Printer settings device and printer settings program

Abstract

To reduce user configuration errors. [Solution] The print setting device comprises: a receiving unit that receives print jobs for printing a print area and a front area and a rear area adjacent to the print area in the transport direction of the printing medium, respectively; and a display unit that displays a batch setting unit for batch setting a first print job and a second print job, which are print jobs that are printed continuously on the printing medium, for a process to change the length of the first rear area, which is the rear area of ​​the first print job, and a process to change the length of the second front area, which is the front area of ​​the second print job.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing setting device and a printing setting program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique of printing information related to post-processing in an area adjacent to a printing area is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, in a configuration in which post-processing information indicating post-processing settings is printed at a position between the nth print target, the nth image, and the (n + 1)th print target, the (n + 1)th image, when there is no need to change the post-processing settings, a configuration is disclosed in which the print settings are changed so as not to print the post-processing information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technology, it is automatically determined that there is no need to change the post-processing settings in continuously printed images, and it is automatically set so as not to print the post-processing information. However, even when the post-processing settings are the same between continuously printed images, there may be cases where it is better not to omit the printing of the post-processing information. For example, when the delivery destinations of continuously printed printed materials are different, when continuously printed printed materials are post-processed by different post-processing devices, when post-processing is performed at different timings, etc., if the printing of the post-processing information is omitted, the content of the post-processing will become unclear.

[0005] Thus, in order to prevent the omission of necessary post-processing information, it is conceivable to make it possible for the user to set whether or not to omit the post-processing information. However, if user settings are enabled, inappropriate settings may be made due to setting errors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A print setting device according to one embodiment includes a receiving unit that receives print jobs for printing a print area and a front area and a rear area adjacent to the print area in the transport direction of the printing medium, respectively, and a display unit that displays a batch setting unit on the display unit for batch setting a first print job and a second print job, which are print jobs that are printed continuously on the printing medium, for a process to change the length of the first rear area, which is the rear area of ​​the first print job, and a process to change the length of the second front area, which is the front area of ​​the second print job.

[0007] Furthermore, the print setting program according to one embodiment causes the computer to function as a receiving unit that receives print jobs for printing a print area and a front area and a rear area adjacent to the print area in the transport direction of the printing medium, respectively, and a display unit that displays a batch setting unit on the display unit for batch setting a first print job and a second print job, which are print jobs that are printed continuously on the printing medium, for a process to change the length of the first rear area, which is the rear area of ​​the first print job, and a process to change the length of the second front area, which is the front area of ​​the second print job. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing an example of a system including a print settings device. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a print medium. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of the print settings device. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the server configuration. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of post-processing type information. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of print job data. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the configuration of the control terminal. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing the configuration of a printing device. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the printing process. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting the type of post-processing. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of a screen for registering a print job. [Figure 12] An example of a list of print jobs. [Figure 13] An example of a screen showing the specified print job. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of printing on a print medium. [Figure 15] An example of a screen showing the specified print job. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) System configuration: (1-1) Configuration of the print settings device: (1-2) Server configuration: (1-3) Configuration of the control terminal: (1-4) Configuration of the printing device: (2) Printing process: (3) Other embodiments:

[0010] (1) System configuration: FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a system including a print setting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a server 10, a print setting device 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 server 10 using the print setting device 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 the print setting device 20, the control terminal 30, and the printing device 40.

[0011] In the present embodiment, the server 10, the print setting device 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 server 10 or the print setting device 20. In the present embodiment, the system including the server 10 is a system for printing printed matter, but a post-processing device for performing other processes, such as surface processing or the like, on the printed matter after printing may be managed by the server 10.

[0012] 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 an image to be printed and inputs print conditions to generate a print job. In the present embodiment, the print job includes a job for printing information related to post-processing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, information related to post-processing is printed on the print medium together with the printed image.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a print medium PM. In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 40 is an apparatus that conveys and prints the print medium PM accumulated in a roll shape while pulling it out in the conveyance direction. In the printing apparatus 40, printing by a plurality of print jobs can be continuously executed. FIG. 2 shows an example when print jobs 1, 2, and 3 are printed continuously. The images to be printed in each of the print jobs 1, 2, and 3 are printed in the print areas Z1, Z2, and Z3, respectively.

[0014] Also, in the present embodiment, information regarding post-processing is printed in the front area and the rear area adjacent to the front and rear in the conveyance direction of the print medium with respect to the print area. In FIG. 2, the front area is shown as the front area F and the rear area R, and when distinguishing which print job area it is, the job number is associated with each symbol. For example, the front area F1 and the rear area R1 are the front area and the rear area of the print job 1. Similarly, when indicating the print area without distinguishing the print jobs, it is expressed as the print area Z, and when indicating the print area for each print job, it is expressed as, for example, the print area Z1 by associating the job number.

[0015] The information regarding post-processing is information that is referred to by a post-processing apparatus or a user who performs post-processing. For example, when the printed print medium is conveyed to the post-processing apparatus and post-processed, the post-processing apparatus reads the information regarding post-processing and determines the operation of the post-processing apparatus. Also, the user operates the post-processing apparatus according to the instructions indicated by the information regarding post-processing. Also, the front area and the rear area are not only used to transmit information but may also be used for position adjustment of the print medium in the post-processing apparatus. For example, as will be described later, when the post-processing apparatus is a cutting apparatus that cuts the medium into a predetermined shape, the position of the blade type set in the cutting apparatus and the position of the image on the printed print medium are adjusted while making an estimate by actually cutting the front area F or the rear area R, and then the cutting of the print area Z may be executed. That is, the front area and the rear area may be used as areas for position adjustment during cutting.

[0016] The front region F contains information regarding post-processing when the printing medium PM is set in the post-processing device and transported in the transport direction for post-processing. On the other hand, the rear region R contains information regarding post-processing when the printing medium PM is set in the post-processing device and transported in the opposite direction to the transport direction during printing for post-processing. For example, the front regions F1, F2, and F3 contain information regarding post-processing when the printing medium PM is transported in the transport direction and processed in printing regions Z1, Z2, and Z3, respectively. The rear regions R3, R2, and R1 contain information regarding post-processing when the printing medium PM is transported in the opposite direction to the transport direction and processed in printing regions Z3, Z2, and Z1, respectively. With this configuration, post-processing is possible regardless of the direction in which the printing medium PM is transported, and the efficiency of post-processing can be improved.

[0017] In the above configuration, if the post-processing information corresponding to consecutive print jobs is the same, it is possible to omit printing the post-processing information, i.e., printing in the front and rear areas. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, if the post-processing for print jobs 1 and 2 is the same, the information printed in the front areas F1 and F2 is the same, and the information printed in the rear areas R1 and R2 is the same. Furthermore, if the post-processing, including cutting, is the same, there is no need to change the blade set in the cutting device between the printing areas Z of print jobs 1 and 2.

[0018] Therefore, if the post-processing of print jobs 1 and 2 is performed consecutively using the same post-processing equipment, the rear area R1 and the front area F2 may be omitted. That is, when post-processing is performed while the printing medium PM is being transported in the transport direction, post-processing can be performed on both print jobs 1 and 2 using the information from the front area F1, and the front area F2 can be omitted. Also, when post-processing is performed while the printing medium PM is being transported in the opposite direction of the transport, post-processing can be performed on both print jobs 2 and 1 using the information from the rear area R2, and the rear area R1 can be omitted. Such omissions can shorten the time required for printing and reduce the amount of printing medium and colorants used.

[0019] However, there are cases where it is preferable not to omit the rear area R1 and the front area F2, such as when the post-processing of print jobs 1 and 2 is not performed consecutively by the same post-processing equipment. For example, if the delivery destinations for print jobs 1 and 2 are different, the print media PM containing print jobs 1 and 2 may not be processed consecutively by the post-processing equipment. In this case, since the post-processing of print job 1 is performed first and then the post-processing of print job 2, omitting the rear area R1 and the front area F2 would make the details of the post-processing unclear. Also, if print jobs 1 and 2 are processed by different post-processing equipment, omitting the rear area R1 and the front area F2 would make the details of the post-processing unclear.

[0020] Therefore, if the post-processing for consecutive print jobs is the same, automatically and uniformly omitting the printing of the front and back areas between adjacent print regions could result in a situation where necessary post-processing information is omitted. On the other hand, if the system is configured to allow the user to choose whether or not to omit the front and back areas, there is a possibility that meaningless selections may be made, such as omitting only one of the front or back areas.

[0021] Therefore, in this embodiment, the system is configured to minimize the possibility of incorrect settings being made due to setting errors when configuring print jobs. The configuration of each device in the system that realizes such notifications will be described below.

[0022] (1-1) Configuration of the print settings device: Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the print setting device 20. The print setting device 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 print setting device 20.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The communication unit 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The print setting device 20 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 20b. The communication unit 20b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memories installed in the print setting device 20.

[0025] The storage medium 20c of the print setting device 20 stores a print file 20c1 that 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 acquired from an external device via a network. Furthermore, a user may create a print file 20c1 using an application program or the like with the print setting device 20 and record it on the storage medium 20c. Of course, a user may also edit a document created by the client to generate a print file 20c1 and record it on the storage medium 20c.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The user can access the server 10 and make various inputs using the display 20d and input unit 20e of the print setting device 20 as a user interface. These inputs include registering the type of post-processing and generating a print job. The inputs for generating a print job include sending the print file 20c1 to the server 10 and specifying the printing conditions when printing an image based on the print file 20c1.

[0028] The processor 20a executes a predetermined program (not shown) to configure settings related to print jobs and functions as a reception unit 20a1 and a display unit 20a2. The reception unit 20a1 includes the function of receiving print jobs to print a print area Z and adjacent front area F and rear area R in the transport direction of the printing medium PM relative to the print area Z. The display unit 20a2 includes the function of displaying a batch setting unit on the display unit for batch setting settings related to both a first print job and a second print job, which are print jobs that are printed consecutively on the printing medium PM, specifically a process to change the length of the first rear area, which is the rear area of ​​the first print job, and a process to change the length of the second front area, which is the front area of ​​the second print job.

[0029] Specifically, the processor 20a controls the display 20d using the functions of the display unit 20a2 to display a user interface for inputting information about a print job. The user operates the input unit 20e while viewing the user interface and makes various inputs. Once various inputs are made, the processor 20a accepts the input content using the functions of the reception unit 20a1.

[0030] The user can provide input to generate a print job as one of the inputs. That is, the user operates the input unit 20e to specify a desired print file that indicates the content to be printed in the print area Z. The processor 20a accepts the specification of the print file 20c1 that indicates the content to be printed in the print area Z, using the function of the reception unit 20a1. The user also operates the input unit 20e to specify the printing conditions for printing in the print area Z. The processor 20a accepts the printing conditions for printing in the print area Z, using the function of the reception unit 20a1.

[0031] Furthermore, the user operates the input unit 20e to specify the type of post-processing. The type of post-processing is defined in advance by the user and is information indicating the type of post-processing to be performed after printing on the printing medium PM. Details regarding the type of post-processing will be described later. Once the type of post-processing is identified, the processor 20a generates a post-processing print file to print information indicating the content of that type of post-processing in the front area F and the rear area R.

[0032] The processor 20a transmits the print file 20c1, the printing conditions for printing using the print file 20c1, and the print file for post-processing to the server 10 via the communication unit 20b. The processor 10a of the server 10 receives this information and generates print job data 10c1 for printing (details will be described later).

[0033] In this embodiment, the user can also generate a print job to print multiple print jobs consecutively. When the user initiates the setup for printing multiple print jobs consecutively via the input unit 20e, the processor 20a requests a list of print jobs from the server 10 via the communication unit 20b. Once the list of print jobs is sent from the server 10, the processor 20a displays the list of print jobs on the display 20d using the functions of the display unit 20a2.

[0034] When the user selects the print jobs to be printed and the print order, the processor 20a, using the function of the display unit 20a2, displays a batch setting unit on the display 20d for setting whether or not to omit (set the length to 0) the front area F and the rear area R between the two print jobs if the post-processing type of the print jobs printed consecutively on the print medium PM is the same. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, if the post-processing type of print job 1 and print job 2 is the same, the processor 20a displays a batch setting unit on the display 20d for setting whether or not to omit the front area F2 and the rear area R1.

[0035] Therefore, if we define print job 1 as the first print job and print job 2 as the second print job, and define the rear area R1 of print job 1 as the first rear area and the front area F2 of print job 2 as the second front area, then a batch setting section will be displayed for performing settings related to both the process of changing the length of the first rear area and the process of changing the length of the second front area in one go. An example of the batch setting section will be described in detail later.

[0036] When the user makes input using the batch setting unit, the processor 20a transmits information about the print jobs to be printed consecutively to the server 10 via the communication unit 20b. Specifically, the processor 20a transmits the identification information of the print jobs and information indicating the printing order to the server 10. In addition, if the user instructs the batch setting unit to omit the front area F and the rear area R, the processor 20a transmits information via the communication unit 20b indicating the print jobs for which omission has been instructed. Based on the transmitted information, the processor 10a of the server 10 generates print jobs for consecutive printing.

[0037] (1-2) Server configuration: Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 10. Server 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 on the storage medium 10c to control various parts of server 10 and devices connected to the network.

[0038] The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The server 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 memory devices installed in the server 10.

[0039] Various types of information are stored in the storage medium 10c of the server 10. For example, the storage medium 10c stores print job data 10c1 generated based on the print file 20c1, and post-processing type information 10c2 indicating the type of post-processing generated by the user.

[0040] Figure 5 shows an example of post-processing type information 10c2. Post-processing type information 10c2 is information indicating post-processing to be performed on the printed media PM after the print job has been executed. Specifically, post-processing type information 10c2 includes identification information indicating the type of post-processing, information indicating the type of post-processing and the parameters of the post-processing, and text indicating important information. The type of post-processing can be selected from the types of post-processing that can be performed on the post-processing equipment available to the user. The parameters of the post-processing are information for specifying variable elements within the same type of post-processing. The text indicating important information is information to be communicated to the user performing the post-processing, and may include, for example, the post-processing procedure, identification information of the print job, the delivery destination, the delivery deadline, etc.

[0041] Figure 5 illustrates the identification information for post-processing types, namely post-processing A and post-processing B. Furthermore, for post-processing A, it is indicated that the printed medium should be cut by a cutting device and laminated by a laminating device after printing. In this embodiment, the cutting device allows for the selection and setting of the blade type; therefore, in post-processing A with cutting, an example is shown where blade type A is selected as the parameter. The blade type is appropriately selected according to the type of printed medium and the shape to be cut.

[0042] The user can access the server 10 by operating the input unit 20e of the print setting device 20, associate information on post-processing to be performed after printing with identification information indicating the type of post-processing, and register the post-processing type information 10c2. In this embodiment, the information indicating the post-processing indicated by the post-processing type information 10c2 is printed in the front area F and the rear area R. For example, in post-processing A shown in Figure 5, information indicating the post-processing to be performed by the cutting device is printed in the front area F, and information indicating the post-processing to be performed by the laminating device is printed in the rear area R. In addition, text indicating important information is printed in at least one of the front area F and the rear area R.

[0043] The user generates a print job by operating the input unit 20e of the print setting device 20 to access the server 10, uploading a print file 20c1, and registering the print conditions. Furthermore, the user can select and specify post-processing to be performed after printing the print job from pre-registered post-processing type information 10c2. The print job data 10c1 is data indicating a print job generated by the user. The print job data 10c1 may be defined in various ways. In this embodiment, the print job data 10c1 associates the print job identification information with a print file indicating the content to be printed and the print conditions. Additionally, a processing print file, which is a print file indicating the type of post-processing to be performed on the print medium PM after printing the print job, is associated with the print job identification information.

[0044] 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 Condition A1, A2, B1, B2, etc. The print file is the print file 20c1 uploaded by the user, and it shows 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.

[0045] The information indicating the type of post-processing shows the contents of the post-processing type information 10c2, and the post-processing print file is a print file for printing the contents of the post-processing type information 10c2. That is, the post-processing type information 10c2 includes the type of post-processing to be performed, parameters, and message text for the post-processing type identification information. The print job data 10c1 includes a post-processing print file, which is a print file that prints this information onto a print medium. In this embodiment, the print contents indicated by the print file are printed in print area Z. In addition, the print contents indicated by the post-processing print file are printed in the front area F and the rear area R. Figure 6 shows an example where the post-processing print file for print job 1 is a file indicating the contents of post-processing A, and the post-processing print file for print job 2 is a file indicating the contents of post-processing B. Note that the printing conditions for printing in the front area F and the rear area R may be the same as or different from the printing conditions for print area Z. Here, it is assumed that they are the same.

[0046] In server 10, individual print job data 10c1 can be stored in the storage medium 10c as described above. Therefore, when a print execution command is issued for an individual print job, it is possible to print based on that print job. On the other hand, the user can also print multiple print jobs consecutively. In this case, the user sets the print jobs to be printed and the print order, and the batch setting unit sets whether or not to omit the forward area F and backward area R that exist between the print areas Z of consecutive print jobs.

[0047] When this setting is made, the print setting device 20 transmits information indicating the identification information and printing order of the print jobs, as well as information indicating the print jobs that have been instructed to be omitted. The processor 10a of the server 10 receives the transmitted information via the communication unit 10b. The processor 10a then arranges the print jobs in the specified printing order based on the identification information of the print jobs and generates print job data for printing in that order. If there are print jobs in which the front area F and the rear area R have been instructed to be omitted, the processor 10a deletes the post-processing print files that would have printed the front area F and the rear area R that are located between the instructed print jobs.

[0048] For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, if the omission of the front area F and the rear area R in print jobs 1 and 2 is instructed, the processor 10a deletes the post-processing print file for printing the front area F2 and rear area R1 that exist between print jobs 1 and 2. Areas other than these, such as the front area F1 and rear area R2, are not deleted.

[0049] (1-3) Configuration of the control terminal: Figure 7 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The storage medium 30c of the control terminal 30 records print data 30c1 for printing the print target for the print job. The print data 30c1 is data generated by the processor 30a performing image processing etc. according to the printing conditions based on the print job data 10c1. In other words, the processor 30a performs image processing etc. based on the print file 20c1 which indicates the contents to be printed in the print area Z, and generates print data for printing in the print area Z. The processor 30a also performs image processing etc. based on the post-processing print file, and generates print data for printing in the front area F and the rear area R.

[0052] The print data 30c1 is generated by arranging these print data according to the printing order. That is, the print data is arranged in the order of front area F, printing area Z, and back area R. The processor 30a transmits the arranged print data to the printing device 40 via the communication unit 30b. As a result, the printing device 40 prints the print target for each area in the order of front area F, printing area Z, and back area R. That is, information indicating the subsequent process to be printed in front area F is printed in front area F, content specified by the user as the print target is printed in printing area Z, and information indicating the subsequent process to be printed in back area R is printed in back area R.

[0053] On the other hand, if the print job instructed by the server 10 is not a single print job but a print job that executes multiple print jobs in sequence, the processor 30a refers to the print file and post-processing print file included in each print job and performs image processing, etc., to generate print data for printing in the print area Z, front area F, and rear area R. However, the post-processing print files for the omitted front area F and rear area R are omitted and not sent from the server 10, so print data for the omitted front area F and rear area R is not generated.

[0054] The processor 30a then arranges the generated print data according to the printing order and transmits it to the printing device 40 via the communication unit 30b. As a result, the printing device 40 repeatedly prints the print targets for each area in the order of front area F, print area Z, and back area R. However, the omitted front area F and back area R are not printed.

[0055] The display 30d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 30e is a device that the user uses to perform 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 a print job or checking the omitted front area F and rear area R.

[0056] (1-4) Configuration of the printing device: Figure 8 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] (2) Printing process: In the system described above, the server 10, print setting device 20, control terminal 30, and printing device 40 work together to generate print jobs and perform printing based on the generated print jobs. The printing process will be explained below. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the printing process.

[0062] In this embodiment, the user inputs post-processing type information before printing using the functions of the reception unit 20a1 and the display unit 20a2 (step S200). Specifically, the processor 20a displays a user interface for inputting post-processing type information on the display 20d using the functions of the display unit 20a2. The user operates the input unit 20e to input identification information for the post-processing type, and inputs the type of post-processing to be performed, the parameters of the post-processing, and text indicating matters to be communicated for that post-processing type.

[0063] Figure 10 shows an example of a screen for inputting the type of post-processing. This screen allows input of the post-processing name as identification information for the type of post-processing. It also allows input of whether or not to perform post-processing using a cutting device or a laminating device. Furthermore, text can be entered as a message. The user operates the input unit 20e to input the desired information on this screen. Post-processing parameters can be entered when the post-processing is specified to be performed. For example, if "do" is specified for cutting, the type of blade and other parameters can be selected.

[0064] When a user enters information and operates the registration button, the processor 20a receives the entered information and transmits it to the server 10 via the communication unit 20b. The processor 10a of the server 10 receives the entered information via the communication unit 10b and registers the post-processing type information (step S100). That is, the processor 10a generates post-processing type information 10c2 based on the entered information and stores it in the storage medium 10c.

[0065] Furthermore, users can register print jobs at any time. To do this, users input information about print jobs using the functions of the reception unit 20a1 and the display unit 20a2 (step S205). Specifically, the processor 20a displays a user interface for registering print jobs on the display 20d using the functions of the display unit 20a2. The user operates the input unit 20e to input identification information for the print job, specify the printing conditions, specify the print file that will be printed, and specify the type of post-processing that should be performed for that print job.

[0066] Figure 11 shows the screen for registering a print job. The print job name can be entered on this screen. The user can also set print conditions using a separate screen by operating buttons for setting print conditions. Furthermore, the user can specify a post-processing type by selecting the identification information of any post-processing type from the post-processing type information 10c2 that has been registered in advance. Additionally, the user can specify a print file 20c1 that indicates the content to be printed in the print area Z of the print job. Figure 11 shows an example of specifying the print file 20c1 by its path.

[0067] When a user enters information and operates the registration button, the processor 20a receives the information entered by the user using the screen. Furthermore, the processor 20a obtains post-processing type information 10c2 corresponding to the identification information of the post-processing type specified by the user from the server 10, and generates a post-processing print file for printing the said post-processing type information 10c2. The processor 20a then sends the information entered by the user, the print file, and the post-processing print file to the server 10 via the communication unit 20b. The processor 10a of the server 10 receives the entered information via the communication unit 10b and registers the print job (step S105). That is, it associates the print file, print conditions, and post-processing print file with the identification information of the print job and saves it as print job data 10c in the storage medium 10c.

[0068] With post-processing type information 10c2 and print job data 10c1 registered, the user can instruct the execution of a desired print job at any time. In this embodiment, the user can instruct the execution of a print job by selecting a print job that has been registered as print job data 10c1 in the server 10.

[0069] To instruct the execution of a print job, the user displays a list of print jobs using the functions of the display unit 20a2 (step S210). For this purpose, the processor 20a sends a request to the server 10 via the communication unit 20b to send the list of print jobs. In response to this request, the processor 10a refers to the print job data 10c1, obtains the identification information of the print job and the identification information of the post-processing type corresponding to each print job, and sends them to the print setting device 20 (step S110). Here, the user who registers the print job and the user who issues the execution instruction for the registered print job may be different users.

[0070] The processor 20a acquires the identification information via the communication unit 20b and controls the display 20d using the functions of the display unit 20a2 to display a list of the identification information. Figure 12 shows an example of the list display. In the example shown in Figure 12, the print job name, which is the identification information of the print job, and the post-processing name, which is the identification information of the type of post-processing, are displayed in a list arranged vertically. In this example, a checkbox 51 is associated with each print job to specify whether or not to instruct the execution of printing.

[0071] Next, the processor 20a accepts the selection of a print job using the function of the reception unit 20a1 (step S215). Specifically, the user operates the input unit 20e and selects the print job to be printed using the screen shown in Figure 12, and checks the checkbox 51 displayed on this screen. At this time, the user can also operate the input unit 20e to rearrange the print jobs. Once rearranged, the processor 20a controls the display 20d to change the order of the print jobs and considers the rearranged order to be the printing order of the print jobs. The order of the print jobs is the printing execution order, and printing is performed from top to bottom. After selecting the print jobs and specifying the execution order, the user indicates that the selection is complete. If the screen is as shown in Figure 12, the user indicates that the selection is complete by clicking the "Next" button.

[0072] When the selection is complete, the processor 20a displays the selected print jobs on the display 20d using the functions of the display unit 20a2 (step S220). Specifically, the processor 20a displays the print jobs selected in step S215 in the specified print order. Figure 13 shows an example of a screen where the specified print jobs are displayed. In Figure 13, the print order is shown associated with the print job name, which is the identification information of the print job selected by the user. In addition, each print job is associated with a post-processing name, which is the identification information of the type of post-processing.

[0073] Next, the processor 20a determines, using the functions of the display unit 20a2, whether the identification information for the post-processing type matches in consecutive print jobs (step S225). Specifically, the processor 20a identifies the print order of the print jobs currently displayed on the display 20d and compares the identification information for the post-processing type of consecutive print jobs. If there is one or more sets of print jobs with matching identification information for the post-processing type, the processor 20a determines that the identification information for the post-processing type matches in consecutive print jobs.

[0074] In step S225, if it is determined that the identification information for the post-processing type does not match for consecutive print jobs, the processor 20a skips steps S230 and S235. In step S225, if it is determined that the identification information for the post-processing type matches for consecutive print jobs, the processor 20a uses the function of the display unit 20a2 to display the batch setting unit in association with consecutive print jobs that have matching identification information for the post-processing type (step S230). In this embodiment, the batch setting unit is displayed when the identification information for the post-processing type matches for consecutive print jobs, that is, when the post-processing type is the same. In the example shown in Figure 13, the post-processing types for print jobs 2 and 3 match, and the post-processing types for print jobs 3 and 4 match. Therefore, the processor 20a displays the batch setting unit corresponding to print jobs 2 and 3 and the batch setting unit corresponding to print jobs 3 and 4 on the display 20d. In other words, the batch setting unit becomes active.

[0075] In this embodiment, the identification information of the print jobs is displayed within rectangular frames and arranged vertically. The batch setting unit is configured by displaying a checkbox 52 within a rectangular frame that extends from the vertical center of one frame to the vertical center of the other frame. Furthermore, if the post-processing information of consecutive print jobs does not match, the batch setting unit is not displayed. In other words, the batch setting unit is disabled. In the example shown in Figure 13, the post-processing types of print jobs 1 and 2 do not match, and the post-processing types of print jobs 4 and 5 do not match. Therefore, the processor 20a does not display the checkboxes 52 corresponding to print jobs 1 and 2, and the checkboxes 52 corresponding to print jobs 4 and 5, on the display 20d.

[0076] In this embodiment, the batch setting unit is the part that sets whether or not to collectively omit (set the length to 0) the front area F and the rear area R of consecutive print jobs. That is, if checkbox 52 is checked, printing of the front area F and the rear area R sandwiched between the corresponding print jobs will be omitted. If checkbox 52 is not checked, printing of the front area F and the rear area R sandwiched between the corresponding print jobs will not be omitted.

[0077] The user operates the input unit 20e to input information for the checkbox 52 displayed in step S230, specifying whether or not to omit printing of the front area F and the rear area R. The processor 20a accepts the user's input (step S235). Here again, the user can operate the input unit 20e to rearrange the print jobs, and the processor 20a considers the rearranged order of the print jobs as the print order.

[0078] Next, the processor 20a determines whether or not sorting has been performed using the function of the display unit 20a2 (step S240). If sorting has been performed, the processor 20a repeats the process from step S225 onward. That is, the processor 20a displays the batch setting unit based on the post-processing information of the sorted print jobs.

[0079] If it is not determined in step S240 that a rearrangement has been performed, the processor 20a determines whether or not a print command has been received (step S245). That is, in the screen shown in Figure 13, a button for issuing a print command is displayed, and when the user operates the input unit 20e to perform an operation on the print button, the processor 20a considers that a print command has been issued.

[0080] If it is determined in step S245 that a print command has not been received, the processor 20a repeats the processing from step S240 onward. If it is determined in step S245 that a print command has been received, the processor 20a sends the input content to the server 10 (step S250). That is, the processor 20a sends to the control terminal 30 via the communication unit 20b identification information and information indicating the print order of print jobs to be printed consecutively, as well as information indicating print jobs that have been instructed to be omitted.

[0081] The processor 10a of the server 10 receives the transmitted input content via the communication unit 10b (step S115). Then, based on the identification information of the print jobs, the processor 10a arranges the print jobs in the specified print order and generates print job data for printing in that print order (step S120). If there are print jobs for which the front area F and rear area R are instructed to be omitted, the processor 10a deletes the post-processing print files for printing the front area F and rear area R that are present between the instructed print jobs.

[0082] Next, the processor 10a transmits the print job data to the control terminal 30 via the communication unit 10b (step S125). The processor 30a of the control terminal 30 receives the print job data via the communication unit 30b (step S300) and executes printing (step S305). That is, the processor 30a generates print data by performing image processing, etc., on the print files included in the received print job data in the order of printing. Then, the processor 30a outputs the print data to the printing device 40 in the order of printing, causing the printing device 40 to execute printing.

[0083] Here, we assume a scenario where, as illustrated in Figure 13, print jobs 1 to 5 are instructed to be printed in order, checkbox 52a corresponding to print jobs 2 and 3 is left unchecked, and checkbox 52b corresponding to print jobs 3 and 4 is checked. In other words, we assume a scenario where the omission of the front area F and rear area R between print jobs 2 and 3 is not instructed, and the omission of the front area F and rear area R between print jobs 3 and 4 is instructed. In this case, as shown in Figure 14, the print contents of print jobs 1 to 5 are printed on the print medium PM in print areas Z1 to Z5, respectively. Also, since the omission of the front area F and rear area R between print jobs 3 and 4 is instructed, the rear area R3 of print job 3 and the front area F4 of print job 4 are not printed. Furthermore, although the post-processing types of print jobs 2 and 3 match, the omission of the front area F and rear area R between print jobs 2 and 3 is not instructed, so the rear area R2 of print job 2 and the front area F3 of print job 3 are printed.

[0084] In the above configuration, if the post-processing information of consecutive print jobs matches, it is possible to set whether to omit the front region F and the rear region R sandwiched between the consecutive print jobs all at once or not. That is, in this embodiment, if one of the consecutive print jobs is the first print job and the other is the second print job, the configuration enables or disables the operation to the batch setting unit based on the first post-processing information indicating the post-processing of the first print job and the second post-processing information indicating the post-processing of the second print job.

[0085] For example, in the example shown in Figure 13, when print job 1 is considered the first print job and print job 2 is considered the second print job, the post-processing information for the first print job is post-processing A, and the post-processing information for the second print job is post-processing B, and the post-processing information for the first and second print jobs are not common. For this reason, checkbox 52 is not displayed between print job 1 and print job 2, and operations on the batch setting unit for these print jobs are disabled. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent accidentally instructing the system to omit the front area F and the rear area R, which should not be omitted.

[0086] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 13, when print job 2 is considered the first print job and print job 3 is considered the second print job, the post-processing information for the first print job is post-processing B, and the post-processing information for the second print job is post-processing B, and the post-processing information for the first and second print jobs are common. For this reason, checkbox 52 is displayed between print job 2 and print job 3, and it can be said that operations on the batch setting unit for these print jobs are enabled. With this configuration, it is possible to set whether or not to omit the optional front area F and rear area R in a batch. However, with this configuration, batch setting is possible, but individual setting is not. That is, it is not possible to set whether or not to omit the front area F and rear area R individually. Accordingly, meaningless omissions, such as omitting only one of the front area F or rear area R, are prevented.

[0087] In the above configuration, the batch setting unit is a setting unit that sets the forward area F and backward area R between consecutive print jobs. Areas that are not subject to batch setting by the batch setting unit are not subject to batch setting. Specifically, when the post-processing information of consecutive print jobs matches, the processor 20a displays the batch setting unit which selects to omit the forward area F and backward area R that exist between consecutive print jobs. However, for print jobs that are not consecutive, or for print jobs that are consecutive but whose post-processing information does not match, the processor 20a does not display the batch setting unit which selects to omit the forward area F and backward area R.

[0088] For example, consider a case where print jobs 1 and 2 are consecutive and no other print jobs exist. In this case, print job 1 is designated as the first print job, and print job 2 as the second print job. The front area F1 of print job 1 is considered the first front area, and the rear area R1 is considered the first rear area. Furthermore, the front area F2 of print job 2 is considered the second front area, and the rear area R2 is considered the second rear area.

[0089] In this case, the screen displayed in step S225 will be as shown in Figure 15. That is, a batch setting section will be displayed that allows simultaneous selection of settings for both the process of changing the length of the first rear area and the process of changing the length of the second front area. On the other hand, the setting section that allows setting settings for the process of changing the length of the first front area and the process of changing the length of the second rear area will not be displayed. Therefore, it is not possible to set settings for the process of changing the length of the first front area and the process of changing the length of the second rear area, which is the rear area of ​​the second print job. With this configuration, the user will not accidentally omit the front area F and rear area R, which cannot be omitted.

[0090] (3) 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 server 10 and the print setting device 20 are composed of 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, the execution order of the processes in Figure 9 is not limited to the order shown in these figures. For example, in Figure 9, steps S100, S105 and steps S200, S205 are represented as consecutive blocks, but the order may be different, the timing of the execution of the processes may be arbitrary, and they do not have to be executed consecutively.

[0091] Furthermore, a single terminal may be used by multiple users. For example, in the print setting device 20, a print job may be generated by one user, while the print command is issued by another user. Moreover, the data configurations shown in Figures 5 and 6 are not limited to these configurations. For example, instead of selecting post-processing information from predetermined post-processing type information 10c2, post-processing information may be generated and associated for each print job. In this case, whether the post-processing information matches is determined by comparing the post-processing information of consecutive print jobs. Furthermore, the print files for processing may be generated by the server 10 or the control terminal 30.

[0092] The reception unit only needs to be able to accept print jobs for printing on the print area and the front and rear areas adjacent to the print area in the direction of transport of the printing medium. In other words, a print job prints images, text, and other information on each of the print area, front area, and rear area. A print job only needs to be able to print the target to be printed on each area. Therefore, a print job includes at least the images, etc. to be printed on each area and the printing conditions for printing the images, etc.

[0093] The print area is any area on the printing medium designated for printing images or other content, and the images or content printed in this print area are ultimately used as the printed material. On the other hand, the front area and back area are areas on the printing medium where information other than images or other content that should be included in the final printed material is printed. Therefore, various types of information other than post-processing information may be printed in the front and back areas. For example, various types of information may be printed in the print area, such as identification information for the image to be printed (file name, etc.), delivery date, delivery destination, information regarding necessary processing for the printed material (transportation destination, work procedures for delivery, etc.), and frames for position adjustment during cutting.

[0094] The front and rear regions are areas adjacent to the printing region in the forward and backward directions of transport of the printing medium. In other words, it is sufficient that the system is configured to allow access to information in the front or rear region before the printing region when the printed medium is transported along the transport direction. The size, shape, etc., of the printing region, front region, and rear region are not limited.

[0095] The display unit should be able to display a batch setting unit for setting both the length of the first rear area, which is the rear area of ​​the first print job, and the length of the second front area, which is the front area of ​​the second print job, with respect to the first and second print jobs, which are print jobs that are printed consecutively on the print medium. In other words, the display unit should be able to display a user interface that allows setting the length of the first rear area and the length of the second front area together, rather than individually, using the batch setting unit.

[0096] The first and second print jobs are jobs that are printed consecutively on the printing medium. That is, focusing on the printing area, the image shown by the second print job is printed after the image shown by the first print job. Of course, there are front and back areas before and after the printing area, and if there is something to be printed in each area, some information will be printed in each area. The processes for changing the length of the first back area and the second front area can be any processes that change the length of the area, and the length can be shortened or lengthened. It also includes the process of setting the length to 0.

[0097] Various methods can be employed to shorten the lengths of the front region F and the rear region R. For example, a configuration can be adopted in which the lengths are adjusted so that information common to consecutive print jobs among the post-processing information is omitted, and information that is not common is printed. Alternatively, even if the information is omitted, it may still be possible to perform consecutive post-processing, but information that is convenient to have printed may be left in place to shorten the lengths of the front region F and the rear region R. For example, in order to distinguish the printed materials after post-processing, a configuration may be adopted in which print job identification information is not omitted and is printed.

[0098] The batch setting unit only needs to be able to execute settings for both the process of changing the length of the first rear area and the process of changing the length of the second front area in a single operation. In other words, it is sufficient that the unit is configured to allow the processes of changing the length of the first rear area and the process of changing the length of the second front area to be performed in a single operation, rather than individually. The settings made by the batch setting unit only need to involve changing the length of the area, and are not limited to settings that involve omitting printing on the first rear area and the second front area. For example, it may be a setting that changes the length of the area by omitting some of the information printed within the area. The length of the set area can be the length in any direction, and is not limited to the length along the transport direction.

[0099] In the above embodiment, whether or not the post-processing information of consecutive print jobs is common is determined based on whether or not the post-processing type is the same. Whether or not the post-processing information is common is not limited to cases where all of the post-processing information is exactly the same; partial matching is also acceptable. In other words, whether or not the post-processing information is common may be determined by whether or not the post-processing of the print job is carried out as planned, even if the printing of post-processing information to the front area F and the rear area R is omitted.

[0100] For example, even if some post-processing information differs, if printing is omitted for some of the post-processing information in the forward area F and backward area R between consecutive print jobs, and the printed materials of the consecutive print jobs can be post-processed, completed on schedule, and delivered, then the post-processing information may be considered common. An example of such a configuration is when the post-processing information displays both a code readable by the post-processing device and characters readable by the user, and one of them is omitted.

[0101] 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]

[0102] 1…Print job, 2…Print job, 3…Print job, 4…Print job, 5…Print job, 10…Server, 10a…Processor, 10b…Communication unit, 10c…Storage medium, 10c1…Print job data, 10c2…Post-processing type information, 20…Print setting device, 20a…Processor, 20a1…Reception unit, 20a2…Display unit, 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, 400…Printing device

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives print jobs for printing on a printing area and adjacent front and rear areas in the forward and rear directions of transport of the printing medium relative to the printing area, A display unit for displaying a batch setting unit for batch setting settings related to both a process for changing the length of the first rear region, which is the rear region of the first print job, and a process for changing the length of the second front region, which is the front region of the second print job, with respect to a first print job and a second print job, which are print jobs that are printed consecutively on the printing medium, A print setting device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned display unit is The settings for both the process of changing the length of the first rear region and the process of changing the length of the second front region can be set collectively by the batch setting unit. The settings for the process of changing the length of the first front region, which is the front region of the first print job, and the process of changing the length of the second rear region, which is the rear region of the second print job, are made impossible. The print setting device according to claim 1.

3. Based on the first post-processing information indicating the post-processing of the first print job and the second post-processing information indicating the post-processing of the second print job, the operation to the batch setting unit is enabled or disabled. The print setting device according to claim 1.

4. When the first post-processing information and the second post-processing information are common, the operation to the batch setting unit is enabled. The print setting device according to claim 3.

5. If the first post-processing information and the second post-processing information are not common, the operation to the batch setting unit is disabled. The print setting device according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The aforementioned batch setting unit, This is an instruction unit for giving instructions to shorten the lengths of the first rear region and the second front region. The print setting device according to claim 1.

7. The front region has printed information relating to post-processing to be carried out by transporting the printing medium in the transport direction. The rear region is printed with information regarding post-processing performed by transporting the printing medium in the opposite direction to the transport direction. The print setting device according to claim 1.

8. Computers A receiving unit that receives print jobs for printing on a printing area and adjacent front and rear areas in the forward and backward directions of transport of the printing medium relative to the printing area, A display unit for displaying a batch setting unit for batch setting settings related to both a process for changing the length of the first rear region, which is the rear region of the first print job, and a process for changing the length of the second front region, which is the front region of the second print job, with respect to a first print job and a second print job, which are print jobs that are printed consecutively on the printing medium. A print settings program that functions as such.

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