Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing system, information processing method, and program that allow specifying the method of displaying a preview. [Solution] The system includes a first receiving unit that receives the specification of one preview display target data, and a generation unit that generates a preview image of the one preview display target data. The generation unit generates a preview image that is displayed using a first preview method that displays images as images, and a preview image that is displayed using a second preview method that displays images in a video format that sequentially changes the display of images from multiple viewpoints. The preview image is an image in which the preview method is switched based on a predetermined operation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Printed materials using special colors and finishes (such as direct mail) have added value, such as being more eye-catching, and are being re-recognized as an example of the value of paper (analog media) compared to digital media. Therefore, design templates that allow for easy creation of such high-value printed materials and workflow systems that manage the entire process are known. Such workflow systems sometimes include design tools for applying special colors and finishes, as well as preview functions to display the finished image, in order to improve user convenience. Furthermore, special previews are necessary to express the glossiness of special colors and the three-dimensional effect of finishes.

[0003] As a technology for displaying a preview of such features, a configuration has been disclosed that displays a preview in a way that makes it easy to understand that features are present, by distinguishing between the features and the achromatic parts (for example, white toner and white paper, which represent the underlying paper color) (for example, Patent Document 1). [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, conventional technology has a problem in that it is not possible to specify how to display the preview when registering a design template.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can specify a method for preview display. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention comprises a first receiving unit that receives the designation of one preview display target data, and a generation unit that generates a preview image of the one preview display target data, wherein the generation unit generates a preview image that is displayed by a first preview method that displays as an image, and a preview image that is displayed by a second preview method that displays in a video format that sequentially changes the display of images from multiple viewpoints, and the preview image is an image in which the preview method is switched based on a predetermined operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the method of displaying the preview can be specified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the equipment system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a cloud system or the like according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a printing press according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block in the equipment system according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a data model used in the equipment system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the template registration process. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a template registration screen. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall processing flow of the equipment system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the preparation and printing of a job using arrow lines. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of job execution determination processing in the cloud system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the prediction of the device state at the start time of the free time. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of device state prediction processing in the cloud system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the prediction operations of the preparation time and the execution time. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the order workflow screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the template list screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the template editing screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the output setting screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the order confirmation screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of the order confirmation screen. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the preview display operation in the device system according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the generation operation of the simulate image in the device system according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the operation of displaying a plurality of simulate images with different viewpoints. [Figure 23] [[ID=�9]]FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the response processing of the captured image in the printer of the embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes in detail embodiments of the information processing system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those easily conceivable by those skilled in the art, those substantially identical, and those within the scope of so-called equivalents. Moreover, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of components can be made without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments.

[0010] (Outline configuration of the equipment system) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the equipment system according to the embodiment. The schematic configuration of the equipment system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0011] The equipment system 100 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing system that receives orders for printing data using digital materials, selects a suitable printing company for the printing, and has the printing company perform the printing. As shown in Figure 1, the equipment system 100 includes a cloud system 50 (an example of an information processing system, an example of an information processing device), a customer terminal 40, an administrator terminal 12, and one or more printing companies 10, each with a management server 11 (management device) and a printing press 30. Furthermore, the cloud system 50, the customer terminal 40, the administrator terminal 12, and the printing company 10's management server 11 and printing press 30 are able to communicate data with each other via a network N.

[0012] In this embodiment, network N is a network that includes the internet, as it utilizes the cloud system 50. Within the printing company 10, a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc., are used. Network N may also utilize a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0013] A printing company 10 refers to a company that has printing facilities such as a printing factory, printing office, or designated building, and uses these facilities to print printed materials. Each printing company 10's system includes a management server 11 and a printing press 30. The management server 11 and the printing press 30 may communicate with each other via a network within the printing company 10's system. Printed materials are produced by forming print data into an image on a recording medium such as paper using a printing device such as an image forming apparatus. Printed materials include, for example, direct mail, advertisements, flyers, booklets, posters, promotional materials, catalogs, brochures, slips, invoices, etc., which are commercial printed materials used by the ordering party, such as brand owners, for business or sales promotion, but they may also be documents used by the ordering party.

[0014] The management server 11 is an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or workstation that, when job information is distributed from the cloud system 50, instructs the printer 30 to execute the job.

[0015] Furthermore, the term "job" as described above refers to a unit of printing processing. For example, it refers to printing a certain number of pages of a document. In this embodiment, the execution of a job is the printing by the printer 30, but the specific processing involved in job execution varies depending on the type of printer 30. In addition, the output obtained from job execution may also include simply displaying the results, storing the results in the cloud, sending an email, or notifying a user, etc. Job information is information related to a job, but in this embodiment, there is no strict distinction between a job and job information. Job schedule information is information indicating the start and end times when a job is scheduled to be executed on a particular printer 30.

[0016] The printing press 30 is an image forming device such as a production printer, a color inkjet printer, or a color / monochrome MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). The printing method of the printing press 30 is not limited to electrophotography, inkjet printing, letterpress printing, intaglio printing, planographic printing, or stencil printing; any method capable of printing is acceptable. The printing press 30 may also be connected to a finisher (post-processing device) for performing post-processing (post-processing) on ​​the printed recording medium, such as paper folding, saddle stitching, perfect binding, or punching. The printing press 30 may also have a scanner function, a fax function, or a copy function.

[0017] Furthermore, if the printing press 30 is a commercial printing machine, it is controlled by a DFE (Digital Front End). Therefore, a device independent of the printing press 30 may have a DFE. In this embodiment, the control function by the DFE is described as being provided in the printing press 30.

[0018] The administrator terminal 12 is an information processing device for requesting the cloud system 50 to register design templates desired by registered users such as designers or printers. Here, a design template refers to a template and material data such as illustration data to be included in print data. A design template consists of image files such as PDF or JPEG. In this embodiment, the explanation focuses on design templates as digital materials, but it is also applicable to digital materials such as illustration data. That is, the registered designer or printer is the one who understands the characteristics of the design template using spot colors or special processing registered by the designer or printer and knows the clearest way to present it. Here, a spot color refers to a color other than the so-called CMYK process colors that can be printed using a dedicated colorant (ink or toner, etc.) for that color. Special processing refers to a special processing method for printing colorants, such as a process that creates a three-dimensional effect by layering colorants to create decorative printing, or a process that foil-stamps with gold foil, etc. Printing methods that include spot colors and special processing may also be called special printing. In this embodiment, we will describe in detail the operation by which a designer or printer can select a preview method for displaying a design template when the design template is registered with the cloud system 50. Note that if the registrant is a printer 10, the administrator terminal 12 may be owned by the printer 10. The administrator terminal 12 is equipped with a web browser and applications and displays each screen by accessing the cloud system 50 via the network.

[0019] The ordering terminal 40 is an information processing device for ordering the printing of printed materials using design templates from the cloud system 50, in accordance with the operations of the ordering party requesting the printing. The ordering terminal 40 can specify the desired preview method for the design template selected and edited by the ordering party, in accordance with the operations of the ordering party. The ordering terminal 40 is equipped with a web browser and applications, and displays each screen by accessing the cloud system 50 via the network.

[0020] The cloud system 50 is an information processing system having one or more information processing devices that, upon receiving an order for printing printed materials, including design templates, from an external ordering terminal 40, detects available time from the schedule information of the printing presses 30 of each printing company 10, calculates the preparation and execution time for the accepted job, determines whether the accepted job can be executed within the available time, and then determines and delivers the job to a printing company 10 that can execute it. In other words, the cloud system 50 provides printing services to users of the external ordering terminal 40. Here, "cloud" is an abbreviation for cloud computing, which refers to a usage model in which network resources are used without being aware of specific hardware resources. The term "cloud" is used in contrast to the term "on-premise" (within the facilities managed by the user), but the cloud system 50 may be located outside or inside the company's LAN. One or more information processing devices in the cloud system 50 function as servers, providing various information and processing results in response to requests from clients.

[0021] Furthermore, when making a decision, the cloud system 50 predicts the state of the printer 30 at the start time of the idle period, and predicts the preparation time based on the predicted state of the printer 30 and the state of the printer 30 set based on the received job information.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the cloud system 50 includes an order management service 51, a customer management service 52, an equipment management service 53, a vendor management service 54, a job management service 55, a digital material management service 56, and a billing management service 57. Each service is a function provided by the cloud system 50. In the cloud system 50, there may be a server corresponding to each service, or one or more servers may implement each service. An application corresponding to each service runs on the server, and these applications can communicate with each other. Each application communicates, for example, via a Web API (Application Programming Interface). There is no strict definition of a Web API, but it is an interface between applications or systems that is called over a network using a protocol such as HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).

[0023] The order management service 51 receives design templates and output setting information edited by the customer from an external customer terminal 40 via the digital material management service 56, generates print data, and requests the job management service 55 to register job information for printing the print data. Note that the generation of print data is not limited to the order management service 51; it may also be generated by the printing company's management server 11 or printing press 30.

[0024] The customer management service 52 manages information about customers who use the cloud system 50, such as customers who use the ordering terminal 40.

[0025] The equipment management service 53 receives equipment information from each printing press 30 and provides the equipment information to the job management service 55.

[0026] The vendor management service 54 manages information on each of the 10 printing companies.

[0027] The job management service 55 retrieves job information from the order management service 51, centrally manages it, refers to the equipment information managed by the equipment management service 53, and distributes the job information to the appropriate printing company 10 for printing.

[0028] The digital material management service 56 is a service that registers and manages various digital materials, such as design templates, that have been requested for registration from the administrator terminal 12. In addition, the digital material management service 56 provides specified digital materials, such as design templates, in response to requests from the order management service 51 for the generation of print data.

[0029] When job information is delivered to the printing company 10, the billing management service 57 registers the payment information from the user (customer) of the ordering terminal 40 corresponding to the job information and the payment information to the printing company 10 that received the job information, and then processes the billing.

[0030] With the above configuration, printing can be performed on a printing press 30 suitable for the job, thereby increasing the operating rate of the printing press 30, preventing lost opportunities, and allowing revenue to be distributed among the printing companies 10 that use the equipment system 100.

[0031] (Hardware configuration of the cloud system, management server, administrator terminal, and client terminal) Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a cloud system, etc., according to the embodiment. The hardware configuration of the cloud system 50, management server 11, administrator terminal 12, and client terminal 40 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Here, the hardware configuration of the information processing devices that make up the cloud system 50, management server 11, administrator terminal 12, and client terminal 40 will be described.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803, an HD (Hard Disk) 804, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 805, a display 806, an external device connection interface 808, a network interface 809, a keyboard 811, a pointing device 812, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 814, and a media interface 816. These devices are connected by bus lines 810, such as an address bus and a data bus, to enable data communication.

[0033] The CPU 801 is an arithmetic unit that controls the operation of the entire information processing unit. The ROM 802 is a non-volatile memory device that stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 803 is a volatile memory device used as the work area of ​​the CPU 801.

[0034] HD804 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 805 is a controller that controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD804 according to the control of the CPU 801. Note that HD804 and HDD controller 805 may be SSDs (Solid State Drives).

[0035] Display 806 is a display device that shows various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. External device connection I / F 808 is an interface for connecting various external devices. Examples of such external devices include USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or printers. Network I / F 809 is an interface for data communication via network N, and is an interface that enables communication compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol), etc.

[0036] The keyboard 811 is an input device equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 812 is an input device such as a mouse for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, moving the cursor, etc.

[0037] The DVD-RW drive 814 is a device that controls the reading or writing of various types of data to DVD513, such as DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk Recordable) or DVD-RW, which are examples of removable recording media. The media I / F 816 is an interface that controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to media 815, such as flash memory.

[0038] In the case of cloud systems 50, they are often implemented using virtual machines. A virtual machine is an information processing device that runs another operating system on a host OS (Operating System).

[0039] Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the information processing devices constituting the cloud system 50, management server 11, administrator terminal 12, and client terminal 40 shown in Figure 2 is merely an example, and it is not necessary to include all the components shown in Figure 2, or to include other components. It also goes without saying that the information processing devices constituting the cloud system 50, management server 11, administrator terminal 12, and client terminal 40 do not need to have the same hardware configuration.

[0040] (Printing machine hardware configuration) Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a printing press according to the embodiment. The hardware configuration of the printing press 30 will be described with reference to Figure 3.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the printing press 30 includes a controller 910, a short-range communication circuit 920, an engine control unit 930, an operation panel 940, and a network interface 950.

[0042] The controller 910 includes the main components of the computer: the CPU 901, MEM-P (system memory) 902, NB (northbridge) 903, SB (southbridge) 904, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 906, MEM-C (local memory) 907, HDD controller 908, and HD 909. Of these, NB 903 and ASIC 906 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 921.

[0043] The CPU 901 is a computing unit that performs overall control of the printer 30. The NB 903 is a bridge that connects the CPU 901 to the MEM-P902, SB904, and AGP bus 921, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P902, as well as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master and an AGP target.

[0044] MEM-P902 includes ROM902a, which is a memory for storing programs and data that realize each function of the controller 910, and RAM902b, which is used for program and data deployment, as well as for drawing during memory printing. The programs stored in RAM902b may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable), or DVD.

[0045] SB904 is a bridge for connecting NB903 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. ASIC906 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing and acts as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 921, PCI bus 922, HDD controller 908, and MEM-C907, respectively. ASIC906 includes a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of ASIC906, a memory controller that controls MEM-C907, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation etc. using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that performs data transfer via PCI bus 922 between the scanner unit 931 and the printer unit 932. Note that ASIC906 may be connected to a USB interface or an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface.

[0046] MEM-C907 is local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. HD909 is storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. HDD controller 908 controls the reading or writing of data to HD909 according to the control of CPU 901. Note that HDD controller 908 and HD909 may be SSDs.

[0047] The AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to accelerate graphics processing, and by providing high-throughput direct access to the MEM-P902, it can speed up graphics accelerator cards.

[0048] The near-field communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The near-field communication circuit 920 is electrically connected to the ASIC 906 via the PCI bus 922. An antenna 920a for wireless communication is connected to the near-field communication circuit 920.

[0049] The engine control unit 930 includes a scanner unit 931 and a printer unit 932. The scanner unit 931 and the printer unit 932 include image processing functions such as error diffusion or gamma conversion.

[0050] The control panel 940 includes a panel display unit 940a, such as a touch panel, which displays the current settings or selection screen and accepts input from the user, and a hard key 940b consisting of a numeric keypad that accepts setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density settings, and a start key that accepts a copy start command.

[0051] Furthermore, the printer 30 can be sequentially switched between document box function, copy function, printer function, and fax function using the application switching key on the control panel 940. When the document box function is selected, it enters document box mode; when the copy function is selected, it enters copy mode; when the printer function is selected, it enters printer mode; and when the fax function is selected, it enters fax mode.

[0052] The Network I / F950 is an interface for data communication over Network N, and is capable of communication compliant with standards such as Ethernet and TCP / IP. The Network I / F950 is electrically connected to the ASIC906 via PCI bus 922.

[0053] Note that the hardware configuration of the information processing device constituting the printing press 30 shown in Figure 3 is an example, and it is not necessary to include all the components shown in Figure 3, or other components may be included.

[0054] (Configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the equipment system) Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block in the equipment system according to the embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional block of the equipment system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 4.

[0055] <Management Server> As shown in Figure 4, the management server 11 of the printing company 10 includes a communication unit 111, a template printing instruction unit 112, an image capture registration unit 113, an image capture transmission unit 114, a job execution instruction unit 115, and a job information storage unit 119.

[0056] The communication unit 111 is a functional unit that sends and receives various types of information with the job management service 55. The communication unit 111 receives job information distributed by the job management service 55. The communication unit 111 registers the received job information in the job information storage unit 119. The communication unit 111 is implemented, for example, by the execution of a program by the network interface 809 and CPU 801 shown in Figure 2.

[0057] The template printing instruction unit 112 is a functional unit that, in response to a request from the job management service 55, instructs the printing press 30 to print a design template in order to obtain an image.

[0058] The image registration unit 113 is a functional unit that registers captured images of printed design templates printed by the printing press 30. For example, the image registration unit 113 receives the captured image from the imaging device that captured the printed material via the external device connection I / F 808 and stores (registers) it in the job information storage unit 119.

[0059] The image transmission unit 114 is a functional unit that transmits the image captured by the image registration unit 113 to the cloud system 50 via the communication unit 111.

[0060] The job execution instruction unit 115 is a functional unit that instructs the printer 30 to execute the job information registered in the job information storage unit 119, according to the schedule information contained in the job information.

[0061] The job information storage unit 119 is a functional unit that stores job information received by the communication unit 111. The job information storage unit 119 is implemented by at least one of the RAM 803 or HD 804 shown in Figure 2.

[0062] The template printing instruction unit 112, the captured image registration unit 113, the captured image transmission unit 114, and the job execution instruction unit 115 described above are implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 801 shown in Figure 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be implemented not by a software program, but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC.

[0063] Note that the functional units of the management server 11 shown in Figure 4 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the management server 11 in Figure 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the management server 11 shown in Figure 4 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0064] <Printing machine> As shown in Figure 4, the printing press 30 of the printing company 10 has a communication unit 301, a device information transmission unit 302, and a printing execution unit 303.

[0065] The communication unit 301 is a functional unit that sends and receives various types of information to and from the equipment management service 53. For example, the communication unit 301 transmits equipment information to the equipment management service 53 in response to the control of the equipment information transmission unit 302. The communication unit 301 is implemented, for example, by the execution of a program by the network I / F 950 and CPU 901 shown in Figure 3.

[0066] The equipment information transmission unit 302 is a functional unit that transmits equipment information related to the printer 30 to the equipment management service 53 via the communication unit 301. The equipment information includes, for example, the configuration of the printer 30 such as the printing speed, settings such as paper type and size, the status of the printer 30 such as whether it is in operation or malfunctioning, and schedule information such as how many jobs have been submitted. The contents of the equipment information will be explained later in the section on the cloud system 50.

[0067] The print execution unit 303 is a functional unit that performs printing in accordance with the execution instructions for job information from the job execution instruction unit 115 of the management server 11, or the execution instructions for printing a design template from the template printing instruction unit 112. Specifically, the print execution unit 303 instructs the printer unit 932 to print the print data included in the job information or the design template onto a recording medium such as paper.

[0068] The aforementioned device information transmission unit 302 and print execution unit 303 are implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 901 shown in Figure 3. Note that some or all of these functional units may be implemented not by a software program, but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or ASIC.

[0069] It should be noted that the functional units of the printing press 30 shown in Figure 4 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, the multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the printing press 30 in Figure 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the printing press 30 shown in Figure 4 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0070] <Administrator terminal> As shown in Figure 4, the administrator terminal 12 includes a communication unit 121, a template registration request unit 122, a display control unit 123, and an input unit 124.

[0071] The communication unit 121 is a functional unit that sends and receives various types of information to and from the digital material management service 56 of the cloud system 50. For example, the communication unit 121 sends the design template to be registered and the attribute information of the design template to the digital material management service 56. Here, attribute information refers to information indicating the attributes of the design template, such as the name (title), category, price, color, search tags, printing conditions, preview method, and captured image of the design template. The communication unit 121 is realized, for example, by the execution of a program via the network I / F 809 and CPU 801 shown in Figure 2.

[0072] The template registration request unit 122 is a functional unit that requests the digital material management service 56 to register design templates set on the administrator terminal 12, as well as attribute information entered via the input unit 124.

[0073] The display control unit 123 is a functional unit that controls the display operation of the display 806 of the administrator terminal 12. For example, the display control unit 123 displays a template registration screen, which will be described later, on the display 806, for setting a design template and inputting attribute information.

[0074] The input unit 124 is a functional unit that receives operational input from printing companies and the like. The input unit 124 is implemented by the keyboard 811 and pointing device 812 shown in Figure 2.

[0075] The template registration request unit 122 and the display control unit 123 described above are implemented, for example, by the execution of a program by the CPU 801 shown in Figure 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be implemented not by a software program, but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or ASIC.

[0076] Note that the functional units of the administrator terminal 12 shown in Figure 4 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the administrator terminal 12 in Figure 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the administrator terminal 12 shown in Figure 4 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0077] <Orderer's Terminal> As shown in Figure 4, the ordering terminal 40 includes a communication unit 401, a display control unit 402, and an input unit 403.

[0078] The communication unit 401 is a functional unit that sends and receives various types of information to and from the digital material management service 56 of the cloud system 50. For example, the communication unit 401 sends the design template edited on the client terminal 40 and the configured output setting information to the digital material management service 56. The communication unit 401 is realized, for example, by the execution of a program by the network I / F 809 and CPU 801 shown in Figure 2.

[0079] The display control unit 402 is a functional unit that controls the display operation of the display 806 of the ordering terminal 40. For example, as will be described later, the display control unit 404 edits a design template, sets output setting information, and displays various screens on the display 806 for previewing the design template.

[0080] The input unit 403 is a functional unit that receives operational input from the customer. The input unit 403 is implemented by the keyboard 811 and pointing device 812 shown in Figure 2.

[0081] The display control unit 402 described above is implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 801 shown in Figure 2. However, the display control unit 402 may also be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or ASIC, rather than a software program.

[0082] It should be noted that the functional units of the ordering terminal 40 shown in Figure 4 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the ordering terminal 40 shown in Figure 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the ordering terminal 40 shown in Figure 4 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0083] <Order Management Service> As shown in Figure 4, the order management service 51 of the cloud system 50 includes a communication unit 511, an order acceptance unit 512, a digital material acquisition unit 513, a print data generation unit 514, and a job registration request unit 515.

[0084] The communication unit 511 is a functional unit that sends and receives various types of information to and from external devices. The communication unit 511 is realized, for example, by the execution of a program by the network interface 809 and CPU 801 shown in Figure 2.

[0085] The order receiving unit 512 is a functional unit that receives design templates edited on the customer terminal 40 and configured output settings information as orders from the digital material management service 56.

[0086] The digital material acquisition unit 513 is a functional unit that acquires digital materials specified in the design template received by the order acceptance unit 512 from the digital material management service 56.

[0087] The print data generation unit 514 is a functional unit that generates print data from design templates received by the order acceptance unit 512 and digital materials acquired by the digital material acquisition unit 513. The print data is, for example, data in PDF (Portable Document Format) or JDF (Job Definition Format). As mentioned above, the generation of print data by the print data generation unit 514 may be performed, for example, by the management server 11 or the printing press 30.

[0088] The job registration request unit 515 is a functional unit that generates job information for executing printing, including the print data generated by the print data generation unit 514, and requests the job management service 55 to register the said job information.

[0089] The order acceptance unit 512, digital material acquisition unit 513, print data generation unit 514, and job registration request unit 515 described above are implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 801 shown in Figure 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be implemented not by a software program, but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or ASIC.

[0090] It should be noted that the functional units of the order management service 51 shown in Figure 4 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the order management service 51 shown in Figure 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the order management service 51 shown in Figure 4 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0091] <Customer Management Service> The customer management service 52 of the cloud system 50 has a customer information storage unit 529, as shown in Figure 4.

[0092] The customer information storage unit 529 is a storage unit that stores information of customers using the cloud system 50 (for example, customers using the ordering terminal 40) as customer information. The customer information storage unit 529 is implemented by at least one of the RAM 803 or HD 804 shown in Figure 2.

[0093] <Equipment Management Service> As shown in Figure 4, the equipment management service 53 of the cloud system 50 includes a communication unit 531, an equipment information registration unit 532, an equipment information provision unit 533, and an equipment information storage unit 539.

[0094] The communication unit 531 is a functional unit that sends and receives various types of information to and from the printing press 30 of the printing company 10. For example, the communication unit 531 receives equipment information from the printing press 30. When initiating communication, the communication unit 531 utilizes a bidirectional communication mechanism (for example, WebSocket or MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport)). The communication unit 531 is implemented, for example, by the execution of a program via the network interface 809 and CPU 801 shown in Figure 2.

[0095] The device information registration unit 532 is a functional unit that registers device information received via the communication unit 531 into the device information storage unit 539.

[0096] The device information provision unit 533 is a functional unit that provides device information registered in the device information storage unit 539 to the job management service 55. It is desirable that the device information provision unit 533 provides device information without delay when new device information is registered. Alternatively, the device information provision unit 533 may provide information in response to requests from the device information acquisition unit 552 of the job management service 55, or provide it periodically or at times when the load is low.

[0097] The device information storage unit 539 is a functional unit that stores device information. The device information storage unit 539 is implemented by at least one of the RAM 803 or HD 804 shown in Figure 2. The device information includes, for example, device ID, configuration, settings, device status, paper remaining, ink, ink remaining, and job status. The device ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the printer 30. The configuration is information about the functions of the printer 30, including, for example, whether color printing and black and white printing are possible, the printing speed if possible, and whether special processing is possible. The settings are the paper size, type, grade, etc. set on the printer 30. The device status represents the current state of the printer 30, such as running, stopped, or malfunctioning. Paper remaining is the amount of paper remaining. Ink is the type of ink installed, including process color ink and spot color ink (e.g., transparent ink, fluorescent ink, metallic ink, mixed color ink, etc.). Ink remaining is the amount of ink remaining. The job status is information about the jobs that have been fed into the printing press 30, and includes, for example, schedule information.

[0098] The aforementioned device information registration unit 532 and device information provision unit 533 are implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 801 shown in Figure 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be implemented not by a software program, but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or ASIC.

[0099] It should be noted that the functional units of the equipment management service 53 shown in Figure 4 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the equipment management service 53 in Figure 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the equipment management service 53 shown in Figure 4 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0100] <Vendor Management Service> The vendor management service 54 of the cloud system 50 has a vendor information storage unit 549, as shown in Figure 4.

[0101] The vendor information storage unit 549 is a storage unit that stores information about printing companies 10 that use the cloud system 50 as vendor information. The vendor information storage unit 549 is implemented by at least one of the RAM 803 or HD 804 shown in Figure 2.

[0102] <Job Management Service> As shown in Figure 4, the job management service 55 of the cloud system 50 includes a communication unit 551, an equipment information acquisition unit 552, an image capture request reception unit 553, a template print instruction unit 554, an image capture processing unit 555, a job information registration unit 556, a job execution determination unit 557, a schedule generation unit 558, a job information distribution unit 558a, a billing information notification unit 558b, and a job information storage unit 559.

[0103] The communication unit 551 is a functional unit that sends and receives various types of information to and from the management server 11 of the printing company 10. For example, the communication unit 551 sends (distributes) job information to the management server 11. The communication unit 551 also receives job completion notifications from the management server 11. The communication unit 551 is implemented, for example, by a program executed by the network I / F 809 and CPU 801 shown in Figure 2.

[0104] The device information acquisition unit 552 is a functional unit that receives device information from the device management service 53. The device management service 53 may send the device information to the job management service 55 whenever it receives new device information, or it may send it periodically or when the load is low. Alternatively, the device information acquisition unit 552 may request device information from the device management service 53 and receive the device information as a result of the request. In this case as well, the device information acquisition unit 552 may make the request periodically or when the load is low.

[0105] The image capture request receiving unit 553 is a functional unit that receives requests for captured images and design templates to be captured from the digital material management service 56.

[0106] The template print instruction unit 554 is a functional unit that, when the image capture request reception unit 553 receives a request for an image capture and a design template, sends a print instruction for the design template to the management server 11 of a designated printing company 10 via the communication unit 551. The printing company 10 to which the template print instruction unit 554 sends the design template print instruction may be determined, for example, by a process similar to the job execution determination process by the job execution determination unit 557 described later.

[0107] The image capture processing unit 555 is a functional unit that acquires captured images via the communication unit 551 from the management server 11 of the printing company 10, which has issued a printing instruction for a design template via the template printing instruction unit 554, and transmits them to the digital material management service 56.

[0108] The job information registration unit 556 is a functional unit that receives job information registration from the order management service 51. Specifically, the job information registration unit 556 receives job information transmitted by the job registration request unit 515 of the order management service 51 via the communication unit 551 and registers it in the job information storage unit 559. The contents of the job information will be described later.

[0109] The job execution determination unit 557 is a functional unit that determines which printing company 10 (which printing press 30 of which printing company 10) should execute the job information registered in the job information storage unit 559 by the job information registration unit 556 (i.e., which printing press 30 of which printing company 10 should perform the printing process). For example, the job execution determination unit 557 predicts the state of the printing press 30 at the start of the idle time based on the current state of the printing press 30 of each printing company 10 and the schedule information for which job execution is scheduled, and determines whether a newly accepted job can be completed by the end of the idle time. The job execution determination unit 557 also determines, from the schedule information, which printing companies 10 and printing press 30 among the printing companies 10 that can execute the job satisfy the conditions corresponding to the printing conditions and preview method of the design template included in the print data of the job information. Here, "corresponding to the preview method" means that if a special preview is specified as the preview method, it supports printing with spot colors or special processing.

[0110] Furthermore, there may be multiple printing companies 10 that are instructed to execute jobs by the job execution determination unit 557.

[0111] The schedule generation unit 558 is a functional unit that generates schedule information when the job execution determination unit 557 determines that a printing company 10 should execute the job information. In this case, the schedule generation unit 558 stores the generated schedule information along with the job information in the job information storage unit 559. Schedule information is information that represents the schedule of when the job will be executed.

[0112] The job information distribution unit 558a is a functional unit that transmits (distributes) the job information, including the schedule information generated by the schedule generation unit 558, to the management server 11 of the printing company 10 that executes the job information determined by the job execution determination unit 557, via the communication unit 551.

[0113] The billing information notification unit 558b is a functional unit that, when a job is executed on the printing press 30 of the printing company 10, notifies the billing management service 57 of the payment information from the ordering party (customer) at the ordering terminal 40 that ordered the print data for the job information, and the payment information to the printing company 10 that received the job information.

[0114] The job information storage unit 559 is a functional unit that stores job information. The job information storage unit 559 is implemented by at least one of the RAM 803 or HD 804 shown in Figure 2. Job information includes, for example, job ID, paper type, number of copies, image quality requirements, desired delivery date, print data, customer information, schedule information, destination, log, and status. The job ID is identification information that identifies the job information. Paper type is the size, grade, and type of paper required for this job. Number of copies is the number of copies to be printed in the job. Image quality requirements are the image quality (e.g., resolution) required for the printed material. Desired delivery date is the delivery date for the printed material desired by the customer. Print data is the data to be printed. Customer information is information that identifies the customer who requested this job. Schedule information is information on when the printer 30 assigned this job will execute the job. Destination is information on where the printed material will be distributed. The log is the start and end times when the job was actually executed and is also included in the job completion notification. The status indicates the current progress of the job. Note that the job information may include information other than that described above.

[0115] The aforementioned device information acquisition unit 552, image capture request reception unit 553, template print instruction unit 554, image capture processing unit 555, job information registration unit 556, job execution determination unit 557, schedule generation unit 558, job information distribution unit 558a, and billing information notification unit 558b are implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 801 shown in Figure 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be implemented not by a software program, but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or ASIC.

[0116] Note that the functional units of the job management service 55 shown in Figure 4 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the job management service 55 in Figure 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the job management service 55 shown in Figure 4 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0117] <Digital Material Management Service> The digital material management service 56 of the cloud system 50 includes a communication unit 561, a registration unit 562 (a registration unit 562 as an example of a registration unit), a determination unit 563 (a determination unit 563 as an example of a first determination unit and a determination unit 563 as an example of a second determination unit), a simulation generation unit 564 (a simulation generation unit 564 as an example of a generation unit), an image capture request unit 565 (an image capture request unit 565 as an example of a request unit), a preview control unit 566 (a preview control unit 566 as an example of a generation unit and a transmission unit), a setting unit 567, a digital material provision unit 568, a display control unit 568a, and a digital material storage unit 569 (a digital material storage unit 569 as an example of a storage unit).

[0118] The communication unit 561 is a functional unit that sends and receives various types of information between the administrator terminal 12 and the ordering terminal 40. For example, the communication unit 561 receives a design template registration request from the administrator terminal 12 and a print order request for the design template from the ordering terminal 40. The communication unit 561 is implemented, for example, by the execution of a program via the network I / F 809 and CPU 801 shown in Figure 2.

[0119] The registration unit 562 is a functional unit that receives design templates, attribute information, printing conditions, preview methods, and captured images set on the administrator terminal 12 via the communication unit 561 and registers them in the digital material storage unit 569.

[0120] The determination unit 563 is a functional unit that determines whether the preview method of the design template to be previewed during the order processing of the administrator terminal 12 is a special preview (special preview as an example of the first preview method) or a normal preview (normal preview as an example of the second preview method). Here, a special preview refers to a preview method that can reproduce the state of the set special color or special processing, such as when the design template has at least one of the special color or special processing set, for example, by displaying a preview using a simulated image or an captured image. On the other hand, a normal preview refers to a preview method that does not require the reproduction of the state of the special color or special processing. A normal preview may use, for example, an image of the design template or a preview image that has been modified by changing the size, resolution, etc. Note that the determination unit 563 may execute multiple determination processes (determinations of the first determination unit and the second determination unit) in a single software module, or it may consist of multiple software modules (first determination unit and second determination unit) and each may execute a determination process.

[0121] The simulation generation unit 564 is a functional unit that generates an image (simulated image) by virtually setting the surface angle, light source, and viewpoint for a design template and simulating it when the preview method associated with the design template is a special preview.

[0122] The image acquisition request unit 565 is a functional unit that requests an image acquisition from the job management service 55 in order to display a preview of a design template when the preview method associated with the design template is a special preview.

[0123] The preview control unit 566 is a functional unit that transmits a preview image (such as a normal image, simulated image, or captured image) to the administrator terminal 12 via the communication unit 561 in order to display a preview of the design template on the ordering terminal 40.

[0124] The configuration unit 567 is a functional unit that sends the design template edited on the ordering terminal 40 and the output setting information as an order to the order management service 51.

[0125] The digital material provision unit 568 is a functional unit that, in response to a request from the order management service 51, reads the digital materials and attribute information necessary to generate print data from the digital material storage unit 569 and provides them to the order management service 51 via the communication unit 561.

[0126] The display control unit 568a provides a series of screens to the administrator terminal 12, such as a template registration screen, and to the customer terminal 40, such as an order workflow screen for placing print orders. It also functions to receive requests entered by the terminal operators. For example, the display control unit 568a provides screen information (HTML (HyperText Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (registered trademark), etc.) as the front end of the cloud system 50, and also passes the operator's input information to the registration unit 562, etc.

[0127] The digital material storage unit 569 is a functional unit that stores design templates, attribute information, printing conditions, preview methods, and captured images. The digital material storage unit 569 is implemented by at least one of the RAM 803 or HD 804 shown in Figure 2.

[0128] The registration unit 562, determination unit 563, simulation generation unit 564, captured image request unit 565, preview control unit 566, setting unit 567, digital material provision unit 568, and display control unit 568a described above are implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 801 shown in Figure 2. Note that some or all of these functional units may be implemented not by a software program, but by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or ASIC.

[0129] It should be noted that the functional units of the digital material management service 56 shown in Figure 4 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the digital material management service 56 shown in Figure 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the digital material management service 56 shown in Figure 4 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0130] <Billing Management Service> The billing management service 57 of the cloud system 50 includes a billing processing unit 571 and a billing information storage unit 579.

[0131] The billing processing unit 571 is a functional unit that registers payment information from the ordering party (customer) and payment information to each printing company 10 in the billing information storage unit 579, and requests transfer processing from the bank system corresponding to the bank accounts of the ordering party (customer) and each printing company 10 based on this information. The bank system executes the transfer processing between bank accounts on the closing date.

[0132] The billing information storage unit 579 is a functional unit that stores withdrawal information and deposit information. The billing information storage unit 579 is implemented by at least one of the RAM 803 or HD 804 shown in Figure 2.

[0133] The billing processing unit 571 described above is implemented, for example, by a program being executed by the CPU 801 shown in Figure 2. However, the billing processing unit 571 may also be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or ASIC, rather than a software program.

[0134] It should be noted that the functional units of the billing management service 57 shown in Figure 4 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the billing management service 57 in Figure 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the billing management service 57 shown in Figure 4 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0135] (Data model) Figure 5 shows an example of a data model used in the equipment system according to this embodiment. The data model used in the equipment system 100 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0136] <Billing Management Service> The billing management service 57 has the following deposit and withdrawal information (withdrawal information and deposit information stored in the billing information storage unit 579).

[0137] • Registration date • Deposit and withdrawal categories • Amount

[0138] Deposit and withdrawal information is generated, for example, when job information corresponding to order data sent from the ordering terminal 40 is distributed to one of the printing companies 10 and executed. The deposit / withdrawal category for the provider is withdrawal, and the deposit / withdrawal category for the recipient is deposit.

[0139] <Vendor Management Service> The vendor management service 54 has vendor information (information stored in the vendor information storage unit 549) relating to the following printing companies 10.

[0140] ·name ·address ·email address • Account number (bank account) ·roll

[0141] Of these, the "roll" section contains information that distinguishes, for example, whether the person is a printer or a designer.

[0142] <Equipment Management Service> As described above, the printer 30 periodically transmits equipment information to the equipment management service 53 when the equipment information changes. The equipment management service 53 has the following information about the models (information stored in the equipment information storage unit 539).

[0143] • Paper ·image quality ·speed

[0144] Furthermore, the equipment management service 53 has the following information regarding the printing press 30 (information stored in the equipment information storage unit 539).

[0145] • Machine number

[0146] Furthermore, the equipment management service 53 has the following configuration information (information stored in the equipment information storage unit 539).

[0147] • Hardware configuration (e.g., whether color and black and white printing is possible, printing speed if possible, and whether special processing is possible, etc.) • Software configuration ·setting ·Updated date and time

[0148] Furthermore, the equipment management service 53 has the following information regarding the status of the printing press 30 (information stored in the equipment information storage unit 539).

[0149] • Status (Waiting, Preparing, Printing, Stopped, Error, etc.) • Paper (paper type, remaining amount, etc.) • Ink (type of ink, remaining amount, etc., such as process color ink or spot color ink) • Adjustment status (alignment, color tone, etc.) ·Updated date and time

[0150] <Job Management Service> The job management service 55 has the following information about jobs (information stored in the job information storage unit 559):

[0151] • Paper • Number of copies • Image quality requirements • Print data • Desired delivery date

[0152] Furthermore, the job management service 55 has the following schedule information (information stored in the job information storage unit 559).

[0153] • Scheduled start date and time for preparations • Estimated completion date and time of preparations • Scheduled start date and time of printing • Estimated printing completion date and time

[0154] Furthermore, the job management service 55 has the following information regarding the execution results (information sent in the job execution completion notification).

[0155] • Execution status ·Preparation start date and time • Preparation completion date and time ·Printing start date and time • Print completion date and time • Paper Number of sheets • Confirmed amount

[0156] The job completion notification is generated when the job is completed.

[0157] <Customer Management Service> The customer management service 52 has the following customer information (information stored in the customer information storage unit 529).

[0158] ·name ·address ·email address • Account number (bank account)

[0159] <Order Management Service> Order management service 51 manages the following order-related information (order details):

[0160] ·size • Paper • Image quality requirements (color) ·processing • Number of copies • Desired delivery date • Measurement of effectiveness • Print!! Location

[0161] Of these, the print data location is information indicating where the print data to be generated by the order management service 51 is stored.

[0162] Furthermore, the order management service 51 has destination information (distribution destinations for the printed section) associated with the order information mentioned above.

[0163] <Digital Material Management Service> The digital material management service 56 has attribute information, printing conditions, and preview methods (information stored in the digital material storage unit 569) related to the following digital materials (in this case, design templates).

[0164] ·title ·category ·price ·color Search tags • Printing conditions • Preview method

[0165] Furthermore, the digital material management service 56 has the design template and captured image (information stored in the digital material storage unit 569) associated with the attribute information, printing conditions, and preview method related to the digital material (in this case, the design template) mentioned above.

[0166] (Template registration process) Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the template registration process flow. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the template registration screen. The template registration process flow of the equipment system 100 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0167] <Step S51> The user of the administrator terminal 12 performs the display operation of the template registration screen 1000 shown in Figure 7 via the input unit 124. Then, the display control unit 123 displays the template registration screen 1000 on the display 806. In this case, the display control unit 123 receives and displays the screen information of the template registration screen 1000 from the display control unit 568a of the digital material management service 56.

[0168] The template registration screen 1000 shown in Figure 7 is a screen for registering design templates created by users of the administrator terminal 12 (printers or designers, etc.) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as creators) to the digital material management service 56. As shown in Figure 7, the template registration screen 1000 includes an image file input area 1001, a title input area 1002, a category input area 1003, a price input area 1004, a color input area 1005, a search tag input area 1006, a paper size input area 1007, a paper type input area 1008, a post-processing input area 1009, a preview method specification area 1010, a selection button 1011, and a registration button 1012.

[0169] The image file input area 1001 is an input area for inputting design template files created by the creator. Specifically, the creator can input the design template file into the image file input area 1001 by dragging and dropping the file into the image file input area 1001 through operations on the input unit 124. Upon input and registration of the image file, an icon image corresponding to the digital material is automatically generated by the digital material management service 56 based on the image file. This icon image may also be used for normal preview.

[0170] The title input area 1002 is for entering the name of the design template to be registered. The category input area 1003 is for entering the category of the design template to be registered. The price input area 1004 is for entering the price to be set as the usage fee for the design template to be registered. The color input area 1005 is for entering the color attributes used in the design template to be registered. For example, if the design template consists only of process colors, select "Process Colors"; if the design template includes spot colors, select "Spot Colors"; and if the design template includes special processing, select "Special Processing". The search tag input area 1006 is for entering search tags to be used to search for the design template to be registered.

[0171] The paper size input area 1007 is an input area for selecting and entering the paper size as a print condition associated with the design template to be registered. The paper type input area 1008 is an input area for selecting and entering the paper type as a print condition associated with the design template to be registered. The post-processing input area 1009 is an input area for selecting and entering the post-processing treatment as a print condition associated with the design template to be registered.

[0172] The preview method specification area 1010 is a specification area for specifying the preview method for the design template to be registered. For example, in the preview method specification area 1010, you can specify either a normal preview or a special preview.

[0173] The selection button 1011 is used to select a file containing an image of a printed copy of the design template to be registered, which is stored on the administrator terminal 12 or external storage. Note that the file selected by the selection button 1011 is not limited to the actual image; it may also be an image that serves as a sample of what the design template will look like when printed, and in this case, it will also be referred to as an image.

[0174] The registration button 1012 is used to register the design template entered in the image file input area 1001 with the attribute information, printing conditions, preview method, and captured image entered and specified above, in the digital material management service 56. Here, attribute information refers to the information entered in items 1002 to 1006 above.

[0175] <Step S52> The creator inputs various attribute information and printing conditions on the template registration screen 1000 by operating on the input unit 124.

[0176] <Step S53> The creator specifies the preview method in the preview method specification area 1010 on the template registration screen 1000 by operating on the input unit 124. Specifically, the creator specifies either normal preview or special preview in the preview method specification area 1010.

[0177] <Step S54> The creator, through operations on the input unit 124 and on the selection button 1011 on the template registration screen 1000, selects a file containing an image of a printed copy of the design template to be registered, which is stored on the administrator terminal 12 or external storage, etc.

[0178] <Step S55> The creator presses the registration button 1012 by operating the input unit 124. Then, the template registration request unit 122 of the administrator terminal 12 requests the digital material management service 56 via the communication unit 121 to register the design template, attribute information, printing conditions, preview method, and captured image that were entered and specified on the template registration screen 1000.

[0179] <Step S56> The registration unit 562 of the digital material management service 56 receives design templates, attribute information, printing conditions, preview methods, and captured images from the administrator terminal 12 via the communication unit 561, associates them, and registers them in the digital material storage unit 569.

[0180] The display control unit 568a of the digital material management service 56 is an example of a "reception unit" that transmits screen information to the administrator terminal 12 and accepts requests from the administrator terminal 12. In detail, the "reception unit" is composed of the display control unit 568a and the registration unit 561, and processes requests from the operator of the administrator terminal 12 via the template registration request unit 122, display control unit 123, and input unit 124 of the administrator terminal 12.

[0181] (Overall processing flow of the equipment system) Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall processing flow of the equipment system according to this embodiment. The overall processing flow of the equipment system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8.

[0182] <Step S11> The equipment information transmission unit 302 of each printing company's 10 printing presses 30 transmits equipment information about the printing press 30 to the equipment management service 53 via the communication unit 301.

[0183] <Step S12> The device information registration unit 532 of the device management service 53 registers the device information received via the communication unit 531 into the device information storage unit 539. This updates the device information stored in the device information storage unit 539 to the latest version.

[0184] <Step S13> Next, the equipment information provision unit 533 of the equipment management service 53 provides the equipment information registered in the equipment information storage unit 539 to the job management service 55. Then, the equipment information acquisition unit 552 of the job management service 55 receives the equipment information from the equipment management service 53.

[0185] <Step S14> The customer on the customer terminal 40 performs the order workflow screen 1100, shown in Figure 14 (described later), via the input unit 403. The display control unit 402 then displays the order workflow screen 1100 on the display 806. In this case, the display control unit 402 receives and displays the screen information for the order workflow screen 1100 from the display control unit 568a of the digital material management service 56.

[0186] <Step S15> The ordering party performs the ordering workflow process, including previewing design templates, selecting and editing design templates, and configuring output settings, via the ordering workflow screen 1100 shown in Figure 14, which will be described later. The screen transitions, setting and editing operations on each screen, and the design template preview display process in this ordering workflow process will be described in detail in Figures 14 to 23 below.

[0187] <Step S16> After the order workflow processing, the ordering party presses the order button 1506 on the order confirmation screen 1500 shown in Figure 18 (described later) by operating the input unit 403. The display control unit 402 then transmits the design template and output setting information edited by the ordering party to the order management service 51 via the communication unit 401.

[0188] <Step S17> Then, the order receiving unit 512 of the order management service 51 receives the design template and configured output setting information as an order from the ordering terminal 40 via the communication unit 511.

[0189] <Steps S18, S19> The digital material acquisition unit 513 of the order management service 51 requests the digital material management service 56 via the communication unit 511 for the digital material (illustration data, template) specified in the design template received by the order acceptance unit 512. In response to the request from the order management service 51, the digital material provision unit 568 of the digital material management service 56 reads the digital material, attribute information, and printing conditions from the digital material storage unit 569 and provides them to the order management service 51 via the communication unit 561.

[0190] <Step S20> The print data generation unit 514 of the order management service 51 generates print data from the design template received by the order acceptance unit 512 and the digital material acquisition unit 513.

[0191] <Step S21> Then, the job registration request unit 515 of the order management service 51 generates job information including the print data generated by the print data generation unit 514 and requests the job management service 55 to register the said job information.

[0192] <Step S22> The job information registration unit 556 of the job management service 55 receives job information registration from the order management service 51. Specifically, the job information registration unit 556 receives the job information transmitted by the job registration request unit 515 of the order management service 51 via the communication unit 551 and registers it in the job information storage unit 559.

[0193] <Step S23> Then, the job execution determination unit 557 of the job management service 55 performs a job execution determination process to determine which printing company 10 should execute the job information registered in the job information storage unit 559 by the job information registration unit 556 (which printing press 30 of which printing company 10 should perform the printing). Details of this job execution determination process will be described later.

[0194] <Step S24> The schedule generation unit 558 of the job management service 55 generates schedule information when the job execution determination unit 557 determines which printer 10 or printing press 30 will execute the job information. The schedule generation unit 558 then stores the generated schedule information, along with the job information, in the job information storage unit 559.

[0195] <Step S25> The job information distribution unit 558a of the job management service 55 transmits (distributes) the job information, including the schedule information generated by the schedule generation unit 558, to the management server 11 of the printing company 10, which is to execute the job information determined by the job execution determination unit 557, via the communication unit 551. The communication unit 111 of the management server 11 of the printing company 10 then receives the job information, including the schedule information.

[0196] <Step S26> The communication unit 111 of the management server 11 registers the received job information in the job information storage unit 119. The following explanation assumes that the job information has been registered in the job information storage unit 119.

[0197] <Step S27> The job execution instruction unit 115 of the management server 11 instructs the printer 30 to execute the job information registered in the job information storage unit 119 by the communication unit 111, according to the schedule information contained in the job information.

[0198] <Step S28> The print execution unit 303 of the printing press 30 of the printing company 10 executes the job information in response to the job execution instruction from the job execution instruction unit 115 of the management server 11. Specifically, the print execution unit 303 instructs the printer unit 932 to print the print data contained in the job information onto a recording medium such as paper.

[0199] <Steps S29, S30> When the print execution unit 303 completes the execution of a job, it sends a job completion notification to the management server 11. The communication unit 111 of the management server 11 then sends the job completion notification received from the printer 30 to the job management service 55. The communication unit 551 of the job management service 55 then receives the job completion notification.

[0200] <Steps S31, S32> The billing information notification unit 558b of the job management service 55 notifies the billing management service 57 of the payment information from the ordering terminal 40 that ordered the print data for the job information, and the payment information to the printing company 10 that received the job information. The billing processing unit 571 of the billing management service 57 registers the payment information from the ordering terminal (customer) and the payment information to each printing company 10 in the billing information storage unit 579, and based on this information, requests the bank system corresponding to the bank accounts of the ordering terminal (customer) and each printing company 10 to process the transfer.

[0201] (Job execution decision process) Figure 9 is a diagram showing the preparation and printing of a job using arrow lines. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the job execution decision process flow of the cloud system according to the embodiment. The details of the job execution decision process in step S23 of Figure 8 described above will be explained with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0202] Figure 9 shows the print preparation and printing schedule information for two printing presses 30 (pressers A and B). Dotted lines indicate print preparation, and solid lines indicate printing. Areas without dotted or solid lines represent idle time. The length of the arrows represents time.

[0203] Next, referring to Figure 10, we will explain the specific flow of the job execution decision process in step S23 of Figure 8 described above.

[0204] <Step S231> The job execution decision unit 557 searches for available time slots in the schedule information for the printing presses 30 (all if there are multiple) owned by the printing company 10 whose execution is to be determined, up to the desired delivery date. Then, it proceeds to step S232.

[0205] <Step S232> The job execution determination unit 557 then determines, from among the printing companies 10 whose available time in the schedule information has been searched, the printing company 10 and printing press 30 that meet the conditions corresponding to the printing conditions and preview method of the design template included in the print data of the job information. The process then proceeds to step S233.

[0206] <Step S233> Next, the job execution determination unit 557 predicts the state of the printing press 30 of the printing company 10, which it has determined to be printable, at the start of the free time, based on the current machine status and the schedule information up to the free time of interest. The state of the printing press 30 may be, for example, the set paper type, remaining paper amount, ink, ink level, or adjustment status, but the prediction method will be described later. Predicting the state of the printing press 30 at the start of the free time in this way is necessary because tasks required before starting printing include setting the paper, changing the roll paper, replenishing ink, head cleaning, adjustments (alignment, color tone, etc.), and test printing, and commercial printing requires a long preparation time. Then, the process proceeds to step S234.

[0207] <Step S234> The job execution determination unit 557 determines the need for paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment as preparation for job execution, based on the predicted state of the printer 30 and the new job information. The new job information also determines the paper type to be set, the required number of sheets of paper, the type of ink, the amount of ink, etc. If these predicted states differ from the state of the printer 30 set for the execution of the new job information, the job execution determination unit 557 determines that replacement, adjustment, or replenishment is necessary. It is also desirable to determine the need for head cleaning. Furthermore, the job execution determination unit 557 determines the predicted state of the printer 30 and the need for head cleaning by referring to past history. If paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment is necessary (step S234: Yes), the process proceeds to step S235; otherwise, it proceeds to step S236.

[0208] <Step S235> If paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment is required, the job execution determination unit 557 predicts the job preparation time and execution time, taking into account the paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment. The time required for paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment is estimated in advance for each type of paper and adjustment. Then, the process proceeds to step S237.

[0209] <Step S236> If paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment is not required, the job execution determination unit 557 predicts the job preparation time without considering paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment. In this case, the job execution determination unit 557 sets a fixed time (the minimum time required to start operation of the printer 30) as the job preparation time. Then, the process proceeds to step S237.

[0210] <Step S237> Next, the job execution decision unit 557 determines whether or not a job can be executed during the idle time. That is, the job execution decision unit 557 determines that a job can be executed during the idle time if "idle time > preparation time + execution time". However, the job execution decision unit 557 determines that execution is not possible during this idle time if the predicted execution completion time exceeds the desired deadline. Also, if the predicted execution completion time does not exceed the desired deadline, but the next schedule information is registered after the idle time, the job execution decision unit 557 corrects the predicted preparation time for the job information set after the completion of the new job. The prediction method is the same as in step S233. Furthermore, if the preparation time has changed and the preparation start time for the next job information has been brought forward to meet the desired deadline, but the predicted execution completion time of the new job exceeds the brought-forward preparation start time for the next job information, the job execution decision unit 557 determines that execution is not possible during this idle time. If it is not possible to execute the job during the available time (step S237: No), proceed to step S238; if it is possible to execute the job (step S237: Yes), proceed to step S239.

[0211] <Step S238> If it is not possible to execute a job during the idle time, the job execution determination unit 557 determines that the job cannot be executed during that idle time.

[0212] <Step S239> If it is possible to execute a job during the available time, the job execution determination unit 557 sets the schedule information for the available time.

[0213] As described above, the job execution decision unit 557 determines whether a job can be executed for each available time slot. If there are multiple available time slots, the job execution decision unit 557 selects a time slot to execute the job, for example, as follows.

[0214] • Choose a free time slot that minimizes the preparation time needed for the next scheduled event. • If the gap time between the next scheduled schedule is below a threshold, select the one with the shorter gap time. Bu. • If the gap time between the next scheduled schedule item exceeds a certain threshold, the option with the longer gap time will be selected. Bu.

[0215] These selection methods improve overall productivity by reducing preparation time such as paper changes, by reducing idle time when no jobs are assigned, and by allowing other jobs to be assigned during idle time.

[0216] (Prediction processing of equipment status) Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the prediction of the equipment status at the start of the idle time. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the equipment status prediction process in the cloud system according to the embodiment. The details of the equipment status prediction process in step S233 of Figure 10 described above will be explained with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

[0217] Figure 11 shows an example where printing press A has jobs (1) to (3) set, and printing press B has jobs (1) and (2) set. The thick double arrow 601 between jobs indicates job information to be added to the idle time on printing press A. The double arrow 602 indicates job information to be added to the idle time on printing press B. If it is determined that a job can be executed during the idle time, a new job is set during the idle time. Below, with reference to Figure 12, the procedure for determining whether a new job can be set during the idle time between jobs (2) and (3) that printing press A is scheduled to execute will be explained. As described above in step S233 of Figure 10, the job execution determination unit 557 needs to predict the state of printing press 30 at the start time t of the idle time when the job (2) immediately preceding the idle time is completed.

[0218] <Step S2331> First, the job execution determination unit 557 determines whether the paper type of the new job is the same as that of job (2). If they are different (step S2331: No), the process proceeds to step S2332; if they are the same (step S2331: Yes), the process proceeds to step S2333.

[0219] <Step S2332> If the paper type of the new job is different from that of job (2), the job execution determination unit 557 determines that the paper needs to be changed. Then, the process proceeds to step S2333.

[0220] <Step S2333> Next, the job execution determination unit 557 determines whether there is enough paper remaining to execute the job. If job (1), job (2), and the new job use the same paper type, the job execution determination unit 557 subtracts the amount used by job (1) and job (2) from the current paper amount in the device information. If job (1) and job (2) use different paper types, and the new job uses the same paper type as job (2), the job execution determination unit 557 subtracts the amount used by job (2) from the remaining amount (not necessarily new) of the paper type used by job (2). Furthermore, if it is anticipated that the paper will run out and need to be replaced during the execution of job (1) and job (2), or job (2), the job execution determination unit 557 subtracts the amount of paper used after replacement from the amount of paper used thereafter. Also, if job (2) and the new job use different paper types, the job execution determination unit 557 obtains the remaining amount (not necessarily new) of the paper type to be used by the new job, as a paper replacement will be necessary.

[0221] If multiple rolls of the same paper are available, you can select a roll with more remaining paper than the new job to minimize paper changes during the execution of a new job. Alternatively, you can select a roll with less remaining paper than the new job to use up the paper completely, thus avoiding paper waste. The replacement policy can also be changed in the administrator settings.

[0222] If, as a result of comparing the remaining amount of paper at the completion of job (2), or the remaining amount of the replaced paper type, with the number of sheets required for the new job, it is predicted that the paper will run out and need to be replaced during the execution of the job (step S2333: No), the process proceeds to step S2334; otherwise (step S2333: Yes), the process proceeds to step S2335.

[0223] <Step S2334> If, after comparing the remaining paper quantity at the completion of job (2), or the remaining paper quantity of the replaced paper type, with the number of sheets required for the new job, the job execution determination unit 557 determines that it is necessary to replace the paper with new paper if it is predicted that the paper will run out and need to be replaced during the execution of the job. Then, the process proceeds to step S2335.

[0224] <Step S2335> Next, the job execution determination unit 557 determines whether the ink types are the same and whether there is enough ink remaining to execute the job. The concept is the same as for the paper type and paper amount, but the time required for ink replacement and replenishment is shorter than for paper. If the ink types are different, or if the ink types are the same but there is not enough ink remaining to execute the job (step S2335: No), the process proceeds to step S2336. If the ink types are the same and there is enough ink remaining to execute the job (step S2335: Yes), the process proceeds to step S2337.

[0225] <Step S2336> If the ink types are different, or if the ink types are the same but there is not enough ink remaining to execute the job, the job execution determination unit 557 determines that ink replenishment is necessary to prevent replenishment from occurring during job execution. Then, the process proceeds to step S2337.

[0226] <Step S2337> Next, the job execution determination unit 557 determines whether the adjustment state is the same as that of job (2). The adjustment state refers to the image formation position and color development state on the paper. At the end of job (2), the adjustment state is according to the paper and image quality requirements of job (2). Therefore, whether the adjustment state is the same as that of the new job is determined by the paper and image quality requirements of the new job, so the job execution determination unit 557 determines whether the two are the same. If the two are not the same (step S2337: No), the process proceeds to step S2338, and if the two are the same (step S2337: Yes), the device state prediction process ends.

[0227] <Step S2338> If the two are not the same, the job execution determination unit 557 determines that adjustment of position and color is necessary. Then, it terminates the equipment status prediction process.

[0228] As described above, the state of the printer 30 at the start of the idle time can be predicted, and the preparation time can be calculated based on the predicted state of the printer 30 and the state of the printer 30 set based on the received job information.

[0229] (Preparation time and execution time) Figure 13 illustrates the predicted behavior of preparation time and execution time. Preparation time and execution time will be explained with reference to Figure 13.

[0230] Preparation time is the time required for preparation, and execution time is the time required to execute the job. As shown in Figure 13, preparation time is "T PC +T if +T hc +T ac +T tp This can be expressed as "time required for paper replacement, ink replenishment, head cleaning, adjustment, and test printing." In this way, the total time required for paper replacement, ink replenishment, or adjustment necessary to obtain the state of the printer 30 based on the job information registered by the job information registration unit 556 is the preparation time.

[0231] Here, T PC is the time required for paper replacement. If the paper type is the same between the previous job and the new job and there is sufficient remaining quantity, it is 0 and no replacement is required. T if is the time required for ink replenishment. If the ink type is the same as the new job and there is sufficient remaining quantity, it is 0 and no replenishment is required. T hc is the time required for head cleaning. If it can be determined from the past execution history that head cleaning is not required, it is 0. T ac is the time required for adjustment (alignment, color tone, etc.). If the paper and image quality requirements are the same between the previous job and the job to be executed and it can be determined from the past execution history that adjustment is not required, it is 0. T tp is the time required for test printing.

[0232] The execution time can also be expressed as "T PC +T if +T hc +T ac +T pp ". That is, it is the sum of the time required for paper replacement during job execution, the time required for ink replenishment, the time required for head cleaning, the time required for adjustment, and the printing time. However, T PC 、T if 、T hc and T ac are the times when replacement occurs during job execution. Also, in the execution time, the printing time T tp is predicted instead of the test printing time T pp . The printing time T pp is calculated as "the number of pages per copy × the number of sheets in the job information / the printing speed".

[0233] (Notification of job execution completion) When the job execution at the printing machine 30 is completed, the management server 11 sends a job execution completion notification to the job management service 55. The job execution completion notification includes the log of the executed job (setup time and execution time), the amount, and the status of the printing machine 30 before and after job execution, etc.

[0234] The states of the printer 30 before and after job execution include the paper type of the previous job, the paper type of the new job, the remaining paper quantity of the previous job, the number of sheets of paper consumed in the new job, the ink type of the previous job, the ink type of the new job, the remaining ink quantity of the previous job, the remaining ink quantity of the new job, the adjustment state of the previous job, and the adjustment state of the new job, etc.

[0235] The job management service 55 can accumulate the states of the printer 30 before and after job execution in association with the job execution completion notification, and improve the prediction accuracy of the preparation time and execution time by performing statistical processing or machine learning.

[0236] Machine learning is a technology for enabling a computer to acquire learning capabilities like those of a human. It refers to a technology in which a computer autonomously generates algorithms necessary for judgments such as data identification from pre-loaded learning data and applies this to new data for prediction. The learning method for machine learning may be any one of supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning, or further, a learning method that combines these learning methods, and the learning method for machine learning is not limited.

[0237] In addition, machine learning techniques include neural networks, perceptrons, deep learning, support vector machines, logistic regression, naive Bayes, decision trees, random forests, etc., and are not limited to the techniques described in this embodiment.

[0238] (Order Workflow Processing) Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of an order workflow screen. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a template list screen. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of a template editing screen. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of an output settings screen. Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of an order confirmation screen. Figure 19 is a diagram showing another example of an order confirmation screen. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the preview display operation flow in the equipment system according to the embodiment. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the simulated image generation operation in the equipment system according to the embodiment. Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the operation of displaying multiple simulated images from different viewpoints. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the response processing flow of captured images in a printing company according to the embodiment. Referring to Figures 14 to 23, the screen transitions in the order workflow processing (step S15 in Figure 8) in the equipment system 100 according to this embodiment, the setting and editing operations on each screen, and the preview display processing of design templates will be explained.

[0239] As explained in step S14 of Figure 8 above, when the customer on the customer terminal 40 performs the display operation of the order workflow screen 1100 shown in Figure 14 via the input unit 403, the display control unit 402 displays the order workflow screen 1100 on the display 806. In this case, the display control unit 402 receives and displays the screen information of the order workflow screen 1100 from the display control unit 568a of the digital material management service 56. The same applies to the screens shown in Figures 15 to 19, which will be described later. Note that the order of screen transitions is assumed to be from Figure 14 to Figure 18 (Figure 19), but the order of transitions is not limited to this.

[0240] The order workflow screen 1100 shown in Figure 14 is the initial screen for a series of order workflow processes, which involves selecting and editing a design template, checking a preview showing the printed state, and finally placing an order. As shown in Figure 14, the order workflow screen 1100 includes a new creation button 1101 and a template selection button 1102.

[0241] The "Create New" button 1101 is for selecting print data prepared by the client, rather than a design template. The "Select Template" button 1102 is for displaying the template list screen 1200 (an example of the first screen) shown in Figure 15, which allows the user to select the desired design template for printing from a list of design templates registered in the digital material management service 56.

[0242] When the client presses the template selection button 1102, the display control unit 402 displays the template list screen 1200 shown in Figure 15 on the display 806.

[0243] The template list screen 1200 shown in Figure 15 displays a list of preview images of design templates registered in the digital material management service 56, and allows the user to select any of the design templates to be ordered. As shown in Figure 15, the template list screen 1200 includes template display areas 1201a, 1201b, and 1201c, checkboxes 1202a, 1202b, and 1202c, a confirm button 1203, and a cancel button 1204.

[0244] Template display areas 1201a, 1201b, and 1201c are areas that display a list of preview images of design templates registered in the digital material management service 56. For simplicity, Figure 15 illustrates three template display areas, but it is not limited to these three. Template display area 1201a includes an editable variable section 1211a, template display area 1201b includes an editable variable section 1211b, and template display area 1201c includes editable variable sections 1211c and 1211d. Variable sections 1211a, 1211b, 1211c, and 1211d are underlined or otherwise indicated to show that they are editable.

[0245] Furthermore, the list of design templates may not only display preview images, but also information such as the name of the design template, its features, characteristics, or whether or not special features are used.

[0246] Checkboxes 1202a, 1202b, and 1202c are used to select template display areas 1201a, 1201b, and 1201c, respectively.

[0247] The confirmation button 1203 is used to confirm the selection of the design template corresponding to the checked checkboxes 1202a, 1202b, and 1202c (the design template displayed as a preview image in the area corresponding to the selected template display area 1201a, 1201b, and 1201c).

[0248] The cancel button 1204 is used to cancel the selection operation and return to the order workflow screen 1100.

[0249] As described above, when the client presses the template selection button 1102, the digital material management service 56 performs the preview display operation shown in Figure 20 for the template display areas 1201a, 1201b, and 1201c of the template list screen 1200. The preview display operation by the digital material management service 56 will be explained below with reference to Figure 20. Note that in Figure 20, the explanation will focus on the design template corresponding to the template display area 1201a of the template list screen 1200.

[0250] <Step S151> The determination unit 563 of the digital material management service 56 refers to the digital material storage unit 569 and determines whether the preview method corresponding to the design template to be previewed in the template display area 1201a is a special preview or a normal preview. For example, the process of S151 may be started when the template selection button 1102 is pressed on the order workflow screen 1100, or each time a preview image of a design template is added to the template list screen 1200, or when a design template is searched and the search results are displayed. If the preview method is a special preview (step S151: special preview), the process proceeds to step S152, and if it is a normal preview (step S151: normal preview), the process proceeds to step S157.

[0251] <Step S152> The determination unit 563 of the digital material management service 56 refers to the digital material storage unit 569 and determines whether or not an image exists that corresponds to the design template in the template display area 1201a. If an image exists (step S152: Yes), the process proceeds to step S153; if an image does not exist (step S152: No), the process proceeds to step S154.

[0252] <Step S153> The preview control unit 566 of the digital material management service 56 acquires an image corresponding to the design template in the template display area 1201a from the digital material storage unit 569, generates a preview image from the image, and transmits it to the client terminal 40 via the communication unit 561. The communication unit 401 of the client terminal 40 receives the preview image. The display control unit 402 of the client terminal 40 then displays the preview image (image) received by the communication unit 401 in the template display area 1201a of the template list screen 1200.

[0253] That is, when special preview is specified as the preview method of the design template, if there is an imaging image of the design template, it is assumed that the imaging image will be preferentially displayed as the preview image. Accordingly, when at least one of features or special processing is set for the design template, the imaging image is most suitable for clearly expressing its printed state as preview display. Therefore, when there is an imaging image, by previewing this, the orderer can accurately grasp the printed state of the design template. Then, the preview display operation is terminated.

[0254] <Step S154> The simulate generation unit 564 of the digital material management service 56 generates an image (simulate image) by virtually setting and simulating the angle of the image plane, the light source, and the viewpoint in advance for the design template to be previewed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the simulate generation unit 564 calculates the state such as the gloss of the design template 701 by simulation calculation when the angle with the reference plane of the design template 701 is α, the angle between the direction of the light source 702 and the reference direction is β, and the angle between the direction of the viewpoint 703 and the reference direction is γ, and generates a simulate image. Note that the color tone or position of the light source 702 or the position of the viewpoint 703 may be adjusted.

[0255] In addition, the simulate generation unit 564 may generate preview images in a video format that change the position of the viewpoint, for example, like the design templates 701-1 to 701-3 shown in FIG. 22, and change the display in this order. Accordingly, the change in the gloss state when the viewpoint is changed can be clearly expressed. When these multiple images are displayed in the template display area 1201a, they may be manually switched according to the operation. Also, it is not limited to generating three images as shown in FIG. 22.

[0256] The preview control unit 566 then transmits the simulated image (first simulated image) generated by the simulation generation unit 564 as a preview image to the ordering terminal 40 via the communication unit 561, and the communication unit 401 of the ordering terminal 40 receives the preview image. Alternatively, a further preview image (display image) may be generated based on the simulated image. The display control unit 402 of the ordering terminal 40 then displays the preview image (simulated image) received by the communication unit 401 in the template display area 1201a of the template list screen 1200. Note that even in the case of a special preview, the display on the ordering terminal 40 may automatically alternate between displaying the normal preview image (icon image of digital material such as templates) and the special preview image (captured image / simulated image). Alternatively, when the template list screen 1200 is displayed, it may initially display in normal preview mode, and then switch to special preview mode when the mouse pointer is hovered over an image on that screen.

[0257] Furthermore, similar to Figure 19 described later, the simulation generation unit 564 may, when a spot color is set in the design template to be previewed, generate an image (second simulated image) in which the spot color portion of the image of the design template 701 (the area in the image file where a spot color or spot color processing is specified) is replaced with an alternative color such as a process color, under the same conditions for light source and viewpoint, and the display control unit 402 may display the image containing the spot color and the image with the spot color replaced in parallel as previews. As an example of replacing a spot color with a process color, an image may be generated using a color obtained by mixing process color yellow toner and black toner as an alternative color for a color that uses a spot gold toner. Alternatively, an image may be generated using magenta toner and yellow toner as alternative colors for a color that uses a fluorescent toner (fluorescent pink / fluorescent yellow), respectively. In the case of transparent colorants such as spot clear toner, the image with the transparent color may be the first simulated image and the image without the transparent color may be the second simulated image. This makes it possible to compare the image containing the spot color and the image with the spot color replaced with an alternative color under the same conditions for light source and viewpoint, making the difference easier to understand. Note that parallel display may also include parallel display of captured images and simulated images, etc.

[0258] Then, we move on to step S155.

[0259] <Step S155> The ordering party can request the captured image if they wish to actually view it. For example, they can request a preview of the captured image by pressing the "Request Real Image Preview" button 1504 on the order confirmation screen 1500 shown in Figure 18, which will be described later. In other words, a button with a similar function may also be placed on the template list screen 1200. Note that display control may be implemented so that the "Request Real Image Preview" button 1504, etc., is displayed only when the determination unit 563 determines that there is no captured image, and is not displayed when it determines that there is a captured image. If there is a request operation for an captured image (step S155: Yes), the process proceeds to step S156, and if there is no request operation (step S155: No), the preview display operation ends.

[0260] <Step S156> The digital material management service 56 receives preview requests for captured images from the client's terminal. The digital material management service 56 is an example of a unit that receives preview requests for captured images. Furthermore, the digital material management service 56 processes a request to the printing company 10 to register the captured images via the job management service 55. The details of this process will be explained with reference to Figure 23. When a preview request for captured images is received, the request may also be made to the printing company or the template creator (registrant) by notifying them of the request for captured images via email or other means. The email may also include a URL that allows access to the image upload screen.

[0261] <<Step S1561>> When the client requests an image capture via the input unit 403, the image capture request unit 565 of the digital material management service 56 requests the job management service 55 to capture an image in order to preview the design template that is the target of the preview display. In this case, the image capture request unit 565 sends the target design template to the job management service 55. The image capture request receiving unit 553 of the job management service 55 then receives the request for an image capture and the design template to be captured from the digital material management service 56. The process then proceeds to step S1562.

[0262] <<Step S1562>> When the template print instruction unit 554 of the job management service 55 receives a request for an image capture and a design template from the image capture request reception unit 553, it sends a print instruction for the design template to the management server 11 of the designated printing company 10 via the communication unit 551. The communication unit 111 of the management server 11 receives the print instruction. The template print instruction unit 112 of the management server 11 then instructs the printing press 30 to print the design template in order to obtain the image capture, in response to the print instruction received by the communication unit 111. The print execution unit 303 of the printing press 30 executes the print in accordance with the print execution instruction for the design template from the template print instruction unit 112 of the management server 11. Then the process proceeds to step S1563.

[0263] <<Step S1563>> The printing company 10 captures the printed design template, which has been printed by the printing press 30, using an imaging device. Then, the process proceeds to step S1564. The imaging device is any device capable of capturing images, such as a camera or scanner. The captured images of the printed material may be multiple images of the design template or other printed material taken from multiple angles.

[0264] <<Step S1564>> The image registration unit 113 of the management server 11 receives the captured image from the imaging device that captured the printout via the external device connection I / F 808 in response to the operation of the printing company 10, and stores (registers) it in the job information storage unit 119. Then, the process proceeds to step S1565.

[0265] <<Step S1565>> The image transmission unit 114 of the management server 11 transmits the image registered by the image registration unit 113 to the job management service 55 via the communication unit 111.

[0266] Now, let's return to the explanation of the process in step S156. The image capture processing unit 555 of the job management service 55 acquires the captured image from the management server 11 of the printing company 10 via the communication unit 551 and transmits it to the digital material management service 56. The preview control unit 566 registers the captured image received via the communication unit 561 in the digital material storage unit 569, associating it with the corresponding design template. The preview control unit 566 then transmits the captured image received via the communication unit 561 as a preview image to the ordering terminal 40 via the communication unit 561, and the communication unit 401 of the ordering terminal 40 receives the preview image. The display control unit 402 of the ordering terminal 40 then displays the preview image (captured image) received by the communication unit 401 in the template display area 1201a of the template list screen 1200. The preview display operation then ends.

[0267] Furthermore, it is not limited to the generation of preview images for preview display when the template list screen 1200 is displayed. For example, preview images for each design template may be generated in advance and registered in the digital material storage unit 569 in association with each design template.

[0268] <Step S157> The preview control unit 566 of the digital material management service 56 generates or acquires a preview image that will result in a normal preview display using process color when a normal preview is specified, and transmits it to the client terminal 40 via the communication unit 561. The communication unit 401 of the client terminal 40 receives the preview image. For example, the preview image for a normal preview may be an icon image created based on an image file of a digital material such as a design template. Alternatively, an icon image may be generated when displaying it, or an icon image generated at the time of registration may be acquired. The display control unit 402 of the client terminal 40 then displays the preview image received by the communication unit 401 in the template display area 1201a of the template list screen 1200. Finally, the preview display operation ends.

[0269] Now, let's return to the explanation of the template list screen 1200. The client checks the preview display of the template display areas 1201a to 1201c, selects the checkbox for the desired design template from the checkboxes 1202a to 1202c, and then presses the OK button 1203. The display control unit 402 then displays the template editing screen 1300 shown in Figure 16 on the display 806.

[0270] The template editing screen 1300 shown in Figure 16 is a screen for creating a print layout by editing the design template selected on the template list screen 1200. As shown in Figure 16, the template editing screen 1300 includes a template display area 1301, a title input area 1302, an OK button 1303, and a cancel button 1304.

[0271] The template display area 1301 is the area that displays the design template to be edited. The template display area 1301 includes an editable variable portion 1301a. In the example shown in Figure 16, the variable portion 1301a allows editing of the design template title.

[0272] The title input area 1302 is an area for editing and entering a title into the variable section 1301a (title). When the client enters a title into the title input area 1302, it is reflected in the variable section 1301a.

[0273] The Confirm button 1303 is used to confirm the content edited in the template display area 1301. The Cancel button 1304 is used to cancel the edited content and return to the template list screen 1200.

[0274] Furthermore, to increase flexibility, a dedicated tool (editor) may be provided that allows for the placement of arbitrary objects and modification of their position, size, attributes, etc.

[0275] The client presses the OK button 1303 after finishing editing the design template displayed in the template display area 1301. The display control unit 402 then displays the output settings screen 1400 shown in Figure 17 on the display 806.

[0276] The output settings screen 1400 shown in Figure 17 is a screen for making various settings (output settings) when printing based on an edited design template. As shown in Figure 17, the output settings screen 1400 includes a size selection area 1401, a destination read button 1402, an OK button 1403, and a cancel button 1404.

[0277] The size selection area 1401 is an area where you select and input the size of the printed output.

[0278] The destination loading button 1402 is used to load a list file that will serve as the destination for a printed document.

[0279] In addition to the settings mentioned above, other options such as color / monochrome, finishing, number of copies, and delivery date may also be specified.

[0280] The Confirm button 1403 is used to confirm the above settings. The Cancel button 1404 is used to cancel the above settings.

[0281] When the orderer presses the confirmation button 1403, the display control unit 402 displays the order confirmation screen 1500 (an example of the second screen) shown in Figure 18 on the display 806.

[0282] The order confirmation screen 1500 shown in Figure 18 is used to finalize the layout and settings of the edited design template and to place an order for printing. This screen allows users to confirm the final finished image.

[0283] As shown in Figure 18, the order confirmation screen 1500 includes a template display area 1501, an edit button 1502, an edit button 1503, a real image preview request button 1504, a test print order button 1505, an order button 1506, and a cancel button 1507.

[0284] The template display area 1501 is the area that displays a preview image of the design template whose layout has been finalized. The sequence of operations for displaying the preview image in the template display area 1501 is the same as the preview display operations described in Figures 20 to 23 above.

[0285] The edit button 1502 is a button for editing the design template again. When the edit button 1502 is pressed, it should, for example, return to the template editing screen 1300.

[0286] The edit button 1503 is used to reconfigure the output settings. When the edit button 1503 is pressed, the user should return to the output settings screen 1400, for example.

[0287] The actual image preview request button 1504, as described above, is a button used to request the captured image when you want to check the preview display with the captured image. The trial print order button 1505 is a button used to order a trial print from the printing company 10 before placing a formal order. The operation when the trial print order button 1505 is pressed is basically the same as when the order button 1506 is pressed.

[0288] The order button 1506 is used to formally place a printing order with the printing company 10 based on the design template content and output settings displayed in the template display area 1501. When the order button 1506 is pressed, the actions taken are those shown in step S16 and onward in Figure 8 above. The cancel button 1507 is used to return to the output settings screen 1400.

[0289] Furthermore, the display of preview images in the template display area 1501 may be performed by displaying in parallel templates: template display area 1501a, which displays a preview image when a spot color is set, and template display area 1501b, which displays a preview image under the same conditions but with the spot color replaced by an alternative color such as a process color, as shown in the order confirmation screen 1500a in Figure 19. This makes it possible to compare an image containing a spot color under the same conditions for light source and viewpoint with an image with the spot color replaced by an alternative color, making the differences easier to understand. The parallel display may also be a parallel display of an captured image and a simulated image, for example.

[0290] As described above, in the equipment system 100 according to this embodiment, the reception unit (display control unit 568a) receives the specification of a preview method corresponding to the design template, the registration unit 562 registers the design template and the preview method in association with the digital material storage unit 569, and the preview control unit 566 transmits the preview image generated according to the preview method associated with the design template registered by the registration unit 562 to the ordering terminal 40 for ordering printing. This makes it possible to specify the preview display method when registering the design template. Conventionally, when spot colors or special processing were set, a separate operation different from the normal preview display operation was required to display the preview, but since the preview method is specified in advance when registering the design template, this operation can be omitted, thereby improving operability.

[0291] Furthermore, in the equipment system 100 according to this embodiment, the reception unit receives the specification of an image to be associated with a design template, the registration unit 562 associates the design template and the image and registers them in the digital material storage unit 569, the determination unit 563 determines, based on the preview method associated with the design template, whether it is a special preview corresponding to a design template with at least one of spot colors or special processing set, or a normal preview that does not correspond to a design template with at least one of spot colors or special processing set, and if the preview method associated with the design template is determined to be a special preview, it determines whether an image associated with the design template exists, and if the determination unit 563 determines that an image exists, the preview control unit 566 generates a preview image based on the image. As a result, when a design template has at least one of spot colors or special processing set, an image is the most suitable for clearly representing its print state as a preview display, and if an image exists, displaying it as a preview allows the customer to accurately grasp the print state of the design template.

[0292] Furthermore, in the equipment system 100 according to this embodiment, if the determination unit 563 determines that an captured image exists, the simulation generation unit 564 generates a second simulated image as a preview image by performing a simulation under the same conditions as the predetermined simulation of the first simulated image, and by replacing the distinctive features of the design template with alternative colors. The preview control unit 566 then transmits the first simulated image and the second simulated image to the client terminal 40 in order to display them side-by-side as previews. This makes it possible to compare an image containing distinctive features under the same conditions regarding light source and viewpoint with an image in which the features have been replaced with alternative colors, making the differences easier to understand.

[0293] In the above-described embodiment, if at least one of the functional units of the ordering terminal 40, cloud system 50, management server 11, and administrator terminal 12 is implemented by program execution, the program is provided pre-installed in ROM or the like. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the program executed by the ordering terminal 40, cloud system 50, management server 11, and administrator terminal 12 may be configured to be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Also, in the above-described embodiment, the program executed by the ordering terminal 40, cloud system 50, management server 11, and administrator terminal 12 may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Finally, in the above-described embodiment, the program executed by the ordering terminal 40, cloud system 50, management server 11, and administrator terminal 12 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the program executed on the ordering terminal 40, the cloud system 50, the management server 11, and the administrator terminal 12 is a module configuration that includes at least one of the above-described functional units, and in actual hardware, the CPU 801 reads the program from the above-described storage device (for example, ROM 802 or HD 804, etc.) and executes it, thereby loading and generating the above-described functional units on the main memory.

[0294] The embodiments of the present invention are as follows. <1> A first reception unit that accepts the specification of data to be displayed in preview, A generation unit that generates a preview image of the data to be previewed, It has, The generation unit generates a preview image that is displayed using a first preview method that displays images as images, and a preview image that is displayed using a second preview method that displays images from multiple viewpoints in a video format, The aforementioned preview image is an image in which the preview method is switched based on a predetermined operation, and this is an information processing system. <2> The preview image is initially displayed using the first preview method, and then displayed using the second preview method based on the operation. <1> This is the information processing system described in [the relevant document]. <3> The operation described above is an operation on the preview image displayed by the first preview method, <2> This is the information processing system described in [the relevant document]. <4> The operation described above is the operation of hovering a pointer over the preview image displayed by the first preview method, <3> This is the information processing system described in [the relevant document]. <5> The browser further includes the generated preview image, <1> ~ <4> It is an information processing system described in any one of the items. <6> The first reception unit accepts the specification of data to be previewed, or the specification from a list of registered information, <1> ~ <5> It is an information processing system described in any one of the items. <7> The system further includes a second receiving unit that receives input for an editable variable portion included in the aforementioned preview data, The generation unit generates a preview image of the one data to be previewed, reflecting the input. <1> ~ <5> It is an information processing system described in any one of the items. <8> The first preview method is a method of displaying an icon image corresponding to the first preview data as a preview image. <1> ~ <5> It is an information processing system described in any one of the items. <9> The preview image is an image in which the preview method for displaying the preview image switches from the first preview method to the second preview method based on the predetermined operation. <1> ~ <8> It is an information processing system described in any one of the items. <10> The second preview method is a preview method that changes the display of the images from the multiple viewpoints according to the predetermined operation. <1> ~ <9> It is an information processing system described in any one of the items. <11> The generation unit generates a preview image which is displayed in a video format that sequentially displays images from multiple viewpoints, including the aforementioned single viewpoint, and is a preview image which is displayed in a first preview method that displays an image from a single viewpoint. <1> ~ <10> It is an information processing system described in one of the following items. <12> The reception department accepts the specification of one data item to be displayed in the preview step, The generation unit performs a generation step of generating a preview image of the one data to be previewed, It has, In the generation step, a preview image is generated which is displayed using a first preview method that displays images as images, and which is displayed using a second preview method that displays images in a video format that sequentially changes the display of images from multiple viewpoints. The aforementioned preview image is an image on which the preview method is switched based on a predetermined operation, and this is an information processing method. <13> On the computer, A reception step that accepts the specification of data to be displayed in preview, The generation step of generating a preview image of the data to be previewed, Make it run, In the generation step, a preview image is generated which is displayed using a first preview method that displays images as images, and which is displayed using a second preview method that displays images in a video format that sequentially changes the display of images from multiple viewpoints. The aforementioned preview image is a program for which the preview method is switched based on a predetermined operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0295] 10 Printing companies 11 Management Server 12 Administrator terminal 30 printing press 40 Orderer's Terminal 50 Cloud Systems 51 Order Management Service 52 Customer Management Services 53 Equipment Management Services 54. Vendor Management Services 55 Job Management Service 56 Digital Material Management Services 57. Billing Management Service 100 Equipment Systems 111 Communications Department 112 Template Print Instruction Section 113 Image Registration Unit 114 Image transmission unit 115 Job Execution Instruction Unit 119 Job Information Storage Unit 121 Communications Department 122 Template Registration Request Section 123 Display Control Unit 124 Input section 301 Communications Department 302 Equipment Information Transmission Unit 303 Printing Execution Unit 401 Communications Department 402 Display Control Unit 403 Input section 511 Communications Department 512 Order Reception Department 513 Digital Material Acquisition Department 514 Print Data Generation Unit 515 Job Registration Request Section 529 Customer information storage unit 531 Communications Department 532 Equipment Information Registration Department 533 Equipment Information Provision Department 539 Equipment Information Registration Department 549 Vendor information storage unit 551 Communications Department 552 Device information acquisition section 553 Image Acquisition Request Reception Unit 554 Template Print Instruction Section 555 Image Processing Unit 556 Job Information Registration Department 557 Job Execution Decision Unit 558 Schedule Generation Unit 558a Job Information Distribution Department 558b Billing Information Notification Section 559 Job Information Storage Unit 561 Communications Department 562 Registration Department 563 Judgment section 564 Simulation Generation Unit 565 Image acquisition request unit 566 Preview Control Unit 567 Settings Section 568 Digital Materials Provision Department 568a Display Control Unit 569 Digital Material Storage Unit 571 Billing Processing Unit 579 Billing Information Storage Unit 601, 602 Double arrow 701, 701-1~701-3 Design Templates 702 Light source 703 Perspectives 801 CPU 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 HD 805 HDD Controller 806 displays 808 External device connection interface 809 Network Interface 810 Bus Line 811 keyboard 812 Pointing devices 813 DVD 814 DVD-RW drive 815 Media 816 Media I / F 901 CPU 902 MEM-P 902a ROM 902b RAM 903 NB 904 SB 906 ASIC 907 MEM-C 908 HDD Controller 909 HD 910 Controller 920 Near field communication circuit 920a antenna 921 AGP bus 922 PCI bus 930 Engine Control Unit 931 Scanner Unit 932 Printer Section 940 Control Panel 940a Panel display unit 940b Hard Key 950 Network Interface 1000 Template Registration Screen 1001 Image file input area 1002 Title input area 1003 Category Input Area 1004 Price input area 1005 Color input area 1006 Search tag input area 1007 Paper size input area 1008 Paper type input area 1009 Post-processing input area 1010 Preview Method Specification Area Select button 1011 1012 Register button 1100 Order Workflow Screen 1101 New creation button 1102 Template Selection Button 1200 Template List Screen 1201a~1201c Template display area 1202a~1202c Checkboxes 1203 Confirm button 1204 Cancel button 1211a~1211c, 1212c Variable section 1300 Template editing screen 1301 Template display area 1301a Variable part 1302 Title input area 1303 Confirm button 1304 Cancel button 1400 Output settings screen 1401 Size selection area 1402 Destination Load Button 1403 Confirm button 1404 Cancel button 1500, 1500a Order Confirmation Screen 1501, 1501a, 1501b Template display area 1502, 1503 Edit button 1504 Request real image preview button 1505 Test Print Order Button 1506 Order button 1507 Cancel button N Network [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0296] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-120962

Claims

1. A first reception unit that accepts the specification of data to be displayed in preview, A generation unit that generates a preview image of the data to be previewed, It has, The generation unit generates a preview image that is displayed using a first preview method for displaying images, and a preview image that is displayed using a second preview method for displaying images in a video format that sequentially changes the display of images from multiple viewpoints. The aforementioned preview image is an image in which the preview method is switched based on a predetermined operation, in an information processing system.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the preview image is initially displayed by the first preview method and then displayed by the second preview method based on the operation.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the operation is an operation on the preview image displayed by the first preview method.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the operation is the operation of overlapping a pointer with the preview image displayed by the first preview method.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a browser for displaying the generated preview image.

6. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first receiving unit receives the specification of data to be previewed or the specification from a list of registered information.

7. The system further includes a second receiving unit that receives input for an editable variable portion included in the aforementioned preview data, The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the generation unit generates a preview image of the one data to be previewed, reflecting the input.

8. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first preview method is a method of displaying an icon image corresponding to the first preview target data as a preview image.

9. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the preview image is an image in which the preview method for displaying the preview image switches from the first preview method to the second preview method based on the predetermined operation.

10. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second preview method is a preview method for changing the display of images from multiple viewpoints according to a predetermined operation.

11. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates a preview image that is displayed in a first preview method that displays an image from a single viewpoint, and a preview image that is displayed in a second preview method that displays an image from a plurality of viewpoints, including the single viewpoint, in a video format.

12. The reception department accepts the specification of one data item to be displayed in the preview step, The generation unit performs a generation step of generating a preview image of the one data to be previewed, It has, In the generation step, a preview image is generated which is displayed using a first preview method that displays images as images, and which is displayed using a second preview method that displays images in a video format that sequentially changes the display of images from multiple viewpoints. The aforementioned preview image is an image on which the preview method is switched based on a predetermined operation, according to the information processing method.

13. On the computer, A reception step that accepts the specification of data to be displayed in preview, The generation step of generating a preview image of the data to be previewed, Make it run, In the generation step, a preview image is generated which is displayed using a first preview method that displays images as images, and which is displayed using a second preview method that displays images in a video format that sequentially changes the display of images from multiple viewpoints. A program for which the preview image is an image whose preview method is switched based on a predetermined operation.

Images