Image processing device, image processing method, and program

Abstract

Appropriate crop marks are applied according to the image data to reduce printing and cutting errors. [Solution] The control unit 11 of the image processing device 1 performs a preview screen display process that displays the output setting screen 70 on the display unit 14, and a mark application process that applies a crop mark MK to the print area PA of the image data in response to user input to the output setting screen 70. The output setting screen 70 has a preview area 71 and a setting input unit 72 on which the setting of the crop mark MK can be input. In the setting field 77a of the setting input unit 72, it is possible to set whether to apply the crop mark MK to the entire print area PA or to each object OB within the print area PA. In the mark application process, the control unit 11 displays the crop mark MK in the preview area 71 according to the application setting in the setting input unit 72.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] When cutting media printed with an image by a cutting plotter, the cutting accuracy can be improved by detecting crop marks printed on the media together with the image and performing alignment (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an image processing apparatus, when creating image data to be output to a printer, a process of adding crop marks is performed. Here, if it is difficult to grasp the positional relationship between the objects constituting the image data and the crop marks, the crop marks may not be added to the printing area, leading to printing errors or cutting errors.

[0005] In an image processing apparatus, it is required to appropriately add crop marks according to the image data and reduce printing errors and cutting errors.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is (1) configured to create image data that can be output to a printer, and includes a control unit that controls a screen to be displayed on a display unit in response to a user's operation input via an operation unit, wherein the control unit is A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the following steps are performed: a marking process is executed to add alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data; The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, The mark setting input unit allows setting whether the alignment marks are applied to the entire print area or to each object within the print area. The control unit, in the marking process, displays the alignment marks corresponding to the marking settings in the preview area.

[0007] An image processing apparatus in one aspect of the present invention is (2) Creating image data that can be output to a printer, It includes a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the operation unit, The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the following steps are performed: a marking process is executed to add alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data; The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, The control unit, In the mark assignment process, the layout of the alignment marks in the print area is adjusted based on information relating to at least one of the following: the assignment settings entered in the mark setting input unit, information relating to the objects constituting the image data, the size of the alignment marks, and the size of the media to be printed by the printer, and the alignment marks are displayed in the preview area.

[0008] (3) In the image processing apparatus described in (1) or (2) above, The preview screen is at least one of the image data editing screen or the screen for setting the output of the image data to the printer.

[0009] (4) In any of the image processing devices described in (1) to (3) above, The aforementioned mark setting input unit is, It is possible to toggle the display and hiding of the alignment marks in the preview area.

[0010] (5) In any of the image processing devices described in (1) to (4) above, The control unit changes the size of the alignment marks according to the user's specifications.

[0011] (6) In any of the image processing devices described in (1) to (5) above, In the marking process, the control unit adjusts the layout of the alignment marks in the print area based on information relating to at least one of the marking settings input to the marking setting input unit, information relating to the objects constituting the image data, the size of the alignment marks, and the size of the media to be printed by the printer.

[0012] (7) In any of the image processing devices described in (1) to (6) above, The control unit, If at least a portion of the alignment marks extends beyond the printable area of ​​the image data, an alert is issued.

[0013] (8) In any one of the image processing apparatuses (1) to (7) above, when at least a part of the alignment mark exceeds the printing area of the image data, the control unit resizes the alignment mark.

[0014] (9) In any one of the image processing apparatuses (1) to (8) above, the preview screen includes a replication condition input unit capable of inputting the replication conditions of the object in the image data, the replication conditions include the offset of the object from the origin of the printing area, the number of replications, and the replication interval, the control unit, in the preview screen display process, displays the object replicated based on the replication conditions in the preview area.

[0015] (10) In any one of the image processing apparatuses (1) to (9) above, in the mark addition process, the control unit changes the size of the alignment mark based on the length of the printing area in the image data.

[0016] (11) In any one of the image processing apparatuses (1) to (10) above, when the length of the printing area in the image data exceeds a predetermined length in the mark addition process, the control unit adds the alignment mark to the middle part of the printing area.

[0017] (1) In any one of the image processing apparatuses (1) to (11) above, in the preview area, the control unit displays the alignment mark added to the middle part in a different manner from the other alignment marks.

[0018] (13) In any one of the image processing apparatuses (1) to (12) above, The aforementioned alignment marks can be used for alignment when cutting after printing with the printer. The mark setting input unit can input the cutting material used in the cutting process. The control unit applies the alignment marks corresponding to the cutting member in the marking process.

[0019] (14) In any of the image processing devices described in (1) to (13) above, In the marking process, the control unit adds a mark indicating the printing direction of the image data, along with the alignment mark.

[0020] An image processing method in one aspect of the present invention is: (15) A method to be performed on an image processing device that creates image data that can be output to a printer, The image processing apparatus includes a control unit that controls the screen to be displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the operation unit, The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the following steps are performed: a marking process is executed to add alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data; The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, The mark setting input unit allows setting whether the alignment marks are applied to the entire print area or to each object within the print area. The control unit causes the alignment marks corresponding to the marking settings to be displayed in the preview area during the marking process.

[0021] An image processing method in one aspect of the present invention is: (16) A method to be performed on an image processing device that creates image data that can be output to a printer, The image processing apparatus includes a control unit that controls the screen to be displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the operation unit, The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the following steps are performed: a marking process is executed to add alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data; The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, The control unit adjusts the layout of the alignment marks in the print area and displays the alignment marks in the preview area based on information relating to at least one of the following: the assignment settings input to the mark setting input unit, information relating to the objects constituting the image data, the size of the alignment marks, and the size of the media to be printed by the printer, during the mark assignment process.

[0022] A program in one aspect of the present invention is (17) A program that implements the function of an image processing device that creates image data that can be output to a printer, The electronic device functions as a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the control unit. The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the system performs a marking process that adds alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data. The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, The mark setting input unit allows setting whether the alignment marks are applied to the entire print area or to each object within the print area. The control unit is instructed to display the alignment marks corresponding to the marking settings in the preview area during the marking process.

[0023] A program in one aspect of the present invention is (18) A program that implements the function of an image processing device that creates image data that can be output to a printer, The electronic device functions as a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the control unit. The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the system performs a marking process that adds alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data. The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, The control unit is instructed, in the mark application process, to adjust the layout of the alignment marks in the print area and to display the alignment marks in the preview area, based on information relating to at least one of the mark application settings input to the mark setting input unit, information relating to the objects constituting the image data, the size of the alignment marks, and the size of the media to be printed by the printer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, crop marks can be appropriately applied according to the image data, thereby reducing printing errors and cutting errors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the flow from the control unit to the output of image data, showing the screen that the control unit displays on the display unit. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a home screen. [Figure 4] This is a diagram explaining emphasis. [Figure 5] This is a diagram explaining the pickup display. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the design editing screen. [Figure 7] (a) is a diagram illustrating the change in the display of the object list when an object is selected in the preview area, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the change in the display of the preview area when an object is selected in the object list. [Figure 8] (a) is a diagram illustrating the processing input section, and (b) is a diagram showing variations of the processing input section. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the display patterns of objects according to the processing content set in the processing input unit. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the batch input section. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the design layout form editing screen. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a form editing screen. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the output settings screen. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates a specific example of the marking process performed by the control unit. [Figure 15] This diagram illustrates an example of adjusting the layout of the control unit. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates another example of layout adjustment. [Figure 17] This diagram illustrates layout adjustments based on the length of the print area. [Figure 18]This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the electronic components that make up the image processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an image processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the image processing device 1 creates image data that can be output to the image forming apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus 200 is an apparatus that performs image forming processing on media M. The image forming apparatus 200 may include, for example, a printer 300 that forms an image by printing, or a cutting plotter 400 that forms an image by cutting. The printer 300 can be, for example, an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink IK onto media M. The printer 300 includes, for example, a platen 301 that supports media M, and a head 302 that ejects ink IK. The head 302 is positioned opposite the platen 301. Printing is performed by the head 302 ejecting ink IK while moving in the scanning direction and the feed direction toward the media M supported by the platen 301. In Figure 1, the direction from the front to the back of the paper corresponds to the scanning direction, and the left-right direction of the paper corresponds to the feed direction. Furthermore, the movement of the head 302 relative to the media M only needs to be relative. Therefore, the platen 301 may be moved instead of the head 302, or the media M may be moved on the platen 301.

[0027] The cutting plotter 400 includes, for example, a platen 401 that supports the media M, and a head 402 that holds a cutting member 403. The head 402 is positioned opposite the platen 401. The head 402 cuts the media M supported by the platen 401 with the cutting member 403 while moving in the scanning direction and the feed direction. The cutting plotter 400 can perform various types of cutting by switching between cutting components 403 such as cutters, pens, and rollers. The image forming apparatus 200 may also be capable of performing both printing and cutting.

[0028] The media M from which the image forming apparatus 200 forms an image can be made of, for example, synthetic resins such as acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester, paper, cloth (woven fabric, nonwoven fabric), wood, ceramics, metal, food, leather, etc.

[0029] The image processing device 1 creates and outputs image data to the image forming apparatus 200 in a format according to its specifications (for example, JPEG, PDF, vector data, etc.). In this case, multiple image forming apparatuses 200 may process the same media M to create a single printed material. For example, Figure 1 shows a printed material with a design in which the center of a colored circle is cut into a rectangle. To create this printed material, first, a colored circle is printed on the media M using a printer 300. Then, the media M is transferred from the printer 300 to a cutting plotter 400, where the center of the circle printed on the media M is cut into a rectangle. Additionally, it is possible to create a single printed document by printing on media M with one printer 300 and then printing on it with another printer 300. Thus, when processing is performed by multiple image forming apparatuses 200 to create a single printed material, the image processing apparatus 1 needs to create image data corresponding to the processing performed by each image forming apparatus 200. In the design of Figure 1, the image processing apparatus 1 creates and outputs color circular image data (JPEG, PDF, etc.) to the printer 300. The image processing apparatus 1 also creates and outputs rectangular line image data (vector data, etc.) to the cutting plotter 400.

[0030] The image processing device 1 can be composed of, for example, a general-purpose electronic device (computer). Electronic devices can include, for example, personal computers, mobile devices such as smartphones, and tablet devices. As shown in Figure 1, the image processing device 1 comprises a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12. An operation unit 13 and a display unit 14 are connected to the image processing device 1. The operation unit 13 can be composed of input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touch panel, or physical switch. The display unit 14 can be composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 may be provided integrally with the electronic device, or they may be connected to the electronic device by wire or wireless.

[0031] The memory unit 12 has an application program installed that implements the functions of the control unit 11 of the image processing device 1. The user activates the application program via the operation unit 13, thereby enabling the electronic device to perform the functions of the control unit 11. The control unit 11 displays various screens for creating image data on the display unit 14. The control unit 11 performs image data creation processing in response to user input via the screen. The storage unit 12 stores data necessary for processing by the control unit 11, as well as the processing results of the control unit 11. As an example, the storage unit 12 stores the design used to create the image data, the design placement form, and the respective data files DFa, DFb, and DFc for the form. The control unit 11 outputs image data using a design or design layout form to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the flow from the control unit 11 to the output of image data, showing the screen that the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 14. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 11 displays the home screen 20, design editing screen 30, form selection screen 40, design placement form editing screen 50, form editing screen 60, output settings screen 70, etc., on the display unit 14. When an application program is launched by the user, the control unit 11 displays the home screen 20 (step S01: home screen display process). The control unit 11 then performs a process to display other screens from the home screen 20 in response to user operations via the home screen 20.

[0033] The control unit 11 displays, for example, the design editing screen 30, the design placement form editing screen 50, and the output setting screen 70, which are preview screens for image data, on the display unit 14 (Step S02: Preview screen display process). For example, when a user creates or edits image data, the control unit 11 displays the design editing screen 30 or the design placement form editing screen 50. The control unit 11 also displays the output settings screen 70 when a user sets the output settings for image data to be sent to the image forming apparatus 200. The control unit 11 performs a process to add crop marks to the image data as one of the output settings performed on the output setting screen 70 (step S03: marking process). The control unit 11 also performs processing to output image data to the image forming apparatus 200 in response to user operations on the output setting screen 70, etc. (Step S04: Image data output processing). The following describes each screen displayed by the control unit 11 and the processing performed by the control unit 11 on each screen.

[0034] <Home screen> Figure 3 shows an example of the home screen 20. As shown in Figure 3, the home screen 20 has a design display area 21A, a design placement form display area 21B, and a form display area 21C.

[0035] The design can be used with image data and consists of a combination of one or more objects. A form is a template that allows for the combination of designs. A design-placement form is a combination of a design and a form, created by placing the design onto the form. As described above, the memory unit 12 (see Figure 1) stores data files DFa, DFb, and DFc for these three items. When the application program is started, the control unit 11 reads the information from each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc from the memory unit 12 and displays it in the corresponding display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C are displayed side by side in the vertical direction (first direction, up and down direction in the figure) of the home screen 20. Furthermore, the display area 21B of the design layout form is displayed vertically between the design display area 21A and the form display area 21C. In this way, display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C, which display the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc for the three items, are displayed side by side on the home screen 20, saving the user the trouble of viewing each display screen for data files DFa, DFb, and DFc individually. In addition, by looking at display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C, the user can more easily understand what options are available when creating image data. Furthermore, the display area 21B of the design placement form is displayed between the design display area 21A and the form display area 21C, making it easier to visualize how the design will be incorporated into the form.

[0037] Display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C are each located along the horizontal direction (second direction) of the home screen 20. At the left end of display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C, there is a new creation button 22 for creating new data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. To the right of the "Create New" button 22 in display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C, the information of each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc stored in the memory unit 12 is displayed horizontally. Display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C can display at least one of the following information for each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc: for example, a thumbnail, file name, and the time of the last update. Additionally, display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C display the pop-up menu 27 call mark 26 in the display area for each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc.

[0038] Display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C have an upper limit on the number of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc that can be displayed, depending on the screen size. If the number of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc stored in the storage unit 12 exceeds the number that can be displayed in display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C, the item screen call unit 24 will be displayed at the right end of display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C. The call unit 24 can contain text such as "Show All".

[0039] On the home screen 20, above the display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C, a sorting unit 25 is displayed for extracting and sorting the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed in the display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C. On the home screen 20, above the sorting section 25, the taskbar TB is displayed. The taskbar TB displays the processes that the control unit 11 can execute. When the user selects a process with a mouse or the like, the control unit 11 executes the selected process.

[0040] Users can perform various operations via the home screen 20. The following describes an example of processing by the control unit 11 in response to user input via the home screen 20.

[0041] • Display of editing screen When the user selects the New button 22 or data files DFa, DFb, or DFc displayed in the display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C of the home screen 20, the control unit 11 displays the corresponding editing screen on the display unit 14. The editing screen is the design editing screen 30, the design placement form editing screen 50, or the form editing screen 60 shown in Figure 1. Details of each editing screen will be described later. The user can select, for example, the New button 22 or the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc by clicking or double-clicking with the mouse. If the operation unit 13 is a touch panel, the user can select, for example, the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc by tapping or long-pressing with their finger or a stylus.

[0042] ·Highlight The control unit 11 highlights the object selected by the user on the home screen 20. "Highlighting" means displaying the selected object in a different manner from others. The object to be highlighted can be, for example, the entirety of display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C, or the individual data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed in display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C.

[0043] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the use of highlighting. Figure 4(a) shows an example of highlighting the entire display area. In Figure 4(a), display area 21A is highlighted. The control unit 11 can, for example, highlight the display area 21A when a user's mouse pointer P overlaps with the display area 21A. As a highlight, the control unit 11 can, for example, make the selected display area 21A larger than the other display areas 21B and 21C. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can highlight the selected display area 21A by adding an effect that makes it appear to float, or by changing its background color.

[0044] The display field 21A selected by the user is highlighted, making it easier for the user to check the information in the data file DFa of display field 21A. In addition, the user can also check display fields 21B and 21C, making it easier to consider which form to combine the design into and allowing them to visualize the final product more concretely.

[0045] Figure 4(b) shows an example of highlighting the data file DFa. Figure 4(b) shows an example of highlighting the data file DFa in display field 21A. The control unit 11 can, for example, highlight a data file DFa if a pointer P, such as a mouse operated by the user, lies over one of the data files DFa in the display area 21A. As highlighting, the control unit 11 can, for example, display the selected data file DFa larger than the other data files DFa. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can apply an effect to the selected data file DFa that makes it appear to float, change its background color, or surround it with a frame.

[0046] Highlighting the data file DFa makes it easier for users to review the information within it. For example, displaying a larger thumbnail of the data file DFa makes it easier for users to examine the details of the design.

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can perform a combination of highlighting the entire display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C and highlighting individual data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. For example, if the user selects an individual data file DFa, DFb, or DFc from the display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C that have been highlighted according to the user's selection, the control unit 11 can further highlight that data file DFa, DFb, or DFc.

[0048] • Pickup display When the user selects one of the data files DFa, DFb, or DFc for a design, design layout form, or form on the home screen 20 (see Figure 3), the control unit 11 searches for and displays the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc for other related items. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the pickup display. Figure 5(a) shows the pickup display when the design data file DFa is selected. Figure 5(b) shows an example of the pickup display when the design placement form data file DFb is selected.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5(a), when the user selects a data file DFa of any of the designs displayed in the display area 21A, the control unit 11 picks up and displays the data file DFb of the design placement form that uses that design in the display area 21C.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5(b), when the user selects the data file DFb of any design placement form displayed in the display area 21B, the control unit 11 picks up and displays the data file DFa of the design used for the selected design placement form in the display area 21A. Furthermore, the control unit 11 picks up and displays the data file DFc of the form used for the selected design placement form in the display area 21C.

[0051] Although not shown in the diagram, the control unit 11 can also pick up and display the data file DFb of the design layout form that uses the selected form in the display area 21B when the user selects the data file DFc of any form displayed in the display area 21C.

[0052] The "selection of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc" is not limited to a specific operation. For example, a user can select data files DFa, DFb, and DFc by hovering the pointer P of a pointing device (mouse, touchpad, touch panel, etc.) over the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. The "selected and displayed" mode is not limited to a specific mode, but means that the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc selected by the user are displayed in a manner that clearly shows the relationship between them and the related data files. The control unit 11 can, for example, display only the data files associated with the selected data files DFa, DFb, and DFc in each display field 21A, 21B, and 21C. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may make the thumbnails of the associated data files larger than those of other data files, apply an effect that makes them appear to float, surround them with a frame, change the background color, etc.

[0053] The thumbnails displayed on the home screen 20 can sometimes make it difficult to determine, for example, what design a design layout form is using. This is especially true when a design layout form uses multiple designs, or when multiple people are editing the same design layout form, making it difficult to access the original design data file (DFa). In this embodiment, data files related to the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc selected by the user are highlighted on the home screen 20, allowing the user to easily access the relevant data files.

[0054] Extraction, sorting The control unit 11 extracts or sorts the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed in display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C according to conditions specified by the user. As shown in Figure 3, the user can specify extraction or sorting conditions by operating the sorting unit 25 displayed on the home screen 20. The criteria for extraction or sorting may include, for example, the type of data file (DFa, DFb, DFc), the date of the last modification, the data size, the file name, etc.

[0055] As will be explained in more detail later, the design may include an object Ob (see Figure 9) whose processing content is specified as "cutting". The control unit 11 can, for example, extract only the data files DFa and DFb containing the object Ob specified as "cutting" from the data files DFa and DFb of the design or design placement form. For example, a single design data file DFa may contain a mix of objects Ob designated as "print" and objects Ob designated as "cutting." However, it is difficult to distinguish objects Ob designated as cutting from the thumbnails displayed on the home screen 20. Through the extraction process, users can easily access the data file DFa containing objects Ob designated as cutting.

[0056] • Display of pop-up menu As shown in Figure 3, the call marks 26 for the pop-up menu 27 are displayed in the display areas for data files DFa, DFb, and DFc in display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C, respectively. The user can perform operations such as clicking the mouse on the call marks 26. The control unit 11 displays a pop-up menu 27 in response to the user's operation of the call mark 26. The pop-up menu 27 lists the processes that can be executed on the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. When the user selects a desired process from the displayed pop-up menu 27 by clicking or other means, the control unit 11 performs the selected process. In the example in Figure 1, the pop-up menu 27 displays "Rename," "Delete," "Duplicate," "Export," and "Show Related Data." If "Rename" is selected, the control unit 11 displays a file name input field and changes the file names of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc based on the entered content. If "Delete" is selected, the control unit 11 deletes the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc from the storage unit 12. If "Duplicate" is selected, the control unit 11 duplicates the selected data files DFa, DFb, and DFc and stores them in the storage unit 12, and also displays the editing screens corresponding to the duplicated data files DFa, DFb, and DFc on the display unit 14. When duplicating the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc, the control unit 11 adds "-copy" or the like to the end of the file name to distinguish them from the original data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. If "Export" is selected, the control unit 11 writes the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc to the storage medium specified by the user. If "Display related data" is selected, the control unit 11 performs the aforementioned pickup display. That is, it searches for data files related to the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc, and picks up and displays the corresponding data files in their respective display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C. Note that the processes displayed in the popup menu 27 are not limited to those described above and can be configured as appropriate.

[0057] • Display of item screen When the user clicks, for example with the mouse, the control unit 11 displays an item screen (not shown) on the display unit 14 that shows only the data file for the corresponding item when the user clicks the item call unit 24 on the home screen 20. In the example shown in Figure 3, when the user clicks the item screen display button in display area 21B, the control unit 11 reads the information from the data file DFb of all design placement forms from the storage unit 12 and displays the item screen of the design placement form.

[0058] If the number of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc stored in the storage unit 12 is large for each item in the design, design layout form, and form, it may not be possible to display all of the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc in the display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C. In this case, the user can click the call unit 24 on the home screen 20 to view an item screen that displays only the data files for the corresponding item. This makes it easier for the user to access the desired data file even when there are many data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. When the user selects any of the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed on the item screen, the control unit 11 displays the editing screen for the corresponding item.

[0059] <Design editing screen> As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 11 displays the design editing screen 30 (preview screen) on the display unit 14 when, for example, the user selects the new creation button 22 or any of the data files DFa displayed in the design display area 21A of the home screen 20 (see Figure 3). Figure 6 shows an example of the design editing screen 30. As shown in Figure 6, the design screen includes a preview area 31 and an object list 32. In the example shown in Figure 6, the preview area 31 is positioned in the center of the design editing screen 30, and the object list 32 is positioned adjacent to the preview area 31.

[0060] The design editing screen 30 also features a taskbar (TB). The taskbar (TB) displays menus, icons, and numerical input fields indicating the operations the user can select. The user can select the desired menu or icon with a mouse and input the necessary settings with a keyboard. The control unit 11 also performs processing in response to user operations via the taskbar TB and reflects the processing results in the preview area 31 and the object list 32.

[0061] Preview area 31 displays a preview of the design DS. The preview area 31 displays the canvas CB, and objects Ob1 to Ob4, which make up the design DS, are placed on the canvas CB. When referring to objects Ob1 to Ob4 without distinction, they are written as "object Ob".

[0062] For example, a user can create shape objects Ob1 and Ob2 on the canvas CB by selecting the shape icon ICa on the taskbar TB. Shapes include circles, polygons, shapes combining curves and lines, and freehand drawings. Users can also set the color and line type of the shapes. Figure 6 shows an example of creating objects Ob1 and Ob2, which are triangle and heart shapes. In Figure 6, the colors are indicated by hatching.

[0063] For example, a user can select the text icon ICb on the taskbar TB to create a text object Ob3 on the canvas CB. The user can then set the text color, line style, and font type. Figure 4 shows an example of creating a text object Ob3 with the letter "A".

[0064] For example, a user can create an image object (Ob4) by selecting the image icon (ICc) on the taskbar (TB) and loading the image onto the canvas (CB). Images can include photographs, illustrations, etc. It is also possible to display images in a predetermined shape by loading them into a form. In the example in Figure 4, we see the image object Ob4, which was created by loading a photo into a star-shaped form.

[0065] The object list 32 displays the object information 33 in list format. When the control unit 11 creates an object Ob according to the user's input, it displays information 33 about the created object in the object list 32. The object list 32 displays object information, for example, the attributes of each object Ob (shape, text, image, etc.) using icons 33a and text 33b. Icons 33a can, for example, represent the attributes of the object Ob. For example, if the object Ob is a shape, icon 33a can correspond to the shape of the shape, such as a triangle or a heart. Icons 33a make it easier for the user to understand the correspondence between the object Ob displayed in the preview area 31 and the object information 33 described in the object list 32. The object information 33 is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, if multiple objects Ob are displayed overlapping in the preview area 31, the overlapping order of the objects Ob can be displayed as the object information 33.

[0066] The object list 32 includes a checkbox 34 and a processing input section 35, alongside the object information 33. The processing input section 35 is a field for entering the processing details for the object Ob. Checkbox 34 can be checked by the user by clicking it with a mouse or other means. Checkbox 34 is used when the user selects a specific object Ob from the object list 32. At the top of the object list 32, there is a checkbox 34a for batch input. When the user checks this checkbox 34, the control unit 11 checks all checkboxes 34 at once. At the bottom of the object list 32, there is a batch input section 36 where processing details can be entered all at once for objects Ob that have a check mark.

[0067] If multiple objects Ob with similar shapes or colors are displayed in the preview area 31, it may become difficult to understand the correspondence between the preview area 31 and the object list 32. Therefore, the control unit 11 can change the display of the same object Ob shown in the other when the user selects an object Ob to be displayed in either the preview area 31 or the object list 32. Figure 7(a) illustrates the change in the display of the object list 32 when an object Ob is selected in the preview area 31, and Figure 7(b) illustrates the change in the display of the preview area 31 when an object Ob is selected in the object list 32.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7(a), the user can select object Ob3 by, for example, hovering the mouse pointer P over object Ob3 displayed in the preview area 31 and clicking, or by dragging an area R that includes at least a part of object Ob3. The control unit 11 displays, for example, the object Ob3 selected in the preview area 31 in the object list 32 in a different manner from the other objects Ob1, Ob2, and Ob4. The control unit 11 can display the selected object Ob3 surrounded by a border F, for example, as shown in Figure 7(a). The control unit 11 may also place a check mark in the checkbox 34 of the selected object Ob3. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can change the display color of the selected object Ob3, underline it, change its display size, etc.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7(b), the user can select object Ob1 by, for example, hovering the mouse pointer P over the checkbox 34 of object Ob1 in object list 32 and clicking to input a check mark. The control unit 11 displays the selected object Ob1 in the preview area 31 in a different manner from the other objects Ob2 to Ob4. For example, as shown in Figure 7(b), the control unit 11 displays the selected object Ob1 surrounded by a border F. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can make the selected object Ob1 blink, change its display color, or do other such things.

[0070] In this way, when a user selects an object Ob to be displayed in either the preview area 31 or the object list 32, the control unit 11 changes the display of the same object Ob in the other area. This makes it easier for the user to understand the correspondence between objects Ob in the preview area 31 and the object list 32. Even when the design DS contains many objects Ob, or when objects Ob overlap, the user can smoothly understand the attributes and processing settings of each object Ob.

[0071] Figure 8(a) is a diagram illustrating the processing input unit 35. Figure 8(b) is a diagram showing variations of the processing input unit 35. As shown in Figure 8(a), the processing input unit 35 allows the user to select the processing to be performed on the object Ob, for example, from a pull-down menu PM. When the user places the mouse pointer P over the processing input unit 35 and clicks, the control unit 11 displays a pull-down menu PM listing the selectable processing options. The pull-down menu PM can display the processing details to be performed by the image forming apparatus 200 (see Figure 1) and the processing details to be performed by the control unit 11. In the example in Figure 8(a), the pull-down menu PM displays options such as "Print," "Cutting," "No Processing Required," and "Hide." "Print" refers to printing using the Printer 300, while "Cutting" refers to cutting using the Cutting Plotter 400, etc. "No processing required" means that no processing will be performed by the image forming apparatus 200. In other words, objects Ob for which "No processing required" is selected are excluded from the image data output to the image forming apparatus 200. "Hide" means, like "No Processing Required," that no processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 200, and furthermore, the object Ob is hidden in the preview area 31.

[0072] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the cutting plotter 400 can use various cutting components 403 (see Figure 1), such as cutters, rollers, and pens. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8(b), the pull-down menu PM can also be configured to allow selection of the cutting component 403 (cutter, roller, pen, etc.) to be used for cutting.

[0073] Figure 9 illustrates the display mode of the object Ob according to the processing content set in the processing input unit 35. As shown in Figure 9, the processing input unit 35 can, for example, accept the input "Print" as the default processing content. If the user changes the processing content from "print" to another processing content, the control unit 11 can change the display mode of the object whose processing content has been changed in the preview area 31. Figure 9 shows the text and shape objects Ob8 and Ob9. As shown in Figure 9, when the processing content is entered into "Print," objects Ob8 and Ob9 are displayed as solid lines and are colored in the preview area 31. When the user changes the processing of the text object Ob8 from "print" to "cutting", the control unit 11 changes the text object Ob8 to uncolored in the preview area 31 and displays its outline with cut lines.

[0074] The "cut line" is not limited to any particular form, but it can differ from the line used to display the object to which "Print" is entered in terms of line type, line thickness, line color, etc. For example, as shown in the example in Figure 7, the cut line may be a dashed line. Alternatively, the cut line may be a dotted line, a chained line, a thin solid line, etc.

[0075] Similarly, the control unit 11 can change the display mode of the object Ob in the preview area 31 when "no processing required" or "hide" (see Figure 8) is input in the processing input unit 35. For example, the control unit 11 can make an object Ob for which "no processing required" is input uncolored and display its outline with a light-colored line. For example, the control unit 11 can hide an object Ob for which "hide" is input in the preview area 31.

[0076] If objects (Ob) that are not subjected to printing or cutting remain in the preview area 31, it may be difficult for the user to visualize the final product. In such cases, by switching the objects (Ob) to hidden, the user can perform editing work while visualizing the final product. Even if the object Ob is hidden in the preview area 31, the object list 32 still contains the object's information 33 and the processing input section 35. The user can switch the object Ob back to visible as needed. In this way, the display of the preview area 31 changes according to the processing content of each object Ob, making it easier for the user to visualize the final output.

[0077] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the batch input unit 36. As described above, the user can input the processing details for each object Ob using the processing input unit 35 provided for each object Ob. However, if the design DS contains a large number of objects Ob, the task of individually inputting the processing details for each of the numerous objects Ob can become cumbersome. In that case, the user can set the processing details for multiple objects Ob at once using the batch input section 36 located at the bottom of the object list 32. The batch input unit 36 ​​sets the processing details for all objects Ob that have a check mark in the checkbox 34. As described above, by checking the checkbox 34a for batch input located at the top of the object list 32, all checkboxes 34 can be checked. If there are any objects Ob that the user wants to exclude from batch input, they can uncheck them by clicking the checkbox 34.

[0078] Alternatively, as described above, the user can place a check mark in the checkbox 34 by clicking on the object Ob displayed in the preview area 31 with the mouse (see Figure 7(a)). Alternatively, the user can place check marks in the corresponding checkboxes 34 all at once by dragging with the mouse to encompass multiple objects Ob.

[0079] In the batch input section 36, the user can select the processing content to apply and click the apply button 37 to input the processing content to multiple objects Ob that have a check mark in the checkbox 34 all at once.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, the filtering icon ICd is displayed on the taskbar TB of the design editing screen 30. The control unit 11 filters the object Ob in response to the user's operation on the filtering icon ICd. For example, when a user clicks the filtering icon ICd with a mouse or the like, the control unit 11 displays an input field on the display unit 14 for entering filtering conditions. The control unit 11 then performs filtering according to the conditions entered by the user. The filtering conditions can be, for example, the attributes of an object (Ob), the processing content, etc. A user can enter conditions to filter for objects (Ob) where the processing content is "cutting".

[0081] The control unit 11 can perform filtering according to the input conditions and reflect the results of the filtering process in at least one of the object list 32 and the preview area 31. The control unit 11 can, for example, display only the filtered objects Ob in the object list 32 and the preview area 31. The control unit 11 can, for example, display only the objects Ob that have the filtering condition "cutting" entered in the object list 32 and the preview area 31. When a design data structure (DS) contains numerous objects (Ob) and each has different processing content entered, filtering makes it easier for the user to understand whether the appropriate processing content has been entered for each object (Ob).

[0082] Note that the processes that can be performed via the design editing screen 30 are not limited to the examples described here, and other processes can be executed as appropriate.

[0083] When a user performs a save operation on the taskbar TB menu, the control unit 11 stores the design DS created on the design editing screen 30 and the data file DFa, which records the processing details recorded in the processing input unit 35, in the storage unit 12 (see Figure 1).

[0084] <Form selection screen> As shown in Figure 2, when the user clicks the "New" button 22 in the display area 21B (see Figure 3) of the home screen 20, the control unit 11 displays the form selection screen 40 on the display unit 14. Although not shown in the illustration, the form selection screen 40 displays the form data files DFc stored in the storage unit 12, for example, in a list format. When the user selects one of the form data files DFc displayed on the form selection screen 40, the control unit 11 transitions to the design placement form editing screen 50 for compositing the selected form with the design.

[0085] <Design layout form editing screen> As shown in Figure 2, when the user selects a data file DFb of any design placement form displayed in the display area 21B (see Figure 3) on the home screen 20, the control unit 11 directly transitions to the design placement form editing screen 50 (preview screen). Figure 11 shows an example of the design layout form editing screen 50. As shown in Figure 11, the design layout form editing screen 50 includes a preview area 51 and a taskbar TB. The preview area 51 displays the canvas CB. The form FM selected by the user and the design DS combined with the form FM are placed on the canvas CB. The taskbar TB displays menus and icons indicating the processes that the control unit 11 can execute. The user selects a menu or icon with the mouse or other means, and the control unit 11 executes the process corresponding to the user's selection. The control unit 11 also changes the display of the preview in the preview area 51 in response to user input.

[0086] Form FM consists of one or more cell CLs that can be combined with design DSs. The shape of cell CLs is not limited and can be, for example, a circle, a polygon such as a rectangle, or a shape that combines straight and curved lines. For example, when a user creates printed materials such as stickers, decals, or cards using a design DS, the design DS needs to be adapted to the shape of the printed material (circular, rectangular, etc.). Furthermore, when printing on commercially available media M such as sticker backing paper, it is necessary to create the shape of the design DS to match the format of the backing paper and to meticulously set the duplication conditions such as offset, number of copies, and duplication interval, which can make the process complicated. By creating a form FM in advance according to the media M being used, and then compositing the design DS onto that form FM, users can easily create a variety of printed materials.

[0087] The example in Figure 11 shows a form FM with multiple circular cells CL. As shown in Figure 11, a design data structure (DS) can be composited into each cell CL that makes up the form FM. The user selects the cell CL into which the design data structure (DS) will be composited, for example by clicking, and selects the data file DFa of the design data structure (DS) to be loaded into the cell CL. The control unit 11 copies the selected data file DFa and composites it into the cell CL. During the compositing process, the control unit 11 resizes the design data structure (DS) to fit the size of the cell CL and crops it according to the shape of the cell CL. Users can adjust the display range of the design DS within the cell CL by, for example, dragging the design DS within the cell CL with a mouse, or by zooming out and zooming in with the mouse wheel.

[0088] Users can set whether or not to print the outlines of cell CLs. For example, when printing the design layout form in Figure 11 onto a removable sheet of circular sticker paper, printing of the cell CL outlines is unnecessary. In this case, the user can set the cell CL outlines to not print.

[0089] A user can copy a design DS loaded into one cell CL to other cell CLs. For example, a user can copy a design DS by operating the copy icon on the taskbar TB. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11, a user can copy a design DS loaded into a cell CL by clicking it with a mouse and dragging and dropping it into another cell CL. If multiple cell CLs are within the mouse's drag range, the design DS will be copied to all cell CLs within that range.

[0090] The control unit 11 can display a design editing screen 30 (see Figure 6) for editing the design DS composited on the design placement form, in response to a user request. The user inputs a request, for example, by double-clicking the design DS composited on each cell CL with a mouse, or by long-pressing with a finger if using a touchpad. The control unit 11 stores the design DS edited by the user on the design editing screen 30 as a new data file DFa in the storage unit 12 (see Figure 1). This allows the user to copy the edited design DS to other cells CL on the design placement form.

[0091] When a user operates, for example, the save icon ICf on the taskbar TB (see Figure 11), the control unit 11 stores the data file DFb of the created design placement form in the storage unit 12 (see Figure 1). As mentioned above, the data file DFb of the design placement form is created by copying the data files DFa and DFc of the form FM and design DS selected by the user, and is therefore independent of the original data files DFa and DFc. The control unit 11 can record information about the original form FM and design DS data files DFa and DFc in the design placement form data file DFb. This information about the original data files DFa and DFc can include, for example, the file name and the type of data file, such as design DS and form FM.

[0092] The control unit 11 can use the information about the original data files DFa and DFc, recorded in the design layout form data file DFb, for the pickup display (see Figure 5) on the home screen 20 (see Figure 3). For example, if a user selects either design DS or form FM data files DFa or DFc on the home screen 20, the control unit 11 can search for and display the design layout form data file DFb that contains information about the selected design DS or form FM data files DFa or DFc. Similarly, if a user selects either design layout form data file DFb on the home screen 20, the control unit 11 can search for and display the design DS or form FM data files DFa or DFc recorded in the selected design layout form data file DFb.

[0093] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 synthesizes a design DS within a cell CL (see Figure 11), it may embed hyperlinks to the original design DS data files DFa and DFc. In this case, when the user double-clicks or long-presses a design DS synthesized in each cell CL, the control unit 11 can display the design editing screen 30 of the original data file DFa. The user may then either reflect the edited content in the original data file DFa, or store it in the storage unit 12 as a separate data file DFa.

[0094] <Form editing screen> As mentioned above, the form FM used to synthesize designs can be pre-created and stored as a preset in the memory unit 12, but it is also possible for users to create their own form FMs. Furthermore, users can edit the preset form FMs. For example, when the user selects the "Create New" button 22 or any of the data files DFc displayed in the form display area 21C of the home screen 20 (see Figure 3), the control unit 11 displays the form editing screen 60 on the display unit 14.

[0095] Figure 12 shows an example of the form editing screen 60. As shown in Figure 12, the form editing screen 60 includes a preview area 61 and a settings input area 62. Preview area 61 displays the canvas CB, and the form FM created by the user is displayed on the canvas CB. The settings input section 62 allows input of various settings for creating Form FM. The settings input section 62 includes, for example, an input field 63 for the form name. The settings input section 62 also includes an input field 64 for the media M to which Form FM will be applied. The media M input field 64 includes, for example, input fields for setting values ​​for output size, paper height, and paper width. The setting input section 62 also has input fields 65 for cells CL to be placed on form FM. The input fields 65 for cells CL include, for example, the number of rows and columns of cell CL, the height and width of each cell CL, the height spacing and width spacing between cells CL, the shape of cell CL, and the radius of cell CL (in the case of a circular cell CL).

[0096] The control unit 11 changes the display of the preview in the preview area 61 in response to the user's input to the setting input unit 62. When the user clicks the create button 66 displayed on the form editing screen 60, the control unit 11 stores the created form FM data file DFc in the storage unit 12 (see Figure 1).

[0097] <Output settings screen> Figure 13 shows an example of the output settings screen 70. The output settings screen 70 (preview screen) is a screen where the user inputs various settings for outputting a design or design layout form created by the user as image data according to the specifications of the image forming apparatus 200. When a user clicks the output setting icon ICe displayed on the design editing screen 30 (see Figure 6) or the design placement form editing screen 50 (see Figure 11), the control unit 11 displays the output setting screen 70 on the display unit 14.

[0098] Figure 13 shows an example of outputting a design as image data. The output settings screen 70 includes a preview area 71 and a setting input section 72 (mark setting input section, duplication condition input section). As shown in Figure 13, the preview area 71 displays the canvas CB for placing object OB. The dashed line on the canvas CB indicates the print area PA, which is the area where object OB can be placed. Note that "Object OB" in the output settings screen 70 refers to a collection of multiple objects Ob (see Figure 4, etc.) that make up the design DS.

[0099] As shown in Figure 13, the setting input unit 72 can be used to input settings for image data output. The control unit 11 reflects the settings entered by the user into the setting input unit 72 in the display of the preview area 71. The setting input unit 72 has, for example, an input field 73 for the image forming apparatus 200 that outputs image data. The input field 73 can accept input for the image forming apparatus 200, such as the model name of a printer 300 or a cutting plotter 400 (see Figure 1). In the example in Figure 11, an example is shown where printer 300 is entered in the input field 73. Furthermore, the cutting plotter 400 may also be made selectable, allowing the user to choose the cutting material 403 (cutter, roller, pen, etc.) to be used.

[0100] If printer 300 is entered in input field 73, the object OB displayed in preview area 71 will be a collection of objects Ob that have "Print" set as their processing content in the design editing screen 30 (see Figure 6). If "Cutting Plotter 400" is entered in input field 73, the object OB displayed in the preview area 71 will be a collection of objects Ob that have "Cutting" set as the processing content in the design editing screen 30 (see Figure 6).

[0101] The setting input section 72 also has an input field 74 for the size of media M. If the size of media M is pre-set, as in a design placement form, the set value is automatically entered into the input field 74.

[0102] The setting input section 72 has input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c. The input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c are input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c for the offset, number of copies (number of copies), and copy interval (copy interval), which are the duplication conditions for object OB in the print area PA. The offset refers to the distance of the object OB from the origin of the print area PA. The copy count refers to the number of times object OB is duplicated within the print area PA. The copy interval refers to the distance between duplicated objects OB within the print area PA. Input fields C1, C2, and C3 allow you to enter numerical values ​​for offset, number of copies, and copy interval, respectively, in the horizontal and vertical directions of the print area PA. As shown in Figure 13, the control unit 11 displays the duplicated object OB in the preview area 71 based on the input duplication conditions (number of copies: 2 vertically, 2 horizontally).

[0103] As mentioned above, in the design placement form editing screen 50 (see Figure 11), the design DS can be combined with multiple cells CL of the form FM, allowing the design to be duplicated in various formats. On the other hand, if the user wants to simply duplicate and print the design DS without compositing it into cell CL, they can easily perform the duplication by entering the duplication conditions in the setting input section 72 of the output setting screen 70.

[0104] As shown in Figure 13, the setting input section 72 also has setting fields 76a and 76b for the rotation angle and inversion (mirror) of object OB. The illustrated example shows that in setting field 76a, one of four options can be set as the rotation angle of object OB: "0° (no rotation)", "90°", "180°", and "270°". Note that the rotation angle setting is not limited to these four options and can be changed as needed. Furthermore, setting section 76b shows examples of how to set the object OB's inversion method to "none," "horizontal," or "vertical." "Horizontal" means inversion in the horizontal direction, and "vertical" means inversion in the vertical direction.

[0105] The setting input section 72 also has a setting field 77a for setting the assignment of crop marks MK. Crop marks (MK) are alignment marks printed on media (M), and are sometimes called registration marks, trim marks, or register marks. For example, when printing media M with printer 300 (see Figure 1) and then cutting media M with cutting plotter 400, a sensor on the cutting plotter 400 detects the crop mark MK printed on media M. The cutting plotter 400 can then align the cutting position using the detected crop mark MK as a reference position. Furthermore, the cutting plotter 400 can also shape the printed material to the final size by cutting media M along the crop mark MK. Furthermore, even when printing media M on one printer 300 and then printing on another printer 300, the print position can be aligned by detecting the crop mark MK with a sensor installed in the printer 300.

[0106] In the example shown in Figure 13, the setting field 77a allows you to set the crop mark MK setting to "none," "individual," or "overall." However, the settings for applying crop marks MK are not limited to these. For example, the setting input section 72 may include fields for setting the size of the crop mark MK and the position in the print area PA where it should be applied.

[0107] The control unit 11 performs a marking process (Figure 2, step S03) to add crop marks MK to the print area PA according to the settings entered in the setting field 77a. The control unit 11 displays the added crop marks MK in the preview area 71. The setting input unit 72 is provided with a toggle button 77c for switching the display of crop marks MK. The control unit 11 switches the display and hiding of crop marks MK in the preview area 71 according to the user's operation of the toggle button 77c.

[0108] Figure 14 illustrates a specific example of the marking process performed by the control unit 11. Figure 14 shows an example where the number of copies of object OB is set to "horizontally: 1, vertically: 2". Also, the hatching indicating the coloring of object OB has been omitted. Figure 14(a) shows the case where the crop mark MK is set to "none" in the settings field 77a. In this case, the source object OB1 is positioned offset from the origin O of the print area PA by the distance entered in the offset input field 75a (see Figure 13). The destination object OB2 is positioned with the interval entered in the copy interval input field 75b (see Figure 11) from the source object OB1. As shown in Figure 14(b), if the user sets the crop mark MK assignment setting to "individually", the control unit 11 assigns crop marks MK to each object OB1 and OB2 in the print area PA. As shown in Figure 14(c), if the user sets the crop mark MK assignment setting to "entire area", the control unit 11 assigns the crop mark MK to the entire print area PA.

[0109] The crop mark MK is not limited to a specific shape. For example, the crop mark MK can be an L-shape, as shown in the figure, where a horizontally extending straight line is connected to one end of a vertically extending straight line. Alternatively, the crop mark MK may be a cross shape, where a vertically extending straight line and a horizontally extending straight line intersect at their respective centers. The crop mark MK may also consist of only a vertically extending straight line or only a horizontally extending straight line.

[0110] The manner in which crop marks (MK) are applied is not limited to any particular manner. For example, as shown in Figure 14(b), if the assignment setting is set to "individually", the control unit 11 can set a rectangular area encompassing each object OB (for example, the area of ​​the dashed line in the figure) and assign a crop mark MK to each of the four corners of that area. For example, as shown in Figure 14(c), if the assignment setting is set to "entire," the control unit 11 can assign crop marks MK to each of the four corners of the print area PA.

[0111] The control unit 11 adjusts the layout of the crop marks MK as needed during the marking process. Figures 14(b) and 14(c) show the state after the control unit 11 has adjusted the layout of the crop marks MK. Figure 15 illustrates an example of layout adjustment for the control unit 11. Figure 15(a) shows the state before layout adjustment when the crop mark MK assignment setting is set to "individual". In Figure 15(a), the positions of objects OB1 and OB2 remain the same as those shown in Figure 14(a). If crop marks MK are applied to objects OB1 and OB2 in this state, crop marks MK may extend beyond the print area PA or overlap with each other. If printing is performed in this state, crop marks MK may be missing or overlapping on the printed media M, potentially affecting the accuracy of alignment during cutting.

[0112] The control unit 11 can output an alert if the crop mark MK is not properly applied to the print area PA. Figure 15(a) shows an example of displaying an alert message in the preview area 71. The content of the message is not limited, but could be, for example, "Alert: The mark is outside the print area." The alert may also be output in the form of voice, warning sound, warning light, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 11 can display an auto-adjust button 77d along with an alert. The auto-adjust button 77d is a button for receiving instructions from the user to perform layout adjustments. When the user clicks the auto-adjust button 77d, the control unit 11 performs the layout adjustments.

[0113] The control unit 11 can adjust the layout of the crop mark MK based on at least one of the following pieces of information: the setting for assigning the crop mark MK, the object information 33, the size of the crop mark MK, and the size of the media M. The "crop mark MK assignment setting" is, for example, the "individual" or "overall" setting entered in setting field 77a (see Figure 13). The control unit 11 can perform layout adjustments according to the assignment setting. "Object information" can include, for example, information such as the size of object OB, or the duplication conditions for object OB (offset, number of copies, and copy interval) entered in input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c (see Figure 13). The control unit 11 can change the numerical values ​​if, for example, the crop mark MK cannot be properly applied with the numerical values ​​entered in input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c. The "Crop Mark MK Size" can be set to, for example, the default crop mark MK size or a size specified by the user.

[0114] As shown in Figure 15(b), the control unit 11 adjusts the position of object OB as an example of layout adjustment. Specifically, the control unit 11 increases or decreases the offset and copy interval of object OB with respect to the values ​​entered in input fields 75a and 75b (see Figure 13). As a result, objects OB1 and OB2 move from their original positions, indicated by the dashed lines, to the positions indicated by the solid lines. As shown in Figure 15(b), the crop marks MK applied to the moved objects OB1 and OB2 do not extend beyond the print area PA, and the overlap of the crop marks MK is eliminated. This allows the crop marks MK to be printed appropriately on the media M, and the accuracy of alignment during cutting can be maintained.

[0115] Figure 16 illustrates another example of layout adjustment. As shown in Figure 16, the control unit 11 can resize the crop mark MK if it extends beyond the print area PA. In the illustrated example, the control unit 11 reduces the size of the crop mark MK to eliminate the overhang from the print area PA. Note that resizing is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the control unit 11 may cut off only the portion of the crop mark MK that extends beyond the print area PA. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may shorten the length of the crop mark MK in either the vertical or horizontal direction. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may resize the crop marks MK to a size specified by the user. For example, the user can select a crop mark MK with the mouse and change its size by dragging it. If the user resizes one crop mark MK, the control unit 11 can also resize other crop marks MK at the same time.

[0116] Furthermore, resizing the crop mark MK may be combined with layout adjustments by moving the object OB as described above. For example, if resizing the crop mark MK to the minimum size does not eliminate the overflow from the print area PA, the control unit 11 can perform actions such as moving the object OB or reducing the number of copies of the object.

[0117] Figures 14 to 16 illustrate examples of layout adjustments when the crop mark MK extends beyond the print area PA, but layout adjustments are not limited to these examples. Figure 17 illustrates layout adjustments based on the length of the print area PA. In the example in Figure 17, a crop mark MK is applied to the entire print area PA. The control unit 11 can, for example, perform layout adjustments to resize the crop mark MK when the length of the print area PA exceeds a predetermined length L. The "print area PA length" corresponds to the length in the feed direction (see Figure 1) of the printer 300 or cutting plotter 400. Depending on the image data output settings, either the vertical or horizontal length of the print area PA corresponds to the feed direction length. Figure 15 shows an example where the "print area PA length" corresponds to the vertical length (up and down direction in the figure).

[0118] In printer 300 or cutting plotter 400, misalignment is more likely to occur as the length of media M in the feed direction increases. To reduce misalignment, the accuracy of alignment using crop marks MK increases. The larger the size of the crop marks MK, the easier it is to detect with the sensor, making it easier to maintain alignment accuracy. On the other hand, increasing the size of the crop marks MK imposes constraints on the layout of object OB and increases the amount of ink required to print the crop marks MK. Therefore, the control unit 11 enlarges the size of the crop mark MK when the length of the printing area PA exceeds a predetermined length L, which is a guideline that affects the accuracy of alignment. This allows the crop mark MK to be resized according to the accuracy required for alignment.

[0119] Figure 17(a) shows an example where the length L1 of the print area PA is shorter than a predetermined length L. In this case, the control unit 11 does not perform layout adjustments and instead places crop marks MK of the initial size at each of the four corners of the print area PA. Figure 17(b) shows an example where the length L2 of the print area PA is longer than a predetermined length L. In this case, the control unit 11 adds crop marks MK, which are larger than the initial size, to each of the four corners of the print area PA. The control unit 11 can further add intermediate marks CM (intermediate alignment marks) and direction marks DM to the printing area PA, in addition to the enlarged crop marks MK.

[0120] The intermediate mark CM can be placed, for example, in the middle of the print area PA in the length direction (vertical direction in the diagram). The middle part does not need to be exactly in the center; it can be anywhere between one end and the other end of the print area PA in the length direction. Furthermore, the intermediate mark CM may be placed in one location or in multiple locations within the middle part. In the illustrated example, the intermediate marks CM are placed symmetrically on one end and the other end of the middle part in the width direction (left-right direction in the diagram). The intermediate mark CM is not limited to a specific shape; it may be the same shape as a regular crop mark MK, or it may be a different shape. In the illustrated example, the intermediate mark CM is shaped such that one end of a horizontally extending line is connected to the center of a vertically extending line. In addition to the crop marks MK placed at the four corners of the printing area PA, the detection of intermediate marks CM by sensors and alignment makes it easier to maintain cutting accuracy even when the printing area PA becomes longer.

[0121] The direction mark DM is a mark indicating the feed direction of the media M in the printer 300 or cutting plotter 400. The direction mark DM can be printed, for example, on one end (lower side in the diagram) in the longitudinal direction of the print area PA, corresponding to the upstream side of the feed direction. The direction mark DM can be, for example, a triangle with its vertex pointing downstream in the feed direction, or an arrow indicating the downstream side in the feed direction. When a user loads media M, printed on printer 300, into cutting plotter 400, referring to the direction mark DM makes it easier to determine the correct loading direction.

[0122] The control unit 11 can display intermediate marks CM and direction marks DM in the preview area 71 in a manner different from that of the normal crop marks MK. For example, intermediate marks CM and direction marks DM can be displayed in different colors or line types than the normal crop marks MK.

[0123] Intermediate marks CM and direction marks DM can also be added to the print area PA in response to user input. For example, in Figure 13, a direction mark button 77b is provided in the setting input section 72 of the output setting screen 70. The control unit 11 can add the direction mark DM to the print area PA in response to the user's operation of the direction mark button 77b. Although not shown in the illustration, a button for adding intermediate marks CM can also be provided in the setting input section 72, similar to the direction mark button 77b.

[0124] Furthermore, as described above, in the input field 73 (see Figure 13) for the image forming apparatus 200 on the output setting screen 70, it is also possible to select the cutting member 403 to be used in addition to the cutting plotter 400. The control unit 11 can apply a crop mark MK according to the specifications of the selected cutting member 403. For example, the control unit 11 can change the orientation of the crop mark MK, change its shape, change the position where it is applied, etc., depending on the selected cutting member 403. Since the user does not need to understand the specifications of the cutting material 403 and perform detailed settings for applying crop marks MK, the user's workload can be reduced.

[0125] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the setting for assigning crop marks MK is performed on the output setting screen 70. However, the control unit 11 may also enable the setting for assigning crop marks MK to be performed on the design editing screen 30 (see Figure 6) or the design placement form editing screen 50 (see Figure 11). In this case, a setting input section 72 can be provided on the design editing screen 30 or the design placement form editing screen 50.

[0126] As shown in Figure 13, the output setting screen 70 is provided with an execution count input section 78 and an output execution button 79. Once the user has completed the output settings on the output setting screen 70, they input the number of executions on the image forming apparatus 200 in the execution count input section 78 and click the output execution button 79 with a mouse or the like. When the output execution button 79 is clicked, the control unit 11 performs image data output processing (Figure 2, step S04). Specifically, the control unit 11 converts the data files DFa and DFb of the design or design layout form selected by the user into image data in a format according to the specifications of the selected image forming apparatus 200.

[0127] For example, as shown in Figure 9, if the same design contains both an object Ob9 with "print" as the processing content and an object Ob8 with "cutting" as the processing content, the control unit 11 creates image data to be output to the printer 300 and the cutting plotter 400 (see Figure 1), respectively. The control unit 11 creates image data including object Ob9 for the printer 300 and image data including object Ob8 for the cutting plotter 400. The control unit 11 outputs the created image data, along with commands such as the number of executions, to the corresponding image forming apparatus 200.

[0128] Figure 18 shows the hardware configuration of the electronic device 100 that constitutes the image processing device 1. As shown in Figure 18, the electronic device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, a communication interface 107, and a media interface 108, among others. Each component is interconnected by a bus.

[0129] The CPU 101 controls the entire electronic device 100. The CPU 101 can load the OS and various programs stored in the ROM 102 or HDD 104 into the RAM 103 and execute them. Alternatively, the CPU 101 can load programs stored in the storage medium RM into the RAM 103 via the media I / F 108 and execute them. The storage medium RM can be an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, a conductive memory tape medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. Furthermore, the electronic device 100 may be equipped with a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or the like, in addition to the CPU 101, as a processor. The electronic device 100 also includes a display device 105 (corresponding to the display unit 14 in Figure 1) and an input device 106 (corresponding to the operation unit 13 in Figure 1). The CPU 101 processes information in response to user operations via the input device 106 and displays the processing results on the display device 105.

[0130] The HDD 104 stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and data used by those programs. Alternatively, an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be provided instead of, or in addition to, the HDD 104. The communication interface 107 outputs data received from other devices to the CPU 101 via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication interface 107 also transmits data generated by the CPU 101 to other devices. These other devices could be, for example, an image forming apparatus 200 (see Figure 1) or other electronic devices. The CPU 101 may also load necessary programs onto the RAM 103 via the network from other devices.

[0131] In this embodiment, the CPU 101 of the electronic device 100 functions as the control unit 11 of the image processing device 1 shown in Figure 1 by executing an application program loaded on the RAM 103. In addition, the memory such as ROM 102, RAM 103, and HDD 104 constitutes the storage unit 12.

[0132] As described above, the image processing apparatus 1 described in the embodiment has, for example, the following configuration. (1) The image processing device 1 creates image data that can be output to the image forming apparatus 200. The image processing device 1 includes a control unit 11 that controls the screen to be displayed on the display unit 14 in response to user input via the operation unit 13. The control unit 11 executes a home screen display process (step S01) to display the home screen 20 on the display unit 14. The home screen 20 displays, in display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C, designs that can be used for image data, forms that can be combined with designs, and design layout forms that combine designs and forms. The home screen 20 displays the design, form, and design layout form display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C arranged vertically (first direction), and also displays the design layout form display area 21B between the design display area 21A and the form display area 21C in the vertical direction.

[0133] By configuring the image processing device 1 in this way, users can more easily visualize the resulting product, which combines the form and design, from the home screen 20. Image processing device 1 allows users to combine pre-created forms with user-created designs, making it easy to create a variety of deliverables. For example, users can select a form to use from a selection screen that displays forms stored in image processing device 1. However, on a selection screen that only displays forms, it is difficult for users to visualize which design to combine with the form, and it is also difficult for them to visualize what kind of deliverable will be obtained when the design and form are combined.

[0134] In this embodiment, the image processing device 1 displays, on the home screen 20, display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C side by side, showing designs usable for image data, forms to which designs can be combined, and design placement forms resulting from the combination of designs and forms. This allows the user to see at a glance from the home screen 20 what designs and forms are available when creating image data. Furthermore, on the home screen 20, the design placement form display area 21C is displayed between the design and form display areas 21A and 21C. This allows the user to select the design and form to use while concretely visualizing the resulting product created by combining the design and form.

[0135] (2) When the user selects a data file DFa, DFb, or DFc of a design, form, or design layout form displayed on the home screen 20, the control unit 11 displays an editing screen (design editing screen 30, form editing screen 60, design layout form editing screen 50) on the display unit 14 in which the selected item can be edited.

[0136] This allows users to smoothly navigate to the editing screens for each item (design editing screen 30, form editing screen 60, design layout form editing screen 50) by clicking the new creation button 22 or data files DFa, DFb, DFc from the display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C on the home screen 20.

[0137] (3) The image processing device 1 includes a storage unit 12 that stores data files DFa, DFb, and DFc for the design, form, and design placement form. The home screen 20 displays display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C for each item of the design, form, and design layout form, showing the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc stored in the storage unit 12. In display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C, data files DFa, DFb, and DFc are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction (second direction) perpendicular to the vertical direction (first direction).

[0138] In display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C, the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc are displayed side by side, allowing the user to see at a glance from the home screen 20 which data files DFa, DFb, and DFc are stored in the storage unit 12 for each item.

[0139] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the first direction corresponds to the vertical direction and the second direction corresponds to the horizontal direction. However, the system is not limited to this example, and the first direction may be the horizontal direction and the second direction may be the vertical direction. In this case, on the home screen 20, the display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C are displayed in a vertical direction. In each of the display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C, the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc are displayed in a horizontal direction.

[0140] (4) The home screen 20 can display at least one of the following for the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed in the display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C: a thumbnail, a file name, and information on the time of the last update.

[0141] As a result, when display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C display multiple data files DFa, DFb, and DFc, information that distinguishes each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc is displayed, making it easier for the user to access the desired data file DFa, DFb, or DFc.

[0142] (5) In the home screen display process, the control unit 11 can extract or sort the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc displayed in the display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C according to conditions specified by the user. For example, the home screen 20 is provided with a sorting unit 25 that allows the user to input filtering or sorting conditions. The user can specify filtering or sorting conditions by operating the sorting unit 25.

[0143] When the image processing device 1 stores a large number of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc, extracting and rearranging the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc makes it easier for the user to access the desired data file DFa, DFb, and DFc. For example, if a design data file DFa contains an object Ob with cutting settings, it may be difficult to identify it from the thumbnail. In such cases, extracting the data file DFa containing the object Ob with cutting settings allows users to easily access the data file DFa.

[0144] (6) The home screen 20 displays the pop-up menu 27 call mark 26 in the display areas of the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc in the display fields 21A, 21B, and 21C, respectively. In the home screen display process, the control unit 11 displays the processes that can be executed on data files DFa, DFb, and DFc as a pop-up menu 27 in response to the user's operation of the call mark 26.

[0145] The home screen 20 displays a call mark 26, allowing the user to easily access the pop-up menu 27. Furthermore, the user can easily specify the actions to be performed on each data file DFa, DFb, and DFc from the pop-up menu 27 without having to operate the taskbar TB or other functions.

[0146] (7) When the option to duplicate data files DFa, DFb, and DFc is selected in the pop-up menu 27, the control unit 11 duplicates the selected data files DFa, DFb, and DFc and stores them in the storage unit 12, and also displays editing screens (design editing screen 30, form editing screen 60, design placement form editing screen 50) on the display unit 14 that allow editing of the duplicated data files DFa, DFb, and DFc.

[0147] This allows users to directly access and edit the editing screens of the duplicated data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. Users do not need to re-select the duplicated files to display the editing screen, making it highly convenient.

[0148] (8) The control unit 11 displays an item screen on the display unit 14 that shows only the data files DFa, DFb, and DFc of any one of the design DS, form FM, and design layout form, in response to user input. For example, if the number of data files DFa, DFb, and DFc stored in the memory unit 12 exceeds the number of displayable fields 21A, 21B, and 21C, the control unit 11 can display the item screen call unit 24 on the home screen 20. The user can then operate the call unit 24 to display the item screen.

[0149] If a user wants to refer to data files DFa, DFb, and DFc that could not be displayed in the display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C of the home screen 20, they can easily access the desired data files DFa, DFb, and DFc by operating the call unit 24 to display the item screen.

[0150] (9) In the home screen display process, if the user selects a display field 21A, 21B, or 21C of any one of the design, form, or design layout form items, the control unit 11 displays the display field of the selected item in a different manner from the other display fields. For example, when a user moves the mouse pointer P to an area that overlaps with any of the display fields 21A, 21B, or 21C, the control unit 11 can highlight that display field. Highlighting may include, for example, increasing the display size, adding an effect that makes it appear to float, or changing the background color.

[0151] Users can view all of the display areas 21A, 21B, and 21C on the home screen 20 while focusing on the desired display area. For example, they can enlarge the display size of the design display area 21A to consider the design to use, while also referring to display areas 21B and 21C to consider the form to use and visualize the final product.

[0152] (10) In the home screen display process, if the user selects one of the data files DFa, DFb, or DFc displayed in the display fields 21A, 21B, or 21C, the control unit 11 displays the selected data file DFa, DFb, or DFc in a different manner from the other data files DFa, DFb, or DFc. For example, if a user's mouse pointer P aligns with any of the data files DFa in the display area 21A, the control unit 11 can highlight that data file DFa. Highlighting can include, for example, increasing the display size, adding an effect that makes it appear to float, surrounding it with a frame, or changing the background color.

[0153] This allows users to view various data files DFa, DFb, and DFc on the home screen 20, and to check the details of specific data files DFa, DFb, and DFc. For example, by increasing the display size of the selected data file DFa, DFb, or DFc, the thumbnail is displayed larger, making it easier to check the details.

[0154] (11) In the home screen display process, if the user selects one of the data files DFb displayed in the display area 21B of the design placement form, the control unit 11 picks up and displays the design and form data files DFa and DFc used in the data file DFb in their respective display areas 21A and 21C.

[0155] This makes it easier for users to determine what designs and forms were used to create the selected design layout form. This is especially useful when a design layout form combines multiple designs or when multiple people are editing it, as thumbnails alone can make it difficult to understand what designs are being combined. In such cases, the featured display allows users to easily access the original design or form data files (DFa, DFc).

[0156] (12) In the home screen display process, if the user selects one of the data files DFa displayed in the design display area 21A, the control unit 11 picks up and displays the data file DFb of the design placement form that uses the design of the selected data file DFa in the display area 21B of the design placement form.

[0157] This makes it easier for users to determine which design placement forms are using their selected design. This is especially important when a design placement form combines multiple designs or when multiple people are editing it, as thumbnails alone can make it difficult to understand which designs are being combined. In such cases, the featured display allows users to easily access the DFb data file of the design placement form that uses the selected design. For example, users can use the featured display when they want to apply edits made to a design to the design placement form that uses that design.

[0158] (13) The control unit 11 displays the design editing screen 30 when a user requests to edit the design DS used for the design placement form on the design placement form editing screen 50. The control unit 11 stores the edited design DS as a new data file DFa in the storage unit 12, and also combines the edited design DS with the design layout form. For example, a user can transition to the design editing screen 30 by double-clicking the design DS, which is composited within the cell CL of the form FM, with a mouse, or by long-pressing it with a finger on a touchpad, in the design placement form editing screen 50.

[0159] This allows users to directly transition to the design editing screen 30 without closing the design layout form editing screen 50 if they need to edit the design DS while editing the design layout form. Furthermore, by saving the edited design DS as a new data file DFa in the storage unit 12, users can use the edited design DS in other design layout forms, eliminating the need to re-edit the design DS multiple times.

[0160] The control unit 11 may transition from the design layout form editing screen 50 to the design editing screen 30, or it may display the design editing screen 30 on a separate screen from the design layout form editing screen 50.

[0161] (I) The image processing device 1 creates image data that can be output to the image forming apparatus 200. The image processing device 1 includes a control unit 11 that controls the screen to be displayed on the display unit 14 in response to user input via the operation unit 13. The control unit 11 executes a preview screen display process (step S02) to display the design editing screen 30 (image data preview screen) on the display unit 14. The design editing screen 30 includes a preview area 31, an object list 32, and a processing input section 35. Preview area 31 displays a preview of the object Ob that makes up the image data. The object list 32 displays the object information 33 in list format. The processing input unit 35 allows input of processing details for each object Ob.

[0162] This configuration makes it easy to set the processing content of the object Ob that makes up the image data. The image processing device 1 creates image data to be output to the image forming apparatus 200, such as a printer 300. The image forming apparatus 200 may include a printer 300 that forms images by printing, or a cutting plotter 400 that forms images by cutting. If the same image data contains a mix of objects Ob to be printed by printer 300 and objects Ob to be cut by cutting plotter 400, the image processing device 1 creates and outputs image data according to the specifications of both printer 300 and cutting plotter 400. Therefore, users need to configure the processing details, such as printer 300 or cutting, for each object (Ob). If the screen for configuring the processing details of an object (Ob) is separate from the preview screen, users will need to switch screens for each object (Ob) to configure the processing details, making the process cumbersome.

[0163] The image processing device 1 of this embodiment displays a preview area 31, an object list 32, and a processing input unit 35 on the same screen (design editing screen 30). The user can set the processing content of each object Ob while referring to the preview area 31 and the object information 33. This reduces the user's workload. In addition, the user can set the processing content while concretely visualizing the output by referring to the preview area 31.

[0164] (II) The image forming apparatus 200 may include a plurality of image forming apparatuses 200 (printer 300, cutting plotter 400, etc.) capable of performing different processes such as printing and cutting. The processing input unit 35 can input processing content that can be performed by each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 200 for each object Ob. The processing content can be, for example, "print" or "cutting". The control unit 11 creates image data for each processing content input to the processing input unit 35 and performs image data output processing (step S04) to output the processing content to an image forming apparatus 200 capable of executing the processing content. The control unit 11 creates image data including an object Ob with "print" as the input processing content, for example, and outputs it to the printer 300. The control unit 11 also creates image data including an object Ob with "cutting" as the input processing content, for example, and outputs it to the cutting plotter 400.

[0165] When objects (Ob) with different processing requirements are mixed within the same design data structure, it becomes a cumbersome task for the user to select the appropriate object (Ob) for each processing requirement and create image data accordingly. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 creates image data to be output to an image forming apparatus 200 capable of executing the processing content, for each processing content input to the processing input unit 35. In other words, the user only needs to specify the processing content in the processing input unit 35, eliminating the hassle of creating image data for each image forming apparatus 200.

[0166] (III) The processing input unit 35 can input whether to show or hide each object Ob in the preview area 31. If "hide" is input to the processing input unit 35, the control unit 11 can hide the object Ob in the preview area 31.

[0167] If objects (Ob) that are not to be printed or cut remain in the preview area 31, it may be difficult for the user to visualize the final product. By hiding the desired objects (Ob) in the preview area 31, the user can perform editing work while visualizing the final product.

[0168] (IV) The image forming apparatus 200 may include a cutting plotter 400 or a printer 300 that can perform both printing and cutting, as a device for forming images by cutting. The processing input unit 35 can be configured to accept input of the cutting material 403 to be used for cutting when cutting is input as the processing content to the processing input unit 35.

[0169] Even when outputting image data to the same cutting plotter 400, the format of the image data may change depending on the cutting material 403 used. Therefore, by allowing the processing input unit 35 to accept input of the cutting material 403 to be used, the control unit 11 can create image data that supports a variety of cutting methods.

[0170] (V) The image forming apparatus 200 may include a printer 300 as an apparatus for forming images by printing. The control unit 11 can make the display mode in the preview area 31 different for object Ob for which print is input as the processing content in the processing input unit 35, and for object Ob for which cutting is input.

[0171] If, for example, a large number of objects (Ob) are displayed in the preview area 31, it may be difficult to determine which objects (Ob) are to be printed and which are to be cut, which could lead to input errors or omissions in the processing details for some of the objects (Ob). In this embodiment, by changing the display mode of the object Ob during printing and cutting, it becomes easier for the user to identify the processing content entered for each object Ob from the preview area 31, thereby reducing input errors and omissions in the processing content.

[0172] (VI) The control unit 11 displays the object Ob, for which cutting has been input as the processing content to the processing input unit 35, as a cut line in the preview area 31.

[0173] By displaying the cut lines of the object Ob (where cutting is entered), users can edit the design DS (Design DS) while concretely visualizing the final product. The cut line can differ from the line used to display the object Ob to which "Print" is entered, in terms of line type, line thickness, line color, etc. For example, the cut line can be a dashed line, dotted line, chained line, etc. Alternatively, the cut line may be a solid line thinner than the object Ob to which "Print" is entered.

[0174] (VII) The control unit 11 changes the display color in the preview area 31 of the object Ob for which cutting has been input as the processing content to the processing input unit 35.

[0175] The control unit 11 can, for example, display an object Ob with "cutting" entered as uncolored if the object Ob with "print" entered is colored with the color to be printed. By displaying the object Ob with cutting entered as uncolored and with cut lines, it becomes closer to the image of "cutting," making it easier for the user to intuitively understand that it is an object Ob with cutting entered.

[0176] (VIII) In the preview screen display process, the control unit 11 can change the display of the selected object Ob in the object list 32 when the user selects one of the objects Ob displayed in the preview area 31. The control unit 11 can, for example, surround the selected object Ob with a border F, change the display color, underline it, and change the display size.

[0177] When the preview area 31 displays multiple objects Ob with similar shapes and colors, it can be difficult to determine the correspondence between the objects Ob displayed in the preview area 31 and the information in the object list 32 alone. By changing the display of the object Ob selected in the preview area 31 in the object list 32, the user can more easily understand the correspondence between the preview area 31 and the object list 32.

[0178] (IX) In the preview screen display process, the control unit 11 can change the display of the selected object Ob in the preview area 31 when the user selects any object Ob displayed in the object list 32. The control unit 11 can, for example, surround the selected object Ob with a border F, make it blink, or change its display color.

[0179] When the preview area 31 displays multiple objects Ob with similar shapes and colors, it can be difficult to determine the correspondence between the objects Ob displayed in the preview area 31 and the information in the object list 32 alone. By changing the display of the object Ob selected in the object list 32 in the preview area 31, the user can more easily understand the correspondence between the preview area 31 and the object list 32.

[0180] (X) The control unit 11 performs a filtering process in response to a user request, which displays only objects Ob that have the same processing content entered in the processing input unit 35 in the object list 32. The control unit 11, for example, displays a filtering icon ICd on the design editing screen 30. When the user clicks the filtering icon ICd with a mouse or the like, the control unit 11 displays an input field on the display unit 14 for entering filtering conditions. The control unit 11 can then perform filtering according to the conditions entered by the user.

[0181] For example, if a design data structure (DS) contains many objects (Ob), filtering makes it easier for the user to understand which objects (Ob) have what kind of processing settings.

[0182] (XI) The control unit 11 displays only the filtered object Ob in the preview area 31 during the filtering process.

[0183] By reflecting the filtering result in the preview area 31 as well, it becomes easier for the user to grasp the group of objects Ob with the same processing content set.

[0184] (XII) The processing input unit 35 can be provided with a batch input unit 36 capable of batch inputting the same processing content for a plurality of objects Ob.

[0185] When the design DS includes a large number of objects Ob, the work of individually inputting the processing content for the large number of objects Ob may become complicated. In that case, by batch-setting the processing content in the batch input unit 36, the complexity of the user's work can be reduced.

[0186] (XIII) The objects Ob that batch-input the same processing content can be selected in at least one of the object list 32 or the preview area 31. For example, a checkbox 34 that allows inputting a check mark can be provided for each object Ob displayed in the object list 32. Also, a batch input checkbox 34a that allows inputting a check mark to all the checkboxes 34 can be provided. Alternatively, the user can input a check mark to the corresponding checkbox 34 in the object list 32 by clicking on the object Ob displayed in the preview area 31 with a mouse or the like, or by dragging to include a plurality of objects Ob. The batch input unit 36 can be made capable of batch-inputting the processing content for the objects Ob with a check mark input to the checkbox 34.

[0187] By making it possible to select the objects Ob to be batch-input in both the object list 32 and the preview area 31, the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0188] (i) The image processing apparatus 1 creates image data that can be output to the image forming apparatus 200. The image processing device 1 includes a control unit 11 that controls the screen to be displayed on the display unit 14 in response to user input via the operation unit 13. The control unit 11 performs a preview screen display process (step S02) to display the output setting screen 70 (image data preview screen) on the display unit 14, In response to user input on the output settings screen 70, the system performs a marking process (step S03) to add crop marks MK (alignment marks) to the print area PA of the image data. The output settings screen 70 includes a preview area 71 that displays a preview of the image data, and a setting input section 72 (mark setting input section) into which settings for adding alignment marks can be entered. The setting input section 72 allows setting whether the crop mark MK is applied to the entire print area PA or to each object OB within the print area PA, in the setting field 77a. In the marking process, the control unit 11 displays a crop mark MK in the preview area 71 according to the marking settings in the setting input unit 72.

[0189] This configuration allows for the application of appropriate crop marks (MK) according to the image data, thereby reducing printing and cutting errors. The image processing device 1 can, for example, perform a marking process in the output setting screen 70 to add a crop mark MK to the print area PA of the image data to be output to the printer 300. This allows the printer 300 to print the crop mark MK along with the image onto the media M. When cutting the printed media M with the cutting plotter 400, the crop mark MK can be used for alignment, thereby improving the accuracy of the cutting.

[0190] If the positional relationship between the object OB that makes up the image data and the crop mark MK is difficult to understand, the crop mark MK may not be applied properly, such as being applied outside the print area PA or overlapping with the object OB. In this embodiment, the crop mark MK corresponding to the setting input unit 72 is displayed in the preview area 71 of the output setting screen 70. This allows the user to understand the positional relationship between the object OB that constitutes the image data and the crop mark MK, to determine whether the crop mark MK has been applied appropriately, and to adjust the layout as needed. This reduces printing and cutting errors of the crop mark MK. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide an excessive margin on the media M to prevent the crop mark MK from overlapping the object OB, the degree of freedom in printing can be increased.

[0191] Furthermore, in the setting field 77a of the setting input section 72, it is possible to switch whether the crop mark MK is applied to the entire print area PA or to each object OB that constitutes the design DS. The result of the switch in setting field 77a is reflected in the preview area 71. This allows the user to easily apply the crop mark MK in the appropriate manner.

[0192] (ii, vi) In the marking process, the control unit 11 adjusts the layout of the crop mark MK in the print area PA and displays the crop mark MK in the preview area 71 based on information regarding the crop mark MK setting input to the setting input unit 72, information 33 about the objects constituting the image data, the size of the crop mark MK, and the size of the media M to be printed by the printer 300.

[0193] The control unit 11 automatically adjusts the layout of the crop marks MK, allowing the user to place the crop marks MK in the appropriate position within the print area PA without having to perform complicated assignment settings. This reduces printing and cutting errors of the crop marks MK. Furthermore, since there is no need to add excessive margins to the media M to prevent the crop marks MK from overlapping with the object OB, the degree of freedom in printing is increased. Additionally, users can review the crop marks MK displayed in preview area 71 after layout adjustments and make further adjustments.

[0194] (iii) The preview screen may be at least one of the image data editing screen (design editing screen 30, design placement form editing screen 50), or the image data output settings screen 70 for the printer 300.

[0195] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the control unit 11 performs mark application processing on the output setting screen 70. In this case, the user can apply crop marks MK at the same time as outputting the created design DS or design layout form as image data to the printer 300. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may provide a setting input unit 72 on the design editing screen 30 or the design placement form editing screen 50 to perform marking processing. In this case, the user can create image data for the design DS or design placement form while considering the addition of crop marks MK.

[0196] (iv) The setting input section 72 can be used to input whether to display or hide the alignment marks in the preview area 71. For example, a toggle button 77c for displaying the crop mark MK can be provided in the setting input section 72. The control unit 11 can switch the display of the crop mark MK in the preview area 71 on and off in response to the user's operation of the toggle button 77c.

[0197] In particular, when adding crop marks MK on the design editing screen 30 or the design placement form editing screen 50, the ability to toggle the crop marks MK on and off as needed makes it easier for users to perform editing tasks.

[0198] (v) The control unit 11 can change the size of the crop mark MK according to the user's specifications. For example, the user can specify the size by dragging the crop mark MK displayed in the preview area 71 with a mouse or the like. When the crop mark MK is enlarged, an improvement in the positioning accuracy in the cutting plotter 400 can be expected. Also, when the crop mark MK is reduced, a larger area for arranging the object OB in the printing area PA can be secured. The control unit 11 can respond to various user needs by changing the size of the crop mark MK according to the user's needs.

[0199] (vii) When at least a part of the crop mark MK exceeds the printing area PA of the image data, the control unit 11 can output an alert. The alert can be, for example, a text message displayed on the output setting screen 70, voice, warning sound, warning light, etc.

[0200] The alert makes it easier for the user to notice the overhang of the crop mark MK, so that printing errors, cutting errors, etc. of the crop mark MK can be reduced.

[0201] (viii) When at least a part of the crop mark MK exceeds the printing area PA of the image data, the control unit 11 resizes the crop mark MK. The control unit 11 can, for example, display an auto-adjustment button 77d together with an alarm on the output setting screen 70. When the auto-adjustment button 77d is clicked by the user, the control unit 11 can execute resizing of the crop mark MK as a layout adjustment.

[0202] As a result, the control unit 11 can assign the crop mark MK to the printing area PA in an appropriate size without the user performing detailed adjustment work, and printing errors can be reduced.

[0203] (ix) The input fields 75a, 75b, and 75c of the setting input section 72 (duplication condition input section) allow input of the duplication conditions for object OB in the image data. The duplication conditions may include, for example, the offset of object OB from the origin O of the print area PA, the number of copies, and the copy interval. In the preview screen display process, the control unit 11 displays the object OB, which has been duplicated based on the duplication conditions, in the preview area 71.

[0204] As mentioned above, in the design placement form editing screen 50 (see Figure 11), the design DS can be duplicated in various formats by compositing it into multiple cells CL of the form FM. On the other hand, if a user simply wants to duplicate and print a design DS, they can easily duplicate the object OB by entering the duplication conditions on the output settings screen 70. In particular, when cutting an object OB that has been duplicated and printed onto media M using a cutting plotter 400 or the like, the user can obtain the desired output by inputting the duplication conditions according to the specifications of the cutting plotter 400 into the setting input unit 72.

[0205] (x) The control unit 11 can change the size of the crop mark MK based on the length of the print area PA in the image data during the marking process.

[0206] The length of the printing area PA corresponds to the length of the media M in the feed direction in the printer 300 or cutting plotter 400. As the length of media M fed in the printer 300 or cutting plotter 400 increases, misalignment becomes more likely, thus increasing the requirement for alignment accuracy using the crop mark MK. For example, when the length of the printing area PA exceeds a predetermined length L, which is a guideline that affects alignment accuracy, the control unit 11 can improve the alignment accuracy in the cutting plotter 400 and maintain cutting accuracy by enlarging the size of the crop mark MK.

[0207] (xi) In the marking process, the control unit 11 can add an intermediate mark CM (alignment mark) to the middle of the print area PA in the image data if the length of the print area PA exceeds a predetermined length L.

[0208] As mentioned above, if the length of the printing area PA exceeds a predetermined length L, it may affect the alignment accuracy of the cutting plotter 400. Therefore, by adding an intermediate mark CM in the middle of the printing area PA, the alignment accuracy can be improved and the cutting accuracy can be maintained.

[0209] (xii) The control unit 11 can display the intermediate mark CM applied to the middle portion in the preview area 71 in a manner different from other alignment marks. The intermediate mark CM can be displayed, for example, in a different color or line type than the normal crop mark MK.

[0210] This makes it easier for users to distinguish the automatically assigned intermediate markers (CM) from other alignment markers. For example, if a user does not need the intermediate markers (CM), they could be allowed to delete them.

[0211] (xiii) Crop Mark MK can be used for alignment when cutting after printing with Printer 300. The setting input unit 72 can input the cutting material 403 used for cutting. The control unit 11 applies a crop mark MK corresponding to the cutting member 403 during the marking process.

[0212] By applying crop marks MK corresponding to the cutting material 403, cutting accuracy can be further improved. In addition, the user does not need to understand the specifications of multiple cutting materials 403 and make fine adjustments, thus reducing the workload.

[0213] (xiv) In the marking process, the control unit 11 can add a direction mark DM indicating the feed direction of the media M in the printer 300 or cutting plotter 400 (printing direction of image data) along with the crop mark MK.

[0214] When a user loads media M, printed on printer 300, into cutting plotter 400, referring to the direction mark DM makes it easier to determine the correct loading direction.

[0215] The effects described above can also be applied to the image processing method executed by the image processing device 1 and the program that causes the electronic device 100 to function as the image processing device 1.

[0216] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the modifications may not only be applied to the embodiments, but at least a part of the content of each may be applied to other modifications. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0217] 1 Image Processing Device 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 13 Control section 14 Display section 20 Home screen 21A, 21B, 21C display field 26 Call Mark 24 Calling Unit 25 Sorting section 30. Design editing screen (preview screen) 31 Preview area 32 Object List 35 Processing Input Section 36 Batch Input Section 50. Design layout form editing screen (preview screen) 51 Preview Area 70 Output settings screen (preview screen) 71 Preview Area 72. Setting Input Section (Mark Setting Input Section, Duplicate Condition Input Section) Ob, OB object DS Design FM Form PA printing area MK Crop Mark (Alignment Mark) CM Intermediate Mark (Intermediate alignment mark) DM Direction Mark (Mark indicating printing direction)

Claims

1. An image processing device that creates image data that can be output to a printer, It includes a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the operation unit, The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the following steps are performed: a marking process is executed to add alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data; The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, The mark setting input unit allows setting whether the alignment marks are applied to the entire print area or to each object within the print area. The control unit is characterized in that, in the marking process, it displays the alignment marks corresponding to the marking settings in the preview area.

2. An image processing device that creates image data that can be output to a printer, It includes a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the operation unit, The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the following steps are performed: a marking process is executed to add alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data; The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, The control unit, An image processing apparatus characterized in that, in the mark assignment process, the layout of the alignment marks in the print area is adjusted based on information relating to at least one of the assignment settings input to the mark setting input unit, information relating to the objects constituting the image data, the size of the alignment marks, and the size of the media to be printed by the printer, and the alignment marks are displayed in the preview area.

3. In claim 1 or 2, The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the preview screen is at least one of the image data editing screen or the image data output settings screen for the printer.

4. In claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned mark setting input unit is, An image processing apparatus characterized by the ability to input a toggle between displaying and hiding the alignment marks in the preview area.

5. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit is characterized by changing the size of the alignment marks according to the user's specifications.

6. In claim 1, The image processing apparatus is characterized in that, in the mark application process, the control unit adjusts the layout of the alignment marks in the print area based on information relating to at least one of the mark application settings input to the mark setting input unit, information relating to the objects constituting the image data, the size of the alignment marks, and the size of the media to be printed by the printer.

7. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit, An image processing apparatus characterized by outputting an alert when at least a portion of the alignment marks exceeds the print area of ​​the image data.

8. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit is characterized in that, if at least a portion of the alignment marks exceeds the print area of ​​the image data, the image processing apparatus resizes the alignment marks.

9. In claim 1 or 2, The preview screen includes a duplication condition input section on which the duplication conditions for the object in the image data can be entered. The duplication conditions include the offset of the object from the origin of the print area, the number of copies, and the duplication interval. The control unit, In the aforementioned preview screen display process, An image processing apparatus characterized by displaying the object duplicated based on the aforementioned duplication conditions in the preview area.

10. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit is characterized in that, in the marking process, it changes the size of the alignment mark based on the length of the print area in the image data.

11. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit is characterized in that, in the marking process, if the length of the printing area in the image data exceeds a predetermined length, it applies the alignment mark to the middle portion of the printing area.

12. In claim 11, The control unit is characterized in that it displays the alignment marks applied to the intermediate portion in the preview area in a manner different from that of other alignment marks.

13. In claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned alignment marks can be used for alignment when cutting after printing with the printer. The mark setting input unit can input the cutting material used in the cutting process. The control unit is characterized in that, in the marking process, it applies the alignment marks corresponding to the cutting member.

14. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit is characterized in that, in the marking process, it adds a mark indicating the printing direction of the image data together with the alignment mark.

15. An image processing method performed on an image processing device that creates image data that can be output to a printer, The image processing apparatus includes a control unit that controls the screen to be displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the operation unit, The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the following steps are performed: a marking process is executed to add alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data; The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, The mark setting input unit allows setting whether the alignment marks are applied to the entire print area or to each object within the print area. An image processing method characterized in that, in the mark application process, the control unit causes the alignment marks corresponding to the application settings to be displayed in the preview area.

16. An image processing method performed on an image processing device that creates image data that can be output to a printer, The image processing apparatus includes a control unit that controls the screen to be displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the operation unit, The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the following steps are performed: a marking process is executed to add alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data; The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, Image processing method characterized in that, in the mark application process, the control unit adjusts the layout of the alignment marks in the print area based on information relating to at least one of the mark application settings input to the mark setting input unit, information relating to the objects constituting the image data, the size of the alignment marks, and the size of the media to be printed by the printer, and displays the alignment marks in the preview area.

17. A program that implements the functionality of an image processing device that creates image data that can be output to a printer, The electronic device functions as a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the control unit. The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the system performs a marking process that adds alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data. The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, The mark setting input unit allows setting whether the alignment marks are applied to the entire print area or to each object within the print area. A program that causes the control unit to display the alignment marks corresponding to the marking settings in the preview area during the marking process.

18. A program that implements the functionality of an image processing device that creates image data that can be output to a printer, The electronic device functions as a control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit in response to user input via the control unit. The control unit, A preview screen display process that displays a preview screen of the aforementioned image data on the display unit, In response to user input on the preview screen, the system performs a marking process that adds alignment marks to the print area of ​​the image data. The aforementioned preview screen is A preview area for displaying the aforementioned image data, It has a mark setting input unit that allows input of the setting for assigning the aforementioned alignment marks, A program characterized in that, in the mark application process, the control unit adjusts the layout of the alignment marks in the print area based on information relating to at least one of the mark application settings input to the mark setting input unit, information relating to the objects constituting the image data, the size of the alignment marks, and the size of the media to be printed by the printer, and also displays the alignment marks in the preview area.

Images