Information processing system, cutting application, and image forming device

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, a cutting application, and an image forming device that can save recording material used for printing a medium that is cut using a cutting machine.SOLUTION: An information processing system 1 consisting of an image forming device 101, an information processing device 102, and a cutting machine 103 sets a cutting area when the cutting machine 103 cuts a medium on which a print image has been printed by the image forming device 101, and trims the image outside the cutting area from the image to be cut to generate a print image when performing trimming printing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a cutting application, and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an information processing system, a cutting application, and an image forming apparatus that cut a medium to be cut. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, cutting machines, devices that cut media such as paper and cloth, are widely used. In retail stores and schools, there are use cases where an image forming device is used to print an image on the media to be cut, and then the cutting machine is used to cut the printed media.

[0003] For example, there is known a conventional technique for adding cutting lines to an image of a print object, such as a photograph, character, picture, or pattern, printed on a medium to be cut (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4534823 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, cutting machines have a cuttable area. Therefore, when an image is printed on a medium to be cut using an image forming device, it is possible that the image is printed outside the cuttable area of the medium. In this case, the image outside the cuttable area will not be used as the image to be cut, and even if it is printed on the medium, it will be discarded after cutting and wasted. Furthermore, if the image to be cut is small compared to the image printed on the medium, most of the image printed on the medium will be discarded after cutting and wasted. This waste can be particularly significant when there is a large amount of medium to be cut, or when the image to be printed on the medium requires a large amount of recording material, such as toner or ink.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and aims to provide an information processing system, a cutting application, and an image forming apparatus that can save recording material used in printing media that is cut using a cutting machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the information processing system of claim 1 of the present invention is an information processing system consisting of an image forming device that prints a print image on a medium, an information processing device, and a cutting machine, characterized in that it has a setting means that sets a cutting area where the cutting machine cuts the medium on which the print image is printed, and a print image generation means that generates the print image from an input image without including an image outside the cutting area.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the cutting application of claim 8 of the present invention is a cutting application executed on an information processing device connected to an image forming device that prints a print image on a medium and a cutting machine, and is characterized in that it comprises a setting means for setting a cutting area in which the cutting machine cuts the medium on which the print image is printed, and a print image generation means for generating the print image from an input image that does not include images outside the cutting area.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus according to claim 15 of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that is connected to an information processing device and a cutting machine, and prints a print image on a medium, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means that acquires from the information processing device a cutting area in which the cutting machine cuts the medium on which the print image is printed; and a print image generation means that generates the print image from an input image that does not include an image outside the cutting area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to save recording material used for printing on a medium that is cut using a cutting machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus appearing in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of an OS of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cutting machine in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the cutting machine. [Figure 6]2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of a cutting application stored in the storage in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a sequence of a series of processes from printing an object to be cut by an image forming apparatus to cutting by a cutting machine. [Figure 9] This is a modified example of a sequence of a series of processes from printing the target to be cut by the image forming apparatus to cutting by the cutting machine. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of an image to be cut, a printout of the image to be cut without trimming, and a printout of the image to be cut after trimming. [Figure 11A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by a cutting application when printing an image to be cut. [Figure 11B] This is a continuation of Figure 11A. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the image forming apparatus when printing an object to be cut. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a trimming setting screen. [Figure 14A] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed during the processing of step S1103 in FIG. 11A. [Figure 14B] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of a preview screen displayed during the processing of step S1104 in FIG. 11A. [Figure 14C] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen that is redisplayed during the processing of step S1106 in FIG. 11A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. Modifications such as replacing part of the configuration or part of the processing with equivalents or omitting them may be made within the scope of obtaining similar effects.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] In FIG. 1, an information processing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 101, an information processing apparatus 102, and a cutting machine 103, which are communicably connected via a network 100.

[0015] The image forming device 101 receives instructions from the information processing device 102 and prints an image including a cutting target on a medium to be cut. The cutting machine 103 receives instructions from the information processing device 102 and cuts the printed medium output by the image forming device 101 based on the specified cutting information.

[0016] In this embodiment, the information processing device 102 is configured to issue instructions to the image forming device 101 and the cutting machine 103, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming device 101 that receives instructions from the information processing device 102 may cooperate with the cutting machine 103 to perform a series of processes from printing to cutting.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. As shown in FIG.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 101 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a storage 204, an image bus I / F (interface) 205, an operation unit I / F 206, a system bus 207, an image bus 208, a network I / F 210, and an operation unit 212. The image forming apparatus 101 further includes a USB host I / F 213, a USB storage 214, an RTC 215, a device I / F 220, a scanner 270, a scanner image processing unit 280, a printer image processing unit 290, and a printer 295.

[0019] The CPU 201 starts up an operating system (OS) 310 (FIG. 3) using a boot program stored in the ROM 203. The CPU 201 executes programs stored in the storage 204 on the OS 310, thereby performing various processes. The RAM 202 is used as a working area for the CPU 201. The RAM 202 provides a working area as well as an image memory area for temporarily storing image data. The storage 204 stores programs and image data.

[0020] The CPU 201 is connected to a ROM 203, a RAM 202, a storage 204, an operation unit I / F 206, a network I / F 210, a USB host I / F 213, an RTC 215, and an image bus I / F 205 via a system bus 207. The operation unit I / F 206 is an interface with an operation unit 212 having a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 212 to the operation unit 212. The operation unit I / F 206 also sends information input by a user via the operation unit 212 to the CPU 201. The network I / F 210 is an interface for communicating with the information processing device 102 and the cutting machine 103 via a network 100 (FIG. 1), not shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] The USB host I / F 213 is an interface unit that communicates with the USB storage 214. The USB host I / F 213 is an output unit that causes data stored in the storage 204 to be stored in the USB storage 214. The USB host I / F 213 also inputs data stored in the USB storage 214 and transmits it to the CPU 201. The USB storage 214 is a storage device that stores data, and is detachable from the USB host I / F 213. A plurality of USB devices including the USB storage 214 can be connected to the USB host I / F 213.

[0022] The RTC 215 controls the current time. The time information controlled by the RTC 215 is used to record the time when a job is submitted, etc.

[0023] The image bus I / F 205 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 207 and an image bus 208, which transfers image data at high speed, and converts data formats. A device I / F 220, a scanner image processing unit 280, and a printer image processing unit 290 are provided on the image bus 208. A scanner 270 and a printer 295 are connected to the device I / F 220, which performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. When a scanned image is input from the scanner 270, the scanner image processing unit 280 corrects, processes, and edits the input scanned image data. The printer image processing unit 290 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like on image data for print output in accordance with the printer 295.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the OS 310 of the image forming apparatus 101. As shown in FIG.

[0025] 3, the OS 310 includes a job control unit 331, a UI control unit 332, a storage control unit 333, a NW control unit 334, a print control unit 335, a scan control unit 336, a cutting information processing unit 337, and an image generation unit 338. Each of these modules is a software module that is realized by the CPU 201 executing a main program loaded into the RAM 202, and the execution of these modules is managed and controlled by the CPU 201.

[0026] The UI control unit 332 displays a screen on the operation unit 212 and accepts operations from the user via the operation unit I / F 206. The UI control unit 332 also has a function of notifying other modules included in the OS 310, receiving drawing instructions from the other modules, and controlling screen updates of the operation unit 212.

[0027] The job control unit 331 is a module that receives job execution instructions from the NW control unit 334 and UI control unit 332 and controls job processing such as copying, scanning, and printing.

[0028] The NW control unit 334 receives communication requests from other modules, controls the network I / F 210, and controls communication with external devices. It also receives notifications from external devices and notifies other modules of the contents of the notifications. The storage control unit 333 records and manages the setting information and job information recorded in the storage 204. Each module located in the OS hierarchy accesses the storage control unit 333 to refer to and set setting values.

[0029] The print control unit 335 cooperates with the printer image processing unit 290 to control the printer 295 via the device I / F 220 and executes printing.

[0030] The scan control unit 336 cooperates with the scanner image processing unit 280 to control the scanner 270 via the device I / F 220 to perform scanning.

[0031] The cutting information processing unit 337 cooperates with the information processing device 102 and the cutting machine 103 via the network I / F 210, and manages information on the cuttable area of the cutting machine 103 and the cutting area on the printed image.

[0032] An image generating unit 338 receives instructions from the job control unit 331 and cooperates with the printer image processing unit 290 and the scanner image processing unit 280 to generate an image according to the job.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the cutting machine 103.

[0034] The cutting machine 103 mainly comprises a controller unit 410, an operation unit 420, a display unit 430, a sensor unit 440, and a cutting unit 450.

[0035] The controller unit 410 includes a storage unit 413 , a network I / F 414 , an operation unit I / F 415 , a display unit I / F 416 , a device I / F 417 , and a control unit 418 , which are connected to one another via a system bus 411 .

[0036] The control unit 418 is configured by a CPU, and realizes the functions of the cutting machine 103 by executing the commands of the control program stored in the storage unit 413 .

[0037] The storage unit 413 includes a ROM, a RAM, a HDD, etc., and stores not only the control program but also various data such as cutting settings, position information, etc. The storage unit 413 may further include an external storage device such as a USB memory or an external hard disk.

[0038] The network I / F 414 is an interface for communicating with the information processing apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 via the network 100 (FIG. 1), not shown in FIG.

[0039] The operation unit I / F 415 sends information input by the user via the operation unit 420 to the control unit 418. The operation unit 420 is an input device that includes cursor keys and a determination key for receiving input operations from the user.

[0040] The display unit I / F 416 is an interface with the display unit 430, and outputs image data to be displayed on the display unit 430 to the display unit 430. The display unit 430 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel for displaying information such as cut settings to the user.

[0041] The device I / F 417 is an interface with the sensor unit 440 and cutting unit 450, and sends image data acquired by the sensor unit 440 to the control unit 418, and sends control information from the control unit 418 to the cutting unit 450. The sensor unit 440 is a device that detects register marks on the medium to be cut based on sensor output and scans the medium to be cut and acquires the data as image data. The cutting unit 450 is a device that includes a cutter that cuts the medium to be cut, a drive roller that moves the cutter, and a transport mechanism that moves the medium to be cut.

[0042] The operation of each of the operation unit 420 , display unit 430 , sensor unit 440 , and cutting unit 450 is controlled by a control signal sent from the control unit 418 .

[0043] To achieve cutting processing with the cutting machine 103, the following specific processing is executed. First, the control unit 418 sends a control signal to the cutting unit 450 in response to signals received from the operation unit 420, the sensor unit 440, and the network I / F 414. Next, in response to the control signal from the control unit 418, the cutting unit 450 operates the internal transport mechanism and drive rollers to move the cutter. Through this control, a predetermined cut line can be formed on the medium to be cut.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the cutting machine 103.

[0045] 5, the software of the cutting machine 103 mainly comprises a network control unit 501, a device control unit 502, a storage control unit 503, a UI control unit 504, a cutting condition setting unit 505, and a cutting process execution unit 506. These modules are realized by the control unit 418 executing a control program.

[0046] The network control unit 501 is a module for controlling a plurality of communication protocols supported by the cutting machine 103 via the network I / F 414 .

[0047] The device control unit 502 is a module for controlling the sensor unit 440 and the cutting unit 450 via the device I / F 417 .

[0048] The storage control unit 503 is a module for managing and controlling memory access to the storage unit 413 .

[0049] The UI control unit 504 is a module for controlling the operation unit 420 and the display unit 430 via the operation unit I / F 415 and the display unit I / F 416 .

[0050] The cutting condition setting unit 505 is a module for receiving cutting setting information from at least one of the operation unit I / F 415 and the network I / F 414 , and updating and saving the data in the storage unit 413 .

[0051] The cut processing execution unit 506 is a module for receiving a cut execution signal from the operation unit I / F 415 and the network I / F 414, and for controlling the cutter 450 in accordance with the cut setting information.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 102.

[0053] The information processing device 102 mainly comprises a controller unit 600, an operation unit 606, and a display unit 609.

[0054] The controller unit 600 includes a CPU 601 , a RAM 602 , a ROM 603 , a storage 604 , an operation unit I / F 605 , a display unit I / F 608 , a network I / F 610 , and a USB I / F 611 , which are connected to each other via a system bus 607 .

[0055] The CPU 601 reads out control programs stored in the ROM 603 or storage 604 and controls the functions of the information processing device 102. The RAM 602 is the main memory of the CPU 601 and is used as a temporary storage area for expanding the various control programs stored in the ROM 603 and storage 604. The ROM 603 stores control programs executable by the CPU 601. The storage 604 is a storage device such as an SSD or HDD, and stores image data and application programs. The operation unit I / F 605 connects the operation unit 606 to the controller unit 600. The operation unit 606 is a device for detecting input from a user and is composed of a mouse, keyboard, etc. The display unit I / F 608 connects the display unit 609 to the controller unit 600. The display unit 609 is a device for displaying the processing contents of the information processing device 102 so that the user can understand them, and is composed of an LCD monitor in this embodiment. The network I / F 610 is an interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus 101 and the cutting machine 103 via the network 100 (FIG. 1), not shown in FIG. 6. The USB I / F 611 transmits and receives data to and from external devices via a USB-standard cable. The operation unit 606 may be connected to the information processing apparatus 102 via the USB I / F 611. The system bus 607 mediates the exchange of data between the various units.

[0056] 7 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of a cutting application 700 (hereinafter simply referred to as cutting app 700). The cutting application 700 is stored in the storage 604 of the information processing apparatus 102, and cooperates with an image forming apparatus and a cutting machine.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, the cutting application 700 has a display processing unit 701, an input processing unit 702, a communication management unit 703, an image processing unit 704, a device registration unit 705, a device management unit 706, a print instruction unit 707, and a cutting instruction unit 708 as its main functional units.

[0058] The display processing unit 701 controls the content displayed on the display unit 609 when the cutting application 700 is running. The input processing unit 702 detects input from the operation unit 606 while the cutting application 700 is running and transmits the data to other functional units. The communication management unit 703 controls communication with the image forming apparatus 101 and the cutting machine 103 via the network I / F 610. The image processing unit 704 generates image data with register marks based on an image file, and generates print data and cutting data, based on user operations input from the input processing unit 702. The device registration unit 705 detects the image forming apparatus 101 and the cutting machine 103, which are devices connected via the network I / F 610 and the USB I / F 511, and stores information about the detected devices in the storage 604. The device information stored here includes the device type and communication information. The device management unit 706 updates and deletes information about devices registered by the device registration unit 705. In this embodiment, the device registration unit 705 and device management unit 706 are included in the cutting application 700, but these functions may be realized by cooperating with driver software (not shown) stored in the storage 604 of the information processing device 102. The print instruction unit 707 transmits print data and cutting data to the image forming apparatus 101 based on a user operation input from the input processing unit 702. This transmission uses communication information for the device managed by the device management unit 706. The cutting instruction unit 708 transmits cutting data to the cutting machine 103 based on a user operation input from the input processing unit 702. This transmission uses communication information for the device managed by the device management unit 706.

[0059] 8 shows an example of a sequence of processes from printing an image to be cut by the image forming apparatus 101 to cutting by the cutting machine 103. In this use case, the cutting application 700 trims the printed image and generates the image to be cut in accordance with the trimming settings described below.

[0060] When the cutting application 700 is started by a user operation on the operation unit 606 of the information processing device 102 (step S801), the process proceeds to step S802.

[0061] In step S802, the device registration unit 705 of the cutting application 700 detects the cutting machine 103 and requests the detected cutting machine 103 for device information including information about the cutting-enabled area.

[0062] Thereafter, when the control unit 418 of the cutting machine 103 receives a device information request including the cuttable area (step S803), it transmits its own capability information, including the cuttable area, to the cutting application 700 (step S804). Note that, if the cutting application 700 can acquire the device information of the cutting machine 103, it does not need to request device information from the detected cutting machine 103 as in the present embodiment. For example, if the device information already registered in the device management unit 706 includes information about the cutting machine 103, the registered device information may be used without making the request in step S802.

[0063] Next, the cutting application 700 performs the processes from steps S805 to S816.

[0064] First, the display processing unit 701 displays a preview screen for the user to insert an image to be cut and specify a cutting area and a cutting line, and the input processing unit 702 accepts user input based on the preview screen (step S805). The input processing unit 702 transmits each piece of data input by the user to the image processing unit 704 and the like, and each functional unit that receives the data reflects the user's input content (step S806).

[0065] Next, when the input processing unit 702 receives a user input of a print instruction for the inserted image to be cut (step S807), the display processing unit 701 displays a print setting screen (not shown) (step S808).

[0066] Thereafter, the input processing unit 702 accepts user input of print settings such as the selection of paper to print on, whether or not to print a register mark image, and the selection of the paper feed tray of the image forming device 101 based on the print setting screen (step S809), and then proceeds to step S810.

[0067] In step S810, the input processing unit 702 cooperates with the image processing unit 704 and print instruction unit 707 to reflect the print settings input by the user in each functional unit.

[0068] Thereafter, when the input processing unit 702 receives a user input of a print execution instruction (step S811), the process proceeds to step S812.

[0069] In step S812, the image processing unit 704 checks whether the image to be printed fits within the cutting area of the cutting machine 103. If the image does not fit within the cutting area (NO in step S812), the display processing unit 701 displays a warning message (step S813). This warning message allows the user to select whether to continue printing or return to image editing. In this use case, a case will be described in which the user selects "return to image editing" on the operation unit 606 based on the warning message, and edits the image so that it fits within the cutting area. Note that, although not shown in this sequence, if the image fits within the cutting area (YES in step S812) or if the user selects "continue printing" on the operation unit 606 based on the warning message, the process proceeds directly to step S816, which will be described later.

[0070] Next, when the image processing unit 704 acquires the trimming settings stored in the storage 604 (step S814), the image processing unit 704 generates a trimmed print image in accordance with the acquired trimming settings (step S815). Here, a trimmed print image is an image generated based on the image of the input image data, and does not include any image outside the cutting line set by the user. Alternatively, it is an image generated based on the image of the input image data, and does not include any image outside the cutting area of the cutting machine.

[0071] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S816. The trimming settings are settings related to printing of the image to be cut, and will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0072] In step S816, the image processing unit 704 generates print data based on the generated print image and transmits a print execution instruction together with the print data to the image forming apparatus 101. In the image forming apparatus 101, the CPU 201 analyzes the received print data (step S817), performs image processing based on the analysis results, and then executes printing (step S818). As a result, the trimmed print image generated in step S815 is printed on the paper selected by the user in step S809, and the resulting printout is output from the image forming apparatus 101.

[0073] When the user sets the printed material obtained in step S818 in a predetermined position (step S819), the cutting machine 103 transmits a notification that the printed material to be cut has been set to the cutting application 700 (step S819a).

[0074] When the cutting instruction unit 708 of the cutting application 700 receives the setting completion notification, it transmits cutting information including cutting data to the cutting machine 103 and issues a cutting instruction (step S820). Note that in this embodiment, the cutting instruction is issued in response to reception of the setting completion notification, but this is not limiting. For example, in step S819a, the setting completion notification may be displayed on the display unit 430 of the cutting machine 103. In this case, in step S820, when the operation unit 420 accepts a cutting instruction from the user, the cutting instruction unit 708 issues a cutting instruction to the cutting machine 103.

[0075] The cutting machine 103 receives the cutting instruction, analyzes the cutting data included in the received cutting instruction (step S821), and executes cutting of the printed material to be cut (step S822).

[0076] This completes the processing of the sequence in FIG.

[0077] 9 shows a modified example of a sequence of processes from printing an image to be cut by the image forming apparatus 101 to cutting by the cutting machine 103. In this use case, the image forming apparatus 101 trims the printed image and generates the image to be cut in accordance with the trimming settings described below.

[0078] When the cutting application 700 is started on the information processing device 102 by a user operation, the cutting application 700 performs the processes of steps S901 to S914 for acquiring a print execution instruction and trimming settings from the user, and then proceeds to step S915. Note that the processes of steps S901 to S914 are the same as the processes of steps S801 to S814 in FIG. 8, and therefore detailed description of these processes will be omitted.

[0079] In step S915, the image processing unit 704 transmits a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 along with the image to be cut, the cuttable area, and the trimming settings (step S915). In the image forming apparatus 101 that has accepted the print instruction, the CPU 201 analyzes the received image data to be cut, the cuttable area, and the trimming settings (step S916). Thereafter, the CPU 201 generates trimmed print data based on the analysis results of step S916 (step S917), and then executes printing (step S918). As a result, the trimmed print data generated in step S917 is printed on the paper selected by the user in step S909, and the resulting printout is output from the image forming apparatus 101.

[0080] Next, the processing of steps S919 to S922, which is the processing for the obtained printout, is executed, and the sequence of Fig. 9 ends. Note that the processing of steps S919 to S922 is similar to the processing of steps S819 to S822 in Fig. 8, and therefore detailed description of these processing will be omitted.

[0081] FIG. 10 shows an example of an image to be cut, a printout of the image to be cut without trimming, and a printout of the image to be cut after trimming.

[0082] 10A is a diagram showing an image 1001 to be printed that has been selected by the user. In this example, the user has specified the cutting area with a cutting line 1002 shown in FIG.

[0083] 10B is a diagram showing an output 1003 when the image 1001 is printed as is without trimming. The cuttable area is a rectangular area surrounded by a register mark image 1004 that is read by the cutting machine 103 and printed on the output 1003 for use in alignment.

[0084] 10C is a diagram showing a printout 1005 in the case where the trimming setting for the image 1001, which will be described later in FIG. 13, is "Do not print images outside the cuttable area." Compared to the printout 1003 without trimming, the printout 1005 omits printing of the image portion outside the cuttable area, making it possible to reduce toner consumption.

[0085] 10(D) is a diagram showing an image 1006 to be printed that the user has selected. In this example, the user has specified the cutting area with a cutting line 1007 shown in FIG.

[0086] FIG. 10E is a diagram showing a printout 1008 obtained when the image 1006 is printed without being trimmed.

[0087] Figure 10(F) is a diagram showing an output 1010 when the trimming setting for image 1006, which will be described later in Figure 13, is "Do not print images outside the cutting line." Compared to an output 1008 without trimming, toner consumption can be reduced by omitting printing of the image portion outside the cutting area specified by cutting line 1007. Note that even when the trimming setting for image 1001, which will be described later in Figure 13, is "Do not print images outside the cutting line," printing of the image portion outside the cutting area specified by cutting line 1002 is omitted, and an output similar to output 1010 can be obtained.

[0088] 11A and 11B are an example of a flowchart of processing executed by the cutting application 700 when printing an image to be cut. Here, Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B are flowcharts that explain in more detail the processing by the cutting application 700 in the sequence of Fig. 8.

[0089] When the operation unit 606 of the information processing device 102 receives a request from the user to start the cutting application 700 (step S1101), the cutting application 700 starts up, and the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0090] In step S1102, the device registration unit 705 of the cutting application 700 detects the cutting machine 103 and requests device information including information about the cutting area from the detected cutting machine 103. In step S1103, the device registration unit 705 receives this request and acquires the information about the cutting area by receiving the device information including the information about the cutting area transmitted from the cutting machine 103 (first acquisition means). FIG. 14A shows a setting screen 1410 displayed by the display processing unit 701 of the cutting application 700 when the cutting machine 103 is detected in step S1102 and the device information is acquired in step S1103. On the setting screen 1410, the device name of the cutting machine 103, "Cutting Machine A," is displayed in a display field 1404, and based on the device information, paper sizes A4 and A3 that can be cut by the cutting machine 103 are displayed so that the user can select them. Thereafter, when the reflect button 1420 is pressed, the information set by the user on the setting screen 1410 is reflected in the information to be sent to the cutting machine 103, the setting screen 1410 is closed, and the process proceeds to the next step S1104. Note that the execute button 1430 cannot be pressed by the user at this point.

[0091] Returning to FIG. 11 , the display processing unit 701 displays a preview screen on which the user can insert an image to be cut and set a cutting area, and the input processing unit 702 accepts user input based on the preview screen (step S1104: setting means). The input processing unit 702 transmits each piece of data input by the user to the image processing unit 704 and the like, and each functional unit to which the data is sent reflects the user's input. FIG. 14B shows a preview screen 1400 displayed in response to the operation accepted in step S1104. The preview screen 1400 displays a display field 1413 for previewing the image to be cut, cutting area designation formats 1408 to 1411 (assignment means), and a user-designated cutting area 1414. In this embodiment, after the user selects designation format 1411, the size and position of the cutting area defined by a star-shaped cutting line are set by the user in the display field 1413, but this is not limiting. For example, if the user selects designation format 1408, the user sets the cutting area defined by a handwritten cutting line in the display field 1413. Furthermore, when the user selects designation format 1409, the size and position of the cutting area defined by a circular cutting line are set by the user in display field 1413. When the user selects designation format 1410, the size and position of the cutting area defined by a rectangular cutting line are set by the user in display field 1413. When the user selects designation format 1412, the outline of the image to be cut is automatically recognized as the cutting line, and the cutting area is set according to the automatic recognition result. When the user does not set the cutting area, the area that can be cut is set as the cutting area.

[0092] Returning to FIG. 11, when the user subsequently presses the "Cut & Print" tab 1402 on the preview screen 1400 and the input processing unit 702 receives a print instruction for the image to be cut (step S1105), the process proceeds to step S1106.

[0093] In step S1106, the device registration unit 705 detects the image forming device 101, and the display processing unit 701 re-displays the setting screen 1410. Fig. 14C shows the setting screen 1410 that the cutting application 700 re-displays when the image forming device 101 is detected in step S1106. In the re-displayed setting screen 1410, the device name of the detected image forming device 101, "Printer B," is displayed in the display field 1405.

[0094] Returning to FIG. 11, next, the input processing unit 702 accepts various print settings from the user on the setting screen 1410 that was redisplayed in step S1106 (step S1107). On the setting screen 1410 shown in FIG. 14C, the paper type to be printed on (A4 in this case) is selected as one of the print settings. Also, although not shown on the setting screen 1410 shown in FIG. 14C, in step S1107, settings such as whether to print a register mark image and the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus 101 may be accepted. Once the acceptance of the various print settings has been completed in step S1107, the execute button 1430 becomes available for the user to press.

[0095] Returning to FIG. 11, next, when the input processing unit 702 receives a print execution instruction by pressing the execute button 1430 on the setting screen 1410 (step S1108), the process proceeds to step S1109.

[0096] In step S1109, the image processing unit 704 determines whether the image to be printed is within the cutting area of the cutting machine 103. If the image is not within the cutting area (No in step S1109), the display processing unit 701 displays a warning message (step S1110: warning notification means). If the user selects "Return to image editing" in the warning message (Yes in step S1122), the process returns to step S1104. On the other hand, if the user selects "Continue printing as is" in the warning message (No in step S1122), the image processing unit 704 performs the processes from step S1111 onwards.

[0097] First, in step S1111, the trimming settings stored in the storage 604, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 13, are acquired (second acquisition means). Note that, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the trimming settings are stored in advance in the storage 604, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the trimming settings cannot be acquired from the storage 604 in step S1111, the cutting application 700 may display the trimming setting screen 1301 (Fig. 13) and allow the user to select the trimming settings.

[0098] Next, in step S1112, it is determined whether the acquired trimming setting is "do not trim and print" or "do trim and print." If the acquired trimming setting is "do not trim and print" (No in step S1112), a print image is generated without trimming (step S1121), and the process proceeds to step S1117. On the other hand, if the acquired trimming setting is "do trim and print" (Yes in step S1112), the process proceeds to step S1113.

[0099] In step S1113, it is determined whether the trimming boundary (cutting area) is defined by a cuttable area or a cut line in the acquired trimming setting. If the trimming boundary is defined by a cuttable area (Yes in step S1113), a print image trimmed along the cuttable area is generated (step S1118: print image generation means), and the process proceeds to step S1117. On the other hand, if the trimming boundary is defined by a cut line (No in step S1113), the process proceeds to step S1114.

[0100] In step S1114, it is determined whether or not margins are set in the acquired trimming settings. If no margins are set (No in step S1114), the process proceeds to step S1115. On the other hand, if margins are set (Yes in step S1114), the set margins are added inside the cutting lines to generate a print image (step S1119: print image generation means), and the process proceeds to step S1117. By generating a print image with margins added inside the cutting lines in this way, it is possible to leave room for the user to make adjustments if the cutting machine 103 is unable to cut along the cutting lines.

[0101] In step S1115, it is determined whether or not the acquired trimming settings include an overhang setting. If there is no overhang setting (No in step S1115), a print image trimmed along the cutting line is generated (step S1116), and the process proceeds to step S1117. On the other hand, if there is overhang setting (Yes in step S1115), a print image is generated with a certain amount of image overhang outside the cutting line (step S1120: print image generation means), and the process proceeds to step S1117. By generating a print image with image overhang outside the cutting line in this way, it is possible to leave room for the user to make adjustments if the cutting machine 103 is unable to cut along the cutting line. Note that in this embodiment, if there is no margin setting in the acquired trimming settings, it is determined whether or not there is an overhang setting. However, the order of determination may be reversed, or only one setting may be set.

[0102] In step S1117, after the generation of the print image is completed (steps S1116, S1119, S1120, S1121), print data is generated based on the generated print image, and a print execution instruction is sent together with the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 (step S1117). After that, this process ends.

[0103] Fig. 12 is an example of a flowchart of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 101 when printing an image to be cut. Fig. 12 is a flowchart that explains in more detail the processing using the OS 310 executed by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 101 in the sequence of Fig. 9. Note that this processing does not proceed to step S1111 after the processing of Fig. 11A ends, but starts after the image processing unit 704 of the cutting application 700 sends a print execution instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 together with the image to be cut, the cuttable area, and the trimming settings.

[0104] When the CPU 201 receives a print instruction from the cutting application 700 along with the image to be cut, the cuttable area, and the trimming settings (step S1201: acquisition means), the CPU 201 performs the processes from step S1202 onward. Note that the processes from step S1202 onward are performed by the CPU 201 by coordinating the job control unit 331 and the cutting information processing unit 337. Also, in this embodiment, a case where the trimming settings are transmitted together with the print instruction will be described, but this is not limiting. For example, if the trimming settings were not transmitted together with the print instruction received in step S1201, the image forming apparatus 101 may display a trimming setting screen 1301 ( FIG. 13 ) to allow the user to select the trimming settings.

[0105] First, in step S1202, the trimming setting received together with the print execution instruction in step S1201 is analyzed (step S1202).

[0106] Next, in step S1203, it is determined based on the analysis result of step S1202 whether the trimming setting is "do not trim and print" or "do trim and print." If the acquired trimming setting is "do not trim and print" (No in step S1203), a print image is generated without trimming (step S1221), and the process proceeds to step S1212. Here, the print image data is generated in cooperation with the image generation unit 338, printer image processing unit 290, and cutting information processing unit 337. On the other hand, if the acquired trimming setting is "do trim and print" (Yes in step S1203), the process proceeds to step S1204.

[0107] Next, in step S1204, based on the analysis result of step S1202, it is determined whether the trimming boundary (cutting area) is defined by a cuttable area or a cut line. If the trimming boundary is defined by a cuttable area (Yes in step S1204), a print image trimmed along the cuttable area is generated (S1208: print image generation means), and the process proceeds to step S1212. On the other hand, if the trimming boundary is defined by a cut line (No in step S1204), the process proceeds to step S1205.

[0108] In step S1205, it is determined whether or not margins are set based on the analysis result of step S1202. If no margins are set (No in step S1205), the process proceeds to step S1206. On the other hand, if margins are set (Yes in step S1205), the set margins are added inside the cutting line to generate a print image (step S1209: print image generation means), and the process proceeds to step S1212. By generating a print image with margins added inside the cutting line in this way, it is possible to leave room for the user to make adjustments if the cutting machine 103 is unable to cut along the cutting line. Note that in this embodiment, if no margins are set in the acquired trimming settings, it is determined whether or not an overhang setting is set, but the order of determination may be reversed, or only one setting may be set.

[0109] In step S1206, it is determined whether or not the acquired trimming settings include an overhang setting. If there is no overhang setting (No in step S1206), a print image trimmed along the cutting line is generated (step S1207), and the process proceeds to step S1212. On the other hand, if there is an overhang setting (Yes in step S1206), a print image is generated with the overhang amount set to the cutting line added (step S1210: print image generation means), and the process proceeds to step S1212. By generating a print image in this way with the overhang amount added outside the cutting line, it is possible to leave room for the user to make adjustments if the cutting machine 103 is unable to cut along the cutting line.

[0110] In step S1212, after the generation of the print image is completed (steps S1207, S1209, S1210, S1211), print data is generated based on the generated print image, and the print data is sent to the printer 295 via the device I / F 220 for printing. After that, this process ends.

[0111] 13 is a diagram showing a trimming setting screen 1301. Trimming setting using the trimming setting screen 1301 is performed in advance before the processing of FIGS. 11A and 11B and is stored in the storage 604. Note that the trimming setting screen 1301 is displayed by either the cutting application 700 or the image forming apparatus 101, as described above.

[0112] On the trimming setting screen 1301, various menus 1302 to 1307 for setting trimming of the image to be cut are displayed so that the user can select from them.

[0113] When the user selects the menu 1302 for setting "no trimming printing" as the trimming setting, the other menus are grayed out.

[0114] When the user selects menu 1303 for setting the trimming to "print with trimming," the user sets the trimming boundary using either menu 1304 or 1305. Specifically, when the user selects menu 1304 for setting the trimming to "do not print images outside the cuttable area," the trimming boundary is set to the cuttable area. Also, when the user selects menu 1305 for setting the trimming to "do not print images outside the cutting line," the trimming boundary is set to the cutting line.

[0115] Furthermore, when menu 1305 is selected by the user, the user can further set the amount of margin or overhang for the cut line. Specifically, when menu 1306 for setting "Add margin within cut line" as the trimming setting is selected by the user, the margin width (5 mm in the example of FIG. 13) input in numerical value input field 1306a in menu 1306 is set inside the cut line. As illustrated in FIG. 13, for example, a margin width of 5 mm is set here. Furthermore, when menu 1307 for setting "Print a certain amount of image outside the cut line (overhang printing)" as the trimming setting is selected by the user, the overhang amount input in numerical value input field 1307a in menu 1307 is set outside the cut line. As illustrated in FIG. 13, for example, a 5 mm overhang amount is set here.

[0116] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the present embodiment to a system or device via a network or a recording medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and run the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0117] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention.

[0118] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0119] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An information processing system comprising an image forming device that prints a print image on a medium, an information processing device, and a cutting machine, characterized in that the information processing system has a setting means for setting a cutting area where the cutting machine cuts the medium on which the print image is printed, and a print image generation means for generating the print image from an input image that does not include images outside the cutting area. (Configuration 2) The information processing system according to configuration 1, further comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring the cutting area of the cutting machine; and a warning notification means for issuing a warning if the cutting area does not fall within the cutting area. (Configuration 3) An information processing system according to configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a second acquisition means for acquiring settings related to printing of the input image, and characterized in that the setting means sets the cutting area based on the settings acquired by the second acquisition means. (Configuration 4) An information processing system according to configuration 3, characterized in that when the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting that does not print images outside the cuttable area, the setting means sets the cuttable area as the cutting area. (Configuration 5) An information processing system according to configuration 3, further comprising an adding means for adding a cut line to an image to be cut in response to a user operation, and when the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting for not printing an image outside the cut line, the setting means sets the inside of the cut line as the cutting area. (Configuration 6) The information processing system according to configuration 5, wherein the setting means sets a margin inside the cut line in response to a user operation when setting the inside of the cut line as the cutting area. (Configuration 7) The information processing system described in Configuration 5, wherein the setting means, when setting the inside of the cut line as the cutting area, adds a certain amount of image overhang outside the cut line in accordance with user operation. (Configuration 8) A cutting application executed on an information processing device connected to an image forming device that prints a print image on a medium and a cutting machine, characterized in that the cutting application comprises: a setting means for setting a cutting area in which the cutting machine cuts the medium on which the print image is printed; and a print image generation means for generating the print image from an input image, which does not include an image outside the cutting area. (Configuration 9) The cutting application according to configuration 8, further comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring the cutting area of the cutting machine; and a warning notification means for issuing a warning if the cutting area does not fall within the cutting area. (Configuration 10) A cutting application according to configuration 8 or 9, further comprising a second acquisition means for acquiring settings related to printing of the input image, wherein the setting means sets the cutting area based on the settings acquired by the second acquisition means. (Configuration 11) A cutting application according to configuration 10, characterized in that if the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting that does not print images outside the cuttable area, the setting means sets the cuttable area as the cutting area. (Configuration 12) A cutting application according to configuration 10, further comprising an adding means for adding a cut line to an image to be cut in response to a user operation, and when the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting for not printing an image outside the cut line, the setting means sets the inside of the cut line as the cutting area. (Configuration 13) The cutting application according to configuration 12, wherein the setting means sets a margin inside the cutting line in response to a user operation when setting the inside of the cutting line as the cutting area. (Configuration 14) The cutting application described in Configuration 12, characterized in that when the setting means sets the inside of the cut line as the cutting area, a certain amount of image overhang is added outside the cut line in accordance with user operation. (Configuration 15) An image forming device that is connected to an information processing device and a cutting machine and prints a print image on a medium, characterized in that it comprises: an acquisition means that acquires from the information processing device a cutting area in which the cutting machine will cut the medium on which the print image is printed; and a print image generation means that generates the print image from an input image that does not include an image outside the cutting area. (Configuration 16) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 15, further comprising a second acquisition means for acquiring settings related to printing of the input image, and the setting means sets the cutting area based on the settings acquired by the second acquisition means. (Configuration 17) An image forming apparatus according to configuration 16, characterized in that when the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting that does not print images outside the cuttable area, the setting means sets the cuttable area as the cutting area. (Configuration 18) An image forming apparatus according to configuration 16, further comprising an adding means for adding a cutting line to an image to be cut in response to a user operation, and when the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting for not printing an image outside the cutting line, the setting means sets the inside of the cutting line as the cutting area. (Configuration 19) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 18, wherein the setting means sets a margin inside the cutting line in response to a user operation when setting the inside of the cutting line as the cutting area. (Configuration 20) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 18, wherein the setting means, when setting the inside of the cut line as the cutting area, adds a certain amount of image overhang outside the cut line in accordance with user operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1. Information Processing Systems 100 Network 101 Image forming device 102 Information processing equipment 103 Cutting Machine 201 CPU 310 OS 418 Control Unit 420 Operation section 430 Display section 604 Storage 606 Operation section 700 Cutting Applications 701 Display processing unit 702 Input processing section 703 Communications Management Department 704 Image Processing Unit 705 Device Registration Department 706 Device Management Department 707 Print instruction section 708 Cutting Instructions

Claims

1. An information processing system including an image forming apparatus that prints a print image on a medium, an information processing apparatus, and a cutting machine, a setting means for setting a cutting area in which the cutting machine cuts the medium on which the print image is printed; a print image generating means for generating the print image from the input image, the print image not including an image outside the cutting area; An information processing system comprising:

2. a first acquisition means for acquiring a cutting area of the cutting machine; a warning notification means for issuing a warning when the cutting area does not fall within the cuttable area; 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The printer further includes a second acquisition unit that acquires settings related to printing of the input image, 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the setting means sets the cutting area based on the setting acquired by the second acquisition means.

4. An information processing system as described in claim 3, characterized in that if the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting not to print images outside the cuttable area, the setting means sets the cuttable area as the cutting area.

5. The image processing device further includes an adding unit that adds a cutting line to the image to be cut in response to a user operation. An information processing system according to claim 3, characterized in that if the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting not to print images outside the cutting line, the setting means sets the inside of the cutting line as the cutting area.

6. 6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the setting means sets a margin inside the cutting line in response to a user operation when the inside of the cutting line is set as the cutting area.

7. 6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the setting unit, when setting the inside of the cut line as the cutting area, adds a certain amount of image protrusion outside the cut line in response to a user operation.

8. A cutting application executed on an information processing device connected to an image forming device that prints a print image on a medium and a cutting machine, a setting means for setting a cutting area in which the cutting machine cuts the medium on which the print image is printed; a print image generating means for generating the print image from the input image, the print image not including an image outside the cutting area; A cutting application comprising:

9. a first acquisition means for acquiring a cutting area of the cutting machine; a warning notification means for issuing a warning when the cutting area does not fall within the cuttable area; 9. The cutting application of claim 8, further comprising:

10. The printer further includes a second acquisition unit that acquires settings related to printing of the input image, 9. The cutting application according to claim 8, wherein the setting means sets the cutting area based on the setting acquired by the second acquisition means.

11. 11. The cutting application according to claim 10, wherein when the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting not to print images outside the cuttable area, the setting means sets the cuttable area as the cutting area.

12. The image processing device further includes an adding unit that adds a cutting line to the image to be cut in response to a user operation.

11. A cutting application according to claim 10, wherein when the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting not to print an image outside the cutting line, the setting means sets the inside of the cutting line as the cutting area.

13. 13. The cutting application according to claim 12, wherein the setting means sets a margin inside the cutting line in response to a user operation when the inside of the cutting line is set as the cutting area.

14. 13. The cutting application according to claim 12, wherein the setting means, when setting the inside of the cutting line as the cutting area, adds a certain amount of image protrusion outside the cutting line in response to a user operation.

15. An image forming apparatus that prints a print image on a medium and is connected to an information processing apparatus and a cutting machine, an acquisition unit that acquires, from the information processing device, a cutting area in which the cutting machine cuts the medium on which the print image is printed; a print image generating means for generating the print image from the input image, the print image not including an image outside the cutting area; An image forming apparatus comprising:

16. The printer further includes a second acquisition unit that acquires settings related to printing of the input image, 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the setting unit sets the cutting area based on the setting acquired by the second acquisition unit.

17. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein when the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting not to print images outside the cuttable area, the setting means sets the cuttable area as the cutting area.

18. The image processing device further includes an adding unit that adds a cutting line to the image to be cut in response to a user operation.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein when the setting acquired by the second acquisition means is a setting not to print an image outside the cutting line, the setting means sets the inside of the cutting line as the cutting area.

19. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the setting unit sets a margin inside the cutting line in response to a user operation when the inside of the cutting line is set as the cutting area.

20. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the setting unit, when setting the inside of the cut line as the cutting area, adds a certain amount of image protrusion outside the cut line in response to a user operation.

Images