Information processor and information processing method

Abstract

To facilitated adjustment of an amount of a treatment liquid according to temperature and humidity, while reflecting past setting of a user for the amount of the treatment liquid.SOLUTION: An information processor has a reception part, a job history recording part, a table creation part, and a determination part. The reception part receives environment data indicating at least one of temperature and humidity. The job history recording part records a printing job history including the environment data during execution of a printing job, and setting data used in setting of the amount of a treatment liquid during the execution of the printing job. The table creation part creates a table indicating a relation between the environment data and the setting data, on the basis of the printing job history. The determination part determines the recommended setting data according to the environment data, on the basis of the table, before the execution of the printing job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet printer that discharges a treatment liquid for fixing ink onto a medium. Patent Document 1 also describes adjusting the amount of the treatment liquid based on environmental information (temperature and humidity).

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is desirable that the amount of the treatment liquid discharged onto the medium can be set according to the user's request. However, it is inconvenient if the user needs to adjust the amount of the treatment liquid according to the temperature and humidity every time printing is performed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to facilitate adjustment of the amount of the treatment liquid according to temperature and humidity while reflecting the user's past settings for the amount of the treatment liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a reception unit that receives environmental data indicating at least one of temperature and humidity, a job history recording unit that records a print job history including the environmental data at the time of execution of the print job and setting data used for setting the amount of the treatment liquid at the time of execution of the print job, A table creation unit that creates a table showing the relationship between the environmental data and the setting data based on the print job history; Before executing a print job, a determination unit that determines the recommended setting data based on the table according to the environmental data; It is an information processing apparatus including these.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description in this specification.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, while reflecting the user's past settings for the amount of processing liquid, it facilitates adjustment of the amount of processing liquid according to temperature and humidity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] ===EMBODIMENT=== <OVERALL CONFIGURATION> FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overall configuration of the printing system 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printing system 100. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the head unit 30.

[0011] The printing system 100 is a system that performs printing on a medium M. The printing system 100 includes a printing apparatus 1 and an information processing apparatus 50. However, the printing system 100 may be configured by the printing apparatus 1 alone by the printing apparatus 1 realizing the functions performed by the information processing apparatus 50. Also, a part of the functions of the information processing apparatus 50 described later may be realized by the printing apparatus 1.

[0012] The printing device 1 is a device for performing printing on the medium M. Here, the printing device 1 is an inkjet printer. The medium M is a member to be printed (printing medium). The medium M in the figure is a long strip-shaped sheet member (e.g., roll paper), but the medium M may also be a single-sheet paper or a member other than paper (e.g., film). The printing device 1 includes a carriage unit 10, a conveyance unit 20, a head unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0013] The carriage unit 10 moves the carriage 11 in the scanning direction. The carriage unit 10 includes a carriage 11 and a carriage motor 12. The carriage 11 mounts the head and is configured to be movable in the scanning direction. The carriage motor 12 is a drive source for moving the carriage 11. The control unit 40 controls the movement of the carriage 11 by controlling the carriage motor 12.

[0014] The conveyance unit 20 conveys the medium M. The conveyance unit 20 includes a conveyance member 21 and a conveyance motor 22. The conveyance member 21 is a member that conveys the medium M by rotating, such as a conveyance roller for example. The conveyance motor 22 is a drive source for rotating the conveyance member 21. The control unit 40 controls the conveyance of the medium M by controlling the conveyance motor 22.

[0015] The head unit 30 is a unit for discharging a liquid (ink or treatment liquid) onto the medium M. The head unit 30 shown in FIG. 3 includes an ink head 31 and a treatment liquid head 33.

[0016] The ink head 31 is a head having a plurality of nozzles (ink nozzles) for discharging ink. The ink is a liquid for forming dots (ink dots) that constitute an image to be printed on the medium M on the medium M. The ink is sometimes called a color ink, a process ink, or the like. The ink head 31 has a plurality of nozzle rows (ink nozzle rows 32) arranged side by side in the scanning direction. The ink head 31 in the figure has four-color ink nozzle rows 32 (black nozzle row, cyan nozzle row, magenta nozzle row, and yellow nozzle row). Note that the color of the ink is not limited to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

[0017] The processing liquid head 33 is a head having a plurality of nozzles (processing liquid nozzles) for discharging the processing liquid. The processing liquid is sometimes called a base agent, an optimizer, a pretreatment agent, a conditioner, a clear ink, a special ink, a primer ink, or the like. The processing liquid may be, for example, a liquid that thickens the ink or aggregates and insolubilizes the coloring material to fix the ink on the medium M. Here, the processing liquid is a transparent liquid. However, the processing liquid does not have to be transparent. The processing liquid head 33 has a plurality of nozzle rows (processing liquid nozzle rows 34). The plurality of processing liquid nozzle rows 34 are arranged side by side in the scanning direction.

[0018] Note that the head unit 30 does not have to include two heads. For example, an ink nozzle row 32 and a processing liquid nozzle row 34 may be provided in one head.

[0019] The control unit 40 controls the printing apparatus 1. The control unit 40 controls each part of the printing apparatus 1 (the carriage unit 10, the conveyance unit 20, the head unit 30, etc.) according to a command code from the information processing apparatus 50.

[0020] The information processing apparatus 50 controls the printing apparatus 1. The information processing apparatus 50 creates a command code for controlling the printing apparatus 1 and transmits the command code to the printing apparatus 1. The information processing apparatus 50 causes the printing apparatus 1 to perform printing through the command code. The information processing device 50 is here configured as a general-purpose personal computer. As hardware, the information processing device 50 has an arithmetic processing unit (not shown), a storage device, and a communication device. The arithmetic processing unit is configured by, for example, a CPU or the like. The storage device is configured by, for example, a main storage device such as a RAM and an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or an SSD. By the arithmetic processing unit executing the programs stored in the storage device, various functions described later are realized. The communication device is configured by, for example, a communication module and communicates with the printing device 1. The communication device transmits command codes to the printing device 1 or receives signals from the printing device 1, for example. The information processing device 50 has a display device 71 and an input device 72. The information processing device 50 will display various screens described later on the display device 71. Also, the information processing device 50 will acquire the information input by the input device 72.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 50 has an information processing unit 51 and a storage unit 61. The information processing unit 51 has a function of generating command codes for controlling the printing device 1. The information processing unit 51 is realized by the information processing device 50 (computer) executing a control program for controlling the printing device 1. The storage unit 61 stores various data. The storage unit 61 is configured by the storage device provided in the information processing device 50 (computer). As will be described later, a print job history 62 and a table 63 are stored in the storage unit 61.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing unit 51 has an acquisition unit 52 and a command unit 53.

[0023] The acquisition unit 52 acquires a print job. Also, the acquisition unit 52 will acquire the setting data set in the print job. The setting data is data indicating setting information at the time of printing (type of medium M, print quality, print area, etc.).

[0024] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a management screen 80 displayed on the display device 71. The management screen 80 has a job display area 81 and an information display area 82. The acquisition unit 52 will cause the management screen 80 shown in FIG. 4 to be displayed on the display device 71.

[0025] The job display area 81 is an area for displaying print jobs. In the job display area 81, there are provided an execution list 811 for displaying print jobs that the printing device 1 is currently executing printing, a code processing list 812 for displaying print jobs in which command codes are being generated, a registration list 813 for registering print jobs, and the like. For example, when an operator registers image data to be printed, the print job corresponding to the image data is displayed in the registration list 813. Here, the operator registers image data in PDF format named "ABC.pdf", and as a result, a print job with the job name "ABC.pdf" is registered in the registration list 813. Note that the job name of the print job does not have to be the same as the file name of the image data. The acquisition unit 52 will acquire the print jobs registered in the registration list 813.

[0026] The information display area 82 is an area for displaying various information of print jobs. When an operator selects a job from the registration list 813, the various information set for the selected print job will be displayed in the information display area 82.

[0027] In the job display area 81, there are provided a setting button 81A, an execution button 81B, and the like. When an operator selects a job in the registration list 813 and presses the setting button 81A, various settings of the print job can be performed.

[0028] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a setting screen. The acquisition unit 52 will cause the setting screen shown in FIG. 5 to be displayed on the display device 71.

[0029] The setting screen in the figure is a screen for setting the level value used for setting the amount of the processing liquid. The level value is one of the setting data and is a parameter for setting the amount of the processing liquid. When the level value is zero, the amount of the processing liquid during printing is adjusted so that the ratio of the amount of the processing liquid to the amount of ink ejected (or the total amount of ejection) becomes the reference value. When the level value is set to a positive value, it is adjusted so that the amount of the processing liquid becomes larger than when the level value is zero. Also, as the absolute value of the positive level value becomes larger, the amount of the processing liquid is adjusted to be larger. When the level value is set to a negative value, it is adjusted so that the amount of the processing liquid becomes smaller than when the level value is zero. Also, as the absolute value of the negative level value becomes larger, the amount of the processing liquid is adjusted to be smaller. Here, the level value can be set in the range of -5 to +5, but the settable range is not limited to this. Also, here, the level value is used as the setting data for setting the amount of the processing liquid, but the setting data for setting the amount of the processing liquid is not limited to the level value, and may be something called an adjustment value or a correction value, or may directly set the amount of the processing liquid (unit: picoliter). The operator will set the level value by inputting a numerical value into the input field of the setting screen using the input device 72, or by operating the slider on the setting screen using the input device 72. Note that the setting screen does not necessarily have to have two types of input methods (input field and slider). Also, the input method on the setting screen is not limited to the input field or the slider. Also, instead of having the operator input a numerical value, a setting screen that allows the operator to select from options such as "a lot", "a little more", "standard", "a little less", and "less" may be used. When the save button on the setting screen is pressed, the acquisition unit 52 will acquire the level value for adjusting the amount of the processing liquid.

[0030] Note that the level value is set to the recommended value described later at the initial setting before the operator sets it. When the acquisition unit 52 first displays the setting screen shown in FIG. 5, the level value indicating the recommended value described later is displayed. The recommended value will be described later.

[0031] The acquisition unit 52 can cause the display device 71 to display not only a setting screen for setting a level value for adjusting the amount of the processing liquid but also a setting screen for setting other setting items (such as print quality, etc.). Further, the acquisition unit 52 acquires the information input by the operator on the setting screen as setting data corresponding to each setting item. For this reason, the acquisition unit 52 also acquires the level value set on the setting screen shown in FIG. 5 as setting data.

[0032] The command unit 53 generates a command code corresponding to a print job. For example, when the operator selects a print job in the registration list 813 and presses the execute button 81B, the command unit 53 generates a command code corresponding to the selected print job and transmits the generated command code to the printing apparatus 1. The command code includes a code for controlling the movement of the carriage 11 during printing, a code for controlling the ejection of ink from the ink head 31 during printing, a code for controlling the ejection of the processing liquid from the processing liquid head 33 during printing, a code for controlling the conveyance of the medium M during printing, and the like. The printing apparatus 1 controls each part of the printing apparatus 1 according to the received command code and performs printing corresponding to the print job. Note that the command unit 53 generates a code for controlling the ejection of the processing liquid from the processing liquid head 33 during printing so that more processing liquid is ejected in an area where more ink is applied.

[0033] The command unit 53 generates a command code corresponding to a print job based on the setting data set in the print job. For example, when the level value for adjusting the amount of the processing liquid is set to “+2”, a command code (particularly, a code for controlling the ejection of the processing liquid from the processing liquid head 33 during printing) is generated so that more processing liquid is ejected compared to the case where the level value is zero.

[0034] The information processing unit 51 of the present embodiment includes a reception unit 54, a job history recording unit 55, a table creation unit 56, and a determination unit 57 (see FIG. 2).

[0035] The reception unit 54 receives environmental data from the environmental sensor 74. The environmental sensor 74 is a sensor that measures at least one of temperature and humidity and outputs environmental data as the measurement result. The environmental sensor 74 is, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a composite sensor having the functions of both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The environmental data is data indicating at least one of temperature and humidity, and is data indicating the measurement result of the environmental sensor 74.

[0036] Note that the environmental sensor 74 is installed in the room where the printing apparatus 1 is installed. The reception unit 54 will receive the environmental data output by the environmental sensor 74 via the communication device of the information processing apparatus 50. Note that the environmental sensor 74 may be arranged separately from the printing apparatus 1 or may be installed in the printing apparatus 1. Also, as will be described later, a plurality of environmental sensors 74 are installed, and the reception unit 54 may receive environmental data from each of the plurality of environmental sensors 74.

[0037] The job history recording unit 55 records the print job history 62 in the storage unit 61. The storage unit 61 will store the print job history 62.

[0038] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the print job history 62.

[0039] The print job history 62 is information indicating the history of executed print jobs. Each time a print job is executed, the job history recording unit 55 accumulates information regarding the executed print job in the print job history 62. In the print job history 62, data indicating a history number, a job name, humidity, and a level value are associated and stored for each print job. The history number indicates the execution order of the print job. Note that, as information indicating the execution order of the print job, instead of the history number, the execution date and time of the print job may be recorded. The job name indicates the name of the print job. The humidity indicates the humidity data received by the reception unit 54 from the environment sensor 74 at the time of executing the print job. Note that the environmental data included in the print job history 62 is not limited to the humidity data, and may be temperature data or both humidity and temperature data. The level value is the setting data (see FIG. 5) used for setting the amount of the processing liquid at the time of executing the print job.

[0040] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram supplementing the print job history 62.

[0041] In the history numbers #1 to #12 of the print job history 62, it is recorded that the common image data "ABC.pdf" was executed 12 times repeatedly. In the following description, a print job in which such common image data is continuously executed may be referred to as a "common print job group". Note that the six print jobs (the common image data is "DEF.pdf") in the history numbers #13 to #18 also form a common print job group.

[0042] By the way, when mass-producing printed matter, a print job for printing common image data is repeatedly executed. Also, when mass-producing printed matter, an operator may perform a test print before mass production. In the test print, a plurality of print jobs with different setting data are executed for adjusting the setting data, and the operator checks the plurality of printed matters subjected to the test print. Then, the operator selects an optimal printed matter from the plurality of printed matters subjected to the test print, adopts the setting data set in the print job when the selected printed matter was printed, and starts mass production of the printed matter.

[0043] In the case of the print job history 62 shown in FIG. 7, among the common print job groups of history numbers #1 to #12 of the print job history 62, for the three print jobs of history numbers #1 to #3 (the first half of the common print job group), the level values (one of the setting data) are different from each other. Therefore, the three print jobs of history numbers #1 to #3 can be considered as print jobs during test printing. Also, for the nine print jobs of history numbers #4 to #12 (the second half of the common print job group), the level values are the same. Therefore, the nine print jobs of history numbers #4 to #12 can be considered as print jobs during mass production. Also, since the level value of the nine print jobs of history numbers #4 to #12 (print jobs during mass production) is “+1” and the level value of the print job of history number #2 among the print jobs of history numbers #1 to #3 (print jobs during test printing) is “+1”, it is considered that the printed matter by the print job of history number #2 among the three printed matters subjected to test printing was the most optimal.

[0044] Similarly, among the common print job group of history numbers #13 to #18 of the print job history 62, the three print jobs of history numbers #13 to #15 (the first half of the common print job group) have different level values (one of the setting data) from each other and can be considered as print jobs during test printing. Also, since the level value of the three print jobs of history numbers #16 to #18 (print jobs during mass production) is “+2” and the level value of the print job of history number #14 among the print jobs of history numbers #13 to #15 (print jobs during test printing) is “+2”, it is considered that the printed matter by the print job of history number #14 was the most optimal during test printing.

[0045] The table creation unit 56 to be described next will collect information on the optimal level value (setting data) with respect to the environment (temperature and humidity) by utilizing the above points.

[0046] The table creation unit 56 creates a table 63 showing the relationship between the environmental data and the setting data (here, the level value) based on the print job history 62. As will be described later, the table 63 is used when determining the recommended setting data.

[0047] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the processing flow of the table creation unit 56.

[0048] First, the table creation unit 56 identifies a common print job group consisting of print jobs that print common image data executed continuously from the print job history 62 (S001). In the case of the print job history 62 shown in FIG. 6 (or FIG. 7), the table creation unit 56 identifies, as the common print job group, a common print job group consisting of 12 print jobs with history numbers #1 to #12, or a common print job group consisting of 6 print jobs with history numbers #13 to #18.

[0049] Next, the table creation unit 56 identifies the first print job among a plurality of print jobs associated with a common level value in the common print job group (S002). For example, when a common print job group consisting of 12 print jobs with history numbers #1 to #12 is identified in S001, since the level value "+1" is common among the plurality of jobs, the table creation unit 56 identifies the print job with history number #2 as the first print job among the print jobs with history numbers #2, #4 to #12 associated with the common level value "+1". Similarly, when a common print job group consisting of 6 print jobs with history numbers #13 to #18 is identified in S001, the table creation unit 56 identifies the print job with history number #14 as the first print job among the plurality of print jobs associated with the common level value "+2".

[0050] Next, the table creation unit 56 creates the table 63 by associating the environmental data and the setting data corresponding to the print job identified in S002 (S003).

[0051] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the table 63.

[0052] The table creation unit 56 extracts the humidity data "54.2 (%)" from the print job history 62 as the environmental data corresponding to the print job with the history number #2 specified in S002, and extracts the level value "+1" from the print job history 62 as the setting data corresponding to the print job with the history number #2, and associates the humidity data "54.2 (%)" with the level value "+1" and records them in the table 63. Similarly, the table creation unit 56 associates the humidity data "59.8 (%)" with the level value "+2" based on the environmental data and the setting data corresponding to the print job with the history number #14 specified in S002, and records them in the table 63. In this way, the table creation unit 56 accumulates the data associating the environmental data (here, the humidity data) with the setting value (here, the level value), and creates the table 63 (S003).

[0053] In the table 63, the relationship between the environment (here, humidity) when printing the printed matter selected by the user as the optimal printed matter among the plurality of printed matters printed for testing (here, the printed matters by the print jobs with the history numbers #2 and #14) and the setting data (here, the level value) suitable for that environment is recorded. The storage unit 61 stores the table 63 created by the table creation unit 56.

[0054] For example, in the case of the table 63 shown in FIG. 9, when the humidity is in the range of 54.2 to 55.8 (%), the appropriate level value is considered to be "+1". Also, when the humidity is in the range of 59.8 to 60.2 (%), the appropriate level value is considered to be "+2". Note that when the humidity is in the range of 55.8 to 59.8 (%), the appropriate level value is considered to be "+1" or "+2". In this range, if the value is closer to 55.8%, the appropriate level value is estimated to be "+1", and if the value is closer to 59.8%, the appropriate level value is estimated to be "+2". The determination unit 57 described below determines the optimal level value (setting data) for the environment (temperature and humidity) using the above points.

[0055] Before executing the print job, the determination unit 57 determines a recommended value of the level value according to the environmental data based on the table 63 created by the table creation unit 56.

[0056] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the processing flow of the determination unit 57.

[0057] First, the determination unit 57 acquires environmental data (S101). For example, at the timing when the print job is registered in the registration list 813 in the job display area 81 shown in FIG. 4, the determination unit 57 acquires the environmental data (here, humidity data) received by the reception unit 54 from the environmental sensor 74.

[0058] Next, the determination unit 57 refers to the table 63 created by the table creation unit 56 and determines a level value corresponding to the environmental data acquired in S101 (S102).

[0059] FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of an example of the method for determining the level value. In the figure, it is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the humidity associated with the table 63 and the level value. Here, the minimum value of the humidity corresponding to the level value “+1” in the table 63 is H_ min1 (%), the maximum value is H_ max1 (%), the minimum value of the humidity corresponding to the level value “+2” is H_ min2 (%), and the maximum value is H_ max2 (%). For example, in the case of the table 63 shown in FIG. 9, H_ min1 = 54.2, H_ max1 = 55.8, H_ min2 = 59.8, H_ max2 = 60.2. Also, the boundary value between the range where the determination unit 57 determines the level value “+1” and the range where the determination unit 57 determines the level value “+2” is H 12 (%). In the example shown in FIG. 11A, the boundary value H 12 is the maximum value H_ max1 (%) of the humidity corresponding to the level value “+1” in the table 63 and the minimum value H_ min2It is the average value with (%) . Note that the determination unit 57 is the boundary value H between the range determined as the level value "0" and the range determined as the level value "+1" 01 (not shown) and the boundary value H between the range determined as the level value "+2" and the range determined as the level value "+3" 23 (not shown), etc. are calculated in the same way.

[0060] If the humidity data acquired in S101 is a value smaller than the boundary value H 12 (additionally, if it is a value larger than the boundary value H 01 (not shown)), the level value corresponding to the humidity will be determined as "+1". Similarly, if the humidity data acquired in S101 is a value larger than the boundary value H 12 (additionally, if it is a value smaller than the boundary value H 23 (not shown)), the level value corresponding to the humidity will be determined as "+1".

[0061] FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram of another example of the method for determining the level value. Here, the average value of the humidity corresponding to the level value "+1" in the table 63 is H_ ave1 (%), and the average value of the humidity corresponding to the level value "+2" is H_ ave2 (%). For example, in the case of the table 63 shown in FIG. 9, H_ ave1 = 55.0, H_ ave2 = 60.0. Also, in this example, the boundary value H 12 is the average value of the average value H_ ave1 (%) of the humidity corresponding to the level value "+1" in the table 63 and the average value H_ ave2 (%) of the humidity corresponding to the level value "+2" in the table 63. As shown in FIG. 11B, since the maximum value H_ max1 (%) of the humidity corresponding to the level value "+1" in the table 63 may be larger than the minimum value H_ min2 (%) of the humidity corresponding to the level value "+2", it is effective to determine the boundary value H 12 in this way.

[0062] The level value determined by the determination unit 57 in S102 is used as the recommended setting data. For example, at the initial setting before the operator sets the level value, the level value determined by the determination unit 57 in S102 is set as the initial value. When the acquisition unit 52 first displays the setting screen shown in FIG. 5, the level value (recommended value) determined by the determination unit 57 in S102 is displayed. Note that the level value determined by the determination unit 57 in S102 does not have to be set as the initial value, and may only be displayed on the display device 71 as the recommended value. According to the present embodiment, in order to provide the level value recommended by the determination unit 57, the operator can grasp the level value suitable for the environment (temperature and humidity) at the time of printing, and the adjustment work of the level value becomes easy.

[0063] <First Modification Example> In the above description, the table creation unit 56 identifies the first print job among a plurality of print jobs associated with a common level value in the common print job group (S002 in FIG. 8), and creates the table 63 by associating the environment data and the setting data corresponding to the identified print job (S003). Thus, in the case of the print job history 62 shown in FIG. 6 (or FIG. 7), the table creation unit 56 extracts the environment data and the setting data corresponding to the print jobs with history numbers #2 and #14, and creates the table 63. However, the process by the table creation unit 56 is not limited to this.

[0064] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the processing flow of the table creation unit 56 in the first modification example.

[0065] First, the table creation unit 56 identifies a common print job group composed of print jobs that continuously print common image data from the print job history 62 (S011). The process of S011 is the same as S001 in FIG. 8. In the case of the print job history 62 shown in FIG. 6 (or FIG. 7), the table creation unit 56 identifies a common print job group composed of 12 print jobs with history numbers #1 to #12 or a common print job group composed of 6 print jobs with history numbers #13 to #18 as the common print job group.

[0066] Next, the table creation unit 56 identifies consecutive print jobs associated with a common level value (setting data) from among the common print job group (S012). For example, when a common print job group consisting of 12 print jobs with history numbers #1 to #12 is identified in S011, the table creation unit 56 identifies the print jobs with history numbers #4 to #12 as consecutive print jobs associated with the common level value “+1”. Similarly, when a common print job group consisting of 6 print jobs with history numbers #13 to #18 is identified in S011, the table creation unit 56 identifies the print jobs with history numbers #16 to #18 as consecutive print jobs associated with the common level value “+2”. Note that the print jobs identified in S012 are considered to be the print jobs executed during mass production.

[0067] Next, the table creation unit 56 identifies the first print job among the print jobs identified in S012 (S013). For example, when the print jobs with history numbers #4 to #12 are identified in S012, the table creation unit 56 identifies the print job with history number #4 as the first print job. Similarly, when the print jobs with history numbers #16 to #18 are identified in S012, the table creation unit 56 identifies the print job with history number #16 as the first print job. Note that the print job identified in S013 is considered to be the first print job executed during mass production.

[0068] Next, the table creation unit 56 creates a table 63 by associating the environment data and the setting data corresponding to the print job identified in S013 (S014). At the start of mass production, it is considered that the setting data determined to be optimal by the operator at that time is set. According to the first modification example described above, the relationship between the environment (here, humidity) at the start of mass production and the setting data (here, level value) determined to be optimal by the operator at the start of mass production is recorded in the table 63.

[0069] Note that the processing of the table creation unit 56 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 8 and 12. For example, the table creation unit 56 extracts environmental data (humidity data of the print job for printing the image data "ABC.pdf" with history numbers #4 to #12) associated with the plurality of print jobs specified in S012 from the print job history 62, calculates the average value of the extracted environmental data, and may create a table 63 by associating the calculated average value of the environmental data with the setting data (level value). Further, the table creation unit 56 may create a table based on the environmental data and the setting data corresponding to a predetermined print job in the common print job group by other processing.

[0070] <Second Modification Example> Even under the same environment (temperature, humidity), the optimal amount of the processing liquid may vary depending on the print mode. In such a case, as described below, it is desirable to create a table 63 for each print mode.

[0071] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the print job history 62 of the second modification example. In the print job history 62 of the second modification example, data indicating the print mode is further associated with the print job history 62 shown in FIG. 6 described above. The job history recording unit 55 of the second modification example records the print job history 62 as shown in FIG. 13 in the storage unit 61. Here, information indicating "standard", "clean" or "speed priority" is stored as the print mode. Note that, as information indicating the print mode, information such as the resolution (e.g., 360 dpi, 720 dpi, etc.) or the type of ink (CMY, CMYK, K only) may be stored in the print job history 62 instead of "standard", "clean" or "speed priority".

[0072] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the table 63 of the second modification. In the second modification, a table 63 is created for each printing mode. Here, tables 63 corresponding to the printing modes of "standard", "nice", and "speed priority" are provided respectively. When creating the table 63 based on the print job history 62, the table creation unit 56 creates a table 63 showing the relationship between the environmental data (here, humidity data) and the setting data (here, level value) used for setting the amount of the processing liquid for each printing mode based on the printing mode of the print job history 62.

[0073] The determination unit 57 of the second modification selects the table 63 corresponding to the printing mode set for the print job before the execution of the print job, and determines the recommended level value according to the environmental data based on the table 63. Thereby, the operation of setting the optimum amount of the processing liquid according to the printing mode becomes easy.

[0074] <The Third Modification> In the above description, the reception unit 54 has received environmental data from one environmental sensor 74. However, the reception unit 54 may receive environmental data indicating a common environmental index (at least one of temperature and humidity) from a plurality of environmental sensors 74 respectively.

[0075] FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram of the print job history 62 of the third modification. In the print job history 62 of the third modification, two environmental data (here, humidity data) received from two environmental sensors 74 are associated.

[0076] The data of humidity A in the figure is the environmental data received by the reception unit 54 from one of the two environmental sensors 74 (the first sensor). The data of humidity B in the figure is the environmental data received by the reception unit 54 from the other environmental sensor 74 (the second sensor). In the following description, the environmental sensor 74 (humidity sensor) that measures humidity A is referred to as the "first sensor", and the environmental sensor 74 that measures humidity B is referred to as the "second sensor".

[0077] The job history recording unit 55 of the third modification example records a print job history 62 as shown in FIG. 15A in the storage unit 61. That is, the job history recording unit 55 records the environmental data of the first sensor and the environmental data of the second sensor in the print job history 62. In the print job history 62, environmental data indicating a common environmental index (here, humidity) will be recorded repeatedly.

[0078] In the case of an inexpensive environmental sensor 74, the individual differences are relatively large, and for example, an error of about ±10% may occur. In the case of the print job history 62 shown in FIG. 15A, the environmental sensor 74 (humidity sensor) that measures humidity B has a characteristic of outputting a measurement result that is about 4.5% higher than that of the environmental sensor 74 that measures humidity A.

[0079] FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram of the table 63 of the third modification example. The table creation unit 56 of the third modification example creates a table 63 showing the relationship between two pieces of environmental data and setting data (level value) based on the print job history 62. In the third modification example, even when one of the two environmental sensors 74 fails, the determination unit 57 can determine the recommended setting data (level value) based on the measurement data measured by the other non-failed environmental sensor 74 according to the table 63.

[0080] By the way, when the environmental sensor 74 fails, the environmental sensor 74 will be replaced. However, there are individual differences between the environmental sensor 74 before failure and the new environmental sensor 74 after replacement.

[0081] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the print job history 62 including the periods before and after the replacement of the environmental sensor 74. For the sake of explanation, only the history number and two humidities in the print job history 62 are shown, and the job name and level value are not shown. Here, the print job history 62 when the second sensor fails is shown. In the following description, the second sensor before replacement is called the "old sensor", and the second sensor after replacement is called the "new sensor".

[0082] In the history numbers #104 to #108 of the print job history 62, the measurement result (humidity B) of the second sensor is not recorded. Therefore, it is considered that the second sensor (old sensor) was malfunctioning during this period. Also, in the print job history 62 after the history number #109, the measurement result (humidity B) of the second sensor is recorded again. Therefore, it is considered that the old sensor used before the history number #103 was replaced with a new sensor, and the measurement result (humidity B) of the new sensor has been recorded in the print job history 62 since after the history number #109.

[0083] In the case of the print job history 62 shown in FIG. 16, the old sensor has a characteristic of outputting a measurement result that is about 4.5% higher than that of the first sensor, while the new sensor has a characteristic of outputting a measurement result that is about 3.0% lower than that of the first sensor. Thus, due to the influence of individual differences in the environmental sensor 74, the characteristics of the old sensor and the new sensor may be different. Therefore, if the recommended value of the level value according to the environmental data of the new sensor is determined based on the table 63 created using the print job history 62 before the history number #103 at the timing after the history number #109, there is a possibility that the recommended level value may not adapt to the environment. On the other hand, it is also conceivable to recreate the print job history 62 from the beginning at the timing when the sensor is replaced. However, in this case, since the print job history 62 before the history number #108 becomes invalid, the print job history 62 before the history number #108 cannot be effectively utilized. Therefore, as will be described next, it is desirable for the job history recording unit 55 to correct the print job history 62 when the sensor is replaced.

[0084] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the correction process for the print job history 62. When the job history recording unit 55 detects that the environmental sensor 74 has been replaced, it performs the correction process in the figure. Note that the job history recording unit 55 can detect that the environmental sensor 74 has been replaced by detecting a change from a state where environmental data is not recorded to a state where environmental data is recorded again.

[0085] FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B are explanatory diagrams of the state of correction of the print job history 62. At the timing of history number #109 in FIG. 18A, the job history recording unit 55 will detect that the environmental sensor 74 has been replaced. First, the job history recording unit 55 calculates the difference value between the environmental data of the first sensor and the new sensor (S201). In the case of the print job history 62 shown in FIG. 18A, the job history recording unit 55 will calculate "-3.0" as the difference value. Next, the job history recording unit 55 corrects the environmental data of the second sensor during the period before replacement (the period measured by the old sensor, the period when the old sensor malfunctioned) based on the difference value calculated in S201 and the environmental data of the first sensor. As shown by the thick line frame in FIG. 18B, the job history recording unit 55 corrects the environmental data (humidity B) of the second sensor during the period before history number #108.

[0086] After the print job history 62 is corrected, the table creation unit 56 will create a table 63 showing the relationship between the environmental data and the setting data based on the corrected print job history 62. Also, the determination unit 57 will determine the level value (recommended value) recommended according to the environmental data of the new sensor based on the table 63 created using the corrected print job history 62. Thereby, while effectively utilizing the print job history 62 before the replacement of the environmental sensor 74, a level value (recommended value) adapted to the environment can be determined.

[0087] <Parentheses> As described above, the information processing apparatus 50 of the present embodiment includes a reception unit 54, a job history recording unit 55, a table creation unit 56, and a determination unit 57. The reception unit 54 receives environment data indicating at least one of temperature and humidity. The job history recording unit 55 records a print job history 62. Note that the print job history 62 includes environment data (for example, humidity data) at the time of execution of the print job and setting data (for example, level value) used for setting the amount of processing liquid at the time of execution of the print job (see FIGS. 6, 13, and 15). The table creation unit 56 creates a table 63 (see FIGS. 9 and 14) showing the relationship between the environment data and the setting data (for example, level value) used for setting the amount of processing liquid based on the print job history 62 (see FIG. 8). The determination unit 57 determines, based on the table 63, recommended setting data (setting data used for setting the amount of processing liquid) according to the environment data (for example, humidity data) before the execution of the print job (see FIG. 10). According to the information processing apparatus 50 of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily adjust the amount of processing liquid according to temperature and humidity while reflecting the user's past settings for the amount of processing liquid.

[0088] In the above description, the information processing apparatus 50 is configured by a computer, and the reception unit 54, the job history recording unit 55, the table creation unit 56, and the determination unit 57 are provided outside the printing apparatus 1 (see FIG. 2). However, the information processing apparatus 50 is not limited to being configured by a computer provided outside the printing apparatus 1. For example, the control unit 40 of the printing apparatus 1 may include the reception unit 54, the job history recording unit 55, the table creation unit 56, and the determination unit 57, and the printing apparatus 1 may function as the information processing apparatus 50. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 50 may be configured by a computer outside the printing apparatus 1 and the control unit 40 of the printing apparatus 1, with a part of the functions of the reception unit 54, the job history recording unit 55, the table creation unit 56, and the determination unit 57 being provided in the control unit 40 of the printing apparatus 1.

[0089] The above table creation unit 56 identifies a common print job group consisting of print jobs that continuously print common image data from the print job history 62 (see S001 in FIG. 8), and identifies the first print job among a plurality of print jobs associated with common setting data (setting data used for setting the amount of processing liquid; for example, level values) in the common print job group (see S002), and creates a table 63 based on the environment data and the setting data corresponding to the print job (see S003). Thereby, in the table 63, the relationship between the environment when the printed matter selected by the user as the optimal printed matter among the plurality of test-printed printed matters is printed, and the setting data suitable for the environment can be recorded.

[0090] Alternatively, the table creation unit 56 identifies a common print job group consisting of print jobs that continuously print common image data from the print job history 62 (see S011 in FIG. 12), and identifies the first print job among a plurality of consecutive print jobs associated with common setting data (setting data used for setting the amount of processing liquid; for example, level values) selected from the common print job group (see S012, S013), and creates a table 63 based on the environment data and the setting data corresponding to the print job (see S014). Thereby, in the table 63, the relationship between the environment at the start of mass production (here, humidity) and the setting data determined to be optimal by the operator at the start of mass production can be recorded.

[0091] Note that the processing of the table creation unit 56 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 8 and 12. The table creation unit 56 may create a table based on the environment data and the setting data corresponding to a predetermined print job in the common print job group by other processing. Even in such a case, it is possible to create the table 63 for adjusting the amount of the processing liquid according to the temperature and humidity while reflecting the user's past settings for the amount of the processing liquid.

[0092] In addition, it is desirable that the table creation unit 56 creates a table 63 for each printing mode (see FIG. 14). This is because even under the same environment (temperature, humidity), the optimal amount of processing liquid may vary depending on the printing mode.

[0093] In addition, the reception unit 54 receives environmental data from the first sensor and receives environmental data indicating an environmental index common to the environmental data of the first sensor from the second sensor. The job history recording unit 55 records the environmental data of the first sensor and the environmental data of the second sensor in the print job history 62 (see FIG. 15A). As a result, environmental data indicating a common environmental index (here, humidity) is repeatedly recorded in the print job history 62. Thus, even when one of the two environmental sensors 74 fails, it is possible to determine the recommended setting data according to the measurement data measured by the other non-failed environmental sensor 74.

[0094] The information processing method of the present embodiment described above includes receiving environmental data indicating at least one of temperature and humidity, recording a print job history 62 including environmental data (for example, humidity data) at the time of executing a print job and setting data (for example, level value) used for setting the amount of processing liquid at the time of executing the print job, creating a table 63 (see FIGS. 9 and 14) showing the relationship between the environmental data and the setting data used for setting the amount of processing liquid based on the print job history 62 (see FIG. 8), and determining recommended setting data (setting data used for setting the amount of processing liquid) based on the table 63 according to the environmental data before executing the print job (see FIG. 10). According to such an information processing method, it is possible to easily adjust the amount of processing liquid according to temperature and humidity while reflecting the user's past settings for the amount of processing liquid.

[0095] ===Other Embodiments=== The above embodiments are presented as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. The above configurations can be implemented in appropriate combinations, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Signs

[0096] 1 Printing device, 10 Carriage unit, 11 Carriage, 12 Carriage motor, 20 Conveying unit, 21 Conveying member, 22 Conveying motor, 30 Head unit, 31 Ink head, 32 Ink nozzle row, 33 Processing liquid head, 34 Processing liquid nozzle row, 40 Control unit, 50 Information processing device, 51 Information processing section, 52 Acquisition section, 53 Command section, 54 Reception section, 55 Job history recording section, 56 Table creation section, 57 Decision section, 61 Storage section, 62 Printing job history, 63 Table, 71 Display device, 72 Input device, 74 Environment sensor, 80 Management screen, 81 Job display area, 81A Setting button, 81B Execution button, 811 Execution list, 812 Code processing list, 813 Registration list, 82 Information display area, 100 Printing system

Claims

1. a receiving unit that receives environmental data indicating at least one of temperature and humidity; a job history recording unit that records a print job history including the environmental data at the time of execution of the print job and the setting data used for setting the amount of processing liquid at the time of execution of the print job; a table creation unit that creates a table showing the relationship between the environmental data and the setting data based on the print job history; a determination unit that determines, based on the table, recommended setting data according to the environmental data before execution of the print job; An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the table creation unit identifies a common print job group consisting of print jobs that continuously print common image data from the print job history, and creates the table based on the environmental data and the setting data corresponding to a predetermined print job in the common print job group.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined print job is the first print job among a plurality of the print jobs associated with the common setting data.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined print job is the first print job among a plurality of consecutive print jobs associated with the common setting data.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the table creation unit creates the table for each print mode.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the receiving unit receives the environmental data from a first sensor and receives, from a second sensor different from the first sensor, the environmental data indicating an environmental index common to the environmental data of the first sensor, and the job history recording unit records the environmental data of the first sensor and the environmental data of the second sensor in the print job history.

7. receiving environmental data indicating at least one of temperature and humidity; recording a print job history including the environmental data at the time of execution of the print job and the setting data used for setting the amount of processing liquid at the time of execution of the print job; creating a table showing the relationship between the environmental data and the setting data based on the print job history; and Before executing a print job, determining the recommended setting data based on the table according to the environment data; An information processing method for performing the above.

Images