Processing device, job generation device, job generation method, and program

Abstract

To provide a printed object consisting of multi-layers while reducing a burden on a user even when using a winding device in multi-layer printing in which a plurality of layers are superposed and printed.SOLUTION: A processing device 50 includes a mounting table 51 on which a medium 200 is mounted, an ink head 58 for discharging ink onto the medium, a medium conveyance mechanism 60 for moving the medium in a sub-scanning direction, a winding device 53 for winding the medium, and a control device 59. The control device includes a job acquisition part 592, a printing control part 593 for performing printing on the basis of the acquired printing job, and a medium control part 594 for controlling the movement of the medium by controlling the medium conveyance mechanism and the winding device. When acquiring a layer printing job in which a plurality of printing layers are superposed and printed, the medium control part performs control to pull back the medium by the medium conveyance mechanism after printing other than the top layer is completed, and performs control to wind the medium by the winding device after printing of the top layer is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device capable of obtaining a printed product consisting of multiple layers using a printer (2D printer) such as an inkjet printer or an electrophotographic printer, or a printer (3D printer) such as a binder jet printer which prints (three-dimensional modeling) from powder using a binder or other binding agent, and to a job generation device, job generation method, and program for generating a layer print job for this purpose. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which, in a printer with a cutting head capable of printing on and cutting media, it is preferable not to rewind the media during printing in preparation for the next cut, so that in the case of a print job, the media is rewound after printing, but in the case of a print and cut job, the media is not rewound after printing (see paragraph

[0096] and Figure 10).

[0003] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 describes a technology in which a data processing device automatically sets the printing conditions required for layer printing when it receives a request to group multiple layer print jobs, in order to reduce the burden on the user when setting printing conditions for multi-layer printing (see [Summary]). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 198497 [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-192698 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the technology described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, when performing multi-layer printing in which multiple layers are printed on top of each other, the user only needs to perform grouping processing of the print jobs of the multiple layers, in other words, when the data processing device receives a request for grouping, it can group the print jobs and automatically set the print conditions for at least one of the grouped print jobs. This eliminates the need for the user to set print conditions for each layer, thereby reducing the burden on the user. However, in multi-layer printing when using a winding device, the user needs to individually set which layer the media pull-back control should be performed on, and setting the print conditions still places a burden on the user.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a processing device, a job generation device, a job generation method, a program, and the like, which can obtain a print product consisting of multiple layers while reducing the burden on the user even when using a winding device by appropriately controlling the operation after printing of each print job, for example, in multi-layer printing in which multiple layers are printed on top of each other. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to the following exemplary aspects and best embodiments, as well as the attached drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to facilitate an understanding of the outline of the present invention, embodiments according to the present invention will be exemplified below.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a processing device comprising: a mounting table on which a medium is placed; an ink head which ejects ink onto the medium; a head transport mechanism which moves the ink head in a main scanning direction relative to the medium; a media transport mechanism which moves the medium in a sub-scanning direction relative to the ink head; a winding device which winds up the medium placed on the mounting table; and a control device which is electrically connected to the ink head, the head transport mechanism, the media transport mechanism, and the winding device and controls each of them, the control device comprising: a job acquisition unit which acquires a print job which performs a print process on the medium; The printing control unit includes a print control unit that controls each of the ink head, the head transport mechanism, and the media transport mechanism to perform printing based on the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit, and a media control unit that controls the media transport mechanism and the winding device to control movement of the media, wherein when the job acquisition unit acquires a layer print job in which multiple printed layers are printed on top of each other, the media control unit controls the media transport mechanism to pull back the media after printing of all layers other than the topmost layer is completed, and controls the winding device to wind up the media after printing of the topmost layer is completed.

[0009] According to this aspect, in the processing device, when the job acquisition unit acquires a layer print job in which multiple print layers are printed on top of each other, the media control unit controls the media transport mechanism to pull back the media after printing of layers other than the top layer is completed, and controls the winding device to wind the media after printing of the top layer is completed, so that the next layer can be printed, while the media is wound up when printing of the top layer is completed, allowing the print product to be stored in good condition. Therefore, the post-printing operation of each print job can be appropriately controlled, and a print product consisting of multiple layers can be obtained while reducing the burden on the user even when using the winding device.

[0010] Those skilled in the art will easily understand that the exemplified aspects of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiment) can be further modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(A) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system that connects a job generation device and a processing device of this embodiment to perform multi-layer printing on media, and FIG. 1(B) is a diagram showing an example of a job list display using a GUI. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2(A) is an oblique view showing an example of the overall configuration of the processing device of this embodiment, FIG. 2(B) is a diagram showing an example of the main configuration for printing, and FIG. 2(C) is a diagram showing an example of crop marks printed on media. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an image of a print result obtained by the processing device of this embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of a job group when performing three-layer printing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the printing system when the processing device of this embodiment performs multi-layer printing. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the job generation device of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the processing device of this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure of the job generating device of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure of the processing device of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The best mode described below is used to easily understand the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art should be aware that the present invention is not unduly limited by the mode described below.

[0013] (Printing system configuration) FIG. 1(A) shows an example of the configuration of a printing system that performs multi-layer printing on media by connecting a job generation device 100 of this embodiment that uses a RIP program (RIP software) used for layer printing and has a job management function, and a processing device 50 (assumed to be an inkjet printer here), which is a printing device with a multi-layer printing function. FIG. 1(B) shows an example of a job list display using a GUI.

[0014] As an example, the printing system used for the multi-layer printing in Figure 1 (A) has two folders 42 and 44, a host computer 10 connected to the folders 42 and 44, a display unit 20 consisting of an LCD display or the like connected to the host computer 10, a keyboard 32 and a mouse 34 as operation units, and a processing device (here, an inkjet printer) 50 connected to the host computer 10 via a communication line L1 and capable of performing multi-layer printing.

[0015] The host computer 10 functions as a job generation device 100 for layered printing by operating according to loaded software (a data processing program for layered printing: for example, RIP software). The job generation device 100 has a built-in processor (CPU) and executes the RIP software. In a broad sense, the RIP software can be called a data processing program.

[0016] The job generation device 100 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a RIP (Raster Image Processor) unit that converts a vector image into a bitmap image (raster image) (or, in a broader sense, a data conversion unit 101 (see FIG. 5 ) that converts print image data into another format).

[0017] The job generating device 100 of the present embodiment may also be called a RIP device or a RIP server (details will be described later).

[0018] The job generation device 100 of this embodiment can handle, for example, multiple pieces of print data (including digital data in EPS format, digital data in raster format, and digital data in native format). A user of the host computer 10 can input one or multiple pieces of digital data in EPS format into two folders 42 and 44, and set printing conditions and the like for each piece of digital data in EPS format on a folder-by-folder basis using a keyboard 32 and a mouse 34 as operation units.

[0019] A screen for inputting information such as the model of the device to be used may be displayed on the display unit 20. The user can display various job lists on the display unit 20 and assign priorities to the jobs to proceed with the processing.

[0020] The communication line L1 may be a wired communication means such as a bus, a local area network (LAN), or a universal serial bus (USB), but the type of communication means is not important. The communication means may be a wireless communication means. Also, short-distance wireless communication (optical communication) using infrared rays or the like may be used.

[0021] Next, refer to Fig. 1(B). As shown in Fig. 1(B), print jobs for digital data in EPS format with printing conditions set and stored in Folder A and Folder B are displayed on the display unit 20 as a print job list for each folder. In the example of Fig. 1(B), Press1.eps (created on 2019 / 04 / 30), Press2.eps (created on 2019 / 04 / 30), and Press3.eps (created on 2019 / 04 / 30) are displayed as jobs 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

[0022] The user can input one or more digital data in EPS format, for example, into the two folders 42 and 44 shown in FIG. 1(A), and can set printing conditions for each of the digital data in EPS format in folder units using the keyboard 32 and the mouse 34 as operation units. The setting of printing conditions (including grouping processing) will be described later.

[0023] Note that the term "print job" is polysemous. In principle, it may be interpreted broadly as a unit of work (printing process) to be processed by a computer, a processing unit. Depending on individual processes, it is also possible to interpret it narrowly individually.

[0024] (Configuration of the processing device) Next, refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of the processing device 50 (for example, an inkjet printer capable of multi-layer printing) of the present embodiment. FIG. 2(B) is a diagram showing an example of the main configuration for performing printing among the processing devices 50 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2(C) is a diagram showing an example of a crop mark printed on a medium.

[0025] The inkjet printer capable of multi-layer printing as the processing device 50 of the present embodiment is an ink-type large printer capable of generating the medium 200 as a printed matter such as a large billboard or a poster by applying ink on the medium 200. Here, the medium 200 is, for example, a flat or roll-shaped medium. As the material of the medium, it may be papers such as ordinary paper, resins such as polyvinyl chloride and polyester, metals such as aluminum materials and iron materials, or can be composed of various other materials.

[0026] 2(A), the processing device 50 of this embodiment has a platen which is a mounting table 51 on which the medium 200 is placed, an ink head 58 which outputs ink for printing and which is typically movable on a guide rail in the main scanning direction (horizontal or left-right direction), an ink cartridge 54 which stores the ink to be supplied to the ink head 58, and an operation panel 52 as an operation unit which can be operated by the user. The operation panel 52 is provided with operation buttons such as a power button and a setting button, operation switches, etc.

[0027] The processing device 50 of this embodiment also includes a winding device 53 (see FIG. 2(B)). The winding device 53 can wind up the medium 200 placed on the mounting table 51 (platen) into a roll. For example, as shown in FIG. 2(B), the winding device 53 includes a winding shaft 531, a tension bar 532, support arms 533L and 533R, and a winding motor 535.

[0028] In FIG. 2B, the winding shaft 531 winds up the medium 200 and is formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape extending to the left and right. The winding shaft 531 is disposed below the mounting table 51. The processing device 50 includes a first left side wall 536L and a first right side wall 536R that rotatably support the winding shaft 531. The winding shaft 531 includes a support portion 531a supported by the first left side wall 536L and the first right side wall 536R, and a tube portion 531b having a diameter larger than that of the support portion 531a. The medium 200 is wound around the circumferential surface of the tube portion 531b. The support portion 531a and the tube portion 531b may be integrally formed or may be formed separately. The left end of the winding shaft 531 is rotatably supported by the first left side wall 536L. A right end portion of the winding shaft 531 is rotatably supported by the first right side wall 536R. The processing device 50 includes a rail 534 that supports the first left side wall 536L and the first right side wall 536R. The rail 534 extends in the left-right direction.

[0029] The tension bar 532 applies tension to the portion of the medium 200 located between the mounting table 51 and the winding shaft 531. More specifically, the tension bar 532 applies tension to the medium 200 by using its own weight to push the medium 200 diagonally downward and forward. As shown in FIG. 2(B), the tension bar 532 is formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape that extends in the left-right direction. The tension bar 532 is disposed parallel to the winding shaft 531.

[0030] The support arms 533L and 533R support the tension bar 532. The left support arm 533L is swingably supported by the second left wall 537L located to the left of the first left wall 536L. The right support arm 533R is swingably supported by the second right wall 537R located to the right of the first right wall 536R. More specifically, a left support shaft 538L is provided to the right of the second left wall 537L. Also, a right support shaft 538R is provided to the left of the second right wall 537R. The left support arm 533L is swingably supported in a circular orbit around the center 538c of the left support shaft 538L. The right support arm 533R is swingably supported in a circular orbit around the center 538c of the right support shaft 538R. Winding motor 536 is connected to winding shaft 531 and can rotate winding shaft 531. Winding motor 535 is indirectly connected to winding shaft 531 via a reduction gear or the like (not shown), and winding shaft 531 receives a driving force from winding motor 535 to rotate.

[0031] The supply device 40 is a device that supplies the medium 200 to the mounting table 51. The supply shaft 41 is disposed behind and below the mounting table 51. The belt-shaped medium 200 before printing is wound in a roll around the circumferential surface of the supply shaft 41. As shown in FIG. 2B, the left end of the supply shaft 41 is rotatably supported by the left guide plate 42L, and the right end of the supply shaft 41 is rotatably supported by the right guide plate 42R. A grit roller (not shown) is provided on the mounting table 51, and a media transport mechanism (60 in FIG. 6 described later) is formed that transports the medium 200 by sandwiching it between the grid roller and a pinch roller (not shown). The media transport mechanism transports the medium 200 in the sub-scanning direction Y, so that the medium 200 is sent out from the supply shaft 41 toward the mounting table 51.

[0032] 2B, the ink cartridge 54 stores color inks for forming a color image on the medium 200, and includes, for example, ink cartridges 54C, 54M, 54Y, 54K, and 54W that store cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), and white (W) inks. The CMYK inks can be used for color image formation. The white (W) ink can be used, for example, to form a base layer when performing layer printing (printing in which two or more printed layers are superimposed).

[0033] Instead of or in addition to the ink cartridge 54, an ink cartridge for silver ink (metallic ink), an ink cartridge for clear ink, and an ink cartridge for primer ink may be provided.

[0034] Furthermore, the ink cartridges 54C, 54M, 54Y, and 54K for color inks may further include, for example, an ink cartridge for light cyan (not shown) and, for example, an ink cartridge for light magenta (not shown). In other words, the color inks are not limited to the four common colors of cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink, and may be composed of inks of a number of colors other than four, such as, for example, six colors of ink, seven colors of ink, or three colors of ink.

[0035] The white ink is typically an ink containing a pigment, which is titanium oxide, dispersed in a solvent typically with a dispersant, and may be a UV ink further containing a UV curing agent. The pigment of the white ink may be composed of other white pigments, such as zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, antimony oxide, zirconium oxide, etc., in addition to titanium oxide. For example, a printed matter having better quality or color reproduction can be obtained by printing the white ink on the medium 200 as a base for a color image (color ink).

[0036] Silver ink (metallic ink) typically contains a pigment that is aluminum powder, and the pigment is typically dispersed in a solvent with a dispersant, and may be a UV ink that further contains a UV curing agent. The pigment of the silver ink is not limited to aluminum powder, and may be composed of other silver pigments or metallic pigments. For example, by printing a combination of color ink and silver ink on the medium 200, a printed matter having a more metallic color can be obtained.

[0037] Clear ink is a transparent ink that can improve the glossiness of an image by printing it over color inks. Primer ink is an ink that improves the adhesion between the ink and the media.

[0038] 2B, the ink head 58 has ink heads 58C, 58M, 58Y, 58K, and 58W corresponding to the ink cartridges 54C, 54M, 54Y, 54K, and 54W, respectively. Ink tubes 56 are provided between the ink cartridges 54C, 54M, 54Y, 54K, and 54W and the ink heads 58C, 58M, 58Y, 58K, and 58W, and the ink head 58 can output a desired ink or color.

[0039] In the example of FIG. 2(B), the processing device 50 of the present embodiment has a processing unit 62, a storage unit 63, and a communication unit 64, and can control the ink heads 58 (58C, 58M, 58Y, 58K, and 58W) based on print data. The processing unit 62, the storage unit 63, and the communication unit 64 are, for example, configured by a microcomputer or a microcontroller, and can include, for example, a CPU (or MPU or MCU), a ROM, a RAM, an interface, and the like. For example, the ROM can store a program that causes the CPU to execute a predetermined operation, and the RAM can form a work area for the CPU. The processing unit 62, the storage unit 63, and the communication unit 64 are not limited to a microcomputer, and may be configured by an ASIC (Application Specific IC), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0040] 2(a), the processing device 50 of this embodiment has a media transport mechanism (e.g., including a grit roller, a pinch roller, and a drive system including a motor for driving these rollers) that transports the medium 200 in the sub-scanning direction Y (a direction (front-back direction) perpendicular to the main scanning direction X, which may also be referred to as the transport direction of the medium 200). By rotating these rollers forward, the medium 200 can be sent out to the front of the main body of the processing device 50 (positive sub-scanning direction Y), and by rotating these rollers reversely, the medium 200 can be pulled back to a predetermined reference position.

[0041] In the above-described processing device 50 of the present embodiment, for example, when performing two-layer printing, when printing of the first layer image, which is the base layer, is completed, the medium 200 is pulled back to the printing start position of the first layer image, and then the upper second layer image is printed. If the medium 200 is not pulled back after printing of the first layer image is completed, the first and second layer images cannot be superimposed, and multi-layer printing cannot be performed.

[0042] Therefore, it is necessary to set the printing conditions for the first layer image so that the medium is pulled back after printing is completed. On the other hand, for printing the second layer image, there is no need to set the condition for pulling back the medium 200 after printing is completed. Conventionally, such printing settings were manually set individually for each layer, but in this embodiment, these settings can be automated to reduce the burden on the user of setting printing conditions (details will be described later).

[0043] In the case of the two-layer printing described above, the image patterns of the first and second layers are essentially the same, but considering misalignment during printing, it is preferable to set the size of the image of the first layer slightly (for example, about 0.5 mm) larger than the size of the image of the second layer. Setting the margins of the image of the first layer can also be included in the setting of printing conditions.

[0044] The processing device 50 of the present embodiment may be configured as a printer further equipped with a cutting head.

[0045] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned multi-layer printing, it is possible to realize more accurate image overlay by utilizing crop marks that are used for position correction in cutting processes, etc. An example of crop marks formed on the medium 200 is shown in FIG.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 2(C), circular crop marks G1a-G1d and a rectangular crop mark M are formed (printed) at the four corners (outside the four corners) of a rectangular print image area (which may be a printable area: indicated by a dashed line in the figure) 74 set on the medium 200. The circular crop marks G1a-G1d are used, for example, to detect the position of the print image area and correct the position of the print head accordingly. Also, the rectangular crop mark M is used, for example, to detect rotational misalignment of the medium 200 and print the print image at a tilt so as to correct the rotational misalignment.

[0047] When performing the above-mentioned two-layer printing, it is necessary to add a condition for printing crop marks as a printing condition for the first layer image, and also to add a printing condition for performing position correction etc. using the crop marks as a printing condition for the second layer image. In this embodiment, the setting of such additional printing conditions can also be performed automatically, in the same way as the setting of the conditions for pulling back the medium 200 after printing is completed.

[0048] Crop marks have not been used in the printing process in the past (conventionally, crop marks have only been used for cutting), and in the printing process, print position correction (which can include correction for media rotation) using crop marks is adopted as a means for realizing unprecedented high-precision image overlay. According to the inventor's study, the cause of print position deviation is that when the processing device 50 pulls back the media (paper, film, etc.), the media cannot be completely restored to a reference position (predetermined position) such as the origin position due to mechanical factors or the shrinkage or deformation of the media. Therefore, the inventor's study has revealed that when performing printing with higher precision, it is preferable to perform position correction using crop marks.

[0049] There may also be cases where a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds) is set for natural drying after printing the image of each layer. In this case, a condition for providing a natural drying time is added as a printing condition for each layer, and the time required for natural drying must also be specified as needed. According to this embodiment, these settings can also be made automatically, for example. Also, it is possible to automatically set printing conditions when drying is performed by UV irradiation, etc.

[0050] (Job grouping when printing multiple layers) Next, reference will be made to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(A) is a diagram showing an image of a print result, and Fig. 3(B) is a diagram showing an example of a job group for obtaining the print result shown in Fig. 3(A) (when performing three-layer printing), and showing the contents given to each job as a job control command when using a winding device.

[0051] In the example of Figure 3 (A), multi-layer printing (overlap printing) is performed in which a first layer image La1, which is a base layer, is layered (in other words, stacked or overlapped) on top of a second layer image La2, which is a middle layer of the same shape, and a third layer, which is a top layer of the same shape.

[0052] The print job (job 1) related to printing the first layer has a print mode of "White only printing (in other words, printing with white ink: spot color printing)." The print job (job 2) related to printing the second layer has a print mode of CMYK printing (in other words, color printing), and the print job (job 3) related to printing the third layer has a print mode of gloss printing (in other words, printing with clear ink: glossy printing).

[0053] According to the conventional method, the user had to manually set the conditions for each of job 1, job 2, and job 3. For example, a setting process is required in which the user selects (checks, etc.) the items corresponding to the conditions on the job setting screen of the display unit 20. In this case, the user is required to set the conditions reliably while being aware that, for example, pulling back the medium 200 (see FIG. 2(A)) is necessary for job 1 and job 2, but not necessary for job 3, which is a burden for the user. In addition, it may be necessary to set crop marks, natural drying time, drying type (natural drying, UV drying, etc.) as auxiliary information. In this case, the more printing conditions (setting items) to be entered, the more the user has to be constantly strained to enter the correct information, and the setting burden increases.

[0054] Therefore, in the job generation device 100 of this embodiment, a process of grouping multiple print jobs is performed, and the grouped jobs are managed in association with each other, and the printing conditions (setting items) to be set for each job are automatically set on the RIP software side.

[0055] Here, the grouping procedure can be briefly explained as follows. First, job 1, job 2, and job 3 are generated on the job list screen (see FIG. 1(B)) and displayed on the display unit 20 (see FIG. 1(A)). Next, the user selects job 1, job 2, and job 3, for example, by left-clicking the mouse 34 (see FIG. 1(A)). Next, the user performs a process (grouping) to group jobs 1, 2, and 3. For example, the user right-clicks the mouse 34 and selects "grouping process" from a pull-down menu or the like displayed on the display unit 20 (see FIG. 1(A)), whereby job 1, job 2, and job 3 are grouped and related to each other.

[0056] 3(B) shows an example of a job group displayed on the display unit 20. Here, the grouping causes the generation of a multi-layer printing instruction (layer printing request) in which job 1 is regarded as printing the image data of the first layer (base layer), job 2 is regarded as printing the image data of the second layer (middle layer), and job 3 is regarded as printing the image data of the third layer (top layer) (however, this is not limited to this, and it is free to give the grouping a meaning that generates other requests, and various applications are possible).

[0057] When a grouping process is executed by a user, the job generating device 100 of the present embodiment can automatically assign printing conditions to each job by, for example, searching for printing conditions required for job 1, job 2, and job 3 as shown in FIG. 3B by referring to a layer attribute information file (not shown). For example, printing conditions such as "retract the medium 200 after printing is completed for each of the base layer and middle layer jobs" are automatically assigned to job 1 and job 2, and "rewind the medium 200 without retracting it after printing is completed for the top layer job" are automatically assigned to job 3. These settings are realized by assigning them as job control commands to the header of the print data of each job, as described later. This control command is assigned when the job to be printed is a job group and when a winding device is used. This automatically obtains the same effect as when the user manually checks the required setting items for job 1, job 2, and job 3. This reduces the burden on the user.

[0058] For example, when a print button is clicked, the job generating device 100 executing the RIP software performs RIP processing (rasterization) on the print image data, and then generates job control commands (sometimes simply referred to as print jobs) for jobs 1, 2, and 3 that include or are associated with the image data after RIP processing, and transmits them to the processing device 50. As a result, jobs 1, 2, and 3 are executed in sequence on the processing device 50 side, and multi-layer printing is performed under the desired conditions. Since the user only needs to press the print button after the grouping process, the printing process can be simplified.

[0059] (Printing system operation sequence) Next, reference is made to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an operation sequence diagram of the printing system when the processing device 50 of this embodiment performs multi-layer printing.

[0060] 4, first, a user submits multiple jobs (step 1), and the job generation device 100 returns a response to that. Next, the user issues a request to group multiple jobs (step 2).

[0061] When the job generation device 100 of this embodiment receives a grouping request for multiple jobs from a user, it executes processing for grouping (step 3), then assigns job control commands (e.g., commands to retract the medium 200 and add crop marks) to the first layer job (job 1) (step 4), then assigns job control commands (e.g., commands to retract the medium 200 and read the crop marks and correct the position) to the second layer job (job 2) (step 5), and further assigns job control commands (e.g., commands to wind up the medium and read the crop marks and correct the position) to the third layer job (job 3) (step 6). Then, when these processes are completed, a response is returned to the user.

[0062] As described above, in the grouping process, the job generation device 100 of this embodiment automatically sets the printing conditions by adding, as a job control command, a printing condition such as "after completion of printing for each of the print jobs for the base layer and the middle layer, execute pull-back control of the medium 200" for job 1 and job 2 (see FIG. 3B) and "after completion of printing the job for the top layer, execute take-up control without executing pull-back of the medium 200" to the header part of the print data of each job. In addition, when performing the above-mentioned three-layer printing, it is necessary to add a condition that crop marks are printed as a printing condition for the image (print data) of the first layer (base layer), and also a printing condition that position correction is performed using crop marks as a printing condition for the images of the second layer (middle layer) and the third layer (top layer). In this embodiment, the setting of such additional printing conditions can be automatically performed by adding, as a job control command, to the header part of the print data of each job.

[0063] Therefore, when the user instructs the start of printing of the grouped jobs (step 7), the job generating device 100 sends a print job (job control command) for the first layer (base layer) to the processing device 50 (step 8). In response to this, the processing device 50 executes each process of printing crop marks (step 9), printing an image (print data) (step 10), and pulling back the medium 200 (step 11). After completing the processes, the processing device 50 returns a response to the job generating device 100. Note that printing crop marks (step 9) and printing the image (print data) (step 10) may be executed simultaneously.

[0064] Next, the job generating device 100 of the present embodiment transmits a print job (job control command) for the second layer (middle layer) to the processing device 50 (step 12). Note that the timing of transmitting the job for the second layer is not limited to this, and the job for the second layer may be transmitted simultaneously with the job for the first layer, or may be transmitted while the processing for the job for the first layer is being executed (while steps 9 to 11 are being executed). The processing device 50 reads the crop marks (step 13) and corrects the image (step 14: for example, a process is performed to correct the position of the image in a coordinate system corresponding to the medium 200, and the printing timing is controlled based on the image data after the correction), and then the processing device 50 performs each process of printing the image (step 15) and pulling back the medium 200 (step 16). After completing the processing, the processing device 50 returns a response to the job generating device 100.

[0065] Next, the job generating device 100 of this embodiment transmits the print job (job control command) of the third layer (top layer) to the processing device 50 (step 17). Note that the timing of transmitting the third layer job is not limited to this, and the job of the third layer may be transmitted simultaneously with either or both of the job of the first layer and the job of the second layer, or may be transmitted while the processing for the job of the first layer or the job of the second layer is being executed (while the steps 9 to 16 are being executed). The processing device 50 reads the crop marks (step 18) and corrects the image data (step 19: for example, a process is performed to correct the position of the image in a coordinate system corresponding to the medium 200, and the printing timing is controlled based on the image data after the correction), and then the processing device 50 performs each process of printing the image (step 20) and winding up the medium 200 (step 21). After completing the processing, the processing device 50 returns a response to the job generating device 100.

[0066] (Configuration of job generation device) Next, reference will be made to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the job generation device 100 of this embodiment.

[0067] 5, the job generation device 100 of this embodiment includes a data conversion unit 101, a request reception unit 102, a request processing unit 103, a command assignment unit 104, and a transmission processing unit 105. The configuration of the job generation device 100 shown here is shown by expanding the processes executed by a processor (CPU) possessed by the job generation device 100 into blocks for each function executed by each process. Specifically, the processor (CPU) sequentially reads out programs recorded in, for example, a ROM, and executes the programs using a RAM as a work area, thereby realizing the functions of each block.

[0068] In addition, a display device (corresponding to the display unit 20 in FIG. 1(A)) and an operation device (corresponding to the keyboard 32 and mouse 34 in FIG. 1(A)) are connected to the job generation device 100 as peripheral devices via an internal bus 35.

[0069] The job generation device 100 of this embodiment generates a job that performs multiple overlapping processes on the medium 200 (see FIG. 2(A)). In other words, it is used when performing layer printing (overlapping printing) in which two or more print layers (a concept that includes not only ink layers but also toner layers) are laminated on the medium 200. However, it may also be used when printing and cutting the medium 200. In other words, it may also be used when performing the same or different overlapping processes on the medium 200.

[0070] Therefore, the data conversion unit 101 can convert print data into another format (for example, has a function of performing rasterization processing). Furthermore, the request reception unit 102 can receive a request to group multiple jobs from a user. The request reception unit 102 may receive a request to group multiple jobs including multiple print jobs that print on the medium 200, or may receive a request to group multiple jobs that include a print job that prints on the medium 200 and a cutting job that cuts the medium 200.

[0071] When the request processing unit 103 receives a request to group print jobs of multiple layers, it can group the print jobs of the layers specified by the request and automatically set the printing conditions required for layer printing of the grouped print jobs. Specifically, the request processing unit 103 cooperates with the command providing unit 104, and this is realized by the command providing unit 104 providing a first command (job control command for retracting the medium 200) to retract the medium 200 after processing is completed to jobs other than the final job among the grouped jobs (print jobs for each layer to perform multi-layer printing) and providing a second command (job control command for winding the medium 200) to wind the medium 200 after processing is completed to the final job.

[0072] The transmission processing unit 105 can add a job control command for realizing each grouped print job to the header portion of the print data and output the print data to the processing device 50. The processing procedure of the job generating device 100 of this embodiment will be described later.

[0073] (Configuration of processing equipment) Next, reference is made to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processing device 50 of this embodiment. According to the example of Fig. 6, the processing device 50 of this embodiment includes a mounting table (platen) 51, a winding device 53, a head transport mechanism 55, a heater 57, an ink head 58, and a media transport mechanism 60, all of which are connected to a control device 59. Note that the processing device 50 may be configured as a printer with a cutting head that further includes a cutting head.

[0074] The mounting table 51 mounts the medium 200, and the winding device 53 is used to wind up the medium 200 mounted on the mounting table 51. As described below, the transport of the medium 200 during printing and the retraction of the medium 200 after printing are performed by a media transport mechanism 60. The head transport mechanism 60 moves the ink head 58 and / or the cutting head (not shown) in the main scanning direction X relative to the medium 200, and the media transport mechanism 60 moves the medium 200 in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) relative to the ink head 58 and / or the cutting head (see FIG. 2(a) for the X direction and Y direction). The heater 57 is disposed below the mounting table 51, and generates heat to heat the mounting table 51 and promote drying of the ink discharged onto the medium 200 mounted on the mounting table 51. The ink head 58 discharges ink onto the medium 200 as described with reference to FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B).

[0075] The control device 59 is electrically connected to and controls the winding device 53, the head transport mechanism 55, the media transport mechanism 60, the heater 57, and the ink head 58. The control device 59 includes a main control unit 591, a job acquisition unit 592, a print control unit 593, and a media control unit 594.

[0076] The configuration of the control device 59 shown here is a block diagram of the processes executed by a processing unit 62 (see FIG. 2(B)) of the control device 59, each of which is expanded into blocks for each function executed by each process. Specifically, the CPU (or MPU or MCU) constituting the processing unit 62 sequentially reads out programs recorded in the ROM and executes them using the RAM as a work area, thereby realizing the functions of each block.

[0077] The job acquisition unit 592 can acquire a print job (generated by the job generation device 100) for performing a print process on the medium 200. The print control unit 593 can control the ink head 58 (which may include a cutting head), the head transport mechanism 55, the media transport mechanism 60, and the heater 57, respectively, to execute printing based on the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit 592.

[0078] The media control unit 594 can control the movement of the medium 200 by controlling the media transportation mechanism 60 and the winding device 53. When the media control unit 594 acquires a layer print job in which multiple printed layers are printed on top of each other, the media control unit 594 controls the media transportation mechanism 60 to pull back the medium 200 after printing of layers other than the top layer (first and second layers) is completed, and controls the winding device 53 to wind up the medium 200 after printing of the top layer (third layer) is completed. The media control unit 594 may control the media transportation mechanism 60 and the winding device 53 based on job control commands assigned to the print job.

[0079] The main control unit 591 not only serves as the control center for the processing device 50 of this embodiment to perform multiple processing operations on the medium 200 (multi-layer printing), but also performs sequence control for the job acquisition unit 592, print control unit 593, and media control unit 594 described above.

[0080] (Operation of job generation device) 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure of the job generation device 100 of this embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the job generation device 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0081] 7, when the request receiving unit 102 receives a job (step ST01), the job generating device 100 of this embodiment judges whether or not there is a grouping request (step ST02). If there is a grouping request (step ST02 "YES"), information indicating that there is a grouping request is set as job definition information in a definition file, for example (step ST03). If there is no grouping request (step ST02 "NO"), normal job management is executed (step ST04).

[0082] Next, the request processor 103 executes job grouping processing (step ST05). In the job grouping processing, for example, the request processor 103 executes changes to the definition file etc. accompanying the grouping (including automatic setting of auxiliary information for each job included in the group) and changes to the job list display. Next, the request processor 103 executes job management taking the groups into consideration (step ST06).

[0083] The request processor 103 also determines whether or not there is a print request (step ST07), and if there is no print request (step ST07 "NO"), returns to the job acceptance process in step S01, for example. If there is a print request (step ST07 "YES"), the request processor 103 starts the data converter 101, and the data converter 101 converts the format of the print data (rasterization: RIP processing) (step ST08).

[0084] Next, the request processing unit 103 cooperates with the command providing unit 104 to automatically generate a job control command (including, for example, a print control command and print data after RIP processing) (steps ST09 to ST11). Specifically, the request processing unit 103 starts the command providing unit 104, and if the grouped job (for example, a print job for each layer for multi-layer printing) is other than the last job (job 1, job 2) (step ST09 "NO" "job other than the last job"), the command providing unit 104 provides a first command (job control command for pulling back the medium) for pulling back the medium 200 after processing is completed (step ST10), and if the job is the last job (last job) (step ST09 "YES"), the command providing unit 104 provides a second command (job control command for winding the medium) for winding up the medium 200 after processing is completed (step ST11).

[0085] Next, the transmission processing unit 105 executes a transmission process of adding the generated job control command to the header of the generated print job and transmitting (outputting) the result to the processing device 50 (step ST12).

[0086] As described above, according to the job generation device 100 of this embodiment, when the request receiving unit 102 receives a grouping request, the command granting unit 104 grants a first command to retract the medium 200 to jobs other than the final job, thereby enabling the next processing to be performed in addition, while granting a second command to reel in the medium 200 to the final job, thereby enabling the medium 200 to be stored properly after the final job is completed.

[0087] In this way, when generating a job in which media 200 is processed multiple times, the user only needs to group print jobs of multiple layers, for example, in other words, when the job generation device 100 receives a grouping request, it automatically sets which layer will or will not be subjected to pullback control during multi-layer printing when using the winding device 53. Therefore, when processing multiple grouped print jobs, the job generation device 100 of this embodiment can appropriately control the post-printing operation of each print job, and can obtain a print product consisting of multiple layers while reducing the burden on the user even when using the winding device 53.

[0088] In addition, when an upper printed layer is formed by stacking an upper printed layer on a lower printed layer, the request processing unit 103 not only automatically sets printing conditions for the print job for the lower printed layer such that the medium 200 is returned to a specified position when printing is completed, but also automatically sets printing conditions such as printing crop marks that serve as a guide when performing at least one of correcting the print position and correcting the rotation of the medium 200, and can also automatically set drying conditions when performing a drying process after printing (for example, specifying the drying time when natural drying is performed).

[0089] (Operation of processing equipment) 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure of the processing apparatus 50 of this embodiment. Hereinafter, the processing operations of the processing apparatus 50 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0090] In this embodiment, when the job acquisition unit 592 of the processing device 50 (control device 59) acquires a print job (with a job control command added to the header section) generated and transmitted by the job generation device 100 (step ST21 “YES”), the print control unit 593 determines whether it is a layer print job (step ST22).

[0091] Here, if it is a layer print job (step ST22 "YES"), the print control unit 593 executes print control based on the job control commands assigned to the image (print data) for each layer (step ST23), and if it is not a layer print job (step ST22 "NO"), it executes normal print control based only on the acquired print data (step ST28).

[0092] When the print control unit 593 executes the print control for each layer based on the job control command (step ST23), the media control unit 594 monitors the timing of print completion for each layer (step ST24) under sequence control of the main control unit 591. If the result of the monitoring shows that printing is complete for layers other than the top layer (first and second layers) (step ST25 "NO"), the media control unit 594 controls the media transportation mechanism 60 to execute control of pulling back the media 200 (step ST26), and if printing is complete for the top layer (third layer) (step ST25 "YES"), the media control unit 594 controls the winding device 53 to execute control of winding the media 200 (step ST27).

[0093] As described above, according to the processing device 50 of the present embodiment, when the job acquisition unit 592 acquires a layer print job in which multiple print layers are printed on top of each other, the media control unit 594 controls the media transport mechanism 60 to pull back the media 200 after printing of layers other than the top layer is completed, and controls the winding device 53 to wind up the media 200 after printing of the top layer is completed. In other words, by pulling back the media 200 after printing of layers other than the top layer is completed, the next layer can be printed, and on the other hand, when printing of the top layer is completed, the media 200 is wound up, so that the print product can be stored in a good condition. Therefore, the operation after printing of each print job can be appropriately controlled, and a print product consisting of multiple layers can be obtained while reducing the burden on the user even when using the winding device 53.

[0094] The processing device 50 (an inkjet printer capable of layer printing) is a printing device that is used in combination with the job generating device 100 and is capable of receiving job control commands from the job generating device 100, interpreting (decoding) the commands, and performing layer printing on the medium 200. By combining the job generating device 100 and the processing device 50, a new layer printing system can be constructed.

[0095] (Additional Note) As described above, as shown in FIG. 6, the processing apparatus 50 of the present invention includes a mounting table 51 on which the media 200 (see FIG. 2(A)) is mounted, an ink head 58 that ejects ink onto the media 200, a head transport mechanism 55 that moves the ink head 58 in the main scanning direction relative to the media 200, a media transport mechanism 60 that moves the media 200 in the sub-scanning direction relative to the ink head 58, a winding device 53 that winds up the media 200 mounted on the mounting table 51, and a control device 59 that is electrically connected to the ink head 58, the head transport mechanism 55, the media transport mechanism 60, and the winding device 53 and controls each of them. The control device 59 includes a job acquisition unit 592 that acquires a print job for performing print processing on the medium 200, a print control unit 593 that controls the ink head 58, the head transport mechanism 55, and the media transport mechanism 60 to perform printing based on the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit 592, and a media control unit 594 that controls the media transport mechanism 60 and the winding device 53 to control the movement of the medium 200. When the job acquisition unit 592 acquires a layer print job in which multiple printed layers are printed on top of each other, the media control unit 594 controls the media transport mechanism 60 to pull back the medium 200 after printing of layers other than the top layer is completed, and controls the winding device 53 to wind up the medium 200 after printing of the top layer is completed.

[0096] According to the processing device 50 of the present invention, when the job acquisition unit 592 acquires a layer print job in which multiple print layers are printed on top of each other, the media control unit 594 controls the media transport mechanism 60 to pull back the media 200 after printing of layers other than the top layer is completed, and controls the winding device 53 to wind up the media 200 after printing of the top layer is completed. In other words, by pulling back the media 200 after printing of layers other than the top layer is completed, the next layer can be printed, and on the other hand, the media 200 is wound up when printing of the top layer is completed, so that the print product can be stored in a good condition. Therefore, the operation after printing of each print job can be appropriately controlled, and a print product consisting of multiple layers can be obtained while reducing the burden on the user even when using the winding device 53.

[0097] The processing device 50 (an inkjet printer capable of layer printing) is a printing device that is used in combination with the job generating device 100 and is capable of receiving job control commands from the job generating device 100, interpreting (decoding) the commands, and performing layer printing on the medium 200. By combining the job generating device 100 and the processing device 50, a printing system capable of novel multi-layer printing can be constructed.

[0098] Furthermore, in the processing device 50 of the present invention, the control device 59 (media control unit 594) controls the media transport mechanism 60 and the winding device 53 based on the job control command assigned to the print job. Therefore, in multi-layer printing, the burden of manual settings by the user is eliminated, and, for example, when printing of the first layer image, which is the base layer, is completed, the medium 200 can be pulled back to the printing start position of the first layer image, and then the image of the second layer above can be printed, and the first and second layer images can be superimposed. In this way, the pulling back and winding of the medium 200 by the winding device 53 is controlled based on the job control command assigned to the print job, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0099] The job generation device of the present invention is a job generation device 100 that generates processing jobs in which processing is performed multiple times on a medium 200. The job generation device 100 includes, for example, a request receiving unit 102 that receives a request to group multiple jobs, as shown in Fig. 5, and a command providing unit 104 that provides a first command to retract the medium 200 after processing is completed for jobs other than the final job among the grouped jobs, and provides a second command to wind up the medium after processing is completed for the final job.

[0100] According to the job generation device 100 of the present invention, when the request receiving unit 102 receives a grouping request, the command granting unit 104 grants a first command to retract the medium 200 to jobs other than the final job, thereby allowing the next processing to be performed on top of the other, while granting a second command to rewind the medium to the final job, thereby enabling the medium 200 to be stored properly after the final job is completed.

[0101] In this way, when generating a processing job in which the medium 200 is processed multiple times, the user only needs to group, for example, print jobs (processing jobs) of multiple layers; in other words, upon receiving a grouping request, the job generating device 100 automatically sets which layer will or will not be subjected to pullback control during multi-layer printing when using the winding device 53. Therefore, when processing multiple grouped print jobs, it is possible to appropriately control the post-printing operation of each print job, and it is possible to obtain a multi-layered print product while reducing the burden on the user even when using the winding device 53.

[0102] In addition, when an upper printed layer is formed by stacking an upper printed layer on a lower printed layer, the request processing unit 103 can automatically set printing conditions for the print job for the lower printed layer such that the media is returned to a specified position when printing is completed, as well as automatically set printing conditions such as printing crop marks that serve as a guide when performing at least one of correcting the print position and correcting the rotation of the media 200.Similarly, the request processing unit 103 can automatically set drying conditions (for example, specifying the drying time when natural drying is performed) when a drying process is performed using a heater 57 (see Figure 6) after printing.

[0103] Furthermore, in the job generation device 100 of the present invention, the request receiving unit 102 receives a request to group a plurality of jobs including a plurality of print jobs that print on the medium 200. In other words, the plurality of processing jobs includes a plurality of print jobs that print on the medium 200, and therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the rewinding and winding of the medium 200 during layer printing in which a plurality of printed layers are printed on top of each other.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the job generating device 100 of the present invention, the request receiving unit 102 receives a grouping request for multiple jobs including a print job for printing on the medium 200 and a cutting job for cutting the medium 200. In other words, the multiple processing jobs include a print job for printing on the medium 200 and a cutting job for cutting the medium 200, and therefore, even if the processing device 50 is a printer with a cutting head that performs printing processing and cutting processing, it is possible to appropriately control the retraction and winding of the medium 200 when the winding device 53 is used.

[0105] The job generation method of the present invention is a job generation method for generating processing jobs in which processing is performed multiple times on the medium 200. As shown in Fig. 7, for example, this method includes a request receiving step (see steps ST01 to ST03) for receiving a request to group multiple jobs, and a command providing step (see steps ST05 to ST11) for providing a first command for retracting the medium 200 after processing is completed to jobs other than the final job among the grouped jobs, and for providing a second command for winding up the medium 200 after processing is completed to the final job.

[0106] According to the job generation method of the present invention, when generating a processing job in which media 200 is processed multiple times, the user only needs to group print jobs of multiple layers, for example, in other words, upon receiving a grouping request, the job generation device 100 automatically sets which layer will be subjected to pullback control during multi-layer printing when using the winding device 53 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, when processing multiple grouped print jobs, the post-printing operation of each print job can be appropriately controlled, and a multi-layered print product can be obtained while reducing the burden on the user even when using the winding device 53.

[0107] In addition, the program of the present invention causes a processor of a job generation device 100 that generates processing jobs that perform multiple processes on a medium 200 to execute, for example, a request receiving process (see steps ST01 to ST03) for receiving a request to group multiple jobs, as shown in FIG. 7, and a command assigning process (see steps ST05 to ST11) for assigning a first command to retract the medium after processing is completed to jobs other than the final job among the grouped jobs, and for assigning a second command to wind up the medium 200 after processing is completed to the final job.

[0108] According to the program of the present invention, when generating a processing job in which the medium 200 is processed multiple times, the user only needs to group print jobs of multiple layers, for example, in other words, upon receiving a grouping request, the job generating device 100 automatically sets which layer will or will not be subjected to pullback control during multi-layer printing when using the winding device 53. Therefore, when processing multiple grouped print jobs, it is possible to appropriately control the post-printing operation of each print job, and it is possible to obtain a multi-layered print product while reducing the burden on the user even when using the winding device 53.

[0109] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the above embodiment has been described taking layer printing of three printed layers as an example, but the present invention is not limited to three-layer printing (for example, a case where white is printed on the base, a color ink layer is printed on the upper layer, and a top coat layer is printed on the top), and can also be applied to two-layer or three-layer or more layer printing. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a printing system in which the job generating device 100 and the processing device 50 are connected via the Internet or the like.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art could easily modify the above-described exemplary embodiments to the extent that they fall within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10 host computer, 20 display unit, 32 keyboard, 34 mouse, 42, 44 folder, 50 processing device, 51 placement table, 52 operation panel, 53 winding device, 54 ink cartridge, 55 head transport mechanism, 57 heater, 58 ink head, 59 control device, 60 media transport mechanism, 62 processing unit, 63 memory unit, 64 communication unit, 100 job generation device, 101 data conversion unit, 102 request reception unit, 103 request processing unit, 104 command assignment unit, 105 transmission processing unit, 591 main control unit, 592 job acquisition unit, 593 print control unit, 594 media control unit

Claims

1. a mounting table on which the medium is placed; an ink head that ejects ink onto the medium; a head transport mechanism that moves the ink head in a main scanning direction relative to the medium; a media transport mechanism that moves the medium in a sub-scanning direction relative to the ink head; a winding device that winds up the medium placed on the mounting table; a control device electrically connected to the ink head, the head transport mechanism, the media transport mechanism, and the winding device to control each of them; The control device includes: a job acquisition unit that acquires a print job for performing a print process on the medium; a print control unit that controls the ink head, the head transport mechanism, and the media transport mechanism to perform printing based on the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit; a media control unit that controls the media transport mechanism and the winding device to control the movement of the media; The media control unit includes: When the job acquisition unit acquires a layer print job for printing a plurality of overlapping print layers, after printing of layers other than the top layer is completed, the job acquisition unit controls the media transport mechanism to pull back the media, and after printing of the top layer is completed, the job acquisition unit controls the winding device to wind up the media. Processing equipment.

2. The media control unit includes: The processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control unit configured to control the media transport mechanism and the winding device based on a job control command assigned to the print job.

3. A job generation device that generates a processing job in which processing is performed multiple times on a medium, a request receiving unit that receives a request to group a plurality of jobs; a command assignment unit that assigns a first command to pull back the medium after processing is completed to jobs other than a final job among the grouped jobs, and assigns a second command to take up the medium after processing is completed to the final job; A job generating device comprising:

4. The request receiving unit is 4. The job generating device according to claim 3, further comprising: a grouping request for the modification job including a plurality of print jobs for printing on the medium.

5. The request receiving unit is 4. The job generating device according to claim 3, further comprising a grouping request for the processing jobs including a print job for printing on the medium and a cutting job for cutting the medium.

6. A job generation method for generating a processing job for performing processing on a medium multiple times, comprising the steps of: a request receiving step of receiving a request for grouping a plurality of jobs; a command assignment step of assigning a first command to retract the medium after processing is completed to jobs other than a final job among the grouped jobs, and assigning a second command to wind up the medium after processing is completed to the final job.

7. A processor included in a job generating device that generates a processing job for performing processing on a medium multiple times, a request acceptance process for accepting a request to group a plurality of jobs; A program for executing a command assignment process for assigning a first command to retract the medium after processing is completed to jobs other than the final job among the grouped jobs, and for assigning a second command to wind up the medium after processing is completed to the final job.

Images