stores them in the storage unit 12. The display unit 14 then displays an editing screen (design editing screen 30, form editing screen 60, and design configuration form editing screen 50) that allows editing of the copied data file DFa, data file DFb, and data file DFc.

[0425] Therefore, users can directly navigate to the editing screen of the copied data files DFa, DFb, and DFc for editing. Users do not need to reselect the copied files to display the editing screen, making it highly convenient.

[0426] (8) The control unit 11 is configured to display the project screen on the display unit 14 according to the user's operation input. The project screen displays only the data file DFa, data file DFb, and data file DFc of any one of the items in the design DS, form FM, and design configuration form.

[0427] For example, if the number of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc stored in the storage unit 12 exceeds the number that can be displayed in display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C, the control unit 11 can display the item screen invocation unit 24 on the main screen 20. The control unit 11 can display the item screen by having the user operate the invocation unit 24.

[0428] When a user wants to access data files DFa, DFb, and DFc that are not fully displayed in the display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C of the main screen 20, the user can operate the call unit 24 to display the item screen, thereby easily accessing the desired data files DFa, DFb, and DFc.

[0429] (9) In the main screen display process, when the user selects any of the display bars 21A, 21B, or 21C of the design, form, or design configuration form, the control unit 11 displays the selected item's display bar in a different form than the other display bars.

[0430] For example, when the user moves the mouse pointer P to an area that overlaps with any of the display bars 21A, 21B, or 21C, the control unit 11 can highlight the display bar. Highlighting may include, for example, increasing the display size, adding a floating visual effect, or changing the background color.

[0431] Users can focus on the desired display bar while referring to the display bars 21A, 21B, and 21C of the main screen 20 as a whole. For example, while studying the design to be used by increasing the display size of the design's display bar 21A, users can also study the form to be used by referring to the display bars 21B and 21C, or imagine the result.

[0432] (10) In the main screen display process, when the user selects any one of the data files DFa, DFb, or DFc displayed in the display bar 21A, display bar 21B, or display bar 21C, the control unit 11 displays the selected data file DFa, DFb, or DFc in a different form than the other data files DFa, DFb, or DFc.

[0433] For example, if the pointer P of a user-operated mouse or other device overlaps with any data file DFa in the display bar 21a, the control unit 11 can highlight the data file DFa. Highlighting may include, for example, increasing the display size, adding a seemingly floating visual effect, using a border, or changing the background color.

[0434] Therefore, users can view the details of specific data files DFa, DFb, and DFc on the main screen 20 while referring to various data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. For example, by increasing the display size of the selected data files DFa, DFb, and DFc, the thumbnails are displayed larger, making it easier to confirm the details.

[0435] (11) In the main screen display process, when the user selects any one of the data files DFb displayed in the display bar 21b of the design configuration form, the control unit 11 causes each display bar 21A, 21C to pick up the design data file DFa and the form data file DFc used in the display of the data file DFb.

[0436] Therefore, users can easily determine which design or form was used to generate the selected design configuration form. This is especially important when multiple designs are combined in a design configuration form or when multiple people edit the form; sometimes, it's difficult to tell which design was combined simply by looking at the thumbnail. In such cases, by using the pick-and-play feature, users can easily access the original design data file DFa or the form data file DFc.

[0437] (12) In the main screen display process, when the user selects any one of the data files DFa displayed in the design display bar 21A, the control unit 11 causes the design configuration form display bar 21B to pick up and display the design configuration form data file DFb that uses the data file DFa.

[0438] Therefore, users can easily determine which design configuration form the selected design is used for. This is especially important when multiple designs are combined in a design configuration form, or when multiple people are editing the design configuration form; sometimes, it's difficult to tell which design has been combined simply by looking at the thumbnail. In such cases, by using the pick-and-view feature, users can easily access the data file (DFb) of the design configuration form using the selected design. For example, users can utilize the pick-and-view feature when they want to apply edits applied to a design to the design configuration form using that design.

[0439] (13) In the design configuration form editing screen 50, when the user issues an editing request for the design DS used in the design configuration form, the control unit 11 displays the design editing screen 30.

[0440] The control unit 11 stores the edited design DS as a new data file DFa in the storage unit 12, and synthesizes the edited design DS into the design configuration form.

[0441] For example, users can switch to the design editing screen 30 by double-clicking the design DS in cell CL of form FM in the design configuration form editing screen 50, or by long-pressing the touchpad with their finger.

[0442] Therefore, when editing the design DS in the design configuration form, the user can directly switch to the design editing screen 30 without temporarily closing the design configuration form editing screen 50. Furthermore, by saving the edited design DS as a new data file DFa in the storage unit 12, the user can also use the edited design DS in other design configuration forms, thus eliminating the need to repeatedly edit the design DS.

[0443] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can switch from the design configuration form editing screen 50 to the design editing screen 30, or it can display the design editing screen 30 on a different screen than the design configuration form editing screen 50.

[0444] (I) The image processing apparatus 1 generates image data that can be output to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0445] The image processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, which controls the screen displayed on the display unit 14 based on the operation input made by the user via the operation unit 13.

[0446] The control unit 11 performs preview screen display processing (step S02) to make the display unit 14 display the design editing screen 30 (preview screen of image data).

[0447] The design editing screen 30 includes a preview area 31, an object list 32, and a processing input area 35.

[0448] Preview area 31 displays a preview of the object Ob that constitutes the image data.

[0449] Object list 32 displays the information of the objects in list form 33.

[0450] It can input processing content to the processing input unit 35 for each object Ob.

[0451] By configuring it in this way, the processing content of the object Ob that constitutes the image data can be easily set.

[0452] The image processing apparatus 1 generates image data that is output to the image forming apparatus 200, such as the printer 300. The image forming apparatus 200 may include the printer 300 that forms an image by printing, or the cutting plotter 400 that forms an image by cutting, etc.

[0453] When the same image data contains both an object Ob printed by printer 300 and an object Ob cut by cutting plotter 400, the image processing device 1 generates and outputs image data corresponding to the specifications of printer 300 and cutting plotter 400, respectively.

[0454] Therefore, users need to set processing options such as printing or cutting for each object (Ob). Here, when the settings screen for the processing options of the object (Ob) is different from the preview screen, users need to switch screens for each object (Ob) to set the processing options, making the task cumbersome.

[0455] The image processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment displays the preview area 31, the object list 32, and the processing input unit 35 on the same screen (design editing screen 30). The user can set the processing content for each object OB while referring to the preview area 31 or the object information 33. This reduces the user's workload. In addition, by referring to the preview area 31, the user can concretely imagine the result while setting the processing content.

[0456] (II) The image forming apparatus 200 may include multiple image forming apparatuses 200 (printer 300, cutting plotter 400, etc.) capable of performing different processes such as printing and cutting.

[0457] The processing input unit 35 is configured to receive processing content that can be executed by each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 200 for each object Ob. The processing content may be set to, for example, "printing", "cutting", etc.

[0458] The control unit 11 performs image data output processing (step S04), which generates image data for each processing content input to the processing input unit 35 and outputs the image data to the image forming apparatus 200 capable of performing the corresponding processing content.

[0459] For example, the control unit 11 generates image data containing the object Ob, which has been input as "printing" as processing content, and outputs it to the printer 300. For example, the control unit 11 generates image data containing the object Ob, which has been input as "cutting" as processing content, and outputs it to the cutting plotter 400.

[0460] When objects with different processing content are mixed together in the same DS design, the task of users sorting out objects for each processing content to generate image data becomes complicated.

[0461] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 generates image data for each processing content input to the processing input unit 35, which is then output to the image forming apparatus 200 capable of executing the processing content. That is, the user only needs to specify the processing content in the processing input unit 35, thereby eliminating the complexity of generating image data for each image forming apparatus 200.

[0462] (III) The processing input unit 35 can input the processing of displaying or hiding each object Ob in the preview area 31. When "hide" is input to the processing input unit 35, the control unit 11 can set the object Ob to be hidden in the preview area 31.

[0463] When an object (Ob) that is not to be printed or cut remains in the preview area 31, it can be difficult for the user to visualize the final result. By hiding the desired object (Ob) in the preview area 31, the user can visualize the result while performing the editing task.

[0464] (IV) The image forming apparatus 200 may include a cutting plotter 400 or a printer 300 capable of both printing and cutting as an apparatus for forming an image by cutting.

[0465] When the processing input unit 35 inputs cutting as the processing content, the processing input unit 35 can input the cutting member 403 for cutting.

[0466] Even when outputting image data to the same cutting plotter 400, the format of the image data can sometimes vary depending on the cutting member 403 used. Therefore, by allowing the cutting member 403 to be used to be input into the processing input unit 35, the control unit 11 can generate image data corresponding to various cuts.

[0467] (V) The image forming apparatus 200 may include a printer 300 as an apparatus for forming an image by printing.

[0468] The control unit 11 can make the display form of the object Ob, which is input as the processing content for printing in the processing input unit 35, different from the object Ob, which is input as the processing content for cutting in the processing input unit 35, in the preview area 31.

[0469] In the preview area 31, for example, if multiple objects are displayed, it is sometimes difficult to determine which object needs to be printed or cut, and there is a possibility that input errors or omissions may occur in the processing content of some objects.

[0470] In this embodiment, by using printing and cutting to change the display form of the object Ob, the user can easily identify the processing content input to each object Ob from the preview area 31, thereby reducing input errors or omissions in the processing content.

[0471] (VI) The control unit 11 displays the object Ob, which is the processing content, as a cutting line in the preview area 31 and the processing input unit 35 inputs the cutting line.

[0472] By displaying the object (Ob) that has been cut with cutting lines, users can visualize the result while editing the design data sheet (DS).

[0473] The cutting line can be set to a line style, thickness, and color that differ from the line displaying the object "Ob" that was entered as "Print". For example, the cutting line can be a dashed line, dotted line, or stroke line. Alternatively, the cutting line can be a solid line that is thinner than the object "Ob" that was entered as "Print".

[0474] (VII) The control unit 11 changes the display color of the object Ob, which is input as the processing content, in the preview area 31.

[0475] For example, if an object Ob that has been input as "printed" is colored with the printing color, the control unit 11 can display the object Ob that has been input as "cut" without coloring. By displaying the object Ob that has been input as "cut" without coloring and with cutting lines, it makes the impression of "cut" close, so the user can easily and intuitively understand that the object Ob has been input as "cut".

[0476] (VIII) In the preview screen display process, if the user selects any object Ob displayed in the preview area 31, the control unit 11 is configured to change the display of the selected object Ob in the object list 32.

[0477] The control unit 11 can, for example, use a border F to surround the selected object Ob, change the display color, draw an underline, and change the display size.

[0478] When multiple objects (Ob) with similar shapes or colors are displayed in preview area 31, it can sometimes be difficult to determine their correspondence with the objects displayed in preview area 31 based solely on information in object list 32. By changing the display of the selected object (Ob) in object list 32, users can easily grasp the correspondence between preview area 31 and object list 32.

[0479] (IX) In the preview screen display process, when the user selects any object Ob displayed in the object list 32, the control unit 11 is configured to change the display of the selected object Ob in the preview area 31.

[0480] The control unit 11 can, for example, use a frame F to surround the selected object Ob, make it flash, or change its display color.

[0481] When multiple objects (Ob) with similar shapes or colors are displayed in preview area 31, it can sometimes be difficult to determine their correspondence with the objects displayed in preview area 31 based solely on information from object list 32. By changing the display of the selected object (Ob) in preview area 31, users can easily grasp the correspondence between preview area 31 and object list 32.

[0482] (X) The control unit 11 is configured to perform a filtering process, according to the user's request, to make the object list 32 display only objects Ob that have the same processing content entered in the processing input unit 35.

[0483] For example, the control unit 11 causes the design editing screen 30 to display a filter icon ICd. When the user clicks the filter icon ICd using a mouse or the like, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display an input field for entering filter criteria. The control unit 11 can then perform filtering based on the criteria entered by the user.

[0484] For example, when designing a Data Structures (DS) containing multiple Objects (Ob), users can filter the data to easily understand which Object (Ob) has which processing settings.

[0485] (XI) During the filtering process, the control unit 11 makes the preview area 31 display only the filtered object Ob.

[0486] By also reflecting the filtering results in the preview area 31, users can easily grasp the groups of objects Ob that have been set with the same processing content.

[0487] (XII) A batch input unit 36 ​​may be provided in the processing input unit 35, which is capable of batch inputting the same processing content to multiple objects Ob.

[0488] When a DS is designed to contain multiple objects (Ob), the task of inputting processing content for each object (Ob) individually can sometimes become cumbersome. In such cases, by batch setting the processing content in the batch input unit 36, the complexity of the user's task can be reduced.

[0489] (XIII) Can select objects Ob from at least one of the object list 32 or the preview area 31 to input the same processing content in batches.

[0490] For example, checkboxes 34 can be set for each object Ob displayed in the object list 32, allowing the input of checkmarks. Additionally, checkboxes 34a can be set for batch input, allowing the input of checkmarks in all checkboxes 34.

[0491] Alternatively, users can click on or drag multiple objects (Ob) displayed in the preview area 31 using a mouse to select them, and then enter a check mark in the corresponding checkbox 34 of the object list 32.

[0492] The batch input unit 36 ​​can be configured to batch input processing content for objects Ob that have been checked in checkbox 34.

[0493] The user convenience is improved by allowing the user to select an object Ob as a batch input object from both the object list 32 and the preview area 31.

[0494] (i) The image processing apparatus 1 generates image data that can be output to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0495] The image processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, which controls the screen displayed on the display unit 14 based on the operation input made by the user via the operation unit 13.

[0496] Control unit 11 executes preview screen display processing (step S02) to cause display unit 14 to display output setting screen 70 (preview screen of image data), and

[0497] Based on the user's operation input on the output setting screen 70, mark addition processing (step S03) is performed to add cropping mark MK (alignment mark) to the printing area PA of the image data.

[0498] The output setting screen 70 has a preview area 71 that displays a preview of the image data, and a setting input section 72 (marker setting input section) that allows input of alignment marks for adding settings.

[0499] The setting input unit 72 can set in the setting bar 77a whether the cutting mark MK is added to the entire printing area PA or to each object OB within the printing area PA.

[0500] During the mark addition process, the control unit 11 causes the preview area 71 to display the trim mark MK corresponding to the addition setting in the setting input unit 72.

[0501] By using this configuration, appropriate cropping marks MK corresponding to the image data can be added, thereby reducing printing or cutting errors.

[0502] In the image processing device 1, for example, in the output setting screen 70, mark addition processing can be performed to add cropping marks MK to the printing area PA of the image data output to the printer 300.

[0503] Therefore, the cutting mark MK can be printed together with the image onto the medium M using the printer 300. When cutting the printed medium M using the cutting plotter 400, the cutting mark MK is used for alignment, thereby improving the cutting accuracy.

[0504] Here, because it is difficult to grasp the positional relationship between the object OB that constitutes the image data and the crop mark MK, the crop mark MK may not be added properly if it extends out of the printing area PA or overlaps with the object OB.

[0505] In this embodiment, the cropping mark MK corresponding to the addition setting entered in the setting input unit 72 is displayed in the preview area 71 of the output setting screen 70. This allows the user to understand the positional relationship between the object OB constituting the image data and the cropping mark MK, thereby determining whether the cropping mark MK has been added appropriately and adjusting the layout as needed. This reduces printing or cutting errors of the cropping mark MK. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to set a margin beyond what is required on the medium M to prevent the cropping mark MK from overlapping with the object OB, printing flexibility is increased.

[0506] Furthermore, in the setting field 77a of the setting input unit 72, it is possible to switch whether the cutting mark MK is added to the entire printing area PA or to each object OB constituting the design DS. Additionally, the switching result in the setting field 77a is reflected in the preview area 71. Thus, the user can easily add the cutting mark MK in the appropriate configuration.

[0507] (ii, vi) The control unit 11 is configured to adjust the layout of the cut mark MK in the printing area PA and display the cut mark MK in the preview area 71 in the mark addition process based on at least one of the following information: the addition setting of the cut mark MK input in the setting input unit 72, the information 33 of the object constituting the image data, the size of the cut mark MK, and the size of the medium M printed by the printer 300.

[0508] The control unit 11 automatically adjusts the layout of the cutting mark MK, allowing the user to add the cutting mark MK at the appropriate position in the printing area PA without complicated settings. This reduces printing or cutting errors of the cutting mark MK. Furthermore, there is no need to set the necessary margin in the medium M to prevent the cutting mark MK from overlapping with the object OB, thus increasing printing flexibility.

[0509] In addition, users can also check the layout-adjusted crop mark MK displayed in preview area 71 and make further adjustments.

[0510] (iii) The preview screen can be set to at least one of the image data editing screen (design editing screen 30, design configuration form editing screen 50) or the image data output setting screen 70 to printer 300.

[0511] In this embodiment, an example of the control unit 11 performing mark addition processing on the output setting screen 70 is described. In this case, when the user outputs the generated design DS or design configuration form as image data to the printer 300, the cropping mark MK can be added at the same time.

[0512] Alternatively, the control unit 11 can also set the setting input unit 72 on the design editing screen 30 or the design configuration form editing screen 50, and perform mark addition processing.

[0513] In this case, users can generate image data for designing DS or designing configuration forms while considering adding cropping markers MK.

[0514] (iv) The setting input unit 72 can switch between showing and hiding the alignment marks in the input preview area 71.

[0515] For example, a toggle button 77c for displaying the crop mark MK can be set in the setting input unit 72. The control unit 11 can switch the display and hiding of the crop mark MK in the preview area 71 according to the user's operation of the toggle button 77c.

[0516] In particular, when a cropping mark MK is added in the design editing screen 30 or the design configuration form editing screen 50, the cropping mark MK can be switched to be hidden as needed, making it easier for users to perform editing tasks.

[0517] (v) The control unit 11 is configured to change the size of the cutting mark MK according to the user's specifications.

[0518] For example, users can use a mouse or similar device to drag the cropping marker MK displayed in the preview area 71 to specify the size.

[0519] Increasing the size of the cutting mark MK can improve the positioning accuracy in the cutting plotter 400. Conversely, decreasing the size of the cutting mark MK allows for a larger area to be allocated to the object OB within the printing area PA. The control unit 11 can accommodate various user needs by changing the size of the cutting mark MK according to the user's requirements.

[0520] (vii) The control unit 11 is configured to output an alarm if at least a portion of the cut mark MK extends beyond the printing area PA of the image data.

[0521] Alarms can be set to output text messages, voice messages, warning sounds, warning lights, etc., as displayed on the setting screen 70.

[0522] The alarm makes it easy for users to notice the protrusion of the cutting mark MK, thus reducing printing or cutting errors of the cutting mark MK.

[0523] (viii) The control unit 11 is configured to adjust the size of the cutting mark MK when at least a portion of the cutting mark MK exceeds the printing area PA of the image data.

[0524] For example, the control unit 11 can display the alarm and the automatic adjustment button 77d on the output setting screen 70. When the user clicks the automatic adjustment button 77d, the control unit 11 can perform a layout adjustment by adjusting the size of the cutting mark MK.

[0525] Therefore, the control unit 11 can add the cutting mark MK to the printing area PA at an appropriate size without the user having to make detailed adjustments, thereby reducing printing errors.

[0526] (ix) Configured to input the copy conditions of object OB in image data into the input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c of the setting input unit 72 (copy condition input unit).

[0527] Copying conditions may include, for example, the offset of object OB relative to the origin O of the printing area PA, the number of copies, and the copying interval.

[0528] In the preview screen display processing, the control unit 11 causes the preview area 71 to display the object OB copied based on the copy conditions.

[0529] As described, in the design configuration form editing screen 50 (refer to...) Figure 11 In ), by compositing the design DS into multiple cells CL of the form FM, the design DS can be copied in multiple formats.

[0530] On the other hand, if the user simply wants to copy and print the design DS, the object OB can be easily copied by inputting the copy conditions on the output setting screen 70.

[0531] In particular, when cutting an object OB that has been copied and printed onto a medium M using a cutting plotter 400 or similar device, the user can obtain the desired result by inputting the copying conditions corresponding to the specifications of the cutting plotter 400 into the setting input unit 72.

[0532] (x) The control unit 11 is configured to change the size of the cut mark MK based on the length of the printed area PA in the image data during the mark addition process.

[0533] The length of the printing area PA corresponds to the length of the medium M in the feed direction of the printer 300 or the cutting plotter 400. The longer the medium M is conveyed in the printer 300 or the cutting plotter 400, the easier it is for positional deviations to occur; therefore, the alignment accuracy requirement for the cutting mark MK is higher. For example, by increasing the size of the cutting mark MK when the length of the printing area PA exceeds the specified length L, which is a standard affecting alignment accuracy, the control unit 11 can improve the alignment accuracy in the cutting plotter 400 and maintain cutting accuracy.

[0534] (xi) The control unit 11 is configured to add an intermediate mark CM (alignment mark) to the middle part of the printing area PA in the image data when the length of the printing area PA in the mark addition process exceeds the predetermined length L.

[0535] As described above, if the length of the printed area PA exceeds the specified length L, it may affect the alignment accuracy in the cutting plotter 400. Therefore, by adding an intermediate mark CM to the middle of the printed area PA, the alignment accuracy can be improved and the cutting accuracy can be maintained.

[0536] (xii) The control unit 11 is configured to display the center mark CM added to the center section in the preview area 71 in a form different from other alignment marks. The center mark CM may be displayed in a different color or line type than the usual cut mark MK.

[0537] Therefore, users can easily distinguish the automatically added intermediate marker CM from other alignment markers. For example, if a user does not need the intermediate marker CM, they can delete it.

[0538] (xiii) The cutting mark MK is configured for alignment when cutting after printing using printer 300.

[0539] The setting input unit 72 can be used to input the cutting member 403 used in cutting.

[0540] The control unit 11 adds a cutting mark MK corresponding to the cutting member 403 in the mark addition process.

[0541] Cutting accuracy can be further improved by adding cutting marks MK corresponding to the cutting component 403. In addition, users do not need to know the specifications of multiple cutting components 403 separately and make fine adjustments, which reduces the workload.

[0542] (xiv) The control unit 11 is configured to add a cutting mark MK and a direction mark DM indicating the feed direction (printing direction of image data) of the medium M in the printer 300 or the cutting plotter 400 during the mark addition process.

[0543] When the user places the medium M printed by the printer 300 on the cutting plotter 400, the correct placement direction can be easily determined by referring to the direction mark DM.

[0544] The effect can also be applied to the image processing method executed by the image processing device 1, and the program that enables the electronic device 100 to function as the image processing device 1.

[0545] This invention is not limited to the described embodiments and variations, and can be adapted within the scope of the technical concept of this invention. Furthermore, variations are not only applicable to the embodiments, but at least a portion of their respective contents can also be applied to other variations.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus that generates image data that can be output to an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, It includes a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit based on user input via the operation unit. The control unit performs preview screen display processing, which causes the display unit to display a preview screen of the image data. The preview screen includes: The preview area displays a preview of the objects that constitute the image data; An object list, which displays information about the objects in a list format; as well as The input processing unit is configured to allow input processing content for each of the objects.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus includes multiple image forming devices capable of performing different processes. The processing input unit is configured to receive processing content that can be performed by each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses for each object. The control unit performs image data output processing, which generates image data for each processing content input to the processing input unit and outputs the image data to the image forming apparatus capable of performing the corresponding processing content.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing input unit is configured to receive input for displaying or hiding the processing of each object in the preview area.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus includes a means for forming an image by cutting. The processing input unit is configured to receive a cutting component input for the cutting when the cutting is input as the processing content.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus includes a device for forming an image by printing. The control unit causes the display format of the object whose printing is input as the processing content at the processing input unit to be different from that of the object whose cutting is input as the processing content at the processing input unit in the preview area.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit displays the object in the preview area as a cutting line, on which the cutting was input as the processing content in the processing input unit.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The control unit changes the display color in the preview area of ​​the object whose cutting is input as the processing content at the processing input unit.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit In the preview screen display process, If the user selects any object displayed in the preview area, the display of the selected object in the object list will change.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit In the preview screen display process, If the user selects any object displayed in the object list, the display of the selected object in the preview area will change.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit Based on the user's request Perform a filtering process that displays only objects in the object list that have had the same processing content entered in the processing input section.

11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The control unit In the screening process, This will cause the preview area to display only the filtered objects.

12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing input unit is configured to allow the same processing content to be entered in batches for multiple objects.

13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, Objects that can be processed in batches with the same content can be selected from at least one of the object list or the preview area.

14. An image processing method, performed by an image processing apparatus that generates image data capable of being output to an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The image processing device includes a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit based on user input via the operation unit. Through the control unit Perform preview screen display processing to cause the display unit to display a preview screen of the image data. The preview screen includes: The preview area displays a preview of the objects that constitute the image data; An object list, which displays information about the objects in a list format; as well as The input processing unit is configured to allow input processing content for each of the objects.

15. A computer-readable storage medium having a program that can be read by a computer and stores thereon, the program being configured to perform the function of an image processing apparatus for generating image data that can be output to an image forming apparatus, the program being characterized in that... The electronic device functions as a control unit, which controls the screen displayed on the display unit based on user input via the operation unit. Make the control unit Perform preview screen display processing to cause the display unit to display a preview screen of the image data. The preview screen includes: The preview area displays a preview of the objects that constitute the image data; An object list, which displays information about the objects in a list format; as well as The input processing unit is configured to allow input processing content for each of the objects.

Images