Image processing program and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of inhibiting an image in a size different from a desired size from being generated when an information processing device generates the image to be printed by a printer.SOLUTION: An information processing device acquires printing image information. The printing image information includes image content information and size related information. The image content information shows content of a printing image printable by a printer. The size related information directly or indirectly shows a medium size. The information processing device registers a medium size shown by the size related information as a registered size. The information processing device draws the printing image shown by the image content information in accordance with the medium size shown by the size related information among medium sizes registered as the registered size.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for processing, by an information processing device, an image to be printed by a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] The program disclosed in Patent Document 1, which is executed on a PC, generates an image to be printed by a printing device, determines the size of the medium to be printed on, and prints the image on a medium of that size. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6907851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to obtain the desired print results using a system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is desirable for the information processing device to generate an image of an appropriate size according to the size of the medium to be printed on. However, it is possible that an image of an unintended size will be generated due to, for example, the configuration of the program used in the information processing device or the contents of various data used by the program to generate the image.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a technique that can prevent an image of a size different from a desired size from being generated when an information processing device generates an image to be printed by a printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an image processing program executable by an information processing device. The information processing device includes a control unit. The control unit is capable of executing the image processing program. The image processing program causes the control unit to perform an acquisition process, a registration process, a drawing process, and a transmission process.

[0007] The acquisition process acquires print image information. The print image information includes image content information and size-related information. The image content information indicates the content of the print image that can be printed by the printing device. The size-related information directly or indirectly indicates the medium size. The medium size (defined, for example, by a length and a width that are perpendicular to each other) is the size of the print medium on which the print image is to be printed.

[0008] In the registration process, the medium size indicated by the size-related information acquired in the acquisition process is registered as a registered size. The drawing process draws the print image indicated by the image content information acquired by the acquisition process in accordance with the medium size indicated by the size-related information among the medium sizes registered as registered sizes.

[0009] The transmission process transmits a print command to the printing device, the print command including information about the print image drawn by the drawing process. According to this image processing program, the medium size indicated by the size-related information acquired in the acquisition process is registered as a registered size. As a result, a print image of a size that matches the registered medium size is drawn in the drawing process. Therefore, when an image to be printed by a printing device is generated by an information processing device, it is possible to prevent the generation of an image of a size different from the desired size. In other words, it is possible to prevent the print image from being drawn when the medium size indicated by the acquired size-related information is not registered (for example, drawing to a different registered size that does not match the medium size).

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device may be provided that includes a control unit configured to execute the above-described registration process, drawing process, and transmission process. The information processing device may be configured to execute the registration process, drawing process, and / or transmission process according to a computer program or by so-called wired logic. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of a printing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a medium information file, FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a template file, and FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of registered size information. [Figure 4] This is an example of a URL scheme and a print image. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a print intermediary application. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a registration process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. [1. Embodiment] (1-1) Printing system overview 1, the printing system of this embodiment includes an information processing device 1, a printing device 100, and a management system 150. The information processing device 1 is capable of communicating with the printing device 100 and the management system 150.

[0013] The printing device 100 of this embodiment is in the form of a label printer or label writer. That is, the print medium 110 of this embodiment is in the form of a long tape. The printing device 100 prints a print image 111 on the print medium 110 according to its intended use as a label. The printing device 100 prints the print image 111 using any of various printing methods, such as a transfer method, a thermal method, or an inkjet method. The print medium 110 of this embodiment is provided in the form of a roll in which the print medium 110 is wound.

[0014] The print medium 110 is housed in a cassette (not shown). The cassette is removably attached to the printing device 100. The print image 111 is printed on the print medium 110 along its length (hereinafter referred to as the "medium length direction"). Note that the print medium 110 may be in a form other than a long tape.

[0015] When the printing device 100 receives a print command indicating a print image 111 from the information processing device 1, it can print the print image 111 indicated by the print command on the print medium 110. The printing device 100 prints the print image 111 on the print medium 110 while pulling the print medium 110 out of the cassette. The printing device 100 may be configured so that the print medium 110 on which the print image 111 has been printed is cut automatically or manually for each print image 111. Each label is affixed to various objects, such as name tags, file spines, price tags in stores, mailing envelopes, industrial materials, fixtures, notebooks, signs, and the like.

[0016] The management system 150 has, for example, one or more information processing devices. In this embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the management system 150 has one information processing device. An operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") is installed in the management system 150. The OS may be, for example, Windows. "Windows" is a registered trademark.

[0017] A print image creation application 151, a medium setting tool 152, and a printer driver are installed as software that runs under the OS in the management system 150. Note that "application" is an abbreviation for application software.

[0018] The management system 150 further has a development environment in which any application can be developed, and the management system 150 has a print information setting application 5b as an application developed in the development environment.

[0019] The information processing device 1 may take the form of, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a portable or desktop personal computer. The information processing device 1 includes a control unit 2, a display unit 3, an input unit 4, a storage unit 5, and a communication unit 6. The control unit 2 includes a CPU 2a and a memory 2b. The CPU 2a as a processor executes processing in accordance with computer programs stored in the memory 2b and the storage unit 5. The memory 2b may include, for example, semiconductor memory such as ROM, RAM, NVRAM, or flash memory.

[0020] The storage unit 5 includes storage such as a solid state drive (SSD) and / or a hard disk drive (HDD), and stores various computer programs and data. In this embodiment, the programs stored in the storage unit 5 include an OS. The OS may be, for example, Android or iOS. "Android" and "iOS" are registered trademarks.

[0021] The storage unit 5 also has installed therein a print intermediary application 5a and the aforementioned print information setting application 5b as software that operates under the OS. The applications 5a and 5b may be installed in the storage unit 5 in any manner. For example, the applications 5a and 5b may be read and installed in the information processing device 1 from a storage medium such as a CD, DVD, or USB memory. Alternatively, the applications 5a and 5b may be downloaded and installed in the information processing device 1 from an external device (e.g., the management system 150). Alternatively, the applications 5a and 5b may be pre-installed when the information processing device 1 is shipped. In the following description, the entity that executes a program (e.g., the control unit 2 in the information processing device 1) may be referred to simply by the program name or software name. For example, the expression "the print intermediary application 5a" may more specifically mean "the control unit 2 that executes the print intermediary application 5a."

[0022] The display unit 3 displays various screens to the user. An example of the display unit 3 is a liquid crystal display. The input unit 4 includes one or more input devices for receiving input operations from the user. Specifically, the input unit 4 may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and / or a touch panel, or may include an input device of a different form.

[0023] The communication unit 6 communicates with the printing device 100 and the management system 150. The aforementioned print commands are transmitted from the communication unit 6. The communication unit 6 may communicate with the printing device 100 using any communication method. The communication unit 6 and the printing device 100 may, for example, be capable of wireless or wired communication with each other. Communication methods for wireless communication may include, for example, wireless LAN and Bluetooth. "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark. Communication methods for wired communication may include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) and wired LAN. The same applies to communication between the information processing device 1 and the management system 150.

[0024] (1-2) Printing system functions Various functions realized by the printing system will be described with reference to FIG. (1-2-1) Media setting tool The medium setting tool 152 can generate new medium information (see FIGS. 2 and 3(a)) according to user operations and register the new medium information in the printer driver and the printing device 100.

[0025] 3(a), the medium information includes, for example, medium size information, print interval, print density, etc. The print interval is the interval between two adjacent print images 111 when the print images 111 are printed continuously.

[0026] The medium size information indicates the size of the print medium 110 (hereinafter referred to as "medium size"). The medium size information includes a medium ID and the medium size indicated by the medium ID (in other words, associated with the medium ID). The medium size may be defined, for example, by the medium length and medium width, which are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, a different medium ID is associated with each medium size. Note that "ID" is an abbreviation for "Identification" and means an identifier, code, or registration number, etc.

[0027] Using the medium setting tool 152, the user can newly register a new medium size (hereinafter referred to as a "custom size") that is not registered in the printer driver and the printing device 100 in the printer driver and the printing device 100.

[0028] That is, the medium information generated by the medium setting tool 152 is registered in the printer driver in the management system 150. This allows the applications in the management system 150 (including the print image creation application 151) to generate the print image 111 with a layout size that matches the custom size. Note that the "layout size" refers to the size of the print image 111, and more specifically, the size of a predetermined area that includes the print image 111, for example.

[0029] For each medium size, a layout size that is compatible with that medium size is determined. In other words, for each layout size, a medium size that is compatible with that layout size is determined. Therefore, it can be said that the layout size indirectly indicates the medium size. A medium size and a layout size that are compatible with each other may be equal or different. For example, a size that is a certain percentage smaller than the medium size (for example, a certain percentage smaller in width and / or length, or a certain percentage smaller in area) may be determined as the layout size that is compatible with that medium size. In this embodiment, the medium size and the compatible layout size (in other words, the layout size and the compatible medium size) are equal to each other.

[0030] The media setting tool 152 further generates a media information file 157 including the generated media information, and stores the file in a storage device within the management system 150. The extension of the media information file 157 is, for example, ".bin."

[0031] The generated medium information file 157 is transmitted (exported) to various external devices as needed (for example, in response to an external request). The various external devices include the information processing device 1 and the printing device 100.

[0032] When the medium information file 157 is sent to the printing device 100, the printing device 100 registers the medium information. This enables the printing device 100 to print based on the newly registered medium information. In other words, it becomes possible to print the print image 111 on the print medium 110 of the newly registered custom size.

[0033] (1-2-2) Print image creation app The print image creation application 151 generates a template for the print image 111 according to input operations by the user. The print image creation application 151 can generate a template that includes one or more objects. The objects can take various forms. For example, the objects can be text, symbols, graphics, frames, barcodes, databases, etc.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows an example of a print image 111 based on a template. The print image 111 in Fig. 4 includes a first object 31 and a second object 32. The first object 31 is in the form of text, and the second object 32 is in the form of a barcode. An object name is set for each object in the print image 111.

[0035] The print image creation application 151 saves the generated template as a template file 156 (see FIG. 2) in the storage device of the management system 150. The template file 156 has an extension of ".lbx", for example.

[0036] The template file 156 includes print image information, which includes image content information and size-related information, as shown in Figures 2 and 3(b). The image content information indicates the content of the generated template, that is, the content of the print image 111 that can be printed by the printing device 100 .

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the size-related information includes the layout size of the template, a medium ID, and variable-length setting information. The layout size may be defined by, for example, a layout width Wv and a layout length Wh, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the layout width Wv and the layout length Wh are equal to the medium width and medium length, respectively, of a medium size that matches the layout size. Note that the layout length Wh may be expandable or contractible depending on the length of the objects included in the print image 111.

[0038] The medium ID included in the template is an ID associated with a medium size that matches the layout size of the template. In other words, the layout size of the template is a size that matches the medium size associated with the medium ID included in the template.

[0039] The variable length setting information indicates whether the medium length can be changed according to the length of the print image 111. The "medium length" is the length of the portion of the medium size that corresponds to the length of the print image 111, and in this embodiment, it is the length of the portion that corresponds to the layout length Wh described above.

[0040] (1-2-3) Print information setting app As described above, the print information setting application 5b is developed, for example, by the management system 150 and installed in the information processing device 1 (see FIG. 2).

[0041] The print information setting application 5b starts the print intermediary application 5a and causes the print intermediary application 5a to generate a print image 111. In this embodiment, a URL scheme is incorporated into the print information setting application 5b, and the print intermediary application 5a is started using the URL scheme. The print information setting application 5b instructs the print intermediary application 5a to download the medium information file 157, the template file 156, and the medium information file 157 from the management system 150. This instruction is also given using the URL scheme in this embodiment.

[0042] The user can set any value for each object in the template. That is, the print information setting application 5b accepts the user's input of the value for each object in the template. Then, it instructs the print intermediary application 5a to reflect those object values ​​in the template. This instruction is also performed using a URL scheme in this embodiment.

[0043] An example of a URL scheme is shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the URL scheme of this embodiment includes function information, template file information, medium information file information, number of copies information, and object information.

[0044] The function information indicates the function to be executed by the OS. When the URL scheme is issued, the OS executes the function indicated by the function information. In this embodiment, the function information includes an instruction to launch the print intermediary application 5a and execute printing. Therefore, when the OS receives this URL scheme, it launches the print intermediary application 5a.

[0045] The template file information indicates the location and file name of the template file 156. The medium information file information indicates the location and file name of the medium information file 157. The number of copies information indicates the number of copies of the print image 111 to be printed based on the template.

[0046] The object information indicates the value of each object, and can be said to be an instruction to set the value of each object in the template to the value indicated by the object information.

[0047] (1-2-4) Printing intermediary app When the print intermediary application 5a is launched by a URL scheme, it executes various processes in accordance with the URL scheme. In this embodiment, based on the URL scheme illustrated in Fig. 4, the print intermediary application 5a downloads a template file 156 and a medium information file 157 from the management system 150, and draws (i.e., generates) a print image 111 based on the template and object information. Then, the print intermediary application 5a transmits a print command including image information of the generated print image 111 and the medium information file 157 to the printing device 100.

[0048] The print intermediary application 5a has one or more medium sizes registered as "registered sizes." More specifically, the medium sizes are registered together with their associated medium IDs. A medium ID is assigned to each medium size. When drawing the print image 111, the print intermediary application 5a draws the print image in a layout size that matches one of the registered sizes. Details of this will be described later.

[0049] The print intermediary application 5a includes three modules: a UI control unit 11, an image generation unit 12, and a device control unit 13, as shown in FIG. The UI control unit 11 passes the downloaded template file 156 to the image generation unit 12. The UI control unit 11 further passes image information of the print image 111 drawn by the image generation unit 12 to the device control unit 13. The UI control unit 11 further passes the downloaded medium information file 157 to the device control unit 13.

[0050] The image generating unit 12 draws a print image 111 based on the template, based on the template file 156 and the object information specified by the URL scheme. The image generation unit 12 has registered size information (see FIGS. 2 and 3(c)). As illustrated in FIG. 3(c), the registered size information includes a medium size registered as a registered size, a medium ID associated with the medium size, and variable length setting information. The image generation unit 12 can draw a print image 111 in a layout size that matches the registered medium size. If a medium size that matches the layout size included in the template file 156 is registered, the print image 111 is drawn in that layout size. If the variable length setting information associated with that medium size indicates that the medium length is variable, the print image 111 is drawn with a layout length Wh that corresponds to the length of the object, and the print image 111 is then printed by the printing device 100 on a print medium 110 with a medium length that corresponds to the layout length Wh. Processing performed when a medium size that matches the layout size included in the template file 156 is not registered is one of the features of this embodiment and will be described in detail later.

[0051] The device control unit 13 generates a print command based on the image information from the image generation unit 12. The print command includes a command indicating image information of the generated print image 111 and a command for controlling the printing device 100. The device control unit 13 also controls communication with the printing device 100. The device control unit 13 transmits the print command and the medium information file 157 to the printing device 100 via the communication unit 6.

[0052] (1-2-5) Characteristic features of the printing system The characteristic functions realized by the printing system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0053] In the information processing device 1, a user can use the print intermediary application 5a and the print information setting application 5b to generate a print image 111 of desired content and have it printed by the printing device 100 (see FIG. 2). At this time, it is basically the print information setting application 5b that is directly operated by the user.

[0054] The user can use the print information setting application 5b to arbitrarily specify the value of each object in the template. The specification of the value of each object is performed, for example, through an input operation via the input unit 4.

[0055] When the values ​​of each object are input and a predetermined print instruction operation is performed, the print information setting application 5b issues a URL scheme (see FIG. 4) including the input values ​​of each object. When the URL scheme is issued, the OS starts the print intermediary application 5a.

[0056] When the print intermediary application 5a is launched, it performs various processes in accordance with the URL scheme. Specifically, the UI control unit 11 accesses the location where the template file 156 and the medium information file 157 are stored (in this embodiment, a predetermined storage area in the management system 150) in accordance with the template file information and medium information file information included in the URL scheme, and downloads the template file 156 and the medium information file 157.

[0057] Then, the image generation unit 12 draws a print image 111 based on the template in a specified drawing area in the memory unit 5 based on the print image information provided by the template file 156 (see Figure 3(b)), each value provided by the URL scheme, and the registered size information registered in the print intermediary application 5a (see Figure 3(c)).

[0058] The image generation unit 12 basically draws the print image 111 at the layout size in the print image information, provided that a medium size that matches the layout size has been registered as a registered size in the print intermediary application 5a.

[0059] If the print intermediary application 5a does not have a registered medium size that matches the layout size of the template file 156, the image generation unit 12 will, in principle, draw the print image 111 in a layout size that matches one of the registered medium sizes. Therefore, if the drawing is performed according to this principle, the print image 111 will be generated and printed in a size that differs from the layout size that is originally desired to be printed (first pending issue).

[0060] Furthermore, even if a print image of the layout size of the template file 156 is generated properly, if a medium size that matches that layout size is not registered in the printing device 100, the print image 111 will be printed on a print medium 110 of a medium size that does not match that layout size (for example, is too large or too small) (second problem).

[0061] Therefore, the print intermediary application 5a of this embodiment has a medium size registration function and a medium information file transfer function. The medium size registration function solves the first pending issue, and the medium information file transfer function solves the second pending issue.

[0062] The medium size registration function is mainly realized by the image generation unit 12. The outline of the medium size registration function is as follows: If a medium size that matches the layout size of the downloaded template is not registered, the print intermediary application 5a will register a new medium size that matches the layout size as a registered size prior to drawing. This new medium size registration is one of the most distinctive functions of this embodiment, and will be described in detail later.

[0063] The medium information file transfer function is mainly realized by the device control unit 13. The medium information file transfer function is a function for transferring a medium information file 157 downloaded from the management system 150 to the printing device 100. The medium information file 157 is sent to the printing device 100 together with a print command, as described above.

[0064] After registering a new medium size using the medium size registration function, the image generation unit 12 draws the print image 111 according to the basic procedure described above. That is, the image generation unit 12 draws the print image 111 in the layout size based on the fact that a medium size that matches the layout size has been registered as a registered size. At that time, the values ​​of each object in the print image 111 are set to the values ​​provided by the URL scheme.

[0065] The rendered print image 111 is sent to the printing device 100 in the form of a print command by the device control unit 13. At this time, the medium information file 157 is also sent. When the printing device 100 receives the medium information file 157, the printing device 100 newly registers the medium size specified in the medium information file 157 in the printing device 100. This enables the printing device 100 to print the print image on the print medium 110 of the newly registered medium size.

[0066] The printing device 100 then prints the print image 111 indicated by the received print command onto the print medium 110. At this time, if the print medium 110 of the size specified in the medium information file 157 is loaded into the printing device 100, the print image is printed on that print medium 110.

[0067] (1-3) Print image generation process The print image generation process executed by the control unit 2 (more specifically, the CPU 2a) of the information processing device 1 to realize the above-mentioned characteristic functions will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The print image generation process is realized by executing a program corresponding to the print image generation process, which is included in the print intermediary application 5a. Note that in Fig. 6, "PIS application" refers to the print information setting application.

[0068] When the print information setting application 5b issues a URL scheme (see FIG. 4), the control unit 2 starts the print intermediary application 5a according to the URL scheme. When the print intermediary application 5a is started by the URL scheme, it starts the print image generation process.

[0069] When the print image generation process starts, in S110, the UI control unit 11 acquires various information specified in the URL scheme, specifically function information, template file information, medium information file information, number of copies information, and object information.

[0070] In S120, the UI control unit 11 downloads the template file 156 and the medium information file 157 from the management system 150 based on the template file information and medium information file information acquired in S110.

[0071] In S130, the UI control unit 11 instructs the image generation unit 12 to read print image information from the template file 156. In response to the instruction in S130, the image generating unit 12 reads the print image information from the template file 156 in S210 and expands it in a predetermined work area in the storage unit 5. Subsequent processing by the image generating unit 12 is performed on the print image information expanded in the work area (see FIG. 3(b)).

[0072] In S220, the image generation unit 12 executes a registration process. The registration process is a process for newly registering a medium size that matches the layout size in the print image information if that medium size is not registered in the print intermediary application 5a. Details of the registration process are as shown in FIG.

[0073] When the image generation unit 12 proceeds to the registration process, in S510 it determines whether a medium size that matches the specified layout size (hereinafter referred to as the "matching medium size") has been registered as a registered size in the print intermediary application 5a (see FIG. 3(c)). The "specified layout size" refers to the layout size (see FIG. 3(b)) specified in the print image information of the template (more specifically, in the size-related information). If the matching medium size has been registered as a registered size, the process proceeds to S520.

[0074] In S520, the image generation unit 12 determines whether the specified medium ID has already been registered in the print intermediary application 5a as a registered medium ID associated with a suitable medium size. The "specified medium ID" refers to the medium ID (see FIG. 3(b)) specified in the print image information of the template (more specifically, in the size-related information). The "registered medium ID" refers to the medium ID (see FIG. 3(c)) registered as a registered size in the print intermediary application 5a.

[0075] In other words, the process of S520 is a process for determining whether or not both requirements A and B described below are met. Requirement A is that a registered medium ID that is the same as the specified medium ID has already been registered, and requirement B is that a compatible medium size is associated with that registered medium ID.

[0076] If it is determined in S520 that the information has been registered (i.e., that both requirements A and B are met), the process proceeds to S230 (see FIG. 5). If it is not determined in S520 that the information has been registered, the process proceeds to S530.

[0077] In S530, the image generating unit 12 updates the specified medium ID displayed in the work area to the registered medium ID associated with the compatible medium size. After the process of S530, the process proceeds to S230 (see FIG. 5).

[0078] If it is determined in S510 that the compatible media size is not registered as a registered size, the process proceeds to S540. In S540, the image generation unit 12 determines whether the specified medium ID has already been registered as registered size information (see FIG. 3(c)) in the print intermediary application 5a. If the specified medium ID has not been registered in the print intermediary application 5a, the process proceeds to S550. If the specified medium ID has already been registered in the print intermediary application 5a, the process proceeds to S560.

[0079] In S560, the image generation unit 12 creates a new unregistered ID. An "unregistered new ID" is an ID that does not overlap with a medium ID registered as a registered size (i.e., an ID that has not yet been registered). The currently specified medium ID displayed in the work area is then updated to the created new unregistered ID. After processing S560, the process proceeds to S550.

[0080] In S550, the image generation unit 12 newly registers an ID with the same value as the specified medium ID as a registered medium ID (and therefore as a registered size). If the process has proceeded to S550 from S560, a registered medium ID with the same value as the latest specified medium ID updated in S560 is newly registered. Then, a medium size that matches the specified layout size is associated with the newly registered registered medium ID. At this time, the variable length setting information included in the print image information is also associated. In other words, if the variable length setting information indicates that the medium length is variable, the medium size is registered as a medium size in which the medium length can be changed according to the length of the print image 111. After processing of S550, the process proceeds to S230 (see FIG. 5).

[0081] The registration process of S220 will be specifically explained assuming several situations. For example, assume that the three registered sizes shown in FIG. 3(c) are registered in the print intermediary application 5a. Also assume that the specified medium ID is "ID002" and the specified layout size is "Lb," which is compatible with the medium size "Xb." As mentioned above, "Xb" may be the same as or different from "Lb."

[0082] In this assumed example, the print intermediary application 5a has registered a registered medium ID "ID002" that is the same as the specified medium ID, and the registered medium ID "Xb" associated with the registered medium ID "ID002" also matches the specified layout size "Lb." Therefore, in this assumed example, both S510 and S520 are judged to be positive, and the process proceeds to S230.

[0083] Meanwhile, in the above assumed example, assume that the specified medium ID is "ID002," but the specified layout size is "Lz," which is a different size from the layout size that matches the medium size "Xb" associated with the registered medium ID "ID002." In this assumed example, the process proceeds from S510 to S540 and then to S560. Then, at S560, a new, unregistered ID (e.g., "ID100") is created. Then, the specified medium ID displayed in the work area is updated to "ID100." Then, at S550, the registered medium ID "ID100" is newly registered as a registered size. Then, the registered medium ID "ID100" is associated with the medium size "Xz," which matches the specified layout size "Lz."

[0084] In another example, assume that the specified layout size is "Lb," which is compatible with the medium size "Xb" associated with the registered medium ID "ID002," but the specified medium ID is "ID200," which is not registered as a registered size. In this example, the process proceeds from S510 to S520 and then to S530. Then, in S530, the specified medium ID displayed in the work area is updated to "ID002."

[0085] In another assumed example, assume that the specified medium ID is "ID300," the specified layout size is "Ly," and the medium size that matches the specified layout size "Ly" is "Xy." In this case, the registered sizes do not include the specified medium ID "ID300" or the medium size "Xy." Therefore, in this assumed example, the process proceeds from S510 to S540 and then to S550. Then, at S550, the specified medium ID "ID300" is newly registered as a registered medium ID, and the medium size "Xy" is associated with the registered medium ID "ID300."

[0086] Returning to FIG. 5, the explanation continues. In S230, the image generation unit 12 updates the layout size displayed in the work area based on the registered size information in the print intermediary application 5a. Specifically, the image generation unit 12 acquires the medium size associated with the same registered medium ID as the specified medium ID. The image generation unit 12 then updates the specified layout size to a layout size that matches the acquired medium size.

[0087] Note that, by performing the registration process of S220, the specified layout size should basically match the size that is compatible with the medium size associated with the registered medium ID that is the same as the specified medium ID, so the process of S230 may be omitted.

[0088] When S230 (S220 if S230 is omitted) is executed, the UI control unit 11 instructs generation of a print image in S140. Upon receiving the instruction in S140, the image generating unit 12 draws the print image 111 in S240 based on the latest designated layout size at the current time and the object information designated by the URL scheme.

[0089] In S150, the UI control unit 11 acquires image information indicating the print image 111 generated in S240. Then, in S160, the UI control unit 11 issues a print instruction to the device control unit 13. Specifically, the UI control unit 11 passes the image information from the image generation unit 12 and the medium information file 157 downloaded in S120 to the device control unit 13.

[0090] Upon receiving the print instruction in S160, the device control unit 13 transmits the print instruction to the printing device 100 via the communication unit 6 in S310. Specifically, the device control unit 13 generates a print command including image information. The device control unit 13 then transmits the print command and the medium information file 157 to the printing device 100.

[0091] As a result, in the printing device 100, medium information is registered based on the medium information file 157. Then, the print image 111 based on the print command (i.e., the print image 111 drawn in S240) is printed on the print medium 110 of the registered medium size.

[0092] (1-4) Effects of the embodiment According to the embodiment described above, the image generation unit 12 performs a registration process based on the size-related information included in the template file 156 and the registration status of registered sizes in the print intermediary application 5a. This registration process results in the medium size and designated medium ID that match the specified layout size being registered as registered sizes. As a result, the print image 111 is drawn at an appropriate size (i.e., the designated layout size). If the medium size that matches the designated layout size were not registered as a registered size, the designated layout size might not be drawn properly, and the print image 111 might be drawn at an unintended size. However, in this embodiment, in such a case, the medium size that matches the designated layout size is registered as a registered size. This prevents the print image 111 from being drawn at an unintended size.

[0093] In particular, in this embodiment, in any of the following cases (i) to (iii), appropriate processing is performed according to the respective case, and as a result, the medium size and specified medium ID that match the specified layout size are registered as registered sizes.

[0094] (i) A case where a media size that matches the specified layout size is not registered, but a registered media ID that is the same as the specified media ID is registered (S540: YES). In other words, a media size that does not match the specified layout size is associated with the registered media ID that is the same as the specified media ID.

[0095] (ii) A case where a medium size that matches the specified layout size is registered, but the matching medium size is associated with a registered medium ID that is different from the specified medium ID (S520: NO).

[0096] (iii) A case where a medium size that matches the specified layout size is not registered and a registered medium ID that is the same as the specified medium ID is not registered (S540: NO). (1-5) Correspondence of words The print intermediary application 5a corresponds to an example of an image processing program in the present disclosure. The medium ID included in the template file 156 corresponds to an example of a first ID in the present disclosure. The medium ID registered as a registered size corresponds to an example of a second ID in the present disclosure.

[0097] The process of S120 corresponds to an example of the acquisition process in the present disclosure, the process of S240 corresponds to an example of the drawing process in the present disclosure, and the process of S310 corresponds to an example of the transmission process in the present disclosure.

[0098] 2. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0099] (2-1) In the above embodiment, the print intermediary application 5a includes three program modules: the UI control unit 11, the image generation unit 12, and the device control unit 13. However, the print intermediary application 5a may be configured in any manner. In other words, the functions of the print intermediary application 5a may be realized by one, two, or four or more program modules.

[0100] For example, the functions of the print intermediary application 5a shown in FIG. 5 may be realized by one module executing S110, S120, S210 to S240, and S310. (2-2) If the specified layout size is equal to the medium size corresponding to the specified medium ID, the specified layout size may be considered to be the medium size corresponding to the specified medium ID. In other words, the template file 156 may be considered to include the medium ID and the corresponding medium size.

[0101] (2-3) It is not essential that the medium size be managed together with the medium ID. The management (including registration) of the medium size may be performed without the medium ID. In this case, in the registration process of S230, if the medium size that matches the specified layout size is not registered as a registered size, the matching medium size may be newly registered as a registered size.

[0102] (2-4) In the above embodiment, the print information setting application 5b is installed in the information processing device 1. That is, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the print information setting application 5b is provided to the information processing device 1 in the form of a so-called native application. However, the print information setting application 5b may be provided in a form different from a native application. For example, the print information setting application 5b may not be installed in the information processing device 1, but may be provided in the management system 150 in the form of a so-called Web application. Specifically, the information processing device 1 may be provided with a Web browser, and a user may be able to execute the print information setting application 5b in the management system 150 via the Web browser to input various information, etc. In this case, a URL scheme may be provided from the management system 150 to the information processing device 1, and the print intermediary application 5a may be launched according to the URL scheme.

[0103] (2-5) The layout size included in the template file 156 (see FIG. 3(b)) and each medium size included in the registered size information (i.e., registered size) (see FIG. 3(c)) may include information about margins. A margin is an area where no image is drawn. The information about margins may include, for example, the position, range, and / or size of the margin.

[0104] The "compatible medium size" in S510 may be a medium size that is compatible with the specified layout size and has margins that match the margins of the specified layout size. In other words, the requirements for determining that the specified layout size and the registered size are compatible with each other may additionally include matching margins. Here, "match" may mean a perfect match, or a match of a predetermined percentage or more of the area.

[0105] (2-6) Multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1...information processing device, 2...control unit, 2a...CPU, 3...display unit, 4...input unit, 5...memory unit, 5a...print intermediary application, 5b...print information setting application, 6...communication unit, 11...UI control unit, 12...image generation unit, 13...device control unit, 100...printing device, 110...printed medium, 111...printed image, 150...management system, 151...print image creation application, 152...media setting tool, 156...template file, 157...media information file

Claims

1. An image processing program executable by a control unit in an information processing device including the control unit, The control unit An acquisition process for acquiring print image information, the print image information including image content information indicating the content of a print image that can be printed by a printing device, and size-related information that directly or indirectly indicates a medium size, which is the size of a print medium on which the print image is to be printed; a registration process for registering the medium size indicated by the size-related information acquired by the acquisition process as a registered size; a drawing process for drawing the print image indicated by the image content information acquired by the acquisition process in accordance with the medium size indicated by the size-related information among the medium sizes registered as the registered sizes; a transmission process of transmitting a print command including information of the print image drawn by the drawing process to the printing device; An image processing program that executes the following.

2. 2. The image processing program according to claim 1, the sending process includes sending medium size information indicating the size of the print medium indicated by the size-related information to the printing device; the printing device is configured to print the print image on the print medium of the medium size indicated by the medium size information; Image processing program.

3. 3. The image processing program according to claim 1, the registration process, when the medium size indicated by the size-related information acquired by the acquisition process is not registered as the registered size, newly registers the medium size as the registered size; Image processing program.

4. 3. The image processing program according to claim 1, the size-related information acquired in the acquisition process includes a first ID corresponding to the medium size indicated by the size-related information, The medium size registered as the registered size is associated with a second ID corresponding to the medium size and registered together with the second ID, When the second ID having the same value as the first ID is not registered as the registered size, the registration process newly registers the second ID having the same value as the first ID as the registered size by associating it with the medium size corresponding to the first ID. Image processing program.

5. 3. The image processing program according to claim 1, the size-related information acquired in the acquisition process includes a first ID corresponding to the medium size indicated by the size-related information, The medium size registered as the registered size is associated with a second ID corresponding to the medium size and registered together with the second ID, The registration process is executed when the second ID having the same value as the first ID is registered but the second ID is associated with a medium size different from the medium size corresponding to the first ID, as follows: a first process of generating a new second ID having a value different from the second ID and updating the value of the first ID in the size-related information to the same value as the new second ID; a second process executed after the first process is executed, the second process associating the new second ID generated by the first process with the medium size corresponding to the first ID in the size-related information, and newly registering the new second ID as the registered size; Image processing programs, including

6. 3. The image processing program according to claim 1, the size-related information acquired in the acquisition process includes a first ID corresponding to the medium size indicated by the size-related information, The medium size registered as the registered size is associated with a second ID corresponding to the medium size and registered together with the second ID, In the registration process, when the medium size corresponding to the first ID is associated with the second ID having a value different from the first ID and registered as the registered size, instead of newly registering the medium size corresponding to the first ID, the value of the first ID in the size-related information is updated to the value of the second ID. Image processing program.

7. 3. The image processing program according to claim 1, the medium size includes a medium length corresponding to a length of the printed image; the print image information includes variable length setting information indicating whether the medium length can be changed according to the length of the print image; In the registration process, in response to the variable length setting information indicating that the medium length is variable, the medium size indicated by the size related information is registered as the registered size, the medium length of which is variable according to the length of the print image. Image processing program.

8. An information processing device including a control unit, The control unit An acquisition process for acquiring print image information, the print image information including image content information indicating the content of a print image that can be printed by a printing device, and size-related information that directly or indirectly indicates a medium size, which is the size of a print medium on which the print image is to be printed; a registration process for registering the medium size indicated by the size-related information acquired by the acquisition process as a registered size; a drawing process for drawing the print image indicated by the image content information acquired by the acquisition process in accordance with the medium size indicated by the size-related information among the medium sizes registered as the registered sizes; a transmission process of transmitting a print command including information of the print image drawn by the drawing process to the printing device; An information processing device configured to execute the above.

Images