Processing data generation device, sheet processing system, and processing data generation program

Abstract

To provide a processing data generating device that stores layout data, when a sheet processor can execute a processing job.SOLUTION: A processing data generating device comprises: a processing data generating part 42 that generates processing data concerning execution of a processing job to a sheet which is performed by at least one of process machines 10, 20 and 30, on the basis of layout data including arrangement data concerning arrangement of a product in a sheet S; a data storage determining part 43 that determines whether storing of the layout data is possible or not; and a transmitting / receiving part 48 that transmits and receives data and information, among the processing data generating part, the data storage determining part and at least one process machine. When determining that at least one process machine can execute the processing job on the basis of the information received through the transmitting / receiving part, the data storage determining part instructs storage of the layout data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a processing data generation device, a sheet processing system, and a processing data generation program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet processing machine that displays processing means setting information considering the processing content and processing order of a sheet based on the processing conditions of the sheet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, a sheet processing machine executes a processing job on a sheet on which a product is printed according to pre-created processing data. The processing data is created based on layout data including, for example, arrangement data regarding the arrangement of the product on the sheet. Conventionally, the layout data serving as the source of the processing data was saved, and by using the saved layout data, the product was printed on the sheet.

[0005] Since the created processing data may not be compatible with the specifications of the processing machine or the like, the processing job may become unexecutable. Conventionally, however, all the layout data was saved regardless of whether the processing job could be executed.

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a processing data generation device that saves layout data when the sheet processing machine can execute the processing job.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, according to the present invention, the following machining data generation device is provided.

[0008] That is, the machining data generation device according to the present invention A machining data generation unit that generates machining data related to the execution of a machining job on the sheet by at least one processing machine based on layout data including layout data related to the arrangement of products on the sheet; A data storage determination unit that determines whether the layout data can be stored; And a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives data and information between the machining data generation unit, the data storage determination unit, and the at least one processing machine, The data storage determination unit is characterized in that when it determines, based on the information received through the transmission / reception unit, that the machining job can be executed by the at least one processing machine, it instructs the storage of the layout data.

[0009] According to the above configuration, since it is determined whether to store useful layout data for which it is determined that the machining job can be executed, when newly executing the machining process of the sheet, the useful layout data can be utilized. As a result, it is possible to prevent the creation of waste sheets by performing a printing process on the sheet based on unnecessary layout data corresponding to the machining job even though the machining job is incompatible, and also to prevent the execution of wasteful machining processes on the waste sheets.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, an example of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, terms indicating a specific direction or position (for example, terms including "up", "down", "right", "left", "front", "rear") are used as necessary. However, the use of these terms is for facilitating the understanding of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the meanings of these terms. Further, the following description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of each dimension etc. do not necessarily match the actual ones.

[0012] (Sheet Processing System) The sheet processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the sheet processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing system 1 includes a processing data generation device 2 and a plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30. The processing data generation device 2 has a control unit 3 and a transmission / reception unit 48. At least one processing machine 10; 20; 30 is directly or indirectly connected to the processing data generation device 2 through a network or the like. For example, a plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 are connected. Note that a printing device (not shown) is connected to the processing data generation device 2, and the printing device (not shown) executes printing processing of the product on the sheet S based on the layout data.

[0013] Details of the layout data and the processing data will be described later. The layout data includes at least data regarding the arrangement of the product on the sheet S, and the processing data includes data regarding the position and type of processing on the sheet S. Note that the product is obtained as a result of at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 processing the sheet S, and examples thereof include pamphlets, greeting cards, postcards, tickets with half tickets, and leaflets with half tickets.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing system 1 has, for example, a first processing machine 10, a second processing machine 20, and a third processing machine 30 as a plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30. Each of the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 has at least one processing means (not shown) for executing a predetermined processing on the sheet S. The processing means executes, for example, cutting, forming of perforations, folding patterns, half cuts, etc., and folding processing on the sheet S.

[0015] The first processing machine 10 includes a first control unit 11, an input unit, a display unit, and a data storage unit (none of which are shown in the figures). The second processing machine 20 includes a second control unit 21, an input unit, a display unit, and a data storage unit (none of which are shown in the figures). The third processing machine 30 includes a third control unit 31, an input unit, a display unit, and a data storage unit (none of which are shown in the figures). The first control unit 11, the second control unit 21, and the third control unit 31 each have, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory, and execute control processing, arithmetic processing, and determination processing for various operations in each of the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, and 30. Each of the first control unit 11, the second control unit 21, and the third control unit 31 determines whether a processing job can be executed, and generates executable information regarding the executability of the processing job or non-executable information regarding non-executability. Also, each of the data storage units (not shown) in the processing machines 10, 20, and 30 can store data related to the processing job.

[0016] The processing data generation device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the processing data generation device 2 in the sheet processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1. The processing data generation device 2 includes a control unit 3, a bus 4, an input / output interface 5, an input unit 6, an output unit 7, a communication unit 8, and a data storage unit (not shown). The processing data generation device 2 is a computer having a processor and a memory, and is, for example, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or other information terminal.

[0017] The control unit 3 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 3a and a memory 3b. The CPU 3a is connected to the memory 3b via the bus 4. The CPU 3a executes control processing, arithmetic processing, determination processing, and input / output control processing of various data in the processing data generation device 2. The memory 3b is composed of a ROM and a RAM, and temporarily stores programs or data related to the generation of processing data and the determination of whether layout data can be stored. Note that a part of the functions of the CPU 3a can also be realized by an electronic circuit.

[0018] The input unit 6, output unit 7, and communication unit 8 are connected to the bus 4 via the input / output interface 5. The input unit 6 is a means for executing input processing of layout data (layout data to be judged) serving as a basis for generating processed data, and is, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, pointing device, scanner, or the like. The output unit 7 executes output processing for outputting the generated processed data to, for example, a plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30, or outputting the layout data to a printing device (not shown). The communication unit 8 executes wired or wireless transmission and reception processing of various data and information with respect to a plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 and a printing device (not shown). The communication unit 8 corresponds to the transmission / reception unit 48 in FIG. 1.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, when the control unit 3 is functionally viewed, the control unit 3 functions as a layout data reading unit 41, a processed data generating unit 42, a data saving determination unit 43, a processing job distribution unit 44, a layout data changing unit 45, and a processed data changing unit 46.

[0020] The layout data reading unit 41 executes layout data reading processing for reading the layout data stored in a data storage unit (not shown) as existing layout data. Further, the layout data reading unit 41 executes layout data reading processing for reading, as layout data to be judged, newly created new layout data by a layout data creating unit (not shown) or changed layout data obtained by changing existing layout data by the layout data changing unit 45. In this way, the layout data is used for execution of reading processing as existing layout data, or is used for execution of reading processing as new layout data and changed layout data serving as layout data to be judged. The processed data generating unit 42 executes processed data generating processing for generating processed data related to execution of a processing job on the sheet S by a plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 based on the read layout data to be judged.

[0021] The data storage determination unit 43 executes various determination processes in the processing data generation device 2. The data storage determination unit 43 executes a data storage determination process for determining whether to store the layout data to be determined as useful layout data based on the executable information regarding the executability of the processing job or the non-executable information regarding the non-executability. Further, the data storage determination unit 43 executes a data association process for associating the useful layout data to be stored with the executable information of the processing jobs transmitted from the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30, or for associating the useful layout data to be stored with the identification data regarding a certain processing machine that has transmitted the executable information. As a result, since the useful layout data to be stored is associated with the executable information or the identification data, it becomes easier to identify the processing machine for which the processing job is executable. Further, the data storage determination unit 43 executes a determination process for determining which of the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 to execute the processing job based on the executable information.

[0022] Based on the determination of the data storage determination unit 43, the processing job distribution unit 44 transmits the execution instruction information of the processing job to any one of the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 through the transmission / reception unit 48. In other words, the processing job distribution unit 44 executes a distribution process for distributing which of the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 executes the processing job. As a result, it is possible to appropriately instruct which of the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 executes the processing job. For example, the processing job distribution unit 44 executes a job execution instruction process for instructing the execution of the processing job to a processing machine that is in a standby state without executing other processing jobs other than the processing job among the processing machines for which the processing job is executable. Further, for example, when there are a plurality of processing machines that are in a standby state and for which the processing job is executable, the processing job distribution unit 44 executes a job execution instruction process for instructing the execution of the processing job to a processing machine that can complete the processing job in the shortest time.

[0023] The layout data changing unit 45 executes a layout data changing process for changing the existing layout data read by the layout data reading unit 41 into the changed layout data. Thereby, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the layout data. The machining data changing unit 46 executes a machining data changing process for changing the machining data generated by the machining data generating unit 42 into the changed machining data. Thereby, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the machining data. The layout data changing process and the machining data changing process are executed, for example, via the input unit 6. Also, in accordance with the change in the layout data by the layout data changing unit 45, it is also possible to cause the machining data generating unit 42 to execute a machining data generating process and / or cause the machining data changing unit 46 to execute a machining data changing process. Further, in accordance with the change in the machining data by the machining data changing unit 46, it is also possible to cause the layout data changing unit 45 to execute a layout data changing process. The transmission / reception unit 48 executes a transmission / reception process of transmitting and receiving various types of data (for example, machining data) and information (for example, executable information or non-executable information) in the machining data generating process and the data storage determination process. Thereby, the exchange of the machining data and the executable information or non-executable information can be smoothly executed.

[0024] In this disclosure, the information includes, in addition to the above-mentioned executable information or non-executable information, the processing machines 10, 20, 30 and the status information of the processing tools (for example, perforation tools, grooving tools, folding tools, slitting tools, cutting tools) in the processing machines 10, 20, 30.

[0025] The status information includes "tool mounting information" and "operating status information of the processing machine". The "tool mounting information" includes information regarding, for example, the types of tools (for example, perforation tools, grooving tools, folding tools, slitting tools, cutting tools) mounted on the processing machines 10, 20, 30. Also, the "operating status information of the processing machine" includes information regarding, for example, the operating status (for example, operating, standby or stopped) of the processing machines 10, 20, 30.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining layout data. The layout data includes data regarding the arrangement of products on the sheet S. The layout data includes, for example, data for arranging the first to fifth products in the first column and the sixth to tenth products in the second column in FIG. 3 to arrange a total of ten products on the sheet S. The reference point for the arrangement is the lower left corner edge of the sheet S. The sheet S has, for example, a width of 595.276 points in the X direction and a length of 841.890 points in the Y direction. Note that a point is a unit generally used when creating print data on a personal computer in the field of DTP (Desktop Publishing).

[0027] For example, the first product has a rectangular shape and extends in the X direction with a width of 255.118 points starting from the position X 28.346 points and the position Y 42.520 points, and extends in the Y direction with a length of 141.732 points. Similarly, the tenth product has a rectangular shape and extends in the X direction with a width of 255.118 points starting from the position X 311.811 points and the position Y 666.142 points, and extends in the Y direction with a length of 141.732 points.

[0028] The layout data includes at least "product arrangement data". The layout data may further include, for example, "cutting process data for the sheet" and may further include "processing data other than cutting process for the sheet". Details of the "cutting process data for the sheet" and the "processing data other than cutting process for the sheet" will be described later.

[0029] "The arrangement data of the product" includes, for example, the size data of the sheet S to be processed, the position data and size data of the product. Note that the arrangement of the outer contour line of the product on the sheet S is defined based on the position data and size data of the product. Although the layout data in FIG. 3 defines only the arrangement of the outer contour line of the product, the layout data change unit 45 can execute a layout data change process to change, for example, the layout data related to perforation processing so that the product includes perforations, and change it to the changed layout data that defines the arrangement of the outer contour line and perforations of the product.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the processing data. The processing data includes data related to the position and type of processing on the sheet S. For example, in FIG. 4, the processing data has data for performing four cutting processes (slitting processes) in the conveyance direction in the X direction, represented by a double line, and ten cutting processes (cutting processes) in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance in the Y direction, represented by a single line. The base point of the processing is the upper right corner end of the sheet S. The sheet S has, for example, a width of 210.0 mm in the X direction and a length of 297.0 mm in the Y direction. Note that mm (millimeter) is a unit generally used in the field of processing the sheet S, and the above-mentioned 1 point corresponds to 0.3528 mm.

[0031] For example, the first slit means performing a cutting process along the Y direction (the conveyance direction of the sheet S) at the X position of 10.0 mm, and the fourth slit means performing a cutting process along the Y direction (the conveyance direction of the sheet S) at the X position of 200.0 mm. The first cut means performing a cutting process along the X direction (the direction orthogonal to the conveyance of the sheet S) at the Y position of 12.0 mm, and the tenth cut means performing a cutting process along the X direction (the direction orthogonal to the conveyance of the sheet S) at the Y position of 282.0 mm.

[0032] The processing data includes "cutting processing data for the sheet" and "processing data other than cutting processing for the sheet".

[0033] "Cutting process data for the sheet" includes, for example, data regarding the cutting process position. Since the cutting process position coincides with the position of the outer contour line of the product, it is determined based on "product placement data". For example, the cutting process positions of the third slit, the fourth slit, the ninth cut, and the tenth cut are determined based on the "product placement data" so as to coincide with the outer contour line of the first product.

[0034] "Processing data other than cutting process for the sheet" includes, for example, data regarding the processing position (e.g., the position of the perforation, the position of the crease, the position of the fold), data regarding the processing type (e.g., perforation, ribbing, folding), and data regarding the type (e.g., shape, thickness) and position of the registration marks (not shown) provided for alignment.

[0035] In the processing data regarding ribbing, by selecting the folding pattern and / or the ribbing pattern corresponding to the folding pattern, the direction (convex downward or convex upward) and order of ribbing can be determined.

[0036] In the processing data regarding folding, by selecting the folding pattern (e.g., V-fold, Z-fold, C-fold, double parallel fold, etc.), the direction (mountain fold or valley fold) and order of folding can be determined.

[0037] In the processing data related to the stitch processing, by selecting the stitch processing pattern (for example, vertical, horizontal, cross), the direction of the stitch (the direction along the conveyance direction and / or the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction) can be determined. FIG. 8 is an input screen related to the folding process and the ribbing process, which is displayed on a display means (not shown) of the processing data generation device 2. In FIG. 8, Z-fold is selected as the folding pattern, and a pattern in which the directions of ribbing at two locations are both convex downward is selected as the ribbing pattern, showing a setting state where the folding direction and order are mountain fold and valley fold in order from the front end side of the sheet S. By operating the input unit 6, the setting as shown in FIG. 8 can be performed. In FIG. 8, the display related to the selection of the ribbing pattern is always displayed, but it may be made switchable between the display state and the non-display state by a pull-down menu.

[0038] Thus, while the layout data is data related to the arrangement of the product on the sheet S, the processing data is data related to the processing of the sheet S. Therefore, the content and format of the data are different between the layout data and the processing data. Therefore, the processing data generation unit 42 has a function of converting the layout data into processing data so that the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 can execute the processing job.

[0039] (Control in the sheet processing system) The control in the sheet processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the exchange of data and information between the processing data generation device 2 and the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the control according to the first example executed in the sheet processing system 1. The control is implemented by the processing data generation device 2 executing a predetermined program.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, in step S1, the control according to the first example starts. As shown in FIG. 5, the layout data reading unit 41 reads, as the layout data to be determined, the new layout data newly created by a layout data creating unit (not shown) or the changed layout data changed by the layout data changing unit 45. The processing data generation device 2 executes a processing data generation process for generating processing data related to the execution of a processing job on the sheet S by the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 based on the read layout data to be determined.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the processing data generation device 2 transmits the generated processing data to the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 all at once (steps S10, step S20, step S30).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the first control unit 11 of the first processing machine 10 determines whether the transmitted processing job can be executed (step S11). When the first control unit 11 determines that the processing job is compatible and executable in the first processing machine 10, it transmits executable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S12). When the first control unit 11 determines that the processing job is incompatible and unexecutable in the first processing machine 10, it transmits unexecutable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S13).

[0043] At the same time, as shown in FIG. 6, the second control unit 21 of the second processing machine 20 determines whether the transmitted processing job can be executed (step S21). When the second control unit 21 determines that the processing job is compatible and executable in the second processing machine 20, it transmits executable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S22). When the second control unit 21 determines that the processing job is incompatible and unexecutable in the second processing machine 20, it transmits unexecutable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S23).

[0044] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the third control unit 31 of the third processing machine 30 determines whether the transmitted processing job can be executed (step S31). When the third control unit 31 determines that the processing job is suitable and executable in the third processing machine 30, it transmits executable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S32). When the third control unit 31 determines that the processing job is not suitable and not executable in the third processing machine 30, it transmits non-executable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S33).

[0045] The data storage determination unit 43 determines whether it has received executable information from any one of the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 (step S40). When the data storage determination unit 43 receives executable information from any one of the processing machines (for example, received from the second processing machine 20 and the third processing machine 30 in FIG. 5), it determines which of the processing machines that transmitted the executable information (for example, the second processing machine 20 or the third processing machine 30 in FIG. 5) should execute the processing job, and the processing job distribution unit 44 instructs the execution of the processing job as the processing job distribution process (step S41). That is, the processing job distribution unit 44 transmits the execution instruction information of the processing job to the processing machine (for example, the second processing machine 20 in FIG. 5). Then, the processing machine (for example, the second processing machine 20 in FIG. 5) that has received the execution instruction information of the processing job executes the processing job.

[0046] The data storage determination unit 43 executes a storage instruction process for instructing the storage of the layout data to be determined, and executes a data storage process for storing the layout data to be determined as useful layout data used for the execution of the processing job in a data storage unit (for example, the data storage unit in the processing machine that has transmitted the executable information) (step S42). Thereby, even when a plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 are connected to the processing data generation device 2, the storage of useful layout data is executed. Further, the data storage determination unit 43 executes a data association process for associating the useful layout data to be stored with the executable information of the processing job transmitted from the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30, or for associating the useful layout data to be stored with the identification data related to a certain processing machine that has transmitted the executable information. Then, in step S50, the control according to the first example ends.

[0047] Therefore, since it is determined that the storage of the useful layout data for which the processing job is determined to be executable, the useful layout data can be utilized when newly executing the processing of the sheet S. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a wasteful sheet S from being created by executing the printing process on the sheet S based on the unnecessary layout data corresponding to the processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and also prevent a wasteful processing process from being executed on the wasteful sheet S.

[0048] The control according to the second example executed in the sheet processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the control according to the second example executed in the sheet processing system 1. The control is implemented by the processing data generation device 2 executing a predetermined program.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S101, the control according to the second example starts. Then, the layout data reading unit 41 reads, as the layout data to be determined, the new layout data newly created by a layout data creating unit (not shown) or the changed layout data changed by the layout data changing unit 45. The processing data generation device 2 generates processing data regarding the execution of a processing job on the sheet S by the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 based on the read layout data to be determined.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, the processing data generation device 2 transmits the generated processing data to, for example, the first processing machine 10 (step S110).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, the first control unit 11 of the first processing machine 10 determines whether the processing job can be executed based on the transmitted processing data (step S111). When the first control unit 11 determines that the processing job is compatible and executable in the first processing machine 10, it transmits executable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S112). When the first control unit 11 determines that the processing job is incompatible and unexecutable in the first processing machine 10, it transmits unexecutable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S113).

[0052] When the processing data generation device 2 receives unexecutable information from the first processing machine 10, it transmits the generated processing data to, for example, the second processing machine 20 (step S120).

[0053] The second control unit 21 of the second processing machine 20 determines whether the processing job can be executed based on the transmitted processing data (step S121). When the second control unit 21 determines that the processing job is compatible and executable in the second processing machine 20, it transmits executable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S122). When the second control unit 21 determines that the processing job is incompatible and unexecutable in the second processing machine 20, it transmits unexecutable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S123).

[0054] When the processing data generation device 2 receives non-executable information from the second processing machine 20, it transmits the generated processing data to, for example, the third processing machine 30 (step S130).

[0055] Based on the transmitted processing data, the third control unit 31 of the third processing machine 30 determines whether the processing job can be executed (step S131). If the third control unit 31 determines that the processing job is compatible and executable on the third processing machine 30, it transmits executable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S132). If the third control unit 31 determines that the processing job is incompatible and non-executable on the third processing machine 30, it transmits non-executable information to the data storage determination unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S133). Then, in step S150, the control according to the second example ends.

[0056] In step S112 above, when executable information is transmitted, the data storage determination unit 43 determines whether the first processing machine 10 will execute the processing job, and the processing job distribution unit 44 instructs the first processing machine 10 to execute the processing job as the processing job distribution process (step S141). Then, the first processing machine 10 that has received the execution instruction information for the processing job executes the processing job. Also, in step S122 above, when executable information is transmitted, the data storage determination unit 43 determines whether the second processing machine 20 will execute the processing job, and the processing job distribution unit 44 instructs the second processing machine 20 to execute the processing job as the processing job distribution process (step S141). Then, the second processing machine 20 that has received the execution instruction information for the processing job executes the processing job. Also, in step S132 above, when executable information is transmitted, the data storage determination unit 43 determines whether the third processing machine 30 will execute the processing job, and the processing job distribution unit 44 instructs the third processing machine 30 to execute the processing job as the processing job distribution process (step S141). Then, the third processing machine 30 that has received the execution instruction information for the processing job executes the processing job.

[0057] The data storage determination unit 43 executes a storage instruction process for instructing the storage of the layout data to be determined, and executes a data storage process for storing the layout data to be determined as useful layout data used for the execution of the processing job in a data storage unit (for example, the data storage unit in the processing machine that has transmitted the executable information) (step S142). Thereby, even when a plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 are connected to the processing data generation device 2, the storage of useful layout data is executed. Further, the data storage determination unit 43 executes a data association process for associating the useful layout data to be stored with the executable information of the processing job transmitted from the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30, or for associating the useful layout data to be stored with the identification data regarding a certain processing machine that has transmitted the executable information. Then, in step S150, the control according to the second example ends.

[0058] Therefore, since it is determined that the useful layout data for which the processing job is determined to be executable is to be stored, when newly executing the processing of sheet S, the useful layout data can be utilized. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a wasteful sheet S from being created by executing a printing process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data corresponding to the processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and also to prevent a wasteful processing process from being executed on the wasteful sheet S.

[0059] This invention in the computer 2 a processing data generation process for generating processing data related to the execution of a processing job on the sheet S by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 based on layout data including arrangement data related to the arrangement of the work on the sheet S; a data storage determination process for determining whether or not to store the layout data; a transmission / reception process for transmitting and receiving data and information in the processing data generation process and the data storage determination process; When it is determined, based on the received information, that the processing job can be executed by the at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30, a processing data generation program is provided that executes a storage instruction process for instructing storage of the layout data.

[0060] Accordingly, since it is determined that useful layout data for which the processing job has been determined to be executable is to be stored, when newly executing the processing of the sheet S, the useful layout data can be utilized. As a result, it is possible to prevent a wasteful sheet S from being created by executing a printing process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data corresponding to the processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and also prevent a wasteful processing process from being executed on the wasteful sheet S.

[0061] In the processing data generation program, the information is executable information regarding the executability of the processing job or non-executable information regarding non-executability, in the storage instruction process, when it is determined, based on the received executable information, that the processing job can be executed by the at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30, storage of the layout data is instructed.

[0062] Accordingly, since it is determined based on the executable information, the storage instruction process can be executed quickly.

[0063] Also, this invention a processing data generation process for generating processing data regarding execution of a processing job on the sheet S by at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30 based on layout data including arrangement data regarding arrangement of products on the sheet S, a data storage determination process for determining whether or not to store the layout data, a transmission / reception process for transmitting and receiving data and information in the processing data generation process and the data storage determination process, When it is determined, based on the received information, that the processing job can be executed by the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30, a computer-readable recording medium recording a processing data generation program that executes a storage instruction process for instructing storage of the layout data is provided.

[0064] Accordingly, since it is determined that useful layout data for which the processing job has been determined to be executable is to be stored, when newly executing the processing of the sheet S, the useful layout data can be utilized. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a useless sheet S from being created by executing a printing process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data corresponding to the processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and also prevent a useless processing process from being executed on the useless sheet S.

[0065] In a computer-readable recording medium, the information is executable information regarding the executability of the processing job or non-executable information regarding non-executability, in the storage instruction process, when it is determined, based on the received executable information, that the processing job can be executed by the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30, storage of the layout data is instructed.

[0066] Accordingly, since it is determined based on the executable information, the storage instruction process can be executed quickly.

[0067] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made and implemented within the scope of the present invention. For example, a combination of the contents described in the above embodiments may be used as one embodiment of the present invention. Also, the specific numbers shown in the above embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, based on the executable information or non-executable information, by determining whether to save the layout data, the save instruction process can be executed quickly. However, although additional determination processing is required by determining whether to save the layout data based on the status information, it is also possible to determine whether to save the layout data based on the status information described above.

[0069] Summarizing this invention and the embodiment, it is as follows.

[0070] A processing data generation device 2 according to an aspect of this invention A processing data generation unit 42 that generates processing data related to the execution of a processing job on the sheet S by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 based on layout data including arrangement data related to the arrangement of products on the sheet S, A data storage determination unit 43 that determines whether to store the layout data, A transmission / reception unit 48 that transmits and receives data and information between the processing data generation unit 42, the data storage determination unit 43, and the at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30, The data storage determination unit 43 is characterized in that when it determines that the processing job is executable by the at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30 based on the information received through the transmission / reception unit 48, it instructs the storage of the layout data.

[0071] According to the above configuration, since it is determined to save useful layout data for which the processing job is determined to be executable, when newly executing the processing of the sheet S, the useful layout data can be utilized. As a result, it is possible to prevent a wasteful sheet S from being created by executing a printing process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data corresponding to the processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and also to prevent a wasteful processing process from being executed on the wasteful sheet S.

[0072] In addition, in the processing data generation device 2 according to one embodiment, the information is executable information regarding the executability of the processing job or non-executable information regarding non-executability, when the data storage determination unit 43 determines that the processing job is executable by the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 based on the executable information received through the transmission / reception unit 48, it instructs the storage of the layout data.

[0073] According to the above configuration, since it is based on the executable information, the storage instruction can be executed quickly.

[0074] In addition, in the processing data generation device 2 according to one embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 48 transmits the processing data from the processing data generation unit 42 to the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30, and transmits the executable information or the non-executable information from the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 to the data storage determination unit 43.

[0075] According to the above configuration, the exchange of the processing data and the executable information or the non-executable information can be executed smoothly.

[0076] In addition, in the processing data generation device 2 according to one embodiment, the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 is connected to the processing data generation device 2, when the data storage determination unit 43 receives the executable information from the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 through the transmission / reception unit 48, it executes a determination process for determining which of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 is to execute the processing job.

[0077] According to the above configuration, when at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 is connected to the processing data generation device 2, any one of the processing machines can execute the processing job.

[0078] In addition, in the processing data generation device 2 according to one embodiment, A plurality of the processing machines 10, 20, and 30 are connected to the processing data generation device 2. Based on the determination by the data storage determination unit 43, it further includes a processing job allocation unit 44 that allocates which of the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, and 30 will execute the processing job.

[0079] According to the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately instruct which of the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, and 30 will execute the processing job.

[0080] Also, in the processing data generation device 2 of one embodiment, The layout data to be saved is characterized by being associated with the executable information of the processing job by the processing machine or with the identification data regarding the processing machine that transmitted the executable information.

[0081] According to the above configuration, since the saved layout data is associated with the executable information or the identification data, it becomes easy to identify the processing machine for which the processing job is executable.

[0082] Also, in the processing data generation device 2 of one embodiment, It further includes a layout data change unit 45 that changes the layout data.

[0083] According to the above configuration, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the layout data.

[0084] Also, in the processing data generation device 2 of one embodiment, It further includes a processing data change unit 46 that changes the processing data.

[0085] According to the above configuration, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the processing data.

[0086] In the sheet processing system 1 according to another aspect, Characterized by comprising the processing data generation device 2 described above and at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30.

[0087] According to the above configuration, since it is determined that useful layout data for which a processing job can be executed is to be saved, when newly executing the processing of the sheet S, the useful layout data can be utilized. As a result, it is possible to prevent a wasteful sheet S from being created by executing a printing process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data corresponding to the processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and also prevent a wasteful processing process from being executed on the wasteful sheet S.

[0088] In a processing data generation program according to another aspect, on the computer 2, a processing data generation process for generating processing data related to the execution of a processing job on the sheet S by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 based on layout data including arrangement data related to the arrangement of the product on the sheet S, a data storage determination process for determining whether or not to store the layout data, a transmission / reception process for transmitting and receiving data and information in the processing data generation process and the data storage determination process, and a storage instruction process for instructing the storage of the layout data when it is determined based on the received information that the processing job can be executed by the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30.

[0089] According to the above program, since it is determined that useful layout data for which a processing job can be executed is to be saved, when newly executing the processing of the sheet S, the useful layout data can be utilized. As a result, it is possible to prevent a wasteful sheet S from being created by executing a printing process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data corresponding to the processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and also prevent a wasteful processing process from being executed on the wasteful sheet S.

[0090] Also, in the processing data generation program of one embodiment, the information is executable information regarding the executability of the processing job or non-executable information regarding non-executability, in the storage instruction process, based on the received executable information, when it is determined that the processing job can be executed by the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30, it is characterized by instructing the storage of the layout data.

[0091] According to the above program, since it is determined based on the executable information, the storage instruction process can be executed quickly.

Explanation of Signs

[0092] 1: Sheet processing system 2: Processing data generation device (computer) 3: Control unit 3a: CPU 3b: Memory 4: Bus 5: Input / output interface 6: Input unit 7: Output unit 8: Communication unit 10: First processing machine (processing machine) 11: First control unit 20: Second processing machine (processing machine) 21: Second control unit 30: Third processing machine (processing machine) 31: Third control unit 41: Layout data reading unit 42: Processing data generation unit 43: Data storage determination unit 44: Processing job distribution unit 45: Layout data change unit 46: Processing data change unit 48: Transmission / reception unit S: Sheet

Claims

1. A processing data generation unit that generates processing data related to the execution of a processing job on the sheet by at least one processing machine based on layout data including arrangement data regarding the arrangement of products on the sheet; A data storage determination unit that determines whether the layout data can be stored; A transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives data and information between the processing data generation unit, the data storage determination unit, and the at least one processing machine; The data storage determination unit, when determining that the processing job can be executed by the at least one processing machine based on the information received through the transmission / reception unit, instructs the storage of the layout data. A processing data generation apparatus characterized by this.

2. The information is executable information regarding the executability of the processing job or non-executable information regarding non-executability; The data storage determination unit, when determining that the processing job can be executed by the at least one processing machine based on the executable information received through the transmission / reception unit, instructs the storage of the layout data. The processing data generation apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The transmission / reception unit transmits the processing data from the processing data generation unit to the at least one processing machine, and transmits the executable information or the non-executable information from the at least one processing machine to the data storage determination unit. The processing data generation apparatus according to Claim 2, characterized by this.

4. The at least one processing machine is connected to the processing data generation apparatus; The data storage determination unit, when receiving the executable information from the at least one processing machine through the transmission / reception unit, executes a determination process of determining which of the processing machines will execute the processing job. The processing data generation apparatus according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, characterized by this.

5. A plurality of the processing machines are connected to the processing data generation apparatus; Based on the determination of the data storage determination unit, it further includes a processing job distribution unit that distributes which of the plurality of processing machines will execute the processing job. The processing data generation apparatus according to Claim 4, characterized by this.

6. The processing data generation device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the layout data to be saved is associated with the executable information of the processing job by the processing machine or is associated with identification data regarding the processing machine that transmitted the executable information.

7. The processing data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a layout data change unit that changes the layout data.

8. The processing data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a processing data change unit that changes the processing data.

9. A sheet processing system, comprising the processing data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and at least one of the processing machines.

10. Causing a computer to execute a processing data generation process for generating processing data regarding execution of a processing job on the sheet by at least one processing machine based on layout data including arrangement data regarding arrangement of products on the sheet, a data storage determination process for determining whether the layout data can be stored, a transmission / reception process for transmitting and receiving data and information in the processing data generation process and the data storage determination process, and a storage instruction process for instructing storage of the layout data when it is determined, based on the received information, that the processing job is executable by the at least one processing machine.

11. The information is executable information regarding executability of the processing job or non-executable information regarding non-executability, In the storage instruction process, when it is determined, based on the received executable information, that the processing job is executable by the at least one processing machine, the storage instruction process instructs storage of the layout data. The processing data generation program according to claim 10.

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