Print control device

Abstract

Printing multiple print jobs side-by-side on a printing medium without considering post-processing could sometimes reduce the efficiency of post-processing work. [Solution] A printing control device comprises: a division information acquisition unit that acquires division information, which is information relating to a process of dividing a printing medium along a predetermined direction; a division unit that divides the printing area of ​​the printing medium into a first area and a second area based on the division information; a job acquisition unit that acquires a printing job including post-processing information indicating a process after printing; and an assignment unit that assigns the printing job to the first area or the second area based on the post-processing information of the printing job, the post-processing information of a first existing job assigned to the first area, and the post-processing information of a second existing job assigned to the second area.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a printing control device. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, a technique for performing a process of cutting a printing medium in a predetermined direction is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which continuous paper after image formation is cut by a cutter. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-74720 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 When various post-processing operations are performed on the printed medium after it is cut, there are multiple types of post-processing operations, and the required post-processing operations can vary depending on the print job. Therefore, if multiple print jobs are arranged and printed on the printed medium without considering the post-processing operations, the work efficiency during the post-processing operations may decrease. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0005】 A printing control device according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires division information, which is information regarding a process of dividing a printing medium along a predetermined direction; a division unit that divides a printing area of the printing medium into a first area and a second area based on the division information; an acquisition unit that acquires a print job including post-processing information indicating a post-printing process; and an allocation unit that allocates the print job to the first area or the second area based on the post-processing information of the print job, the post-processing information of a first existing job assigned to the first area, and the post-processing information of a second existing job assigned to the second area. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0006】 [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing an example of a system including a print control device. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a printed medium. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of a printed medium. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the configuration of the administrator terminal. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the configuration of the print control device. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of print job data. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of allocation information. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing the configuration of the control terminal. [Figure 9] A block diagram showing the configuration of a printing device. [Figure 10] A flowchart of the allocation process. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating an example of an allocation. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating an example of an allocation. [Figure 13] A diagram illustrating an example of an allocation. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating an example of an allocation. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating an example of an allocation. [Figure 16] A diagram illustrating an example of an allocation. [Figure 17] A flowchart of the printing process. [Figure 18] A diagram illustrating an example of sorting. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0007】 Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) System configuration: (1-1) Administrator terminal configuration: (1-2) Configuration of the print control device: (1-3) Configuration of the control terminal: (1-4) Configuration of the printing device: (2) Assignment process: (3) Printing process: (4) Other embodiments: 【0008】 (1) System configuration: FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration example of a system including an administrator terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a print control device 10, an administrator terminal 20, a control terminal 30, and a printing device 40. In the present embodiment, the printing device 40 is connected to the control terminal 30. Further, the user can register a print job in the storage medium provided in the print control device 10 using the administrator terminal 20 and cause the printing device 40 to print the print job. In the present embodiment, the number of illustrated devices is an example and is not limited. For example, there may be a plurality of administrator terminals 20, control terminals 30, and printing devices 40. 【0009】 In the present embodiment, the print control device 10, the administrator terminal 20, and the control terminal 30 can communicate with each other via a network. The mode of the network may be various modes, and may be a local network, or devices physically separated from each other via the Internet or the like may communicate with each other. Further, the printing device 40 may be able to communicate with the print control device 10 or the administrator terminal 20. In the present embodiment, the system including the print control device 10 is a system for printing printed matter, but a post-processing device that performs other processes, such as surface processing, on the printed matter after printing may be managed by the print control device 10. 【0010】 In the present embodiment, a user who has received a request for production of printed matter from a requester prints the printed matter related to a plurality of requests using the printing device 40. The printed printed matter is post-processed by a post-processing device. When printing the printed matter, the user prepares a print file showing the image to be printed and inputs print conditions to generate a print job. In the present embodiment, post-processing information indicating post-processing after printing is included in the print job. 【0011】 The printing apparatus 40 according to this embodiment is a device that prints by pulling out a printing medium accumulated in a roll shape and transporting it along the longitudinal direction of the printing medium. Furthermore, the printing medium according to this embodiment is cut and divided in a direction parallel to the transport direction for use. Cutting may be performed in the printing apparatus 40 or after printing. In this specification, the divided printing medium is also referred to as divided medium. 【0012】 Figures 2 and 3 show examples of print media PM. The printing device 40 executes printing using multiple print jobs and prints images related to multiple print jobs onto the print media PM. In Figures 2 and 3, the same identification information is attached to print jobs with the same post-processing. For example, each print job A has the same post-processing, but print jobs A and B have different post-processing. 【0013】 Figure 2 shows an example where print jobs with the same post-processing are arranged closely together along the transport direction for printing. For example, there are four print jobs A and three print jobs B. The four print jobs A are arranged at the front of the transport direction so that the length of the area containing print jobs A is shortest. Similarly, print jobs B are arranged after print jobs A so that the length of the area containing print jobs B is shortest. 【0014】 In this configuration, the efficiency of post-processing may decrease when the printing medium PM is cut along the transport direction for post-processing. For example, consider cutting the printing medium PM along the dashed line in Figure 2. Post-processing is performed on each of the divided printing medium PM, i.e., on each of the divided media. In this embodiment, post-processing is performed while the divided media are transported in the same direction as the transport direction of the printing device 40. Post-processing is not limited to this and may include cutting (die-cutting, etc.) or laminating the printing medium PM. 【0015】 In this embodiment, different post-processing steps result in either different post-processing equipment or different parts used in the post-processing equipment. Therefore, if the post-processing steps for print jobs arranged along the transport direction differ, tasks such as changing the post-processing equipment or replacing parts in the post-processing equipment will be required. For example, when performing post-processing on a divided medium PM1, tasks such as changing the post-processing equipment or replacing parts in the post-processing equipment will be required between print jobs A and B, and between print jobs B and C. 【0016】 Therefore, if printing jobs that undergo the same post-processing are arranged so that they reside on the same divided medium as much as possible, it becomes less likely that post-processing equipment will need to be changed or parts replaced in the post-processing equipment, thus improving work efficiency. For example, if there are four printing jobs A, three printing jobs B, and five printing jobs C as shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the printing jobs be printed on the printing medium PM and the printing medium PM be cut so that each printing job is placed on a different divided medium, as shown in Figure 3. 【0017】 However, as shown in Figure 3, if the same post-processing print jobs are grouped onto the same divided medium, post-processing may not be performed efficiently. For example, if the number of print jobs C is greater than in the example shown in Figure 3, and the number of print jobs B remains the same, a lot of margin will be generated on the divided medium on which print jobs B are printed. Some users may tolerate some work, such as changing the post-processing equipment or replacing parts in the post-processing equipment, rather than having excessive margins and wasting print media PM. 【0018】 Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted that allows for efficient post-processing and prevents the generation of excessive margins. The configuration of each device in the system that assigns such print jobs will be described below. 【0019】 (1-1) Administrator terminal configuration: Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the administrator terminal 20. The administrator terminal 20 comprises a processor 20a, a communication unit 20b, a storage medium 20c, a display 20d, and an input unit 20e. The processor 20a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the storage medium 20c to control each part of the administrator terminal 20. 【0020】 The processor 20a may consist of a single chip, multiple chips, or be configured as an SoC with various functional blocks that operate each part. Furthermore, for example, an ASIC may be used instead of a CPU, or a configuration in which a CPU and an ASIC cooperate is also possible. If each device in this embodiment is equipped with a processor, that processor can be implemented in various forms, similar to the processor 20a. 【0021】 The communication unit 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The administrator terminal 20 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 20b. The communication unit 20b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memory devices installed in the administrator terminal 20. 【0022】 The storage medium 20c of the administrator terminal 20 stores a print file 20c1, which represents the print image requested by the client. The print file 20c1 may be recorded on the storage medium 20c in any manner. For example, the print file 20c1 prepared by the client who requested the print may be recorded in removable memory and transferred from the removable memory to the storage medium 20c via the communication unit 20b. Alternatively, the print file 20c1 may be obtained from an external device via a network. Furthermore, a user may create the print file 20c1 using an application program or the like with the administrator terminal 20 and record it on the storage medium 20c. Of course, a user may also edit a document created by the client to generate the print file 20c1 and record it on the storage medium 20c. 【0023】 The display 20d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 20e is a device that the user uses to perform input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. In any case, the user can input their intentions by operating the input unit 20e while viewing the images and characters displayed on the display 20d. 【0024】 The user can access the print control device 10 and perform various inputs using the display 20d and input unit 20e of the administrator terminal 20 as a user interface. These inputs include those for generating print jobs. These inputs include sending the print file 20c1 to the print control device 10, specifying the printing conditions when printing an image based on the print file 20c1, and specifying post-processing after printing by the print job. 【0025】 (1-2) Configuration of the print control device: Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the print control device 10. The print control device 10 comprises a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, and a storage medium 10c. The processor 10a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the storage medium 10c to control various parts of the print control device 10 and various devices connected to the network. 【0026】 The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The print control device 10 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 10b. The communication unit 10b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memories installed in the print control device 10. 【0027】 Various types of information are stored in the storage medium 10c of the print control device 10. For example, the storage medium 10c stores print job data 10c1 generated based on the print file 20c1, division information 10c2 which is information related to the processing of dividing the print medium PM, and assignment information 10c3 which indicates the print jobs that have been assigned to the area on the print medium PM corresponding to each of the divided media. 【0028】 The print job data 10c1 is data that indicates a print job generated by the user. Figure 6 shows an example of print job data 10c1. Here, the print job identification information is indicated as print job 1, print job 2, etc., the print files are indicated as print file A, B, etc., and the print conditions are indicated as print conditions A1, A2, B1, B2, etc. The print file is the print file 20c1 uploaded by the user and indicates the content to be printed. The form of the print file can be any form, for example, it can consist of a PDF file showing the print image, etc. The print conditions are the conditions when printing the print file and may include any conditions such as print quality, print speed, colors used for printing, number of copies, type of printing medium, etc. In addition, the print job data 10c1 is associated with post-processing information that indicates post-processing to be performed on the print medium after printing by the print job. 【0029】 The division information 10c2 is information indicating the method of dividing the printing medium PM. In this embodiment, it is determined that the cutting direction when dividing the printing medium PM is aligned with the transport direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the division information 10c2 is defined by the number of divided media obtained after division. For example, in the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the printing medium PM is divided into three media perpendicular to the transport direction by cutting it in two places along the dashed line. In this example, the number of divided media, 3, becomes the division information 10c2. Note that here, an example is assumed in which the printing medium PM is divided into equal sizes perpendicular to the transport direction. 【0030】 The assignment information 10c3 is information indicating the print jobs that have been assigned to the area on the print medium PM corresponding to each of the divided media. In other words, in this embodiment, the assignment information 10c3 is defined by associating the identification information of the assigned print jobs with the identification information of the area corresponding to each of the divided media. Figure 7 shows an example of the assignment information 10c3. In Figure 7, the identification information of the areas corresponding to the three divided media is shown as area 1, 2, and 3, and the identification information of the print jobs is shown as print jobs 1, 2, and 3. 【0031】 (1-3) Configuration of the control terminal: Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control terminal 30. The control terminal 30 is a device that generates print data for printing according to print jobs on the printing device 40 and controls printing. The control terminal 30 comprises a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, a storage medium 30c, a display 30d, and an input unit 30e. The processor 30a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded on the storage medium 30c to control each part of the control terminal 30. 【0032】 The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The control terminal 30 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 30b. The communication unit 30b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memory devices installed in the control terminal 30. 【0033】 The storage medium 30c of the control terminal 30 records print data 30c1 for printing the print targets for multiple print jobs. In this embodiment, multiple print jobs are assigned to the print medium PM, and the print content for each print job is printed at the assigned location. The print data 30c1 is data for printing each print job in the state after the assignment. 【0034】 The processor 30a obtains, via the communication unit 30b, the arrangement of each print job on the printing medium PM and the print job data 10c1 for printing each print job. Based on the print job data 10c1 for each print job, the processor 30a performs image processing according to the printing conditions and generates print data for printing the contents of each print job. Then, the processor 30a integrates the print data for printing the contents of each print job and generates print data 30c1 for printing the contents on the printing medium PM according to the arrangement of each print job. 【0035】 When the print data 30c1 is generated, the processor 30a transmits the print data 30c1 to the printing device 40 via the communication unit 30b. As a result, the printing device 40 prints the contents of multiple print jobs onto the printing medium PM. 【0036】 The display 30d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 30e is a device for user input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. Various information may be displayed on the display 30d, and the user can perform various inputs by operating the input unit 30e. These displays 30d and input unit 30e may be used as user interfaces for various functions. For example, they may be used as user interfaces for checking the progress of print jobs or resolving print errors. 【0037】 (1-4) Configuration of the printing device: Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing device 40. The printing device 40 comprises a processor 40a, a communication unit 40b, a storage medium 40c, a printing unit 40d, and a UI unit 40e. The processor 40a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the storage medium 40c to control each part of the printing device 40. 【0038】 The communication unit 40b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printing device 40 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 40b. The communication unit 40b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memories installed in the printing device 40. 【0039】 The printing unit 40d is the part that performs printing, and various printing methods such as inkjet and electrophotography may be employed. The printing unit 40d is equipped with actuators, various devices, sensors, drive circuits, mechanical parts, etc., for performing printing on various printing media. The sensors include sensors that detect various detection targets that may change in the printing apparatus 40. The detection targets are not limited, and examples include sensors that detect the remaining amount of printing media and sensors that detect the remaining amount of ink for each color used for printing. 【0040】 The UI unit 40e includes a touch panel display and various keys and switches. The touch panel display includes a display panel that shows various information, such as the status of the printing device 40 and the remaining ink level, and a touch detection panel superimposed on the display panel to detect touch operations by a person's finger or the like. The processor 40a can acquire user operations via the UI unit 40e. The processor 40a can also display various information on the UI unit 40e's display and notify the user. The user may also be able to execute commands such as starting a print media change operation or interrupting a print job via the UI unit 40e. 【0041】 The processor 40a executes printing in response to instructions from the control terminal 30. That is, when printing for a print job is to be executed, print data 30c1 is passed from the control terminal 30 to the printing device 40. The processor 40a receives the print data 30c1 via the communication unit 40b and controls the printing unit 40d to execute printing of the content indicated by the print data 30c1. 【0042】 (2) Allocation process: In the system described above, the print control device 10, administrator terminal 20, control terminal 30, and printing device 40 work together to generate print jobs, register them with the print control device 10, and perform printing based on the registered print jobs. In this embodiment, the user registers print jobs with the print control device 10. The print control device 10 assigns the registered print jobs to areas corresponding to each of the divided media, places each print job in the assigned area, and performs printing. 【0043】 The processor 10a of the print control device 10 functions as a division information acquisition unit 10a1, a division unit 10a2, a job acquisition unit 10a3, and an assignment unit 10a4 by executing a program (not shown). The division information acquisition unit 10a1 is a function that acquires division information 10c2, which is information related to the process of dividing the printing medium PM along a predetermined direction. The division unit 10a2 is a function that divides the printing area of ​​the printing medium PM into multiple areas based on the division information 10c2. The job acquisition unit 10a3 is a function that acquires a print job that includes post-processing information indicating the process after printing. The assignment unit 10a4 is a function that assigns the newly acquired print job to one of the divided areas based on the post-processing information of the newly acquired print job and the post-processing information of existing jobs assigned to each of the divided areas. 【0044】 The processor 10a assigns print jobs according to its respective functions. The assignment process for assigning print jobs will be described below. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the assignment process. When the assignment process starts, the processor 10a acquires the division information 10c2 using the function of the division information acquisition unit 10a1 (step S100). In this embodiment, the division information 10c2 is generated by the user. That is, the user operates the input unit 20e of the administrator terminal 20 to specify the number of divisions when dividing the print medium PM printed by the printing device 40 into divided media. The processor 20a acquires the user's input and transmits it to the print control device 10 via the communication unit 20b. The processor 10a of the print control device 10 acquires the number of divisions of the print medium PM via the communication unit 10b and stores it as division information 10c2 in the storage medium 10c. 【0045】 Next, the processor 10a divides the printing area using the function of the division unit 10a2 (step S105). That is, the processor 10a identifies the size of the printing medium PM set in the printing device 40 and identifies the length of each divided medium perpendicular to the transport direction by dividing the length perpendicular to the transport direction by the number indicated by the division information 10c2. For example, in the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the length obtained by dividing the printing medium PM into three parts perpendicular to the transport direction becomes the length of the divided medium perpendicular to the transport direction. The printing area on the printing medium PM is identified in advance, and the printing area present on each divided medium becomes the printable area on the divided medium. The processor 10a identifies the printable area on each divided medium as the area where the printing content (images, text, etc.) of the print job can be placed. Furthermore, the processor 10a assigns identification information to each area corresponding to the divided medium obtained by the division, generates assignment information 10c3 including the identification information of each area, and stores it in the storage medium 10c. 【0046】 Next, the processor 10a determines whether or not a print job has been uploaded using the function of the job acquisition unit 10a3 (step S110). That is, the user can operate the input unit 20e of the administrator terminal 20 to generate and upload a desired print job at any time. Specifically, the user operates the input unit 20e to specify the print file 20c1, print conditions, and type of post-processing. Once this information is entered, the processor 20a adds identification information to the entered information and transmits it to the print control device 10 via the communication unit 20b. The processor 10a of the print control device 10 acquires this information via the communication unit 10b and saves it to the storage medium 10c as print job data 10c1. The processor 10a determines that a print job has been uploaded when new print job data 10c1 has been acquired and saved to the storage medium 10c. 【0047】 If it is determined in step S110 that a print job has not been uploaded, the processor 10a repeats the processing from step S110 onward. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that a print job has been uploaded, the processor 10a uses the function of the allocation unit 10a4 to determine whether or not there is an area to which a print job with the same post-processing has been allocated (step S115). Specifically, the processor 10a refers to the allocation information 10c3. If the allocation information 10c3 associates the identification information of a print job with the identification information of an area, the processor 10a refers to the print job data 10c1 for the print job indicated by the identification information and obtains the post-processing information. The processor 10a then determines that there is an area to which a print job with the same post-processing has been allocated if the post-processing of at least one of the allocated print jobs indicated in the allocation information 10c3 is the same as the post-processing of the print job uploaded in step S110. 【0048】 If, in step S115, it is determined that there is no area to which a print job with the same post-processing is assigned, then no print jobs with the same post-processing as the print job uploaded in step S110 are assigned to any of the areas. Therefore, the processor 10a assigns the print job uploaded in step S110 to the area with the fewest assigned print jobs (step S150) using the function of the assignment unit 10a4. 【0049】 On the other hand, if in step S115 it is determined that there are areas to which print jobs with the same post-processing have been assigned, the processor 10a sorts the areas in descending order of the number of print jobs with the same post-processing, using the function of the assignment unit 10a4 (step S120). That is, the processor 10a counts the types of post-processing for the assigned print jobs for each area and sorts the areas in descending order of the number of items. If the number of print jobs with the same post-processing is the same (including 0), the processor 10a sorts them in descending order of the number of assigned print jobs. 【0050】 Next, the processor 10a initializes the variable i, which represents the area, to 1 using the function of the allocation unit 10a4 (step S125). The variable i represents the order sorted in step S120. For example, the area with the most print jobs that undergo the same post-processing is number 1. 【0051】 Next, the processor 10a determines whether the variable i is less than or equal to the maximum value N, based on the function of the allocation unit 10a4 (step S130). Here, the maximum value N is the number of partitioning media (i.e., the number of regions). If it is not determined in step S130 that the variable i is less than or equal to the maximum value N, the processor 10a executes the process of step S150. 【0052】 On the other hand, in step S130, if it is determined that the variable i is less than or equal to the maximum value N, the processor 10a determines, using the function of the allocation unit 10a4, whether the number of print jobs in the i-th region is greater than or equal to a threshold (step S135). Here, the threshold is the maximum number of print jobs that can be lined up in the transport direction relative to the printing medium PM. In other words, in this embodiment, if more print jobs than the threshold are allowed to be lined up in the transport direction, it is considered that excessive margins will occur if the post-processing after printing of the print jobs is uneven. With the above configuration, the number of print jobs that can be allocated to one region can be limited to less than or equal to the threshold, and the occurrence of excessive margins can be prevented. 【0053】 In step S135, if it is determined that the number of print jobs in the i-th region is not greater than the threshold, the processor 10a assigns the print jobs uploaded in step S110 to the i-th region (step S145). If step S145 or S150 is performed, the processor 10a repeats the processing from step S110 onward. 【0054】 On the other hand, if in step S135 it is determined that the number of print jobs in the i-th region is greater than the threshold, the processor 10a increments the variable i (step S140) and repeats the processing from step S130 onward. Through this process, it is determined whether or not a print job can be assigned to the regions in the order in which they were sorted in step S120, and if it can be assigned, it is assigned. If it cannot be assigned, it is determined whether it can be assigned to the next region in the order. Therefore, in this embodiment, the possibility of printing jobs with the same post-processing being assigned to the same area can be increased. 【0055】 Figures 11-16 illustrate examples of assignments. These figures show examples of assigning uploaded print jobs to areas 1, 2, and 3, where print jobs have already been assigned. In these figures, print jobs A, B, C, and D are codes that classify print jobs according to the type of post-processing. For example, multiple print jobs labeled "Print Job A" are separate print jobs but have the same post-processing. Print jobs A and B, on the other hand, have different post-processing. 【0056】 In Figures 11 to 16, the numbers 1 to 5 are listed alongside the print jobs A, B, C, D, and A shown at the top, suggesting that these print jobs were uploaded in sequence. Below the uploaded print jobs, the print jobs assigned to areas 1, 2, and 3 are shown. For example, Figure 11 shows that 5 print jobs A are assigned to area 1, 3 print jobs B are assigned to area 2, and 1 print job C is assigned to area 3. Here, the maximum number of print jobs that can be arranged in the transport direction relative to the print medium PM is set to 5. 【0057】 This example explains how the first to fifth print jobs A, B, C, D, and A are assigned. When the first print job A is uploaded, since print job A with the same post-processing is assigned to area 1, processor 10a determines in step S115 that there are areas to which print jobs with the same post-processing are assigned. In this case, in step S120, processor 10a sorts the areas in descending order of the number of print jobs with the same post-processing. If the number of print jobs with the same post-processing is the same, processor 10a sorts them in descending order of the number of assigned print jobs. If there are multiple areas with zero print jobs with the same post-processing, these areas are sorted in descending order of the number of assigned print jobs because they all have zero print jobs with the same post-processing. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 11, the sorted order is areas 1, 3, and 2. 【0058】 Furthermore, in step S125, processor 10a sets variable i to 1 and targets area 1 for processing. Then, in step S135, processor 10a determines that area 1, which is the first area in the sorted order, has 5 print jobs, which is greater than or equal to the threshold of 5. For this reason, in step S140, variable i is set to 2, and area 3, which is the second area in the sorted order, becomes the target for processing. In this case, in step S135, it is determined that area 3 has 1 print job, which is not greater than or equal to the threshold of 5. Therefore, in step S145, processor 10a assigns the first uploaded print job A to area 3, as shown in Figure 12. In Figure 12, the assigned print jobs are shown with thick lines (the same applies below). Through the above processing, by continuing to assign print job A to area 1, it is possible to prevent the margins of area 3 from becoming excessively large compared to area 1. 【0059】 Next, when the second print job B is uploaded, since print job B, which has the same post-processing as print job B, is assigned to area 2, processor 10a determines in step S115 that there is an area to which a print job with the same post-processing is assigned. In this case, in step S120, processor 10a sorts the areas in descending order of the number of print jobs with the same post-processing. Furthermore, for areas where there are no print jobs with the same post-processing, processor 10a sorts the areas in descending order of the number of assigned print jobs. As a result, the sorted order is area 2, 3, 1. 【0060】 Furthermore, in step S125, processor 10a sets variable i to 1 and targets area 2 for processing. Then, in step S135, processor 10a does not determine that area 2, which is the first area in the sorted order, has 3 print jobs and is above the threshold. Therefore, in step S145, processor 10a assigns the second uploaded print job B to area 2, as shown in Figure 13. Through the above processing, the possibility of print jobs B, which have the same post-processing, being consolidated into area 2 can be increased, and it is possible to prevent an excessive amount of work such as changing post-processing equipment or replacing parts in post-processing equipment. 【0061】 Next, when the third print job C is uploaded, since print job C with the same post-processing is assigned to area 3, processor 10a determines in step S115 that there is an area to which a print job with the same post-processing is assigned. In this case, in step S120, processor 10a sorts the areas in descending order of the number of print jobs with the same post-processing. For areas where there are no print jobs with the same post-processing, processor 10a sorts the areas in descending order of the number of assigned print jobs. As a result, the sorted order is area 3, 2, 1. 【0062】 Furthermore, in step S125, processor 10a sets variable i to 1 and targets area 3 for processing. Then, in step S135, processor 10a does not determine that area 3, which is the first area in the sorted order, has 2 print jobs and is above the threshold. Therefore, in step S145, processor 10a assigns the third uploaded print job C to area 3, as shown in Figure 14. Through the above processing, the possibility of print jobs C with the same post-processing being consolidated into area 3 can be increased, and it is possible to prevent an excessive amount of work such as changing post-processing equipment or replacing parts in post-processing equipment. 【0063】 If a fourth print job D is uploaded, since no other print job with the same post-processing is assigned to any of the areas, the processor 10a does not determine in step S115 that there is an area to which a print job with the same post-processing is assigned. In this case, in step S150, the processor 10a assigns the fourth uploaded print job D to area 3, which has the fewest assigned print jobs, as shown in Figure 15. 【0064】 Next, when the fifth print job A is uploaded, since print job A with the same post-processing is assigned to areas 1 and 3, processor 10a determines in step S115 that there are areas to which print jobs with the same post-processing are assigned. In this case, in step S120, processor 10a sorts the areas in descending order of the number of print jobs with the same post-processing. As a result, the sorted order is areas 1, 3, and 2. This process reduces the possibility of excessively large margins. 【0065】 Furthermore, in step S125, processor 10a sets variable i to 1 and targets area 1 for processing. In this case, in step S135, processor 10a determines that the number of print jobs in area 1, which is the first area in the sorted order, is greater than or equal to the threshold, and sets variable i to 2 in step S140. In this case, processor 10a executes step S135 again and does not determine that the number of print jobs in area 3 is greater than or equal to the threshold of 5. Therefore, in step S145, processor 10a assigns the first uploaded print job A to area 3, as shown in Figure 16. Through the above processing, the possibility of print jobs A, which have the same post-processing, being consolidated in area 3 can be increased, and it is possible to prevent an excessive amount of work such as changing post-processing equipment or replacing parts in post-processing equipment. 【0066】 As described above, in this embodiment, the regions are sorted in descending order of the number of print jobs with the same post-processing. Therefore, the assignment of the print job uploaded in step S110 is determined based on the post-processing information of the existing jobs assigned to each region. Furthermore, when sorting the regions in descending order of the number of print jobs with the same post-processing, it can be said that the number of existing jobs with common post-processing information is being compared. Then, by determining whether or not the print job can be assigned in the sorted order, the configuration is such that the print job uploaded in step S110 is assigned to a region where the number of existing jobs with common post-processing information is relatively large. 【0067】 Here, we consider area 2 in Figures 12 and 13 as the first area and area 3 as the second area, and consider print jobs already assigned to the first area as the first existing job and print jobs already assigned to the second area as the second existing job. If the print job uploaded in step S110 is the second print job and the post-processing information indicates post-processing B, then there are 3 first existing jobs that share post-processing information with the print job uploaded in step S110, and 0 second existing jobs that share post-processing information with the print job uploaded in step S110. For this reason, the print job uploaded in step S110 is assigned to area 2, which has a larger number of common items. With this configuration, the possibility of print jobs with common post-processing being assigned to the same area can be increased, and it is possible to prevent an excessive amount of work such as changing post-processing equipment or replacing parts in post-processing equipment. 【0068】 (3) Printing process: Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the printing process. In this embodiment, the processor 10a performs the printing process when a predetermined trigger occurs. The predetermined trigger can take various forms; for example, it may occur every certain amount of time, or it may occur when the total number of print jobs assigned to each area exceeds a predetermined value, and so on. 【0069】 When the printing process begins, the processor 10a, using the function of the allocation unit 10a4, rearranges the print jobs within each area. That is, in the allocation process shown in Figure 10, print jobs with the same post-processing are assigned to the same area, but their placement on the divided medium is not specified. Therefore, the processor 10a, using the function of the allocation unit 10a4, selects an area to be processed (step S200). That is, the processor 10a selects one area from the areas registered in the allocation information 10c3 that is not the target of processing in steps S200 to S215, and sets it as the target of processing. 【0070】 Next, the processor 10a identifies the post-processing of the print job using the function of the allocation unit 10a4 (step S205). That is, the processor 10a identifies the identification information of the print job assigned to the area to be processed, refers to the print job data 10c1 for the identified print job, and identifies the post-processing associated with each print job. 【0071】 Next, the processor 10a, using the function of the allocation unit 10a4, arranges the print jobs in the area in order of the amount of post-processing required (step S210). That is, the processor 10a sorts the print jobs in order of the amount of post-processing required, as identified in step S205, and arranges the print jobs in the processing area so that they are lined up from the front in the transport direction in order of the amount of post-processing required (determining the print order). 【0072】 Once the allocation to each area is completed, the processor 10a updates the allocation information 10c3. Specifically, the processor updates the allocation information 10c3 by associating the identification information of the allocated print jobs with the identification information of the areas to be processed, in the order of printing. 【0073】 Next, the processor 10a determines whether all areas have been completed using the function of the allocation unit 10a4 (step S215). That is, if the processing in steps S200 to S215 is completed with all areas registered in the allocation information 10c3 as processing targets, the processor 10a determines that all areas have been completed. If it is not determined in step S215 that all areas have been completed, the processor 10a repeats the processing from step S200 onward. 【0074】 For example, if the assignment shown in Figure 16 was made, when the processing in steps S200 to S215 is completed, the print jobs will be updated to be sorted in descending order of the amount of post-processing required, so the sorting will be as shown in Figure 18. Specifically, in area 3, where print jobs with different post-processing requirements are mixed, two print jobs A and two print jobs C are assigned, and one print job D is assigned. Therefore, the sorting will be done so that there are two print jobs A, two print jobs C, and one print job D. In this example, however, since the number of print jobs A and C are the same, the sorting may also be done so that there are two print jobs C, two print jobs A, and one print job D. 【0075】 In the above process, the print jobs are sorted in descending order of the amount of post-processing required. Therefore, the print jobs are rearranged based on the post-processing information associated with each print job. Here, area 3 in Figure 16 is considered the first area, and the print jobs already assigned to the first area are considered the first existing jobs. The print jobs within the first area are rearranged in descending order of the amount of post-processing required for the first existing jobs, resulting in Figure 18. Here, a first sorting process is performed to rearrange the printing order of the first existing jobs in the transport direction based on the post-processing information of the first existing jobs assigned to the first area. 【0076】 If different post-processing print jobs are mixed in areas 1 and 2 of Figure 16, a similar sorting will occur. If different post-processing print jobs are mixed in area 2, and area 2 is considered the second area, and the print jobs already assigned to this second area are considered the second existing jobs, then the print jobs in the second area will be sorted in descending order of the amount of post-processing required by the second existing jobs. 【0077】 In this embodiment, since the print jobs are sorted in descending order of the amount of post-processing required, the sorting process ensures that the number of adjacent existing jobs containing different post-processing information is minimized. Therefore, the first sorting process reduces the number of adjacent first existing jobs containing different post-processing information compared to before sorting. The second sorting process reduces the number of adjacent second existing jobs containing different post-processing information compared to before sorting. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent an excessive amount of work such as changing post-processing equipment or replacing parts in post-processing equipment. 【0078】 On the other hand, if it is determined in step S215 that the entire area has been completed, the processor 10a issues a print command (step S220). Specifically, the processor 10a transmits the allocated and rearranged allocation information 10c3 and the print job data 10c1 of the print job indicated in the allocation information 10c3 to the control terminal 30 via the communication unit 10b. 【0079】 The processor 30a of the control terminal 30 receives this information via the communication unit 30b. Specifically, the processor 30a obtains the arrangement of each print job on the printing medium PM and the print job data 10c1 for printing each print job. Based on the print job data 10c1 for each print job, the processor 30a performs image processing etc. according to the printing conditions and generates print data for printing the contents of each print job. Then, the processor 30a integrates the print data for printing the contents of each print job and generates print data 30c1 for printing the contents on the printing medium PM according to the arrangement of each print job. The processor 30a transmits the print data 30c1 to the printing device 40 via the communication unit 30b. As a result, the printing device 40 prints the multiple print jobs on the printing medium PM in the arrangement shown in the allocation information 10c3. 【0080】 (4) Other embodiments: The embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention, and various other embodiments can be adopted. For example, in the embodiments described above, the print control device 10 and the administrator terminal 20 are configured as different devices, but they may be the same device or distributed across three or more devices. Also, the control terminal 30 and the printing device 40 may be integrated. Furthermore, multiple people may use a single terminal. For example, on the administrator terminal 20, a print job may be generated by one user, and the print command may be issued by another user. Furthermore, the data configurations shown in Figures 6 and 7 are not limited to these configurations. 【0081】 Furthermore, the processes shown in Figures 10 and 17 are examples, and various modifications, such as changes in order or omissions, may be made. For example, the assignment process shown in Figure 10 and the sorting process shown in Figure 17 may be performed simultaneously. Specifically, when a predetermined trigger occurs, such as when a predetermined number of uploaded print jobs (a number smaller than threshold × number of areas) has accumulated, or when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the previous processing, it is possible to employ a process that sorts the uploaded print jobs in descending order of the number of print jobs with the same post-processing, and then assigns the sorted print jobs sequentially starting from area 1. In addition, if the number of print jobs assigned to a certain area exceeds a threshold, the remaining print jobs may be assigned to other areas in descending order of the number of print jobs with the same post-processing. Thus, the assignment process may be implemented in various forms. 【0082】 The division information only needs to be information related to the process of dividing the printing medium along a predetermined direction. Therefore, the predetermined direction is not limited to the transport direction, but may be, for example, perpendicular to the transport direction. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the form of the division information is not limited to the number of divisions when dividing the printing medium PM into equal sizes in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. For example, the size of the divided media in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction may be any size, and the sizes of multiple divided media may differ. The division information only needs to be defined in a way that allows us to know the size of the divided media after division. 【0083】 The number of divisions by the division section is not limited to two; it may be divided into three or more sections. In this case, based on the division information, the printing area of ​​the printing medium may be divided into a first, second, and third area, or into a fourth or more areas. The post-processing information only needs to indicate the process after printing, and may include various types of information in addition to the type of post-processing. For example, it may include information indicating parts or equipment used in post-processing. It may also include information such as instructions for post-processing and delivery destinations. 【0084】 The allocation unit only needs to be able to assign the print job to be allocated to one of the divided areas based on the post-processing information of the print job to be allocated and the post-processing information of existing jobs, but other information may also be referenced. For example, allocation may be performed based on the number of existing jobs. 【0085】 Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable as a program or method executed by a computer. Moreover, such systems, programs, and methods may be implemented as a single device or by utilizing components from multiple devices, encompassing various embodiments. They can also be modified as appropriate, such as being partly software and partly hardware. Furthermore, the invention also functions as a recording medium for a program that controls the system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or any recording medium developed in the future can be considered in exactly the same way. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0086】 10…Print control device, 10a…Processor, 10a1…Split information acquisition unit, 10a2…Split unit, 10a3…Job acquisition unit, 10a4…Assignment unit, 10b…Communication unit, 10c…Storage medium, 10c1…Print job data, 10c2…Split information, 10c3…Assignment information, 20…Administrator terminal, 20a…Processor, 20b…Communication unit, 20c…Storage medium, 20c1…Print file, 20d…Display, 20e…Input unit, 30…Control terminal, 30a…Processor, 30b…Communication unit, 30c…Storage medium, 30c1…Print data, 30d…Display, 30e…Input unit, 40…Printing device, 40a…Processor, 40b…Communication unit, 40c…Storage medium, 40d…Printing unit, 40e…UI unit

Claims

[Claim 1] A division information acquisition unit acquires division information, which is information related to the process of dividing a printing medium along a predetermined direction. A division unit that divides the printing area of ​​the printing medium into a first area and a second area based on the division information, A job acquisition unit that acquires a print job including post-processing information indicating the process after printing, An assignment unit that assigns the print job to the first or second region based on the post-processing information of the print job, the post-processing information of the first existing job assigned to the first region, and the post-processing information of the second existing job assigned to the second region, A print control device equipped with the following features. [Claim 2] The aforementioned allocation unit is, The number of first existing jobs assigned to the first area that have common printing jobs and post-processing information, The number of second existing jobs assigned to the second area that share the same printing job and post-processing information is compared with the number of second existing jobs that share the same printing job and post-processing information. Assign the print job to an area with a large number of items. The print control device according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The number of print jobs that the allocation unit can assign to the first area and the second area is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The print control device according to claim 1. [Claim 4] The aforementioned allocation unit is, A first sorting process that rearranges the printing order of the first existing jobs in a predetermined direction based on the post-processing information of the first existing jobs assigned to the first region, A second sorting process is performed to rearrange the printing order of the second existing jobs in a predetermined direction based on the post-processing information of the second existing jobs assigned to the second area, Perform at least one of the following: The print control device according to claim 1. [Claim 5] The first sorting process is a process in which, after sorting, the number of adjacent first existing jobs containing different post-processing information from each other is reduced compared to before sorting. The second sorting process is a process in which, after sorting, the number of adjacent second existing jobs containing different post-processing information from each other is reduced compared to before sorting. The printing control device according to claim 4.

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