Print system, print program, and manufacturing method of printed matter

Abstract

To provide a configuration which supports that a user considers a sorting method to both sides of each image, about a transparent medium printable on both faces of a front face and a rear face.SOLUTION: A print system comprises: a display which presents two or more patterns including a first pattern in which a first image and a second image are printed on the same face side of a transparent medium, and a second pattern in which the first image and the second image are printed on the opposite side of the transparent medium; and a printer which performs print in accordance with the pattern selected by the user among the presented patterns.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing program, and a method for producing printed matter.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it is known to display a preview of an image printed using special ink. Patent Document 1 describes generating and displaying a preview image obtained by overlapping a plurality of image layers included in a printing job, the preview image being in accordance with the overlapping order specified by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding a transparent medium that can be printed on both the front and back sides, a configuration that assists the user in considering how to distribute each image to both sides has been desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A printing system for solving the above problems includes a display that presents a plurality of patterns including a first pattern for printing a first image and a second image on the same side of a transparent medium, and a second pattern for printing the first image and the second image on opposite sides of the transparent medium, and a printer that performs printing according to the pattern selected by the user from the presented patterns.

[0006] A printing program for solving the above problem causes a computer to present on a display multiple patterns including a first pattern for printing a first image and a second image on the same side of a transparent medium and a second pattern for printing the first image and the second image on opposite sides of the transparent medium, and to cause a printer to print according to a pattern selected by a user from among the presented patterns.

[0007] A method for producing printed matter to solve the above problem includes presenting multiple patterns including a first pattern in which a first image and a second image are printed on the same side of a transparent medium, and a second pattern in which the first image and the second image are printed on opposite sides of the transparent medium, and printing according to a pattern selected by a user from among the presented patterns. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system. [Diagram 2] Block diagram of a user terminal. [Diagram 3] Server block diagram. [Figure 4] Printer block diagram. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image created by a user and objects contained in the image. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of a display priority setting process. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution pattern. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern to be adopted. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern to be excluded. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which an object with high display priority includes an object with low display priority. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution pattern. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution pattern. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart of a pattern generation process. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern presentation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Here, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) Printing system configuration: (1-1) User device configuration: (1-2)Server configuration: (1-3) Printer configuration: (2) Pattern presentation process: (3) Other embodiments:

[0010] (1) Printing system configuration: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system includes at least a printer 50 and a user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 functions as a display that presents an allocation pattern of images to be printed on a transparent medium by the printer 50. In this embodiment, the user terminal 10 and the printer 50 are configured to exchange print data and the like via a server 30. In another embodiment, the user terminal 10 and the printer 50 may be configured to directly exchange various data without the server 30, or may be configured to exchange data between the user terminal 10 and the printer 50 via another server or terminal. The number of devices shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the number is not limited. Each may be configured with multiple units.

[0011] These devices can communicate with each other via a network. The network may be in various forms, such as wireless communication or wired communication. In this embodiment, the printing system is used when producing printed matter in response to an order from a customer. In this embodiment, the user terminal 10 is a terminal operated by a user who is a customer. The user terminal 10 is installed, for example, at a storefront of a store that accepts orders for user-original printed matter, and the printer 50 and server 30 are installed, for example, in the backyard of the store. The backyard may be a place connected to the storefront, or may be a place away from the store, such as a printing factory. Also, the user terminal 10 and the printer 50 may be installed in the store, and the server 30 may be installed in a remote location away from the store.

[0012] In this embodiment, a customer designs print data and places an order using a user terminal 10 installed in a store. The print data generated based on the user's design is sent to a server 30. The server 30 manages the progress of printing by the printer 50, etc. The print data is stored in the server 30, and the server 30 sends the print data to the printer 50 to execute printing. In the back yard, a printing worker performs work to have the printer 50 execute printing according to the user's order.

[0013] Regarding the type of printed matter produced to order, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the printed matter is produced by printing on a transparent printing medium (transparent medium) such as an acrylic block or an acrylic panel. Transparent media can be printed on both the front and back. The user can instruct the printing to be done on the front and back of the transparent medium assuming viewing from the front, or can instruct the printing to be done on the front and back of the transparent medium assuming viewing from both sides, but this embodiment assumes the former case.

[0014] Transparent media allows for three-dimensional expression by utilizing its thickness, and multiple patterns are possible, such as printing an image only on the rear surface of the transparent media, printing an image only on the front surface, or distributing and printing an image on both the front and rear surfaces. However, it is not easy for a user to imagine each of these patterns. Therefore, the printing system of this embodiment has a function of presenting these patterns to a user for transparent media that can be printed on both the front and rear surfaces and allowing the user to select a desired pattern.

[0015] (1-1) User device configuration: 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 10. In this embodiment, the user terminal 10 is a terminal that is used by a user to create and edit an image that he or she wishes to print on a transparent medium, have the user terminal 10 present the above-mentioned patterns, and select a desired pattern. The user terminal 10 includes a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, a non-volatile memory 10c, a display unit 10d, and an input unit 10e. The processor 10a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c to control each unit of the user terminal 10 and the printer 50.

[0016] The processor 10a may be configured as a single chip, may be configured as multiple chips, or may be configured as an SoC with various functional blocks. Also, for example, an ASIC may be used instead of a CPU, or a configuration in which a CPU and an ASIC work together may be used. When each device in this embodiment has a processor, the processor can be realized in various forms similar to the processor 10a.

[0017] The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various communication protocols. The user terminal 10 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 10b. The communication unit 10b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the user terminal 10.

[0018] The display unit 10d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 10e is a device that allows the user to perform input operations, and is configured, for example, with a touch panel. In this embodiment, since the user terminal 10 is assumed to be a tablet terminal, the input unit 10e is mainly assumed to be a touch panel, but a keyboard, a mouse, or the like may also be used. In any case, the user can operate the input unit 10e to input the user's intention while visually checking the images and characters displayed on the display unit 10d.

[0019] The processor 10a executes a printing program (not shown). The printing program includes an editing application for creating and editing an image to be printed on a transparent medium. By executing the printing program, the processor 10a realizes a function for allowing a user to create and edit an image to be printed on a transparent medium capable of being printed on both sides. When the user performs an operation to end the creation and editing, the processor 10a generates a pattern for distributing each image (object) included in the image created by the user to both sides of the transparent medium and presents it to the user. The processor 10a then generates print data 10c1 for printing on each side of the transparent medium in the pattern selected by the user, and transmits the print data 10c1 to the printer 50 via the server 30, thereby causing the printer 50 to execute printing based on the print data.

[0020] (1-2)Server configuration: 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 30. The server 30 includes a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, and a non-volatile memory 30c. The processor 30a includes a CPU, RM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c to control each part of the server 30 and each device connected to the network.

[0021] The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The server 30 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 30b. The communication unit 30b may include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the server 30.

[0022] The print data 10c1 sent from the user terminal 10 is recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c of the server 30. The processor 30a sends the print data 10c1 to the printer 50, which executes printing of the print data 10c1, to cause the printer 50 to execute printing. The server 30 also manages the progress of the print job in the printer 50 based on various status information sent from the printer 50.

[0023] (1-3) Printer configuration: 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 50. The printer 50 includes a processor 50a, a communication unit 50b, a non-volatile memory 50c, a printing unit 50d, and a UI unit 50e. The processor 50a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute a control program recorded in the non-volatile memory 50c to control each unit of the printer 50.

[0024] The communication unit 50b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printer 50 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 50b. The communication unit 50b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the printer 50.

[0025] The printing unit 50d prints on various print media handled in the store. The printing unit 50d is equipped with actuators, various devices, sensors, drive circuits, mechanical parts, etc. for printing on print media. The sensors include sensors that detect various detection targets that may change in the printer 50. For example, there are sensors that detect the remaining amount of print media and sensors that detect the remaining amount of ink for each color used for printing.

[0026] The printer 50 can print on transparent media using process color inks, including cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and special color inks, such as clear ink and white ink. The print worker sets one side of the transparent medium in the printer 50 so that it becomes the printing side, causes the printer 50 to execute printing, and after printing, turns the transparent medium over and causes the printer 50 to execute set printing, thereby allowing printing to be performed on both the front and back sides of the transparent medium.

[0027] (2) Pattern presentation process: A user can create and edit an image to be printed on a transparent medium by using an image prepared by the user or an image prepared in advance on the editing application side. Image IM shown in FIG. 5 is an example of an image created by a user. Image IM in this example is created by using Image1, Image2, and Image3. Specifically, Image1 is a landscape image object (sky and mountains) that covers the entire printing surface of the transparent medium, Image2 is an object showing clouds (transparent except for the cloud area), and Image3 is a text object (transparent except for the text area). The cloud object in Image2 and the text object in Image3 are positioned so that they do not interfere with each other. A user can create image IM by first placing Image1 in the editing area of ​​the editing application, and then placing the cloud object in Image2 and the text object in Image3 on Image1 so that they do not interfere with each other. Therefore, Image1 has the lowest display priority among the three images, and Image2 and Image3 have higher display priority than Image1.

[0028] 6 is a flowchart showing the display priority setting process. The display priority setting process is executed when the user places a new object in the editing application. Note that the process of updating the display priority is also executed when the user changes the position of an already placed object and the presence or absence of interference between objects changes, or when the user changes the overlapping order of already placed objects.

[0029] In the display priority setting process, when the user performs an operation to select an image, the processor 10a accepts the selected image (step S100). That is, when the user performs an operation to specify the storage location of the image to be used in the editing application and the file of the image, the processor 10a accepts the selected image. Next, when the user performs an operation to place the image, the processor 10a accepts the placement (step S105). That is, when an object is placed in the image editing area of ​​the editing application, the processor 10a acquires the position where the object is placed (for example, the upper left coordinates of the rectangle circumscribing the object) and the size of the object (the width and height of the rectangle).

[0030] Next, the processor 10a determines whether the minimum rectangles of the arranged image and the set image overlap (step S110). That is, the processor 10a determines whether the rectangle circumscribing the newly arranged object interferes with the rectangle circumscribing the already arranged object. If it is determined in step S110 that they overlap, the processor 10a determines whether the arranged image and the set image overlap on a pixel-by-pixel basis (step S115). That is, the processor 10a determines whether the contours of the objects interfere with each other.

[0031] If it is determined in step S115 that there is an overlap, the processor 10a sets the display priority of the arranged image to the display priority of the overlapping image +1 (step S120). 0 is the lowest display priority value. A larger value indicates a higher display priority. The processor 10a sets the display priority of the arranged image to a number 1 greater than the display priority of the set image determined to overlap in step S115. Note that if there are multiple overlapping set images, a number 1 greater than the display priority of the image with the highest display priority is set as the display priority of the set image.

[0032] If it is determined in step S110 that there is no overlap, or if it is determined in step S115 that there is no overlap, the processor 10a sets the display priority to 0 (step S125).

[0033] After executing step S120 or step S125, the processor 10a adds the placed image to the set image list (step S130). The image list is a list of placed images, and the display priority, placed position, size, etc. are recorded for each object. Therefore, in step S130, the newly placed object is added to the image list together with its display priority, placement coordinates, and size. If the image IM shown in FIG. 5 is created through the above processing, for example, the display priority of Image2 will interfere with Image2 and will be higher than the display priority of Image1, which is lower than Image2, and similarly, the display priority of Image3 will also be higher than the display priority of Image1.

[0034] Transparent media allows for three-dimensional expression by utilizing the thickness of the transparent medium, and the user can select to print objects only on the rear surface of the transparent medium, only on the front surface, or to distribute and print objects on both the front and rear surfaces. However, it is not easy for the user to imagine each of these patterns for an image in which multiple objects are arranged. Therefore, the processor 10a obtains patterns that can be realized by combining object distribution based on the above-mentioned image list set based on the image created by the user, and presents them to the user.

[0035] Consider a case where a user focuses on two objects among multiple objects contained in an image created by the user. The image containing one object is called the first image, and the image containing the other object is called the second image. In this case, the first and second images can be roughly classified into a first pattern in which the first and second images are printed on the same side of a transparent medium, and a second pattern in which the first and second images are printed on opposite sides of the transparent medium. By presenting these patterns to the user, the processor 10a can make the user aware of the allocation pattern of two images (objects) to the front and back sides of a transparent medium when printing on a transparent medium that is printable on both the front and back sides.

[0036] Also, consider a case where a user focuses on three objects among a plurality of objects included in an image created by the user. The image including the third object is called a third image. In this case, the patterns can be roughly classified into a first pattern in which the first image, the second image, and the third image are printed on the same side of the transparent medium, a second pattern in which the first image, the second image, and the third image are printed on the opposite side of the transparent medium, a third pattern in which the first image, the third image, and the second image are printed on the opposite side of the transparent medium, and a fourth pattern in which the third image, the first image, and the second image are printed on the opposite side of the transparent medium. By the processor 10a presenting these patterns to the user, the user can recognize the distribution pattern of three images (objects) on the front and back sides of the transparent medium when printing on a transparent medium that can be printed on both sides.

[0037] These patterns can be further subdivided by distinguishing between the front and rear sides. For example, the first pattern can be further subdivided into a pattern in which all images are printed on the front side and a pattern in which all images are printed on the rear side (images printed on the rear side of the transparent medium in a mirror-imaged manner are viewed from the front side), and in this embodiment, the processor 10a distinguishes between these patterns and presents them to the user.

[0038] In addition, when printing is distributed between the front and back sides, patterns that will result in a printout that contradicts the overlay order of each image (object) specified by the user are excluded, in other words, patterns that do not satisfy the display priority order of each object are excluded, and only patterns that satisfy the display priority order are presented to the user.

[0039] Fig. 7 shows eight patterns for distributing the three objects shown in Fig. 5, and Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are diagrams illustrating and explaining the distribution of each pattern. For example, pattern A is a pattern in which all three objects are printed on the front side, and pattern B is a pattern in which all three objects are printed inverted on the back side. Patterns A and B correspond to the first pattern. Note that pattern A and pattern B differ in that the landscape image, clouds, and text are viewed without the thickness of a transparent medium (pattern A) or viewed through the thickness of a transparent medium (pattern B).

[0040] Patterns C to E are patterns that distribute the three images to the front and back, respectively. Pattern C has the effect of making the clouds and text appear to stand out against the landscape image. Similarly, pattern D has the effect of making only the text appear to stand out against the landscape image and clouds, and pattern E has the effect of making only the clouds appear to stand out against the landscape image and text.

[0041] Patterns A to E are patterns that appear as shown in image IM when a transparent medium on which printing has been performed in this manner is viewed from the front side (that is, the order of display priority is satisfied).

[0042] On the other hand, patterns F to H are patterns that do not appear as shown in image IM when the transparent medium printed in this manner is viewed from the front side (i.e., the order of display priority is not satisfied). Specifically, for example, pattern F is a pattern in which inverted images of Image2 and Image3 are printed on the back side and Image1 is printed on the front side, but when a transparent medium printed in this manner is viewed from the front side, Image2 and Image3 are not visible, and even if viewed from the back side, Image1, Image2, and Image3 are inverted images, so the image is different from image IM. Therefore, the processor 10a presents the remaining patterns by excluding in advance patterns that will result in a print result that contradicts the overlay order of each image (object) specified by the user. If Image1 is the first image, Image2 is the second image, and Image3 is the third image, then Pattern A and Pattern B correspond to the first pattern described above. Pattern C and Pattern F correspond to the second pattern, Pattern E and Pattern H correspond to the third pattern, and Pattern D and Pattern G correspond to the fourth pattern.

[0043] In addition, when an image is created that has an object Image4 as shown in Fig. 10 and an object (Image5) that has a lower display priority than Image4 and is completely contained in the object Image4, the processor 10a presents a pattern that divides both objects into front and back as an expression that utilizes the thickness of a transparent medium. In the example of Fig. 10, the image created by the user may include objects other than Image4 and Image5, but the following explanation focuses on the case where Image4 and Image5 are the focus.

[0044] In this example, Image4 (first image) is specified by the user as a layer (layer with higher display priority) above Image5 (second image). In addition, the printing area (i.e. the area where ink is ejected) of the object in Image4 (first image) includes the printing area of ​​the object in Image5 (second image).

[0045] In this case, there are four allocation patterns, patterns I to L, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. However, among these, the processor 10a excludes the pattern in which Image4 (first image) and Image5 (second image) are printed on the same side from the patterns presented to the user. Specifically, the processor 10a excludes patterns K and L.

[0046] In addition, the processor 10a excludes a pattern in which Image4 (first image) is printed on the rear side of the transparent medium and Image5 (second image) is printed on the front side of the transparent medium (i.e., a pattern that is opposite to the order in which the images are superimposed) from the patterns to be presented to the user. Specifically, the processor 10a excludes pattern J.

[0047] Processor 10a presents to the user the remaining patterns after excluding these excluded patterns, in which Image4 (first image) is printed on the front side of the transparent medium and Image5 (second image) is printed on the rear side of the transparent medium. Specifically, processor 10a presents pattern I to the user. Pattern I is a pattern in which the overlay order of the images does not contradict the user's designation, and two objects are printed separately on the front and rear sides. Note that if Image4 is the first image and Image5 is the second image, then pattern K and pattern L correspond to the first pattern, and pattern I and pattern J correspond to the second pattern.

[0048] By presenting pattern L remaining after removing the excluded pattern in this way, the user can select a printing pattern in which the second image is hidden by the first image and cannot be seen when the front surface of the transparent medium is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the transparent medium, but the second image printed on the rear surface can be seen through the thickness of the transparent medium when the transparent medium is viewed from a direction slightly tilted from the direction perpendicular to the front surface, as shown in Fig. 13. In addition, as shown in Fig. 11, it is possible to prevent the user from selecting patterns in which the second image is not visible because it is printed on the same surface (pattern K, pattern L) and patterns that result in a printout that goes against the stacking order specified by the user (pattern J).

[0049] Next, the pattern generation process for generating the above-mentioned patterns will be described with reference to FIG. 14. The pattern generation process is started when the user finishes creating and editing an image. When the pattern generation process is started, the processor 10a first acquires all patterns (step S200). That is, the processor 10a acquires 2 patterns when the number of images registered in the image list is M (M is a natural number). M Specifically, for example, when three images exist as in the example of Fig. 5, eight patterns, patterns A to H shown in Figs.

[0050] Next, the processor 10a performs the processes of steps S205 to S230 for each of all patterns obtained in step S200 to determine whether or not the pattern is appropriate as a pattern to be proposed to the user, and excludes patterns that are determined to be inappropriate from those to be proposed.

[0051] The processor 10a extracts one of the unprocessed patterns as a pattern to be processed, and performs the processes of steps S205 to S230. In step S210, it is determined whether the pattern to be processed satisfies the order of display priority (step S210). That is, when there are interfering objects in the pattern to be processed, and the object with the higher display priority among the two interfering objects is assigned to the rear and the object with the lower display priority is assigned to the front, the processor 10a determines that the order of display priority is not satisfied (contrary to the overlapping order). In other cases, the processor 10a determines that the order of display priority is satisfied. Specifically, for example, the processor 10a determines that the patterns A to E shown in FIG. 8 satisfy the order of display priority (contrary to the overlapping order), and does not determine that the patterns F to H shown in FIG. 9 satisfy the order of display priority (contrary to the overlapping order).

[0052] If it is determined in step S210 that the order of display priority is not satisfied, the processor 10a discards the pattern to be processed (step S225), i.e., the pattern to be processed is excluded from the patterns to be presented to the user.

[0053] If it is determined in step S210 that the order of priority is satisfied, the processor 10a determines whether or not there is a high-priority image that entirely overlaps the low-priority image (step S215). The processor 10a determines whether or not there are objects that have the relationship as described with reference to FIG. 10, for example.

[0054] If it is determined in step S215 that there is, the processor 10a determines whether the pattern to be processed is a pattern in which an image with a low display priority is arranged in the back and an image with a high display priority is arranged in the front (step S220). For example, the processor 10a determines whether the pattern to be processed is pattern I, not patterns K or L, among the patterns shown in Figs. 11 and 12. If the pattern to be processed is pattern J, the determination in step S210 is N. If there are two or more combinations in which an image with a high priority overlaps an image with a low priority, and at least one of those combinations satisfies the condition of S220, the processor 10a determines Y in step S220.

[0055] In step S220, if it is not determined that the pattern to be processed has a lower priority image in the rear and a higher priority image in the foreground, the processor 10a discards the pattern to be processed (step S225), i.e., the pattern to be processed is excluded from the patterns to be presented to the user.

[0056] If the result of the judgment in step S220 is Y or if the result of the judgment in step S215 is N, the processor 10a does not discard the pattern to be processed (i.e., it is the pattern to be presented). If the processing of all patterns has not been completed, the processor 10a returns to step S210, and if the processing of all patterns has been completed, the processor 10a ends the pattern generation processing.

[0057] Incidentally, when printing an image created by a user on a transparent medium, it is possible to perform printing using white ink as a base for areas printed with process color inks in order to improve color development, or to perform printing using clear ink on top of areas printed with process color inks in order to create a glossy appearance. Therefore, for each pattern, if layers using these special color inks can be printed, the processor 10a also presents that these layers can be printed.

[0058] In this embodiment, the processor 10a considers that a clear ink layer can be printed when one or more objects are distributed on the printing surface using process color inks. Since the transparent medium itself has a glossy feel and there is no need to print with clear ink on the surface on which no object is printed, the processor 10a does not allow printing with clear ink on the surface on which no one or more objects are distributed. For example, the rear surface of pattern A in FIG. 7 and the front surface of pattern B correspond to this case. Note that, when viewing from the front as in this embodiment, the clear ink layer after printing the color layer may be considered unnecessary and may be configured to be impossible in patterns in which a color layer is printed on the rear surface using process color inks as in patterns B to E, or may be configured to be selectable as shown in FIG. 15, although this is less necessary. Note that, when producing a printed matter that is intended to be viewed from both the front and rear, it is useful to configure the pattern in which a color layer is printed on the rear surface to be able to select printing of a clear ink layer on the rear surface after printing the color layer in order to impart a glossy feel when viewed from the rear.

[0059] Regarding white ink, the processor 10a allows printing with white ink as a base for a printing surface to which one or more objects are assigned. The processor 10a also allows printing with white ink as a base for a back surface to which no objects are assigned, such as the back surface of pattern A in the example of Fig. 7. When no objects are assigned to the front surface, such as pattern B, the processor 10a does not allow printing with white ink on the front surface. In this manner, the processor 10a further subdivides the pattern, including the special color ink layer.

[0060] Fig. 15 shows an example of a screen that presents selectable patterns to the user and is displayed on the display unit 10d of the user terminal 10. The processor 10a displays a radio button for each pattern so that the user can select one of the presented patterns. The processor 10a displays a print preview of the images assigned to each of the front and back sides for each pattern. By presenting the patterns together with the print preview, the user can recognize the print result for each pattern when that pattern is selected. Furthermore, the processor 10a displays check boxes for the selected pattern so that the clear ink layer and the white ink layer can be selected for both the front and back surfaces. For example, in the case of the image IM in Fig. 5, in addition to the first image, second image, and third image, an image of a clear ink layer and an image of a white ink layer can be created. Note that, for example, if the spot color ink layer cannot be printed, such as the front surface of pattern B, the processor 10a displays the check box in gray so that the user cannot select it.

[0061] By displaying a screen such as that shown in Fig. 15 and presenting patterns that the user can select, the processor 10a allows the user to recognize patterns for distributing images to both sides of a transparent medium when printing on a transparent medium that can be printed on both the front and back sides. By also displaying a check box for whether or not to print using spot color ink, the user can recognize selectable patterns, including images printed with spot color ink (white ink and clear ink). When the user selects one of the presented patterns (including the presence or absence of a white ink layer or clear ink layer) and performs an operation to instruct printing, the processor 10a generates print data 10c1 for printing in the selected pattern.

[0062] When the user selects to use spot color inks such as white ink and clear ink, the processor 10a automatically generates images of the spot color ink layers of white ink and clear ink as images of the same shape as the printing area of ​​the object to be placed on the printing surface. For example, in the case of the front surface of pattern A in Fig. 8, the processor 10a generates a rectangular image of the same shape as Image1 (landscape image of mountains and sky) as the image of the white ink layer and the clear ink layer. Also, for example, in the case of the front surface of pattern C, the processor 10a generates an image of a shape that combines Image2 (clouds) and Image3 (text) as the image of the white ink layer and the clear ink layer, and in the case of the rear surface of pattern C, generates a rectangular image of the same shape as the landscape image of Image1 as the image of the white ink layer and the clear ink layer.

[0063] In this way, the image of the spot color ink layer is not an image prepared by the user, but is generated in response to an image created by the user by the processor 10a (printing system) executing the editing application.

[0064] Then, based on the pattern selected by the user, the processor 10a generates print data 10c1 that defines the image of each layer (including the special color ink layer if special color ink is used) to be printed on each of the front and back surfaces and the overlapping order, and transmits the print data 10c1 to the server 30. For example, in the case of pattern C, from the top of the front surface, the print data 10c1 defines the overlapping order as follows, starting from the top layer, if clear ink is selected, the clear ink layer, the color layer made of process color ink, the white ink layer if white ink is selected, the color layer made of process color ink, the white ink layer if white ink is selected, (the clear ink layer if clear ink is selected), and transmits the print data 10c1 to the server 30. The server 30 transmits the print data 10c1 to the printer 50 that performs printing based on the print data 10c1, and causes the printer 50 to execute printing.

[0065] (3) Other embodiments: The above embodiment is an example for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can be adopted. For example, the user terminal does not have to be a terminal prepared by the store, but may be a terminal owned by the user. The user terminal is not limited to being used in a store, but may be used at the user's home or various other places.

[0066] The device that functions as a display that shows the distribution pattern of the image to be printed on the transparent medium on both sides may be a device other than the terminal operated by the user who ordered the printout. For example, it may be a terminal in the store that is operated by the store staff when confirming the order details with the user, or it may be a terminal that is operated by the printing operator working in the back yard.

[0067] The pattern presentation may be in various forms, for example, the pattern may be expressed in words, or the pattern may be presented together with a print preview of the case where each pattern is printed. The print preview may be expressed in 2D as in the above embodiment. That is, the print preview of the assigned image may be displayed for each of the front and rear surfaces. Alternatively, the image assigned to the front surface and the image assigned to the rear surface may be superimposed and displayed as one 2D image (for example, IM in FIG. 5). In this case, the image assigned to the rear surface may be displayed by superimposing a pattern showing the glossiness of the transparent medium itself, such as pattern B in FIG. 8, in order to reproduce the appearance of viewing through a transparent medium. The preview may also be expressed in 3D, for example, as shown in FIG. 13. That is, the assigned images may be displayed by mapping them on the front and rear surfaces of a model of the 3D shape of the transparent medium. By presenting the pattern together with a print preview of the case where each pattern is printed in this way, the user can recognize the print result of each pattern when the pattern is selected.

[0068] When the user focuses on two objects among the multiple objects included in the image created by the user, the first and second patterns may all be presented without excluding the above-mentioned excluded pattern. Also, when the user focuses on three objects among the multiple objects included in the image created by the user, the first to fourth patterns may all be presented without excluding the above-mentioned excluded pattern. In this case, the print preview may be displayed together with the print preview to allow the user to confirm whether the finished product is as intended. This may lead to the user realizing that the finished product is unexpectedly good, even though the user did not intend it.

[0069] The spot color ink may include a metallic ink. In other words, a layer printed with metallic ink may be included. When an image created by a user includes a metallic color, the system may be configured to present the user with the option of whether or not to use metallic ink (if not, reproduce with process color ink). In this case, the user can be made aware of selectable patterns, including images printed with metallic ink. When the use of metallic ink is selected, the printing system may be configured to generate an image using metallic ink.

[0070] The images of each layer constituting the pattern may include images automatically generated by the printing system. That is, as described above, the image using the special color ink may be configured to be generated based on an image created by the user. In addition, the user may create an image using preset images such as characters, decorative characters, frames, stamps, and image materials of each font, and in this case, these preset images correspond to images automatically generated by the printing system. For example, the cloud object in Image2 may be image material prepared in advance on the editing application side. The character object in Image3 may be an object created using characters of a font prepared in advance on the editing application side. By configuring in this way, the user can recognize selectable patterns including images generated by the printing system based on data prepared in advance by the printing system other than images prepared by the user.

[0071] In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 15, the pattern selected by the radio button is presented so that the presence or absence of a spot color ink layer can be selected by a check box, but a configuration may be adopted in which patterns including the presence or absence of a spot color ink layer are presented in parallel and one of the patterns is selected. For example, in the example of Fig. 7, a combination in which a clear ink layer is printed on the front side of pattern A but not printed with white ink, and a combination in which a clear ink layer is not printed on the rear side but printed with white ink, is pattern A1, and a combination in which both a clear ink layer and a white ink layer are printed on the front side of pattern A and a combination in which a clear ink layer is not printed on the rear side but printed with white ink, is pattern A2, and all combinations may be presented in parallel. In this case, the spot color ink layer can be considered to be on the same level as any layer (e.g., Image1, Image2, Image3, etc. in Fig. 5) included in the image created by the user. If the spot color ink layer is the second image and any layer of non-spot color ink (e.g., Image 1, Image 2, or Image 3 in FIG. 5) is the first image, then this is equivalent to presenting multiple patterns including a first pattern in which the first image and the second image are printed on the same side, and a second pattern in which the first image and the second image are printed on opposite sides. Even if the spot color ink layer is further subdivided and the second image is a white ink layer or a metallic ink layer, if they are treated in the same manner as above, this is equivalent to presenting multiple patterns including the first pattern and the second pattern in the same manner as above.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a transparent medium capable of being printed on both the front and back sides was assumed to be viewed from the front, but it may of course be assumed to be viewed from both sides. For example, as in the example shown in Fig. 10, when an image with a high display priority completely overlaps an image with a low display priority, it is possible to produce a printed matter that is assumed to be viewed from both the front and back sides by distributing the printing to the front and back sides as shown in Fig. 13.

[0073] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied as a program or method executed by a computer. For example, the present invention can also be applied as a printing program that causes a computer to present on a display a plurality of patterns including a first pattern for printing a first image and a second image on the same side of a transparent medium and a second pattern for printing the first image and the second image on the opposite sides of the transparent medium, and causes a printer to print according to a pattern selected by a user from among the presented patterns. The present invention can also be applied as an invention of a method for producing a printed matter, which includes presenting a plurality of patterns including a first pattern for printing a first image and a second image on the same side of a transparent medium and a second pattern for printing the first image and the second image on the opposite sides of the transparent medium, and printing according to a pattern selected by a user from among the presented patterns.

[0074] The above-mentioned system, program, and method may be realized as a single device or may be realized by using components of multiple devices, and include various aspects. In addition, they can be modified as appropriate, such as being partly software and partly hardware. Furthermore, the invention can also be established as a recording medium for a program that controls the system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and any recording medium developed in the future can be considered in the same way. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10...user terminal, 10a...processor, 10b...communication unit, 10c...non-volatile memory, 10c1...print data, 10d...display unit, 10e...input unit, 30...server, 30a...processor, 30b...communication unit, 30c...non-volatile memory, 50...printer, 50a...processor, 50b...communication unit, 50c...non-volatile memory, 50d...printing unit, 50e...UI unit

Claims

1. a display that presents a plurality of patterns including a first pattern in which a first image and a second image are printed on the same side of a transparent medium, and a second pattern in which the first image and the second image are printed on opposite sides of the transparent medium; a printer that prints according to a pattern selected by a user from among the presented patterns; A printing system comprising:

2. The display comprises: a first pattern for printing the first image, the second image, and the third image on the same side of the transparent medium; a second pattern for printing the first image, the second image, and the third image on opposite sides of the transparent medium; a third pattern for printing the first image, the third image, and the second image on opposite sides of the transparent medium; a fourth pattern in which the third image, the first image, and the second image are printed on opposite sides of the transparent medium; Present multiple patterns including The printing system of claim 1 .

3. The display presents the multiple patterns while excluding patterns that will result in a printout contrary to the overlay order of the images designated by the user. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display comprises: When the user specifies that the first image is a layer above the second image, and the printing area of ​​the first image includes the printing area of ​​the second image, A pattern in which the first image and the second image are printed on the same side; a pattern in which the first image is printed on a rear surface of the transparent medium and the second image is printed on a front surface of the transparent medium; Excluding, providing a pattern in which the first image is printed on a front side of the transparent medium and the second image is printed on a rear side of the transparent medium; The printing system of claim 1 .

5. The display presents each pattern together with a print preview of what it would look like if printed. The printing system of claim 1 .

6. At least one of the first image and the second image is generated by a printing system. The printing system of claim 1 .

7. At least one of the first image and the second image is an image printed with a special color ink. The printing system according to claim 6.

8. At least one of the first image and the second image is an image printed with white ink, metallic ink, or clear ink. The printing system according to claim 7 .

9. On the computer, presenting a plurality of patterns on a display, the plurality of patterns including a first pattern in which a first image and a second image are printed on the same side of a transparent medium, and a second pattern in which the first image and the second image are printed on opposite sides of the transparent medium, A printing program that realizes the function of making a printer print according to the pattern selected by the user from among the presented patterns.

10. Present a plurality of patterns including a first pattern in which a first image and a second image are printed on the same side of a transparent medium, and a second pattern in which the first image and the second image are printed on opposite sides of the transparent medium, Printing is performed according to a pattern selected by the user from among the presented patterns. A method for producing printed matter comprising:

Images