Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To improve the usability of printing in which a particular color ink is used.SOLUTION: A program that runs on an information processing apparatus causes the information processing apparatus to function as: acquisition means configured to acquire information on the type of printing process in a case where target data is printed; receiving means configured to receive an operation to lay out the target data in a layout area; and notification means configured to provide a notification about the target data to be laid out in the layout area in a case where target data with a different type of printing process is included in the layout area by an operation to lay out the target data received by the receiving means in the layout area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In commercial printing for printing labels, data created using graphics software (such as PDF (Portable Document Format)) is submitted to a printing company. Some submitted data includes spot color settings configured in the graphics software. Spot color settings refer to specifying objects in the label design that will use the spot color inks installed in the commercial printing press itself. Printing using spot color inks can broaden the range of designs. However, printing using spot color inks requires more printing processes, which increases printing time, so there is a demand for technology to improve printing efficiency.

[0003] Patent Document 1 provides a technology for centrally managing information on a printing machine that has multiple functions such as printing and cutting. By acquiring information on the printing machine and displaying it on a user interface, it is possible to perform settings that would normally be performed on the printing machine on a user interface displayed on an information processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-019365 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a need for additional techniques to improve the usability of printing with spot inks.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the usability of printing using spot color inks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that operates on an information processing device, and is characterized in that it causes the information processing device to function as an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the type of printing process when target data is printed, a reception means for accepting operations for laying out the target data in a layout area, and a notification means for providing a notification regarding the target data to be laid out in the layout area when the layout area includes target data having a different type of printing process due to the operation for laying out the target data accepted by the reception means in the layout area. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the usability of printing using spot color inks. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen of a print application. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a warning message. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen of a print application. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen of a print application. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a warning message. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen of a print application. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a warning mark. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart for displaying a warning. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen of a print application. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a warning message. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart for displaying a warning. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to only the embodiment.

[0011] <<Embodiment 1>> <About information processing devices> First, the information processing apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0012] The information processing device 101 includes an input interface 102, an operation unit 103, a CPU 104, a ROM 105, a RAM 106, an external storage device 107, an output interface 108, a display unit 109, and a communication unit 110. These are connected to each other via a system bus.

[0013] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operational instructions from a user via an operation unit 103 described later.

[0014] The operation unit 103 is composed of operators such as a physical keyboard, buttons, or a touch panel. At least a part of the display unit 109 and the operation unit 103 described below may be integrated. Also, for example, the screen output and the reception of operations from the user may be performed on the same screen.

[0015] The CPU 104 is a system control unit, and controls the entire information processing device 101, such as executing programs and starting up hardware. The ROM 105 stores fixed data such as control programs executed by the CPU 104, data tables, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as the OS). In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 105 performs software execution control, such as scheduling, task switching, or interrupt processing, under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 105.

[0016] The RAM 106 is composed of a static random access memory (SRAM) or a DRAM that requires a backup power source. The RAM 106 may hold data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup. In this case, the RAM 106 can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing the data. The RAM 106 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the information processing device 101 or management data for the information processing device 101. The RAM 106 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 104.

[0017] The external storage device 107 stores various applications or content data handled by the applications, etc. The output interface 108 is an interface that controls the display of data on the printer 111 or the display unit 109 or controls the notification of the status of the information processing device 101.

[0018] The display unit 109 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display) and displays data or notifies the status of the information processing device 101. Note that a soft keyboard having keys such as numeric input keys, a mode setting key, a decision key, a cancel key, or a power key may be provided on the display unit 109 to accept input from a user via the display unit 109. The communication unit 110 connects to an external device and executes data communication.

[0019] The printer 111 prints print data generated by the information processing device 101. The printer 111 also transfers setting information and the like of the printer 111 to the information processing device 101. In this embodiment, the following description will be given on the assumption that a label printer having a function for printing spot colors is connected.

[0020] <Label printing using special color ink> In this embodiment, the label data for label printing includes label data that uses spot color ink and label data that does not use spot color ink. In this embodiment, the spot color ink refers to white ink. One possible application for printing with white ink is when it is desired to print a pattern or text with white ink. In addition, there are cases where white ink is printed as a base for color printing. By performing base printing with white ink and then performing color printing on top of it, it is possible to perform color printing while removing the influence of the base color of the printing medium. Furthermore, in the case of a transparent printing medium, base printing can prevent the color printed portion from showing through. If base processing is not performed with white ink, the printing result may not have the correct color tone due to the influence of the base color of the printing medium.

[0021] In commercial printing, printing time may be longer when printing using spot color ink. When data for printing using spot colors and print data for not using spot colors are laid out together, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to select a layout pattern that reduces printing time by simply displaying the main body information.

[0022] For example, in commercial printing, a wide variety of print data needs to be efficiently laid out and printed in large quantities, but it is difficult for users to check print data that has been set with the special characteristics of the commercial printing press from within the layout data.

[0023] Therefore, in order to reduce printing time, the user must take into account the subsequent printing time during the layout process in the printing software that handles imposition, etc., which places a burden on the user's layout.

[0024] In the following embodiment, a method for reducing the occurrence of a layout in which labels that use spot color inks and labels that do not use spot color inks are mixed will be described. The purpose is to reduce the printing time by reducing the mixture. In the following description, "printing time" refers to the printing time determined by the type of printing process. In this embodiment, the type of printing process includes whether or not spot color inks are used. Therefore, for example, when two types of labels that do not use spot color inks are laid out, although they do not have exactly the same printing time, the printing times are considered to be the same because there is no difference in the type of printing process.

[0025] <Application> 2 shows a display screen of an application in this embodiment. This application is installed in the external storage device 107, and can impose data on the printer 111 and print it. The application screen 200 has, as display areas, a layout target data selection area 201 for selecting layout target data to be laid out, and a layout area 209 for displaying the layout state. In FIG. 2, three layout target data are displayed in the layout target data selection area 201. However, in reality, more than three pieces of data exist, but are not displayed. The displayed layout target data may be displayed by a scroll operation or the like.

[0026] For example, when layout target data without special colors 204 is selected as the layout target, the data selected by the user can be arranged in a row as in the layout state 208. Also, for example, when print target data is laid out in the first column, if the user further selects layout data, the selected layout target data is arranged in the second column of the layout area.

[0027] Several embodiments of the information processing device having the above configuration will be described below. In the following embodiments, the label to be printed is called "layout target data" when it is displayed in the layout target data selection area 201, and is called "print target data" when it is placed in the layout area 209.

[0028] 2 shows that layout target data without special colors 204 is laid out in a layout area 209. The layout target data without special colors 204 is placed in the layout area 209 by checking a check box 205 in the layout target data selection area 201. The check box can be switched on and off by, for example, a click operation.

[0029] 3 is a diagram showing a warning message 300 (notification screen 300) in this embodiment. The warning message 300 is displayed (notified) when the check box 203 is changed from off to on in order to layout additional layout target data 202 with special color from the layout target data selection area 201 in the layout state shown in FIG. 2. The warning message 300 is displayed to indicate that the print times of the print target data 204 currently in the layout state and the layout target data 202 to be added are different. In other words, the warning message 300 is displayed because labels with different print times have been laid out in the same layout area 209. Hereinafter, the warning message 300 will also be referred to as warning message 1.

[0030] The "lane" displayed in the warning message 300 refers to a row in which print target data is arranged consecutively in the layout area 209. When the Yes button 301 in the warning message 300 is selected, a process is executed to replace the print target data 204 with layout target data without spot colors (e.g., layout target data 206) in the layout target data selection area 201, which has a print time that is no different from that of the print target data 204. When the No button 302 is selected, a process is executed to maintain the layout state of the print target data 202 with spot colors. In other words, the user can select subsequent processes with each button arranged in the warning message. Note that by turning on the check box 303, the warning message 300 for subsequent mixing will not be displayed.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a layout state 401 when the Yes button 301 is selected in the warning message 300 in Fig. 3. It can be seen that the print target data 202 with spot color has been replaced with the print target data 206 without spot color.

[0032] Next, Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a layout in a different case from the above. In Fig. 5, in a layout state 501 in a layout area 209, data to be printed with spot color 202 is arranged in the first column, and data to be printed without spot color 206 is arranged in the second column.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a warning message 600 in this embodiment. The warning message 600 is displayed when the number of print target data with spot color and the number of print target data without spot color that have already been laid out differ due to the placement of selected layout target data. In the case of FIG. 5, for example, when layout target data without spot color 204 is placed in the third column, the number of print target data without spot color will be greater than that of print target data that have already been laid out. Therefore, the warning message 600 is displayed. Then, when the Yes button 601 is selected, a process is executed to replace the print target data with spot color 202 in the first column, which is the print target data with the smaller number of print target data between the print target data with spot color and the print target data without spot color, with the print target data without spot color that exists in the layout target data selection area 201. Note that even when layout target data with spot color is placed in the third column in the layout state 501 shown in FIG. 5, the warning message 600 is displayed because the numbers of both are different. In this case, the wording of the warning message is "The label data in the second lane is label data with different print times...". That is, the warning message 600 is a warning to replace the print target data that is in a minority with the print target data that is in a majority. Also, when the No button 602 is selected, the process executes to maintain the layout state without replacing the print target data that is in a minority with the print target data that is in a majority. Note that by turning on the check box 603, the warning message 600 against subsequent mixing will not be displayed. Hereinafter, the warning message 600 will also be referred to as warning message 2.

[0034] 7 is a diagram showing a layout state 701 when the Yes button 601 is selected in the warning message 600 in FIG. 6. It can be seen that the data 204 to be printed without spot colors in the third column has been placed by the user turning on the check box 205. In addition, the data to be printed without spot colors in the first column has been replaced with other data to be printed without spot colors (star-shaped label) by selecting the Yes button 601 in the warning message 600. Note that, if data to be printed with spot colors is placed in the third column in the layout state 501 shown in FIG. 5, a process is performed to replace the layout data with spot colors that exists in the layout target selection area 201 with the layout data without spot colors, which is a minority.

[0035] The above describes the replacement process of print target data in two cases using Figures 2 to 4 or Figures 5 to 7. By performing these processes, it is possible to reduce the placement of print target data with different conditions, such as with or without spot colors, in the same layout area. This makes it possible to reduce the printing time compared to a layout with a mixture of spot color conditions. Also, by displaying a warning, it is possible to make the user aware that the layout state will take a long time to print.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining warning marks. The warning marks 801 and 802 are displayed, for example, when the check box 203 is turned on to layout the layout target data with special color 202 from the layout target data selection area 201 on the application screen 200 of FIG. 2. That is, the warning mark is displayed near the layout target data having a different print time from the layout target data selected in the layout target data selection area 201, and indicates that the print time is different from the print target data in the layout state. Therefore, for example, in a situation where the print target data without special color 204 is in the layout state, a warning mark may be added to the layout target data with special color 202 in the layout target data selection area 201. In addition, in the case of displaying the warning mark, the warning message described in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 may not be displayed, or both the warning message and the warning mark may be displayed.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing label layout processing in this embodiment. The processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 104 of the information processing device 101 expanding an application program stored in the ROM 105 or storage device 107 into the RAM 106 and executing it. The processing of this flowchart is started by the flowchart of Fig. 8 on the condition that the application screen 200 is displayed by the application or the OS. Note that the symbol "S" in the explanation of each process in this flowchart indicates a step in the flowchart, and the same applies to the subsequent figures.

[0038] In S901, the CPU 104 of the information processing device 101 acquires main body information from the printer 111 and stores the acquired information in the RAM 106. The CPU 104 also stores the information in the external storage device 107 as necessary. The main body information indicates information set in the main body, such as the paper type, paper size, roll paper width, remaining ink amount, remaining roll paper amount, settings for spot color processing, or settings for decoration that requires a drying process in the printing process, which are set in the main body. When settings for spot color processing or settings required for decoration that requires a drying process are set in the main body information, the number of printing steps increases compared to when these settings are not set, and therefore the printing time increases. For this reason, the CPU 104 distinguishes between information that takes a long time to print and information that does not in the main body information, and stores the information in the RAM 106 including the information.

[0039] In S902, the CPU 104 acquires label information, which is information about spot colors, in the layout target data displayed in the layout target data selection area 201 of the application screen 200. The CPU 104 stores the acquired label information in the RAM 106, and also in the external storage device 107 as necessary.

[0040] In S903, the CPU 104 checks whether the print target data includes spot color ink settings based on the acquired label information. It also saves the check result in the RAM 106. In S904, the CPU 104 determines whether any of the layout target data includes spot color ink settings. If it is determined that spot color ink settings are included, the CPU 104 proceeds to S905. If it is determined that spot color ink settings are not included, the CPU 104 proceeds to S906. In this case, there is no print target data that includes spot color ink. In S905, the CPU 104 registers in the RAM 106 the layout target data that uses spot color ink.

[0041] In S906, the CPU 104 displays the layout target data in the layout target data selection area 201 of the application screen 200. At that time, the layout target data that uses the spot color ink registered in S905 is confirmed, and a mark (for example, the W mark shown in FIG. 2) 210 indicating that the spot color ink will be used when displaying the corresponding layout target data on the UI is displayed.

[0042] In S907, the CPU 104 determines whether any one of the layout target data in the layout target data selection area 201 of the application screen 200 is to be laid out. The layout process is executed when a check box of the corresponding print target data is checked by a user operation in the layout target data selection area 201. If it is determined in S907 that the label is to be laid out, the CPU 104 proceeds to S908. On the other hand, if it is determined that the label is not to be laid out, the CPU 104 waits until the label is laid out.

[0043] In S908, the CPU 104 checks the label information of the laid out print target data. In S909, the CPU 104 judges whether the layout state of the layout area is a state in which data to be printed with spot color and data to be printed without spot color are mixed. If it is judged that the data is not mixed, the CPU 104 proceeds to S913. If it is judged that the data is mixed, the CPU 104 proceeds to S910. That is, the condition for the CPU 104 to proceed to YES in this step is when at least two or more labels are laid out and data to be printed with spot color and data to be printed without spot color are mixed. Therefore, when the first print target data is laid out in a layout area where nothing is laid out, no warning message is displayed because the data is not mixed, regardless of which type of print target data it is.

[0044] In S910, the CPU 104 determines whether the conditions of the layout target data to be laid out are different from all of the print target data that have already been laid out. The conditions here refer to whether spot color ink is used or not. If the CPU 104 determines that the conditions of the layout target data to be laid out are different from all of the print target data that have already been laid out, the process proceeds to S911. On the other hand, if the CPU 104 determines that the conditions of the layout target data to be laid out are not different from all of the print target data that have already been laid out, the CPU 104 proceeds to S912. In other words, if it is determined that layout target data with the same conditions as any of the print target data that have already been laid out is to be laid out, the CPU 104 proceeds to S912.

[0045] S910 will be described in detail. For example, when print target data without spot color is arranged in the first column and layout target data with spot color is arranged in the second column, the conditions of the two are different, that is, with or without spot color, and the CPU 104 judges YES. Also, when print target data with spot color is arranged in the first and second columns and layout target data without spot color is arranged in the third column, the conditions are different from all of the print target data already arranged, and the CPU 104 judges YES. Conversely, consider a state in which print target data without spot color is arranged in the first column and print target data with spot color is arranged in the second column. In this case, whether layout target data with or without spot color is arranged in the third column, the conditions are the same as either of the data already laid out, and the CPU 104 judges NO in S910.

[0046] In S911, the CPU 104 displays warning message 1 (warning message 300 shown in FIG. 3). As a result, if the Yes button 301 is selected, processing can be performed to replace the layout target data to be laid out so that it has the same conditions as the print target data that has already been laid out. After replacement is complete, the print target data in the layout area will all have the same conditions.

[0047] In S912, the CPU 104 checks the label information of the layout target data to be laid out and the print target data that has already been laid out, and identifies the print target data with or without spot color, whichever is smaller. That is, it identifies which row (lane) the print target data with the fewer number of printing processes is, among the print target data with or without spot color, whichever is the print process type. Then, it displays a warning message 2 (warning message 600 shown in FIG. 6) asking whether to replace the print target data in the identified row with the print target data with the larger number of printing processes. The wording of the warning message 2 changes depending on which row the print target data with different conditions from the print target data in the other rows (i.e., with the fewer number of printing processes) is arranged in. For example, if print target data with different printing times is arranged in the second row, the message will be something like "The label data in the second lane is label data with different printing times from the others...". As a result, when the Yes button 601 is selected, the print target data in the layout area where the replacement has been completed will be the same print target data with the same conditions.

[0048] In S913, the CPU 104 determines whether or not an operation to end the application screen 200 has been performed. If it is determined that an operation to end the application has not been performed, the CPU 104 returns to S907 and waits until a user operation is received. If it is determined that an operation to end the application has been performed, the CPU 104 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0049] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of printing using spot color inks. Specifically, when there is a mixture of data to be printed with spot color and data to be printed without spot color, a message is displayed to indicate whether the layout pattern will take a long time to print in the layout operation, making it easier for the user to determine which data to be printed. Furthermore, by operating the warning message, it is possible to eliminate layouts that have a mixture of data with and without spot color. This makes it possible to shorten the printing time. In the above embodiment, a warning message 2 is displayed to ask whether to replace the print target data having the fewer types of printing steps, which is the specified column, with print target data having the greater number of types of printing steps. Then, a form is described in which a process is executed to replace the print target data having the fewer types of printing steps with print target data having the greater number of types of printing steps. However, a warning message may be displayed to ask whether to replace the print target data having the fewer types of printing steps with print target data having the fewer types of printing steps. In other words, a process may be executed to replace the print target data having the greater number of types of printing steps with print target data having the fewer types of printing steps.

[0050] Furthermore, by displaying a warning mark for layout target data that will result in a combination that will take a long time to print in the layout target data selection area 201, the user can easily determine which layout target data will result in a combination that will take a long time to print.

[0051] In addition to printing using special color inks, similar measures can be taken for time-consuming print settings such as decorative print settings that require a drying process.

[0052] <<Embodiment 2>> In the first embodiment, a method for displaying a warning message according to the arrangement of the print target data with spot color and the print target data without spot color is described. In the present embodiment, a method for displaying a warning in a case where the print target data with spot color 202 is not displayed in the layout area 209 according to the selection state of the print target data in the layout target data selection area 201 is described. In the layout of label data, for example, when printing numbers, the numbers may be laid out while counting up from the upper left to the upper right, not along the lane. In the case of such a special layout, the laid out print target data may not be immediately visible in the layout area 209. For example, the print target data with spot color is arranged at the bottom of the layout area and cannot be confirmed on the display. In such a case, it is possible to confirm the arrangement that was not displayed by performing a scroll operation or the like, but there are also cases where the user does not know which data is the print target data with spot color in the first place. In such a case, if the user executes printing without knowing, it may take a long time to print.

[0053] Fig. 10 shows the behavior of the warning display method when the data to be printed with spot color 202 is displayed in the layout area 209 due to the selection status of the layout target data in the layout target data selection area 201. As shown in Fig. 9, when the data to be printed with spot color 202 is displayed so that it can be visually confirmed by the user, the data to be printed with spot color 202 is displayed with a different emphasis process from the other lanes, unlike the method described in the first embodiment. That is, for example, the first lane is displayed in gray as shown in Fig. 10. This allows the user to recognize that data to be printed with spot color has been placed more directly than if a warning message was displayed.

[0054] 11 shows the behavior of the warning display method when the data to be printed with spot color 202 is not displayed in the layout area 209 due to the selection status of the layout target data in the layout target data selection area 201. A warning message is displayed when the data is actually laid out but cannot be confirmed at a glance on the display. This makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of data to be printed with spot color and data to be printed without spot color being mixed in the same layout area. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing label layout processing in this embodiment. The processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 104 of the information processing device 101 loading an application program stored in the ROM 105 or the storage device 107 into the RAM 106 and executing it. The processing of this flowchart is started by the flowchart of Fig. 8 on the condition that the application screen 200 is displayed by the application or the OS.

[0055] 9, the description of S1201 to S1206 will be omitted. In S1207, CPU 104 determines whether any one of the print target data in layout target data selection area 201 of application screen 200 is to be laid out. If it is determined that the data is to be laid out, CPU 104 proceeds to S1208. If it is determined that the data is not to be laid out, CPU 104 waits until the user performs an operation to lay out the print target data in S1207.

[0056] In S1208, the CPU 104 checks the label information to be laid out. In S1209, the CPU 104 determines whether the layout will include print target data or layout target data with different conditions (i.e., types of printing processes). If it is determined that there is no mixture, the CPU 104 proceeds to S1213. If it is determined that there is a mixture, the CPU 104 proceeds to S1210.

[0057] In S1210, the CPU 104 determines whether or not the layout of the data to be printed with spot color is displayed in the currently displayed layout area 209. If it is determined that the layout of the data to be printed with spot color is displayed, the CPU 104 proceeds to S1211, and if it is determined that the layout of the data to be printed with spot color is not displayed, the CPU 104 proceeds to S1212.

[0058] In S1211, CPU 104 displays the data to be printed with spot colors in a grayed-out manner, as shown in Fig. 10. In S1212, CPU 104 displays warning message 3 shown in Fig. 11 (warning message 1100 shown in Fig. 11). Based on a user operation in warning message 3, CPU 104 also performs processing to reduce mixing. S1213 is the same processing as S913 in Fig. 9, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. After completing S913, CPU 104 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0059] The above is the process of the flowchart of this embodiment. According to this embodiment, when data to be printed with spot colors and data to be printed without spot colors are mixed, if the data to be printed with spot colors can be confirmed on the screen, it is displayed in gray, and if it cannot be confirmed, a warning message is displayed. This makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of printing with both data to be printed with spot colors and data to be printed without spot colors mixed in the same layout area. In other words, the printing time can be shortened.

[0060] In this embodiment, the target of the warning is described as data to be printed with spot colors, but the warning is not limited to this, and may be, for example, data to be printed without spot colors in a mixed layout, grayed out.Furthermore, the number of data to be printed with spot colors and data to be printed without spot colors may be compared, and the data to be printed with fewer spot colors may be grayed out.

[0061] In addition to printing using special color inks, similar measures can be taken for time-consuming print settings such as decorative print settings that require a drying process.

[0062] <<Other embodiments>> In the above embodiment, the print target data is described as being arranged in three columns on one roll paper, but in reality, this is not limited to this. For example, four columns of print target data may be arranged on one roll paper. Even in such a case, the mixture can be reduced by replacing the print target data according to the arrangement situation of with and without spot color. For example, if the print target data with spot color is arranged more than the print target data without spot color in a situation where four columns of print target data are arranged, a message for performing a process of replacing the print target data without spot color with the print target data with spot color may be displayed. Also, if the print target data with spot color and the print target data without spot color are the same number in a situation where four columns of print target data are arranged, the replacement may be performed so that the conditions of the print target data arranged first are given priority. In other words, the replacement may be performed so that the type of printing process of the print target data arranged first is given priority. Note that the print target data may be arranged in four or more columns on one roll paper.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the warning message is displayed when data to be printed with spot colors and data to be printed without spot colors are mixed, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when laying out data to be printed with spot colors in the first column when nothing has been laid out, a warning may be displayed to the effect that the label will take a long time.

[0064] The above-mentioned embodiment can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by one computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. It is not necessary to realize all of the above-mentioned processes by software, and some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as ASIC. The CPU is also not limited to one that performs all processes by one CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate.

[0065] The functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are not only realized by a computer reading and executing the program code, but also include cases where an OS running on a computer performs all or part of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0066] The present disclosure also includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A program that operates on an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a type of printing process when the target data is printed; a receiving means for receiving an operation for laying out the target data in a layout area; a notification means for notifying the user of the target data to be laid out in the layout area when the target data for a different printing process type is included in the layout area by an operation for laying out the target data accepted by the acceptance means in the layout area; A program characterized by causing the program to function as a (Configuration 2) 2. The program according to configuration 1, wherein a printing time required for printing the target data varies depending on the type of the printing process. (Configuration 3) 2. The program according to configuration 1, wherein the notification regarding the target data to be laid out in the layout area is a notification regarding a printing time when the target data is printed. (Configuration 4) The program described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the notification means issues a first notification when the type of printing process of the target data for which the operation has been accepted by the acceptance means is different from that of all of the target data already laid out in the layout area. (Configuration 5) The program described in configuration 4, characterized in that the first notification is a notification that allows the user to select whether or not to replace the target data to be laid out in the layout area from the target data for which the operation has been accepted by the accepting means with target data having the type of printing process that the target data already laid out in the layout area has. (Configuration 6) The program described in configuration 1, characterized in that the notification means performs a second notification when the operation accepted by the acceptance means causes the target data to be laid out in the layout area, resulting in a difference in the number of first target data that has been laid out in the layout area and is to be printed in a first type of printing process, and a difference in the number of second target data that has been laid out in the layout area and is to be printed in a second type of printing process. (Configuration 7) The program described in configuration 6, wherein the second notification is a notification that allows the user to select whether or not to replace either the first target data or the second target data, which is fewer in number than the other, with target data that is printed in the same type of printing process as the other target data, which is more in number than the first target data, by laying out the target data in the layout area for which the receiving means has received the operation. (Configuration 8) 8. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the types of printing processes include whether or not special color ink is used. (Configuration 9) A display unit for displaying the layout area is further provided. When the target data for which the operation is accepted by the accepting unit is target data for which the spot color ink is used, The program described in configuration 8, wherein the display means displays, in a selection area for selecting target data to be laid out in the layout area, target data that does not use the spot color ink by adding information indicating that the target data does not use the spot color ink. (Configuration 10) A display unit for displaying the layout area is further provided. when target data that uses the spot color ink is displayed in the layout area, and when the target data for which the operation has been accepted by the accepting means is laid out in the layout area, target data that uses the spot color ink and target data that does not use the spot color ink are laid out in the layout area together, 9. The program according to configuration 8, wherein the display means displays, in the layout area, a layout area in which data to be printed that uses the spot color ink is laid out, in an emphasized manner. (Configuration 11) The program according to configuration 10, wherein the display in an emphasized manner includes displaying the content in a grayed-out manner. (Configuration 12) A display unit for displaying the layout area is further provided. When the target data that uses the spot color ink is not displayed in the layout area, and the target data for which the operation has been accepted by the accepting means is laid out in the layout area, so that the target data that uses the spot color ink and the target data that does not use the spot color ink are mixed and laid out in the layout area, The program according to configuration 8, wherein the display means performs a third notification. (Configuration 13) The program described in configuration 12, characterized in that the third notification is a notification that allows the user to select whether or not to replace the target data to be laid out in the layout area from the target data for which the operation has been accepted by the accepting means with target data having the type of printing process that the target data already laid out in the layout area has. (Configuration 14) An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a type of printing process when the target data is printed; a receiving means for receiving an operation for laying out the target data in a layout area; a notification means for notifying the user of the target data to be laid out in the layout area when the target data for a different printing process type is included in the layout area by an operation for laying out the target data accepted by the acceptance means in the layout area; An information processing device comprising: (Configuration 15) An acquisition step of acquiring information regarding a type of printing process when the target data is printed; a receiving step of receiving an operation for laying out the target data in a layout area; a notification step of performing a notification regarding the target data to be laid out in the layout area when the target data having a different printing process type is included in the layout area by an operation for laying out the target data accepted in the accepting step in the layout area; 13. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

Claims

1. A program that operates on an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a type of printing process when the target data is printed; a receiving means for receiving an operation for laying out the target data in a layout area; a notification means for notifying the user of the target data to be laid out in the layout area when the target data for a different printing process type is included in the layout area by an operation for laying out the target data accepted by the acceptance means in the layout area; A program characterized by causing the program to function as a

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein a printing time required for printing the target data varies depending on the type of the printing process.

3. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the notification regarding the target data laid out in the layout area is a notification regarding a printing time when the target data is printed.

4. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification means issues a first notification when the type of printing process of the target data for which the operation is accepted by the acceptance means is different from that of all of the target data already laid out in the layout area.

5. The program according to claim 4, characterized in that the first notification is a notification that allows the user to select whether or not to replace the target data to be laid out in the layout area from the target data for which the operation has been accepted by the accepting means with target data having the type of printing process that the target data already laid out in the layout area has.

6. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that the notification means performs a second notification when the operation accepted by the acceptance means causes the target data to be laid out in the layout area, resulting in a difference in the number of first target data that has been laid out in the layout area and is to be printed in a first type of printing process, and a difference in the number of second target data that has been laid out in the layout area and is to be printed in a second type of printing process.

7. The program described in claim 6, characterized in that the second notification is a notification that allows the user to select whether or not to replace either the first target data or the second target data, which is fewer in number than the other, with target data that is printed in the same type of printing process as the other target data, which is more in number than the first target data, by laying out the target data in the layout area for which the receiving means has received the operation.

8. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the type of printing process includes whether or not a special color ink is used.

9. A display unit for displaying the layout area is further provided. When the target data for which the operation is accepted by the accepting unit is target data for which the spot color ink is used, The program according to claim 8, characterized in that the display means displays, in a selection area for selecting target data to be laid out in the layout area, target data that does not use the spot color ink by adding information indicating that the target data does not use the spot color ink.

10. A display unit for displaying the layout area is further provided. when target data that uses the spot color ink is displayed in the layout area, and when the target data for which the operation has been accepted by the accepting means is laid out in the layout area, target data that uses the spot color ink and target data that does not use the spot color ink are laid out in the layout area together, 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the display means displays, in an emphasized manner, a layout area in which data to be printed that uses the spot color ink is laid out in the layout area.

11. 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein the highlighting includes displaying the content in a grayed-out state.

12. A display unit for displaying the layout area is further provided. When the target data that uses the spot color ink is not displayed in the layout area, and the target data for which the operation has been accepted by the accepting means is laid out in the layout area, so that the target data that uses the spot color ink and the target data that does not use the spot color ink are mixed and laid out in the layout area, 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the display means performs a third notification.

13. The program according to claim 12, characterized in that the third notification is a notification that allows the user to select whether or not to replace the target data to be laid out in the layout area from the target data for which the operation has been accepted by the accepting means with target data having the type of printing process that the target data already laid out in the layout area has.

14. An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a type of printing process when the target data is printed; a receiving means for receiving an operation for laying out the target data in a layout area; a notification means for notifying the user of the target data to be laid out in the layout area when the target data for a different printing process type is included in the layout area by an operation for laying out the target data accepted by the acceptance means in the layout area; An information processing device comprising:

15. An acquisition step of acquiring information regarding a type of printing process when the target data is printed; a receiving step of receiving an operation for laying out the target data in a layout area; a notification step of performing a notification regarding the target data to be laid out in the layout area when the target data having a different printing process type is included in the layout area by an operation for laying out the target data accepted in the accepting step in the layout area; 13. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

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