Cutting device, cutting support method, program, and cut product manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide information usable as reference when a user creates a new design.SOLUTION: An MPU 11 of a cutting device 10 causes a sheet feed detection section 21 to detect markers (e.g., a first position detection marker M1 and a second position detection marker M2) at a timing before cutting and a timing after cutting on the basis of predetermined design data (cut data), compares a relative position between a cut target S for which the marker can be detected and a cutter blade 31 (carriage 2A) between the two timings, and determines whether a result of the actual relative movement of the cutter blade 31 (carriage 2A) with respect to the cut target S deviates by a predetermined threshold or more from an ideal relative movement as the design data, or determines an amount of deviation between the result of the actual relative movement and the ideal relative movement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting device, a cutting support method, a program, and a method for manufacturing a cut product. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a cutting device is known that performs a desired cutting process on a sheet-like object to be cut by combining the operation of moving a cutting unit equipped with a cutter blade back and forth to the left and right relative to the object to be cut and the operation of feeding the object back and forth (see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cutting device that divides a large-sized figure into two figures, A and B, and cuts them. After cutting figure A, when cutting figure B, the sheet (the object to be cut) is moved in parallel, and the cross mark is aligned with the reference line of the table to align them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-274534 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the cutting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot determine whether the design related to the cut is suitable for the cutting operation from the results of the actual cut. Therefore, the cutting device cannot provide information that can be used as a reference when a user creates a new design.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and aims to provide information that can be used as a reference when a user creates a new design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the cutting device of the present invention is a cutting device that is capable of cutting a cutting object placed on a predetermined supporting material with a predetermined cutting member by pressing the cutting member against the cutting object and changing the relative position between the cutting object and the cutting member, and is characterized by comprising: a detection means that is arranged to move relative to the cutting object integrally with the cutting member, and detects markers that have been previously attached to the supporting material and are exposed from the cutting object; and a determination means that causes the detection means to detect the markers in association with the relative movement of the cutting member with respect to the cutting object when the pressure of the cutting member is released, at timings before and after the cutting based on predetermined design data, and that compares the relative positions of the markers that can be detected between the timings to determine whether the actual result of the relative movement deviates from the ideal relative movement as defined in the design data by more than a predetermined threshold, or the amount of deviation between the actual result of the relative movement and the ideal relative movement, by comparing the relative positions of the markers that can be detected between the timings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide information that can be used as a reference when a user creates a new design. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a cutting system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the cutting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the carriage holding the cutter unit provided in the cutting device. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cutting device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a control procedure for cutting processing. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of information displayed on the display unit of a terminal device, such as information indicating that cutting of a cut target has been completed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. As shown in FIG. 1, a cutting system 100 of this embodiment is configured to include a cutting device 10 and a terminal device 50. The cutting device 10 is a device that cuts a planar cutting target S, such as a rectangle, attached to a mount M (see FIG. 4) placed (set) on a mount 5 (described later), into any planar shape. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which paper is used as the cutting target S, but the present invention is not limited to this. The cutting target S may also be other media that can be cut with a cutter blade, such as a sheet of resin, a sticker, or leather.

[0011] The terminal device 50 is a smartphone that generates and edits cut data indicating the planar shape and position of the cutting device 10. The terminal device 50 also receives input of operation information related to the cutting device 10 and displays display information related to the cutting device 10. The terminal device 50 is used by being communicatively connected to the cutting device 10 via wireless communication. Note that the terminal device 50 communicatively connected to the cutting device 10 is not limited to a smartphone and may be other terminal devices such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet terminal. The communication method for wireless communication between the cutting device 10 and the terminal device 50 is assumed to be Bluetooth (registered trademark). However, the communication method for wireless communication is not limited to Bluetooth and may be other communication methods such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication connection between the cutting device 10 and the terminal device 50 is not limited to wireless communication and may be wired communication. The wired communication may be, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) wired communication via a communication cable.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the cutting device 10 extends along the X-axis, with the direction along the X-axis being the left-right direction (width direction) of the device. The direction along the Y-axis is the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the device. Furthermore, the Z-axis is perpendicular to the XY plane and is the direction in which a cutter blade 31 (described later) moves up and down relative to the cutting target S, with the direction along the Z-axis being the height direction of the device. The cutting device 10 includes a housing 1 and a device main body 2 housed within the housing 1. On the bottom surface of the housing 1, a paper feed tray 4 for feeding a backing sheet M to which a cutting target S is attached is provided at the front side of the device, and a mounting tray 5 for placing the backing sheet M during cutting operation is provided at the rear side of the device (see FIG. 3). At the boundary between the paper feed tray 4 and the mounting tray 5, a pair of drive rollers 202a and a pair of driven rollers 203a corresponding to the pair of drive rollers 202a are provided so as to be aligned in the Z-axis direction (up-down direction) (see FIG. 3). The lower roller is a drive roller 202a and the upper roller is a driven roller 203a. The pair of drive rollers 202a are mounted on a rotation shaft 202b with a predetermined distance between them. This predetermined distance is such that each end of the backing sheet M in the width direction (X-axis direction) can be sandwiched between the drive roller 202a and the driven roller 203a. The pair of driven rollers 203a are mounted on the rotation shaft 203b with the above-mentioned predetermined distance between them. When the backing sheet M is fed onto the paper feed tray 4, both ends of the leading edge of the backing sheet M when fed are sandwiched between the drive roller 202a and the driven roller 203a.

[0013] The housing 1 is box-shaped and has an operation unit 12 (described later) and an indicator unit 14 (described later) mounted on the exterior upper surface, etc. The device main body 2 includes a carriage 2A that holds a cutter unit 3 equipped with a cutter blade (cutting member) 31, and a drive unit 17 that moves the cutter unit 3 along with the carriage 2A. As shown in FIG. 3 , the carriage 2A has a holder 2A1 that holds the cutter unit 3 therein and a connecting unit 2A2 that is continuous with the holder 2A1. The holding unit 2A1 detachably holds the cutter unit 3. For example, when the cutter blade 31 needs to be replaced, such as when it is worn, the cutter unit 3 is removed from the carriage 2A and replaced. The connecting unit 2A2 has a through-hole 2A3 that penetrates in the X-axis direction. A shaft 171 that constitutes the drive unit 17 is inserted through this through-hole 2A3. Furthermore, a timing belt 172 is wound around the connecting portion 2A2, and when the timing belt 172 is operated by the drive of an X-axis motor (X-axis direction drive motor) 173 constituting the drive unit 17, the carriage 2A can move in the X-axis direction along the shaft 171. In this embodiment, the shaft 171, timing belt 172, X-axis motor 173, etc. constitute an X-axis direction drive mechanism. The drive unit 17 also includes a Z-axis direction drive mechanism 174 that can adjust the position (height position) of the cutter blade 31 in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction drive mechanism 174 includes a Z-axis motor (Z-axis direction drive motor) 175. In this embodiment, for example, when the Z-axis motor 175 is driven, the entire carriage 2A can rotate about the shaft 171 (see the arrow in FIG. 3).

[0014] In this way, carriage 2A can be moved along the X-axis direction (the device width direction, left-right direction) by driving X-axis motor 173, and can be moved along the Z-axis direction (the device height direction, up-down direction) by driving Z-axis motor 175. Furthermore, backing sheet M (backing sheet M with cutting target S attached) fed to paper feed tray 4 can be drawn toward placement table 5 by driving drive roller 202a by driving Y-axis motor (Y-axis direction drive motor) 201 constituting paper feed unit 20 (described later). Then, backing sheet M drawn toward placement table 5 can be moved along the Y-axis direction (the device depth direction, front-back direction) by continuing to drive drive roller 202a by driving Y-axis motor 201. As a result, during the cutting operation, the cutter blade 31 mounted on the cutter unit 3 held by the carriage 2A moves appropriately in the X-axis direction (left and right direction), and the cutting target S moves in the Y-axis direction (front and back direction), making it possible to cut the cutting target S into a specified shape by the cutter blade 31. In other words, by changing the relative position between the cutting target S and the cutter blade 31 while pressing the cutter blade 31 against the cutting target S, it is possible to cut the cutting target S into a specified shape by using the cutter blade 31.

[0015] Here, the backing sheet M will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The backing sheet (receiving material) M is used for purposes such as preventing the cutter blade 31 from damaging the mounting table 5 and placing the cutting target S in the correct position. As shown in FIG. 4, the backing sheet M has a flat rectangular shape. The backing sheet M is made of, for example, polycarbonate. The backing sheet M also has a grid area R on its upper surface with a grid printed thereon. This grid area R is coated with an adhesive for attaching the cutting target S. A barcode M5 is printed above the grid area R on the backing sheet M. The barcode M5 is a barcode for identifying that the backing sheet M dedicated to the cutting device 10 has been placed on the mounting table 5, and can be read by the paper feed detection unit 21 (described later). In other words, when the barcode M5 is read by the paper feed detection unit 21, it is confirmed that the backing sheet M dedicated to the cutting device 10 has been placed on the mounting table 5. Furthermore, a first position detection marker M1 is printed on the backing sheet M to the left of the barcode M5, and a second position detection marker M2 is printed on the right of the barcode M5. Furthermore, a third position detection marker M3 is printed on the backing sheet M at the lower left of the grid area R, and a fourth position detection marker M4 is printed on the lower right of the grid area R. In other words, each of the first to fourth position detection markers M1 to M4 is printed outside the grid area R and is exposed from the cutting target S attached to the grid area R. The first to fourth position detection markers M1 to M4 are markers for detecting deviations in the conveyance of the backing sheet M due to the cutting operation, and all have a cross shape. Like the barcode M5, the first to fourth position detection markers M1 to M4 can all be read by the paper feed detection unit 21.

[0016] Next, a functional configuration of the cutting device 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the cutting device 10 includes an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) 11 as a control unit, an operation unit 12, a storage unit 13, an indicator unit 14, a wired communication unit 15, a wireless communication unit 16, a drive unit 17, an X-axis origin position detection unit 18, a Z-axis origin position detection unit 19, a paper feed unit 20, and a paper feed detection unit 21. The various units of the cutting device 10 are connected via a bus 22.

[0017] The MPU (determination means, notification means) 11 controls each part of the cutting device 10. The MPU 11 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU reads out a specified program from various programs stored in the storage unit 13, loads it into the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the loaded program. The RAM is a volatile semiconductor memory, and forms a work area for temporarily storing various data and programs. The operation unit 12 has various buttons, accepts input from the user by pressing each button, and outputs the operation information to the MPU 11. The various buttons on the operation unit 12 include, for example, a button for pausing cutting and a button for removing the base sheet M.

[0018] The memory unit 13 is a memory unit such as a flash memory that can read and write information. The memory unit 13 stores various data such as cutting data and various programs. In particular, the memory unit 13 stores a cutting program 131 for executing cutting processing. The indicator unit 14 has a light-emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that indicates various states of the cutting device 10 by turning on or off. The indicator unit 14 has, for example, a power lamp that indicates whether the power is on or off. The indicator unit 14 turns the light-emitting unit's light on or off in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11.

[0019] The wired communication unit 15 is an interface for wired communication conforming to a communication standard such as USB. The MPU 11 transmits and receives information to and from external devices such as the terminal device 50 via the wired communication unit 15 and a communication cable. The wireless communication unit 16 has an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, etc., and is an interface for Bluetooth wireless communication with external devices such as the terminal device 50. The MPU 11 transmits and receives information to and from external devices such as the terminal device 50 via the wireless communication unit 16.

[0020] In accordance with instructions from the MPU 11, the drive unit 17 drives the X-axis motor 173 and the Z-axis motor 175 to move the cutter blade 31 mounted on the cutter unit 3 held by the carriage 2A in the X-axis and Z-axis directions. By moving the cutter blade 31, the drive unit 17 cuts the target S, which is attached to the backing sheet M placed on the mounting table 5, into any planar shape. The cutter blade 31 is mounted on the cutter unit 3 in a state in which its axis (drive shaft) can rotate freely around its axis. In other words, the cutter blade 31 is designed so that the blade faces the cutting direction when cutting the target S. To orient the blade in the cutting direction, the carriage 2A is moved in the X-axis direction while the tip (edge) of the cutter blade 31 is pressed against the target S, or the backing sheet M on which the target S is attached is moved (transported) in the Y-axis direction, thereby orienting the blade in the desired direction.

[0021] The X-axis origin position detection unit 18 is a position detection unit such as an optical sensor that detects whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the X-axis direction in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11. The X-axis origin position detection unit 18 outputs the detection result of whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the X-axis direction to the MPU 11. The MPU 11 controls the position of the cutter blade 31 in the X-axis direction using the detection result of whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the X-axis direction. The Z-axis origin position detection unit 19 is a position detection unit such as an optical sensor that detects whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the Z-axis direction in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11. The Z-axis origin position detection unit 19 outputs the detection result of whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the Z-axis direction to the MPU 11. The MPU 11 controls the position of the cutter blade 31 in the Z-axis direction using the detection result of whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the Z-axis direction.

[0022] The paper feed unit 20 is a transport unit that transports the backing sheet M (backing sheet M with the cutting target S attached thereto) sandwiched between the drive roller 202a and the driven roller 203a in the Y-axis direction by rotating the drive roller 202a by driving the Y-axis motor 201 in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11. In this way, the backing sheet M is transported by sandwiching the edge (end portion) of the backing sheet M between the drive roller 202a and the driven roller 203a. Therefore, if the cutting design contains many patterns that create high resistance during cutting (for example, patterns with large curvature) or if a hard cutting target S is used, the sandwiched backing sheet M will shift during transport, and as a result, the detection positions of the first to fourth position detection markers M1 to M4 on the backing sheet M will shift between before cutting starts and after cutting. Furthermore, if the cutting design contains many patterns that increase resistance during cutting as described above, or if a hard cutting target S is used, the Y-axis motor 201 or the X-axis motor 173 may lose synchronization or stop, which may result in a deviation in the detected positions of the first to fourth position detection markers M1 to M4 on the backing sheet M between before the start of cutting and after cutting. For this reason, the cutting device 10 of this embodiment detects the position detection markers (e.g., the first position detection marker M1 and the second position detection marker M2) provided on the backing sheet M at a timing before cutting based on the cutting data and a timing after cutting, and compares the relative positions detected by the position detection markers between the above timings to determine whether the actual result of the relative movement of the cutter blade 31 (carriage 2A) with respect to the cutting target S deviates from the ideal relative movement as defined in the cutting data by a predetermined threshold value or more, or the amount of deviation between the actual result of the relative movement and the ideal relative movement. That is, the cutting device 10 of this embodiment compares the relative positions at which the position detection markers can be detected between the above timings to determine whether cutting has been performed in accordance with the cutting data.As a result, the cutting device 10 can recognize from the results of the above judgment whether the design to be cut is suitable for the cutting operation, and the results of the judgment can be provided as information that can be used as reference when the user creates a new design.

[0023] The paper feed detection unit 21 is a detection unit such as an optical sensor that can detect the leading edge of the backing sheet M placed on the placement table 5 in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11. The paper feed detection unit 21 can also read a barcode M5 (see FIG. 4) printed on the backing sheet M in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11. The paper feed detection unit 21 can also detect first to fourth position detection markers M1 to M4 (see FIG. 4) in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11. The paper feed detection unit 21 outputs the detection results of the leading edge of the backing sheet M, the reading results of the barcode M5, and the detection results of the first to fourth position detection markers M1 to M4 to the MPU 11. The paper feed detection unit 21 is disposed on the connecting portion 2A2 (see FIG. 3) of the carriage 2A. That is, the paper feed detection unit 21 is disposed so as to move integrally with the cutter blade 31 relative to the backing sheet M (the object to be cut S) (relative movement at least in the X-axis direction). Specifically, the paper feed detection unit 21 is disposed on the lower surface of the connecting portion 2A2, that is, on the surface facing the upper surface of the backing sheet M.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 6, the terminal device 50 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a storage unit 53, a display unit 54, an operation unit 55, and a communication unit 56. The various units of the terminal device 50 are connected via a bus 57. The CPU 51 is a processor that controls the operation of the various units of the terminal device 50 by reading and executing a program 531 stored in the storage unit 53 and performing various arithmetic processing. The RAM 52 provides a working memory space for the CPU 51 and stores temporary data. The storage unit 53 is a non-transitory recording medium readable by the CPU 51 as a computer, and stores the program 531 and various data (e.g., cutting data).

[0025] The display unit 54 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like, and performs various displays according to display information instructed by the CPU 51. The operation unit 55 is composed of a power button (not shown), a home button (not shown), a touch sensor (not shown) provided on the display unit 54, and the like, and accepts input operations from the user and outputs the operation information to the CPU 51. The CPU 51 accepts the input operations from the user based on the information transmitted from the operation unit 55. The communication unit 56 is, for example, a communication unit that employs a wireless standard such as Bluetooth, or a wired communication unit such as a USB terminal.

[0026] Next, the cutting process executed by the cutting device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The cutting process is started, for example, when cut process start request data for the cutting process is received from the terminal device 50 via the wireless communication unit 16. This cut process start request data is assumed to be accompanied by cut data (design data) indicating the planar shape, position, etc. of the cutting target S when cutting in the cutting process. Furthermore, it is assumed that the backing sheet M with the cutting target S attached thereto is placed (set) on the paper feed tray 4 before the cutting process is started.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 7, when the cutting process starts, the MPU 11 of the cutting device 10 first executes an initialization process (step S1). Specifically, as the initialization process, the MPU 11 rotates the shaft 171 (see FIG. 3) by driving the Z-axis motor 175, thereby moving the carriage 2A to the origin position in the Z-axis direction. Whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the Z-axis direction is detected by the Z-axis origin position detection unit 19 described above. When the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the Z-axis direction, the cutter blade 31 is positioned so that the cutting edge is positioned above the object S to be cut, i.e., so that the cutting edge is not pressed against the object S to be cut. Furthermore, as the initialization process, the MPU 11 operates the timing belt 172 (see FIG. 2) by driving the X-axis motor 173, thereby moving the carriage 2A to the origin position in the X-axis direction. Whether or not the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the X-axis direction is detected by the above-mentioned X-axis origin position detection unit 18. Furthermore, as an initial process, the MPU 11 rotates the drive roller 202a by driving the Y-axis motor 201, and pulls the backing sheet M, which is placed on the paper feed tray 4 and is sandwiched between the drive roller 202a and the driven roller 203a, into the device, and places the backing sheet M on the placement tray 5. The MPU 11 then moves the backing sheet M to the origin position in the Y-axis direction. Whether or not the backing sheet M is at the origin position in the Y-axis direction is detected by the above-mentioned paper feed detection unit 21.

[0028] Next, the MPU 11 reads the barcode M5 printed on the backing sheet M (step S2). Specifically, the MPU 11 drives the Y-axis motor 201 to move the backing sheet M in the Y-axis direction, and drives the X-axis motor 173 to move the carriage 2A in the X-axis direction, thereby reading the barcode M5 with the paper feed detection unit 21 mounted on the carriage 2A. Next, the MPU 11 determines whether or not it has been confirmed that the backing sheet M dedicated to the cutting device 10 has been placed on the placement table 5 based on the result of reading the barcode M5 by the paper feed detection unit 21 (step S3). If it has not been confirmed in step S3 that the backing sheet M dedicated to the cutting device 10 has been placed on the placement table 5 (step S3; NO), the MPU 11 issues an error notification (step S10). Specifically, the MPU 11 notifies the user that the backing sheet M dedicated to the cutting device 10 is not placed on the table 5 by turning on an LED constituting the indicator unit 14. Then, the MPU 11 ends the cutting process. Note that, as the above-mentioned error notification, the MPU 11 may transmit information to the terminal device 50 indicating that the backing sheet M dedicated to the cutting device 10 is not placed on the table 5, and cause the display unit 54 to display the information.

[0029] Furthermore, if it is confirmed in step S3 that the backing sheet M dedicated to the cutting device 10 is placed (set) on the placement table 5 (step S3; YES), the MPU 11 searches for each of the first position detection marker M1 and the second position detection marker M2 printed on the backing sheet M (step S4). Specifically, the MPU 11 moves the backing sheet M in the Y-axis direction by driving the Y-axis motor 201, and moves the carriage 2A in the X-axis direction by driving the X-axis motor 173, thereby searching for the first position detection marker M1 with the paper feed detection unit 21 mounted on the carriage 2A. In this embodiment, a start position for starting the search for the first position detection marker M1 is determined in advance, and the carriage 2A is moved to the start position before starting the search for the first position detection marker M1 (the same applies to the second position detection marker M2). When the first position detection marker M1 is detected, the MPU 11 stores in the memory unit 13 the movement position (X coordinate) of the carriage 2A in the X axis direction when the first position detection marker M1 is detected, and also stores in the memory unit 13 the movement position (Y coordinate) of the backing sheet M in the Y axis direction when the first position detection marker M1 is detected. Similarly, for the second position detection marker M2, the MPU 11 stores in the memory unit 13 the movement position (X coordinate) of the carriage 2A in the X axis direction when the second position detection marker M2 is detected, and also stores in the memory unit 13 the movement position (Y coordinate) of the backing sheet M in the Y axis direction when the second position detection marker M2 is detected. In the following, the movement position (X coordinate) of the carriage 2A in the X-axis direction when the position detection marker M1 is detected and the movement position (Y coordinate) of the backing paper M in the Y-axis direction when the position detection marker M1 is detected may be collectively referred to as the detection coordinate of the position detection marker M1 (the same applies to the second position detection marker M2).

[0030] Next, the MPU 11 starts cutting the cutting object S based on the cutting data (design data) acquired from the terminal device 50 (step S5). Here, the MPU 11 drives the Z-axis motor 175 to move the carriage 2A so that the cutter blade 31 is pressed against the cutting object S, and then starts cutting the cutting object S. Next, the MPU 11 determines whether or not cutting of the cutting object S has been completed (step S6). If it is determined in step S6 that cutting of the cutting object S has not been completed (step S6; NO), the MPU 11 repeats the determination process of step S6 until it is determined that cutting of the cutting object S has been completed. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S6 that cutting of the cutting object S has been completed (step S6; YES), the MPU 11 searches for each of the first position detection marker M1 and the second position detection marker M2 (step S7). Here, the MPU 11 drives the Z-axis motor 175 to rotate the shaft 171, and moves the carriage 2A to the origin position in the Z-axis direction. That is, the cutter blade 31 is released from pressure contact with the cutting object S.

[0031] In step S7, first, the MPU 11 reads from the storage unit 13 the detection coordinates of the first position marker M1 detected in step S4. Then, the MPU 11 drives the X-axis motor 173 to move the carriage 2A, and drives the Y-axis motor 201 to move the backing sheet M, thereby moving the carriage 2A to the detection coordinates at which the first position marker M1 was detected in step S4. Then, the MPU 11 starts a search for the first position marker M1 using the paper feed detection unit 21, and stores in the storage unit 13 the detection coordinates at which the first position marker M1 was detected. Similarly, the MPU 11 searches for the second position marker M2, and stores in the storage unit 13 the detection coordinates at which the second position marker M2 was detected.

[0032] Next, the MPU 11 derives the amount of deviation between the detected coordinates (detected positions) of the first position detection marker M1 and the second position detection marker M2 before and after cutting, based on the respective detected coordinates of the first position detection marker M1 and the second position detection marker M2 detected in step S4 (ideal relative movement of the cutter blade 31 (carriage 2A) with respect to the cutting target S) and the respective detected coordinates of the first position detection marker M1 and the second position detection marker M2 detected in step S7 (results of the actual relative movement of the cutter blade 31 (carriage 2A) with respect to the cutting target S) (step S8). Here, as the amount of deviation, the MPU 11 derives the amount of deviation in the X-axis direction, the amount of deviation in the Y-axis direction, and the amount of deviation in the rotational direction (θ direction) around a predetermined coordinate position on the XY coordinate plane. Specifically, the amount of deviation in the X-axis direction and the amount of deviation in the Y-axis direction are derived, for example, by comparing the detected coordinates of the first position marker M1 detected in step S4 with the detected coordinates of the first position marker M1 detected in step S7. Note that the amount of deviation in the X-axis direction and the amount of deviation in the Y-axis direction may be derived using not only the detected coordinates of the first position marker M1 but also the detected coordinates of the second position marker M2. The amount of deviation in the rotational direction is derived, for example, by comparing a vector having the detected coordinates of the first position marker M1 detected in step S4 as its start point and the detected coordinates of the second position marker M2 also detected in step S4 as its end point with a vector having the detected coordinates of the first position marker M1 detected in step S7 as its start point and the detected coordinates of the second position marker M2 also detected in step S7 as its end point.In addition, in order to improve the accuracy of deriving the amount of deviation in the rotational direction, in each of steps S4 and S7, a search is also performed for the third position detection marker M3 or the fourth position detection marker M4, and the amount of deviation in the rotational direction may also be derived by comparing, for example, a vector starting from the detection coordinates of the first position detection marker M1 detected in step S4 and ending from the detection coordinates of the third position detection marker M3 (or the fourth position detection marker M4) also detected in step S4 with a vector starting from the detection coordinates of the first position detection marker M1 detected in step S7 and ending from the detection coordinates of the third position detection marker M3 (or the fourth position detection marker M4) also detected in step S7.

[0033] Next, the MPU 11 notifies information that cutting of the cutting target S has been completed, and also notifies information regarding the deviation amount derived in step S8 (step S9). Specifically, the MPU 11 transmits information I1 that cutting of the cutting target S has been completed (e.g., "Cutting is completed.") and information I2 regarding the deviation amount (e.g., "X-axis direction_deviation amount: XX mm, Y-axis direction_deviation amount: XX mm, θ-direction_deviation amount: XX°") to the terminal device 50, and causes the information I1 and I2 to be displayed on the display unit 54, as shown in FIG. 8(a). Then, the MPU 11 ends the cutting process.

[0034] The information regarding the deviation amount displayed on the display unit 54 does not necessarily have to be the deviation amount itself. For example, a determination result of whether the detected coordinates of the first position detection marker M1 detected in step S7 deviate from the detected coordinates of the first position detection marker M1 detected in step S4 by a predetermined threshold value (e.g., ±1 mm) or more may be displayed. Furthermore, if any of the deviation amounts in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the rotational direction (θ direction) about the Z-axis derived in step S8 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a probable cause of the deviation (e.g., "hard paper may have been used") I3 may be displayed in addition to information I1 indicating that cutting of the cutting target S has been completed and information I2 regarding the deviation amount. Furthermore, when displaying the determination result of whether the detection coordinates of the first position marker M1 detected in step S7 deviate from the detection coordinates of the first position marker M1 detected in step S4 by a predetermined threshold value (e.g., ±1 mm) or more as described above, the estimated cause I3 of the deviation may be displayed when the detection coordinates of the first position marker M1 detected in step S7 deviate from the detection coordinates of the first position marker M1 detected in step S4 by a predetermined threshold value (e.g., ±1 mm) or more. Note that the threshold value may be set or changed as appropriate based on a user operation.

[0035] As described above, the MPU 11 of the cutting device 10 causes the paper feed detection unit 21 to detect markers (e.g., the first position detection marker M1 and the second position detection marker M2) before and after cutting based on predetermined design data (cut data). The MPU 11 then compares the relative positions between the cut target S and the cutter blade 31 (carriage 2A) detected by the markers between the above timings to determine whether the actual relative movement of the cutter blade 31 (carriage 2A) relative to the cut target S deviates from the ideal relative movement based on the design data by a predetermined threshold or more, or to determine the amount of deviation between the actual relative movement and the ideal relative movement. Therefore, the cutting device 10 can determine whether the cutting was performed according to the cut data, allowing the user to determine from the results of the determination whether the design related to the actual cut was suitable for the cutting operation. Therefore, the cutting device 10 can provide the results of the determination as information that the user can refer to when creating a new design. Furthermore, the MPU 11 targets each of the multiple position detection markers among the first to fourth position detection markers M1 to M4 and causes the paper feed detection unit 21 to detect the multiple position detection markers, thereby making it easier to make the above-mentioned judgment.

[0036] Furthermore, the MPU 11 of the cutting device 10 notifies the user of the result of the above determination along with information that the cutting has been completed. Therefore, the cutting device 10 allows the user to determine whether the design related to the cut was suitable for the cutting operation by referring to the cut product that was actually cut. Therefore, the cutting device 10 can provide the user with information that can be used as a reference when creating a new design at an appropriate time.

[0037] Furthermore, when it is determined that the result of the relative movement of the cutter blade 31 (carriage 2A) with respect to the cutting object S deviates from the ideal relative movement by a predetermined threshold value or more, or when the amount of deviation between the result of the relative movement and the ideal relative movement is a predetermined threshold value or more, the MPU 11 of the cutting device 10 further notifies the user of the estimated cause of the deviation. Therefore, the cutting device 10 notifies the user of the estimated cause, which can give the user an idea when creating a new design.

[0038] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, four markers, the first to fourth position detection markers M1 to M4, are provided on the mount M. However, when deriving the amount of deviation in the X-axis direction, the amount of deviation in the Y-axis direction, and the amount of deviation in the rotational direction (θ direction) as described above, it is sufficient to provide at least two markers (for example, the first position detection marker M1 and the second position detection marker M2).Furthermore, when deriving the amount of deviation in the X-axis direction and the amount of deviation in the Y-axis direction as the amount of deviation, it is sufficient to provide at least one marker (for example, the first position detection marker M1).

[0039] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cutter blade 31 mounted on the cutter unit 3 held on the carriage 2A is moved in the Z-axis direction (up and down direction) by driving the Z-axis motor 175, thereby pressing the cutter blade 31 against the cutting object S or releasing the pressure therefrom. However, for example, the mounting table 5 may be configured to be movable in the Z-axis direction, and the mounting table 5 on which the backing sheet M (backing sheet M with the cutting object S attached) is placed may be moved in the Z-axis direction to press the cutter blade 31 against the cutting object S or release the pressure therefrom.

[0040] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first to fourth position detection markers M1 to M4 have a cross shape, but may have any other shape as long as it can be read by the paper feed detection unit 21.

[0041] In the above embodiment, a flash memory or the like is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can also be used as other computer-readable media. Furthermore, a carrier wave can also be used as a medium for providing data for the program according to the present invention via a communication line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 10 cutting device, 11 MPU, 21 paper feed detection unit, 2A carriage, 31 cutter blade, M backing paper, M1 first position detection marker, M2 second position detection marker, M3 third position detection marker, M4 fourth position detection marker, S cutting target

Claims

1. A cutting device capable of cutting a cutting object placed on a predetermined material by pressing a predetermined cutting member against the cutting object and changing the relative position between the cutting object and the cutting member, a detection means for detecting a marker provided in advance on the material to be placed and exposed from the cutting target, the detection means being provided so as to be moved relative to the cutting target together with the cutting member; a determining means for causing the detecting means to detect the marker in association with the relative movement of the cutting member with respect to the cutting target in a state in which the pressure contact of the cutting member with respect to the cutting target is released, at a timing before the cutting and a timing after the cutting based on predetermined design data, and for comparing the relative positions of the markers detected between the timings to determine whether the result of the actual relative movement deviates from the ideal relative movement as defined by the design data by a predetermined threshold value or more, or the amount of deviation between the result of the actual relative movement and the ideal relative movement; A cutting device comprising:

2. a notification means for notifying a result of the determination by the determination means, The notification means notifying the determination result together with information that the cutting has been completed; 2. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The notification means If the determination means determines that the result of the relative movement deviates from the ideal of the relative movement by a predetermined threshold value or more, or if the amount of deviation determined by the determination means is a predetermined threshold value or more, a probable cause of the deviation is further notified.

3. The cutting device according to claim 2.

4. The material to be placed is provided with a plurality of the markers, the determining means causes the detecting means to detect each of the plurality of markers at a timing before the cut and a timing after the cut, 2. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein:

5. a setting means for changing the predetermined threshold value; 2. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein:

6. A cutting assist method executed by a cutting device that can cut a cutting object placed on a predetermined material by pressing a predetermined cutting member against the cutting object and changing a relative position between the cutting object and the cutting member, the method comprising: the cutting device is provided so as to be moved relative to the cutting target integrally with the cutting member, and includes a detection means for detecting a marker that is provided in advance on the material to be placed and that is exposed from the cutting target; the detection means detects the marker in association with the relative movement of the cutting member with respect to the cutting target in a state in which the pressure contact of the cutting member with respect to the cutting target is released, at a timing before the cutting and a timing after the cutting based on predetermined design data, and the relative position of the marker that can be detected is compared between the timings to determine whether or not the result of the actual relative movement deviates from the ideal relative movement as the design data by a predetermined threshold value or more, or the amount of deviation between the result of the actual relative movement and the ideal relative movement. A cutting support method comprising:

7. A cutting device that can cut a cutting object placed on a predetermined material by pressing a predetermined cutting member against the cutting object and changing the relative position between the cutting member and the cutting object, the cutting device being provided with a detection means that is arranged to move relative to the cutting object integrally with the cutting member, and that detects a marker that is previously provided on the material and is exposed from the cutting object, a determining means for causing the detecting means to detect the marker in association with the relative movement of the cutting member with respect to the cutting target in a state in which the pressure contact of the cutting member with respect to the cutting target is released, at a timing before the cutting and a timing after the cutting based on predetermined design data, and for comparing the relative positions of the markers detected at the timings to determine whether or not the result of the actual relative movement deviates from the ideal relative movement as defined by the design data by a predetermined threshold value or more, or the amount of deviation between the result of the actual relative movement and the ideal relative movement; A program characterized by functioning as

8. A method for manufacturing a cut product is carried out by a cutting device that is capable of cutting a target object placed on a predetermined material by pressing a predetermined cutting member against the target object while changing the relative position between the target object and the cutting member, the method comprising: the cutting device is provided so as to be moved relative to the cutting target integrally with the cutting member, and includes a detection means for detecting a marker that is provided in advance on the material to be placed and that is exposed from the cutting target; the detection means detects the marker in association with the relative movement of the cutting member with respect to the cutting target in a state in which the pressure contact of the cutting member with respect to the cutting target is released, at a timing before the cutting and a timing after the cutting based on predetermined design data, and the relative position of the marker that can be detected is compared between the timings to determine whether or not the result of the actual relative movement deviates from the ideal relative movement as the design data by a predetermined threshold value or more, or the amount of deviation between the result of the actual relative movement and the ideal relative movement. A method for manufacturing cut products, comprising:

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