Guideline display program and guideline display method

Abstract

To provide a guideline display program and a guideline display method that allow a user to easily recognize a printable area.SOLUTION: A guideline display program causes a computer to execute, in an image data creation device that includes the computer that creates image data for an image formed by discharging ink from an ejection head onto a printed medium placed on a platen of a printing device, and a display that displays the image data, a setting step of displaying on the display a setting screen for a guideline indicating a printable area, display of which can be set independently for a line indicating the platen area, which is the area of the platen, and a display step of displaying the line on the display and displaying the guideline set on the setting screen at least inside the platen area on the display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a guideline display program and a guideline display method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printing apparatus including a platen which is a rectangular plate member that supports a printing medium from below, and a pedestal portion that is located below the platen and supports the platen is known (Patent Document 1). In such a printing apparatus, ink is ejected onto the printing medium placed on the platen to form an image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a network environment where a printing apparatus and hardware such as a personal computer are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly, when an image to be printed is displayed on a display connected to the personal computer, it is conceivable that the area of the platen is virtually displayed. However, there has been a problem that it is difficult for the user to recognize the printable area on the screen of the display only by displaying the area of the platen.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a guideline display program and a guideline display method that make it easier for a user to recognize a printable area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The guideline display program of the present disclosure is a guideline display program that causes a computer in an image data creation device including a computer that creates image data related to an image formed by discharging ink from a discharge head onto a printing medium placed on a platen included in a printing device and a display that displays the image data, and causes the computer to: a setting step of causing the display to display a setting screen for a guideline indicating a printable area, which can be independently set with respect to a line indicating a platen area that is an area of the platen; and a display step of displaying the line on the display and displaying the guideline set in the setting screen inside at least the platen area on the display.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, since a line indicating the platen area is displayed, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the platen area. Along with this, the guideline can be displayed inside at least the platen area. As a result, the area between the line indicating the outer contour line of the platen area among the lines and the guideline becomes clear to the user. For this reason, the user can layout the image to be printed using the guideline as a reference and can avoid discharging ink onto the above area. Further, since the guideline can be independently set by the user with respect to the line, the position of the guideline can be set to a desired position according to the image to be printed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a guideline display program and a guideline display method that make it easier for the user to recognize the printable area.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure described below is only one embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and additions, deletions, and changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In the following, the same or corresponding elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals throughout all the drawings, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system 100 according to an embodiment. This printing system 100 forms an image on a transfer medium M1 by transferring an image printed on a transfer film F to the transfer medium M1 such as a towel, clothes, or a bag. The transfer film F corresponds to the medium to be printed. The printing system 100 includes an image data creation device 101, a printing device 102, a powder adhesion device 103, and a thermal transfer device 104. The guideline display program of the present disclosure causes a control unit 111 described later in the image data creation device 101 to execute predetermined processing. In FIG. 1, the image data creation device 101, the printing device 102, the powder adhesion device 103, and the thermal transfer device 104 are illustrated as mutually independent devices, but a part or all of them may be integrated into one device. For example, the printing device 102 and the powder adhesion device 103 may be configured as one device.

[0012] The image data creation device 101 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a display 113, and a reading unit 114.

[0013] The control unit 111 includes integrated circuits such as a CPU and an ASIC, for example. The control unit 111 corresponds to a computer. The control unit 111 creates image data of an image formed by discharging ink droplets from a discharge head 20 described later onto a transfer film F. In this case, for example, the control unit 111 performs various processes such as a resolution conversion process for converting the resolution of arbitrary data according to the specifications of the printing device 102, a color conversion process for converting color data according to the specifications of the printing device 102, and a halftone process for reproducing the gradation of the image data to create the image data. The image data creation device 101 includes a communication interface (not shown), and the control unit 111 transmits the created image data to the printing device 102 via the communication interface by wire or wirelessly as print data.

[0014] The storage unit 112 is a memory accessible from the control unit 111 and has a RAM and a ROM. The RAM temporarily stores various data such as image data created by the control unit 111. The ROM stores a guideline display program, a printing program, predetermined data, and the like. Note that the guideline display program may be downloaded via a predetermined communication network and stored in the storage unit 112. Alternatively, for example, a guideline display program stored in a storage medium KB such as a CD-ROM or a USB flash memory may be stored in the storage unit 112 via the reading unit 114.

[0015] The display 113 displays the image of the image data and the guideline GL and the like described later according to the instruction of the control unit 111. The guideline GL will be described in detail later. Note that the display 113 may be a touch panel in which an input unit operated by the user and a display unit that performs a predetermined display are integrated. Further, the reading unit 114 reads a guideline display program and the like stored in the recording medium KB. The guideline display program read by the reading unit 114 is stored in the storage unit 112.

[0016] The printing device 102 includes a communication interface (not shown), and receives the image data transmitted from the image data creating device 101 via the communication interface. The printing device 102 is an inkjet printing device that ejects ink droplets such as color ink from the ejection head 11 onto the transfer film F. The ejection head 11 is a line head type or serial head type inkjet head. The printing device 102 forms an image by ejecting ink droplets onto the transfer film F based on the image data. As a result, a layered color ink layer L1 composed of the ejected color ink is formed on the transfer film F. Note that details of the printing device 102 will be described later.

[0017] The transfer film F used in the printing system 100 is composed of, for example, a roll film in which a long film of several meters or more is wound in a roll shape. The image printing by the printing device 102 and the powder adhesion by the powder adhesion device 103 are continuously performed on the transfer film F drawn from this roll film. However, the configuration of the transfer film F is not limited to this. For example, a cut film cut to a predetermined size such as A4 size or A3 size may be used as the transfer film F.

[0018] The powder adhering device 103 adheres powder to the transfer film F on which an image has been formed and which has been conveyed from the printing device 102. For this purpose, the powder adhering device 103 includes, for example, a drum 131 that stores powder and through which the transfer film F is passed in the stored powder. In addition to the drum 131, the powder adhering device 103 may include a rotating brush that removes excess powder from the powder adhered to the transfer film F and a heater that applies heat to the powder adhered to the transfer film F. The powder stored in the drum 131 includes adhesive powder. The adhesive powder has the role of adhering an image formed with color ink onto the transfer medium M1.

[0019] The powder adhering device 103 adheres the adhesive powder to the transfer film F. Specifically, the transfer film F on which an image has been formed is passed through the drum 131. As a result, the adhesive powder stored in the drum 131 adheres to the color ink layer L1 of the transfer film F, and an adhesive layer L2 is formed on the color ink layer L1. When the powder adhering device 103 includes a rotating brush on the downstream side of the drum 131, excess powder among the powder adhered onto the ink is removed by brushing the surface of the transfer film F. When the powder adhering device 103 includes a heater on the downstream side of the drum 131 or the rotating brush, the heater can warm the transfer film F. When the transfer film F is warmed, the adhesive powder adhered to the ink on the transfer film F is melted and fixed on the transfer film F.

[0020] After the transfer film F to which the adhesive has been fixed is cooled to such an extent that the melted adhesive re-solidifies, it is sent to the thermal transfer device 104.

[0021] The thermal transfer device 104 transfers the image on the transfer film F to which powder has been attached by the powder attaching device 103 to the transfer medium M1. For this purpose, the thermal transfer device 104 has, for example, a lower pad 141, an upper pad 142, and a heater mounted in the upper pad 142. The transfer medium M1 is placed on the lower pad 141, and the transfer film F is placed at a desired position of the transfer medium M1. At this time, the transfer film F is placed with the main surface on which the image is formed facing downward (that is, the main surface facing the transfer medium M1).

[0022] In this state, the upper pad 142 descends, and the transfer medium M1 and the transfer film F are sandwiched between the lower pad 141 and the upper pad 142. Then, the heater is driven to heat the transfer medium M1 and the transfer film F. As a result, the adhesive melts again, and the image on the transfer film F is transferred to the transfer medium M1.

[0023] Subsequently, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration including the discharge head 20 provided in the printing device 102 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the platen 11 and the pressing member 49 of FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 and the like, the directions orthogonal to each other are defined as the first direction Dy and the second direction Dx. In the present embodiment, for example, the first direction Dy is the conveyance direction of the transfer film F, and the second direction Dx is the moving direction of the carriage 41 described later. One direction of the first direction Dy is designated as Dy1, and the direction opposite to the direction Dy1 is designated as Dy2. One direction of the second direction Dx is designated as Dx1, and the direction opposite to the direction Dx1 is designated as Dx2. However, the above directions are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 102 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of discharge heads 20 of a serial head type, a platen 11, a plurality of tanks 12, a conveyance device 30, and a scanning device 40. The conveyance device 30 corresponds to the conveyance unit. The discharge heads 20, the platen 11, the tanks 12, the conveyance device 30, and the scanning device 40 are housed in the housing 10.

[0025] The ejection head 20 prints an image on the transfer film F based on image data using color ink or the like, which is the basic color ink. For example, the ejection head 20 may include two first ejection heads 21 and two second ejection heads 22. Note that the configuration of the ejection head 20 is not limited to the configuration including the first ejection heads 21 and the two second ejection heads 22. For example, only an ejection head that ejects ink droplets of color ink may be provided.

[0026] The platen 11 supports the transfer film F. The platen 11 defines the distance between the transfer film F disposed on its upper surface and the ejection head 20 disposed to face the transfer film F. The tank 12 is a container for storing ink, and the number of tanks 12 may be the same as the number of ink types. For example, the tank 12 may have a first tank 12a for storing each of the four types of color ink and a plurality of second tanks 12b for storing special ink.

[0027] Examples of the color ink include cyan ink, yellow ink, magenta ink, and black ink. Examples of the special ink include inks of colors different from the color ink, such as red ink, green ink, and blue ink.

[0028] The first tank 12a stores color ink and is communicated with the first ejection head 21 through the first flow path 13a. The color ink is supplied from the first tank 12a to the first ejection head 21 through the first flow path 13a. The second tank 12b stores special ink and is communicated with the second ejection head 22 through the second flow path 13b. The special ink is supplied from the second tank 12b to the second ejection head 22 through the second flow path 13b. Note that the first flow path 13a and the second flow path 13b are made of, for example, a rubber tube or a plastic tube.

[0029] The conveying device 30 has, for example, two sets of paired conveying rollers 31, and also has a pair of pressing members 49 and a conveying motor (not shown). One set of conveying rollers 31 and the other set of conveying rollers 31 are arranged so as to sandwich the platen 11 in the first direction Dy. Each set of conveying rollers 31 is arranged so as to sandwich the transfer film F. A conveying motor is connected to one of the conveying rollers in each set of conveying rollers 31. The conveying roller 31 conveys the transfer film F supported by the platen 11 in, for example, the direction Dy2 of the first direction Dy by rotating around the axis when the conveying motor is driven. Note that the transfer film F may be conveyed in the direction Dy1 of the first direction Dy.

[0030] The scanning device 40 has, for example, a carriage 41, a pair of guide rails 42, a scanning motor 43, an endless belt 44, and a pulley 45. The pair of guide rails 42 extends along the second direction Dx above the platen 11. The carriage 41 supports the ejection head 20 and is supported by the guide rails 42 so as to be movable in the second direction Dx. The endless belt 44 is connected to the carriage 41 in a state of extending in the second direction Dx and is connected to the scanning motor 43 via the pulley 45. When the scanning motor 43 is driven, the endless belt 44 operates, and thereby the carriage 41 reciprocates in the second direction Dx along the guide rails 42. Accordingly, the ejection head 20 supported by the carriage 41 can reciprocate in the second direction Dx.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the platen 11 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. However, the shape of the platen 11 is not limited to this and may be various shapes. The platen 11 has a first end portion E1 on one side and a second end portion E2 on the other side in the first direction Dy, and a third end portion E3 on one side and a fourth end portion E4 on the other side in the second direction Dx.

[0032] Of the pair of pressing members 49, one pressing member 49a is disposed on one side in the second direction Dx, and the other pressing member 49b is disposed on the other side in the second direction Dx. In FIG. 3, of the ends of one pressing member 49a, the end 49a2 on the Dx1 side is located inside the platen 11 with respect to the third end E3 of the platen 11, and the end 49a1 on the Dx2 side is located outside the platen 11 with respect to the third end E3 of the platen 11. Similarly, of the ends of the other pressing member 49b, the end 49b1 on the Dx2 side is located inside the platen 11 with respect to the fourth end E4 of the platen 11, and the end 49b2 on the Dx1 side is located outside the platen 11 with respect to the fourth end E4 of the platen 11. The dimension of the pressing members 49a and 49b in the first direction Dy may be the same as the dimension of the platen 11 in the first direction Dy, or may be smaller than the dimension of the platen 11 in the first direction Dy. In such a configuration, when the transfer film F supported by the platen 11 is conveyed in the direction Dy2 of the first direction Dy by the conveyance roller 31, it is pressed toward the platen 11 by the pressing member 49. Further, the transfer film F is pressed toward the platen 11 by the pressing member 49 when ink droplets are discharged by the discharge head 20. Note that the transfer film F does not have to contact the pressing member 49. In this case, the pressing member 49 functions as a member that prevents the transfer film F from floating up.

[0033] Subsequently, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen SF1 including a line RL and a guideline GL displayed on the display 113 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a platen size selection screen SF2 displayed on the display 113 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a guideline GL setting screen SF3 displayed on the display 113 of FIG. 1.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, a screen SF1 including an image of the transfer medium M1 is displayed on the display 113 according to an instruction from the control unit 111 of the image data creation device 101. Note that FIG. 4 illustrates an image of a T-shirt as the transfer medium M1.

[0035] Also, in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 111, an image of the transfer medium M1 is displayed on the screen SF1 of the display 113, and at the same time, or before or after the transfer medium M1 is displayed, the line RL is displayed. In addition, in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 111, when the transfer medium M1 is displayed on the screen SF1 of the display 113, at the same time, or before or after the transfer medium M1 is displayed, the guideline GL is displayed. In the present embodiment, the information of the guideline GL and the information of the line RL are not included in the image data. Note that the display of the line RL and the display of the guideline GL may or may not be simultaneous.

[0036] The line RL indicates the platen area PR which is an area of the platen 11. The platen area PR is an area surrounded by the outer edge of the platen 11. A plurality of lines RL are displayed on the display 113. The lines RL include those displayed in a plurality along the first direction Dy and those displayed in a plurality along the second direction Dx. For example, the plurality of lines RL along the first direction Dy may be arranged such that adjacent lines RL are spaced at a constant interval (for example, 10 mm). Also, the plurality of lines RL along the second direction Dx may be arranged such that adjacent lines RL are spaced at a constant interval (for example, 10 mm). That is, the plurality of lines RL along the first direction Dy and the plurality of lines RL along the second direction Dx may be combined and arranged, for example, in a grid pattern.

[0037] Among the plurality of lines RL along the second direction Dx, the line RL displayed at the end on the Dy2 side in the direction of the first direction Dy is defined as line RL21, and the line RL displayed at the end on the Dy1 side in the direction of the first direction Dy is defined as line RL22. Line RL21 indicates the first end portion E1 of the platen 11 on the screen SF1. Line RL22 indicates the second end portion E2 of the platen 11 on the screen SF1. Also, among the plurality of lines RL along the first direction Dy, the line RL displayed at the end on the Dx2 side in the direction of the second direction Dx is defined as line RL10, and the line RL displayed at the end on the Dx1 side in the direction of the second direction Dx is defined as line RL11. Line RL10 indicates the third end portion E3 of the platen 11 on the screen SF1. Line RL11 indicates the fourth end portion E4 of the platen 11 on the screen SF1. Each of the end portions E1 to E4 indicates the outer edge of the platen 11.

[0038] The above lines RL21, RL22, RL10, and RL11 indicate the platen area PR (that is, the outer edge of the platen area PR). In FIG. 4, an example of the mode in which other lines RL except for the lines RL21, RL22, RL10, and RL11 are displayed is illustrated, but it is not limited thereto, and the other lines RL may not be displayed. In this case, only the lines RL21, RL22, RL10, and RL11 indicating the platen area PR are displayed.

[0039] The guideline GL can be set independently of the line RL and indicates the printable area IR. The printable area IR is displayed within the area where the image of the transfer medium M1 is displayed. The printable area IR is the area surrounded by the following first-direction guideline GL1 and second-direction guideline GL2 as the guideline GL. Alternatively, the printable area IR is the area surrounded by the first-direction guideline GL1 and second-direction guideline GL2 as described above, but may include the area HR described below that is not surrounded by these guidelines GL1 and GL2, that is, the area not printed on the transfer film F. In other words, the printable area IR may be the same as the platen area PR that is the area surrounded by the lines RL21, RL22, RL10, and RL11. The guideline GL can be set on the setting screen SF3 described below that is displayed on the display 113. The guideline GL set by the user on the setting screen SF3 is displayed on the display 113 in the display step.

[0040] The control unit 111 causes the display 113 to display any one of the first-direction guideline GL1, the second-direction guideline GL2, and the first-direction guideline GL1 and the second-direction guideline GL2 as the guideline GL. The first-direction guideline GL1 is a guideline GL along the first direction Dy. The second-direction guideline GL2 is a guideline GL along the second direction Dx. FIG. 4 illustrates a mode in which both the first-direction guideline GL1 and the second-direction guideline GL2 are displayed. Also, FIG. 4 illustrates a mode in which two first-direction guidelines GL1 and two second-direction guidelines GL2 are displayed. One first-direction guideline GL1 is displayed spaced apart from the other first-direction guideline GL1 in the second direction Dx. Also, one second-direction guideline GL2 is displayed spaced apart from the other second-direction guideline GL2 in the first direction Dy.

[0041] Here, the first-direction guideline GL1 and the second-direction guideline GL2 are displayed at least inside the platen area PR. Thereby, the printable area IR is displayed inside the platen area PR. Specifically, the first-direction guideline GL1 and the second-direction guideline GL2 are displayed inside the above-described lines RL21, RL22, RL10, and RL11 indicating the platen area PR. In this case, one first-direction guideline GL1 may be displayed overlapping with the line RL10, and the other first-direction guideline GL1 may be displayed overlapping with the line RL11. Also, one second-direction guideline GL2 may be displayed overlapping with the line RL21, and the other second-direction guideline GL2 may be displayed overlapping with the line RL22. FIG. 4 illustrates a mode in which one second-direction guideline GL2 is displayed overlapping with the line RL21 and the other second-direction guideline GL2 is displayed overlapping with the line RL22. Also, FIG. 4 illustrates a mode in which one first-direction guideline GL1 is displayed inside the line RL10 and the other first-direction guideline GL1 is displayed inside the line RL11.

[0042] Note that one first-direction guideline GL1 may be displayed overlapping with the line RL10, and the other first-direction guideline GL1 may be displayed overlapping with the line RL11. Also, one second-direction guideline GL2 may be displayed inside the line RL21, and the other second-direction guideline GL2 may be displayed inside the line RL22.

[0043] The control unit 111 may cause the display 113 to display the guideline GL using a color different from the color of the line RL. For example, the line RL may be displayed in gray and the guideline GL may be displayed in pink. Note that the first-direction guideline GL1 may be displayed in a color different from that of the second-direction guideline GL2. Also, the guideline GL may be displayed in the same color as the line RL.

[0044] Here, before the above-described guideline GL is displayed on the display 113, as shown in FIG. 5, a platen size selection screen SF2 is displayed on the display 113. The user can select a desired platen size from among the plurality of platen sizes displayed on the selection screen SF2 by operating the button CB10. When a roll film is used as the transfer film F, the user can select "Roll Paper" as the platen size. The display of the guideline GL on the display 113 may be simultaneous with the display of the selection screen SF2. In this case, the guideline GL may be displayed, for example, on a pop-up screen or the like.

[0045] After the platen size is selected by the user as described above, the control unit 111 causes the setting screen SF3 of the guideline GL to be displayed on the display 113 in the setting step. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the setting screen SF3 of the guideline GL is displayed on the display 113. The user can set the guideline GL to be displayed on the display 113 on the setting screen SF3.

[0046] A screen for designating at least any one of the first distance K1, the second distance K2, the third distance K3, and the fourth distance K4 is displayed on the display 113 as the setting screen SF3. FIG. 6 illustrates an aspect in which the setting screen SF3 for designating all of the first distance K1, the second distance K2, the third distance K3, and the fourth distance K4 is displayed. However, the setting screen SF3 may be a screen for designating three or less distances among the first distance K1, the second distance K2, the third distance K3, and the fourth distance K4.

[0047] The first distance K1 is the distance from the first end E1 of the platen 11 to the inner position of the platen 11. The second distance K2 is the distance from the second end E2 of the platen 11 to the inner position of the platen 11. Also, the third distance K3 is the distance from the third end E3 of the platen 11 to the inner position of the platen 11. The fourth distance K4 is the distance from the fourth end E4 of the platen 11 to the inner position of the platen 11. Note that the inner position of the platen 11 is a position including positions on the outer edge (i.e., each end E1 to E4) of the platen 11 and any position inside the platen 11.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, on the setting screen SF3, an input box CB1 for specifying the first distance K1, an input box CB2 for specifying the second distance K2, an input box CB3 for specifying the third distance K3, and an input box CB4 for specifying the fourth distance K4 are displayed. The units of each of the distances K1 to K4 are, for example, mm or inch. The user can input desired values in the input boxes CB1 to CB4. Note that in FIG. 6, a mode is illustrated in which the first distance K1 and the second distance K2 are 0.00 mm and the third distance K3 and the fourth distance K4 are 0.20 mm.

[0049] The user can select the display or non-display of the guideline GL by operating the button CB5 displayed on the setting screen SF3. Also, after the user inputs each of the distances K1 to K4, the user can complete the setting of each of the distances K1 to K4 by operating the button CB6 displayed on the setting screen SF3. Note that the user can cancel each of the input distances K1 to K4 by operating the button CB7 displayed on the setting screen SF3.

[0050] After the button CB6 is operated by the user, the control unit 111 causes the display 113 to display the guideline GL at at least one of positions inside the platen 11 that are separated from the first end E1 of the platen 11 by a first distance K1, from the second end E2 by a second distance K2, from the third end E3 by a third distance K3, and from the fourth end E4 by a fourth distance K4. In FIG. 4, one second-direction guideline GL2 is displayed on the line RL21 corresponding to the first end E1 of the platen 11, and the other second-direction guideline GL2 is displayed on the line RL22 corresponding to the second end E2 of the platen 11, as an example. Note that at least one of the input boxes CB1 to CB4 may be displayed on the setting screen SF3, and the guideline GL may be displayed at the distance specified by the displayed input box. Also, in FIG. 4, one first-direction guideline GL1 is displayed at a position 0.20 mm inside from the line RL10 corresponding to the third end E3 of the platen 11 as the third distance K3, and the other first-direction guideline GL1 is displayed at a position 0.20 mm inside from the line RL11 corresponding to the fourth end E4 of the platen 11 as the fourth distance K4, as an example.

[0051] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the regions from the first end portion E1 of the platen 11 to positions separated by a first distance K1, from the second end portion E2 to positions separated by a second distance K2, from the third end portion E3 to positions separated by a third distance K3, and from the fourth end portion E4 to positions separated by a fourth distance K4 are, for example, regions HR that are not printed on the transfer film F. That is, the regions HR are, for example, regions where ink droplets are not ejected from the ejection head 20. Further, the regions HR are regions where the transfer film F is pressed by the pressing member 49 described above. The user can input the respective distances K1 to K4 in consideration of the dimensions of the pressing member 49 and the like. Thereby, for the user, the printable region IR is easily recognized by the guideline GL displayed based on the respective distances K1 to K4. Note that in FIG. 3, the dimension of the region from the third end portion E3 to positions separated by the third distance K3 is larger than the dimension of one pressing member 49 in the second direction Dx, and the dimension of the region from the fourth end portion E4 to positions separated by the fourth distance K4 is larger than the dimension of the other pressing member 49 in the second direction Dx, which is exemplified.

[0052] As described above, after the platen size is selected by the user, instead of displaying the guideline GL based on each distance K1 to K4 specified by the user on the setting screen SF3, the following mode may be adopted. The control unit 111 acquires the information of the platen size when the platen size is selected by the user, and in the display step, the position of the guideline GL may be changed according to the acquired platen size and displayed on the display 113. In this case, the platen size and the position of the guideline GL corresponding to the platen size, that is, the platen size and each distance K1 to K4 corresponding to the platen size are preset. Then, after the platen size is selected on the platen size selection screen SF2 by the user, the control unit 111 causes the display 113 to display the guideline GL based on each distance K1 to K4 corresponding to the platen size selected by the user. Alternatively, the control unit 111 may acquire the information of the size of the pressing member 49, and in the display step, change the position of the guideline GL according to the acquired size of the pressing member 49 and display it on the display 113. In this case, the size of the pressing member 49 (that is, the dimension of the pressing member 49 in the second direction Dx) and the position of the guideline GL corresponding to the size (that is, the first direction guideline GL1) are preset. Then, after the size of the pressing member 49 is selected by the user, the control unit 111 causes the display 113 to display the guideline GL based on the size selected by the user.

[0053] As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the line RL indicating the platen area PR is displayed, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the platen area PR. Along with this, the guideline GL can be displayed at least inside the platen area PR. As a result, the area between the lines RL10, RL11, RL21, RL22 indicating the outer contour line of the platen area PR among the lines RL and the guideline GL (for example, the area where the pressing member 49 for pressing the transfer film F toward the platen 11 when discharging ink droplets is provided) becomes clear to the user. For this reason, the user can layout the image to be printed using the guideline GL as a reference, and can avoid discharging ink droplets onto the above area. Further, since the guideline GL can be set to be displayed by the user independently of the line RL, the position of the guideline GL can be set to a desired position according to the image to be printed.

[0054] Further, in the present embodiment, as the guideline GL, a first-direction guideline GL1 and a second-direction guideline GL2 are displayed in the platen area PR indicated by the line RL. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the printable area IR based on these guidelines GL1, GL2.

[0055] Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 111 may display the guideline GL on the display 113 based on the respective distances K1 to K4 corresponding to the platen size selected by the user. In this case, by changing the position of the guideline GL according to the platen size, the user can recognize the printable area IR corresponding to the platen size.

[0056] Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 111 may display the guideline GL on the display 113 using a color different from the color of the line RL. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to clearly distinguish the position of the guideline GL from the position of the line RL.

[0057] In addition, in the present embodiment, a screen for specifying at least any one of the first distance K1, the second distance K2, the third distance K3, and the fourth distance K4 is displayed on the display 113 as the setting screen SF3. Then, the control unit 111 causes the display 113 to display the guideline GL at at least any one of positions separated by the first distance K1 from the first end portion E1 of the platen 11, positions separated by the second distance K2 from the second end portion E2, positions separated by the third distance K3 from the third end portion E3, and positions separated by the fourth distance K4 from the fourth end portion E4. As a result, the user can freely display the guideline GL at any position separated by the specified distance.

[0058] In addition, in the present embodiment, the regions from the first end portion E1 of the platen 11 to positions separated by the first distance K1, the regions from the second end portion E2 to positions separated by the second distance K2, the regions from the third end portion E3 to positions separated by the third distance K3, and the regions from the fourth end portion E4 to positions separated by the fourth distance K4 are non-printing regions HR on the transfer film F. In this case, it is possible to avoid the ejection of ink droplets onto regions where it is not preferable to print on the transfer film F.

[0059] In addition, in the present embodiment, the non-printing region HR on the transfer film F is a region where the transfer film F is pressed by the pressing member 49. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the ejection of ink droplets onto the region where the transfer film F is pressed by the pressing member 49.

[0060] Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 111 may cause the display 113 to display the guideline GL based on the size of the pressing member 49. In this case, since the position of the guideline GL changes when pressing members 49 of different sizes are used, when a pressing member 49 smaller than the current pressing member 49 is used, the printable area IR can be displayed enlarged. Thereby, the width of the layout of the printed image is widened by the user. Further, when a pressing member 49 larger than the current pressing member 49 is used, the printable area IR can be displayed reduced. Thereby, it is possible to avoid ink droplets from being ejected onto the area where the transfer film F is pressed by the pressing member 49.

[0061] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the information of the guideline GL is not included in the image data. Thereby, since it can be used only for displaying the guideline GL at the time of laying out the printed image, an increase in the capacity of the image data can be avoided.

[0062] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Although several modification examples have been given in the above-described embodiment, other examples are as follows.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that after the platen size is selected on the platen size selection screen SF2 by the user, the guideline GL is displayed on the display 113 based on the selected platen size. In this case, the selection screen SF2 corresponds to a guideline setting screen displayed in the setting step.

[0064] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the area HR has been described as an area that is not printed on the transfer film F, that is, an area where ink droplets are not ejected from the ejection head 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user may use the area HR as an area for performing a layout for arranging an image. Thereby, the range of the designability of the image is widened.

[0065] Further, in the above embodiment, the ejection head 20 may include one or a plurality of ejection heads that eject ink droplets of a base color such as white ink.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, although each of the screens SF1, SF2, and SF3 is displayed on the display 113 of the image data creation device 101, the present invention is not limited to this, and each of the screens SF1, SF2, and SF3 may be displayed on a display of a personal computer or the like that can communicate with the image data creation device 101 by wire or wirelessly.

Explanation of Signs

[0067] 11 Platen 20 Ejection head 30 Conveying device 31 Conveying roller 49 Pressing member 100 Printing system 101 Image data creation device 102 Printing device 111 Control unit 113 Display Dx Second direction Dy First direction F Transfer film GL Guideline GL1 First direction guideline GL2 Second direction guideline HR Region not printed on the transfer film IR Printable region PR Platen region RL Line SF1, SF2, SF3 Screens

Claims

1. A guideline display program for causing a computer in an image data creation apparatus including a computer that creates image data of an image formed by ejecting ink from an ejection head onto a print medium placed on a platen included in a printing apparatus and a display that displays the image data, wherein the computer is caused to: A setting step of displaying, on the display, a setting screen of a guideline indicating a printable area, which can be independently set with respect to a line indicating a platen area that is an area of the platen; A display step of displaying the line on the display and displaying the guideline set on the setting screen at least inside the platen area on the display; A guideline display program that causes the above to be executed.

2. The printing apparatus includes a conveyance unit that conveys the print medium in a first direction, In the display step, as the guideline, a first direction guideline along the first direction in the platen area indicated by the line, a second direction guideline along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in the platen area, and any one of the first direction guideline and the second direction guideline are displayed. The guideline display program according to claim 1.

3. The computer is caused to execute an acquisition step of acquiring the size of the platen, In the display step, the position of the guideline is changed and displayed according to the acquired size of the platen. The guideline display program according to claim 1.

4. In the display step, the guideline is displayed using a color different from the color of the line. The guideline display program according to claim 1.

5. The printing apparatus includes a conveyance unit that conveys the print medium in a first direction, The platen has a first end portion on one side and a second end portion on the other side in the first direction, and a third end portion on one side and a fourth end portion on the other side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In the setting step, a screen for designating at least any one of a first distance from the first end portion to an inner position of the platen, a second distance from the second end portion to the inner position of the platen, a third distance from the third end portion to the inner position of the platen, and a fourth distance from the fourth end portion to the inner position of the platen is displayed. In the display step, the guideline is displayed at at least any one of a position separated from the first end portion by the first distance, a position separated from the second end portion by the second distance, a position separated from the third end portion by the third distance, and a position separated from the fourth end portion by the fourth distance. The guideline display program according to claim 1.

6. The region from the inner position to the position separated from the first end portion by the first distance, the region from the inner position to the position separated from the second end portion by the second distance, the region from the inner position to the position separated from the third end portion by the third distance, and the region from the inner position to the position separated from the fourth end portion by the fourth distance are regions not printed on the printed medium. The guideline display program according to claim 5.

7. The printing device includes a pressing member that presses the printed medium toward the platen when discharging ink. The region not printed on the printed medium is a region where the printed medium is pressed by the pressing member. The guideline display program according to claim 6.

8. The computer is caused to execute an acquisition step of acquiring the size of the pressing member. In the display step, the position of the guideline is changed and displayed according to the acquired size of the pressing member. The guideline display program according to claim 7.

9. The information of the guideline is not included in the image data. The guideline display program according to claim 1.

10. A guideline display method in an image data creation device that creates image data of an image to be printed on a printed medium placed on a platen, A setting screen for a guideline indicating a printable area is displayed independently of a line indicating a platen area that is an area of the platen, and the setting is possible. The line is displayed, and the guideline set in the setting screen is displayed at least inside the platen area. Guideline display method.

Images