Information Processing Apparatus, Display Method, and Program

Abstract

To allow a user to easily grasp printing contents of variable printing.SOLUTION: A control device 100 includes a memory 120 for storing variable data 123 including a plurality of page images having a variable region where an image is variable for each page, and a non-variable region having the same image regardless of the pages, and a display processing part 113 for displaying a printing preview screen of the variable data 123 on a display device 160, wherein the display processing part 113 displays one or a plurality of row images where a plurality of page images are aligned in one row in a first direction corresponding to a width direction of a printing medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for displaying a print preview in variable printing is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a preview window capable of switching images in page units.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since Patent Document 1 is configured to switch the image corresponding to a page in page units in the preview window, when a user previews a desired page, the image switching operation may be performed many times. Therefore, Patent Document 1 has a problem that there is a possibility that the user cannot easily grasp the print content of variable printing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect for solving the above problems is a storage unit that stores variable data including a plurality of page images having a first region where an image is variable for each page and a second region having the same image regardless of the page, and a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a print preview screen of the variable data. The display processing unit is an information processing apparatus that displays the print preview screen in which one or more column images in which a plurality of the page images are arranged in a row in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the print medium are arranged in a row.

[0006] Another aspect for solving the above problems includes a step of causing a display unit to display a print preview screen of variable data including a plurality of page images each having a first area with a variable image for each page and a second area having the same image regardless of the page, wherein the print preview screen displays one or more column images in which a plurality of the page images are arranged in a row in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of a print medium.

[0007] Yet another aspect for solving the above problems is a program that causes a processor to function as a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a print preview screen of variable data including a plurality of page images each having a first area with a variable image for each page and a second area having the same image regardless of the page, and the display processing unit displays the print preview screen that displays one or more column images in which a plurality of the page images are arranged in a row in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of a print medium.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [First Embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus 1. In FIG. 1, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are illustrated. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis indicates the vertical direction and the up-down direction in the installed state of the printing apparatus 1. The X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. The X-axis indicates the front-rear direction of the printing apparatus 1. The Y-axis indicates the left-right direction of the printing apparatus 1. The left-right direction of the printing apparatus 1 is the width direction of the printing medium S. The positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upward direction. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the rear direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the right direction.

[0011] The printing apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer that forms an image by ejecting ink onto the printing medium S. As the printing medium S used in the printing apparatus 1, various sheets can be used. Examples of the printing medium S include paper such as plain paper and high-quality paper, or a film made of synthetic resin. In the following description, label paper is exemplified as the printing medium S. Label paper is a roll-shaped paper in which labels are arranged on a release paper.

[0012] The printing apparatus 1 includes a medium supply unit 2, a medium conveyance unit 3, a printing unit 4, a drying unit 5, a medium recovery unit 6, a control device 100, and a display device 160. The control device 100 is an example of an "information processing device". The display device 160 is an example of a "display unit".

[0013] The media supply unit 2 supplies the printing medium S to the printing unit 4. The media supply unit 2 has a cylindrical or columnar supply shaft 21. The supply shaft 21 rotates by the power of the feeding motor 184. A roll body 22 around which the printing medium S is wound in a roll shape is mounted on the supply shaft 21, and the printing medium S is fed out from the roll body 22 by the rotation of the supply shaft 21.

[0014] The media conveyance unit 3 conveys the printing medium S supplied by the media supply unit 2 in the conveyance direction indicated by the symbol F. The media conveyance unit 3 includes a plurality of conveyance rollers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 that contact the printing medium S and constitute the conveyance path of the printing medium S.

[0015] The conveyance rollers 31, 32, 33 convey the printing medium S fed out from the media supply unit 2 toward the printing unit 4. A pair of conveyance rollers 34, 35 nip the printing medium S and convey it toward the printing unit 4.

[0016] The printing unit 4 prints an image on the label of the printing medium S by discharging ink toward the printing medium S. The printing unit 4 includes a plurality of discharge heads 41 that discharge ink and a carriage 42 that holds the discharge heads 41.

[0017] The carriage 42 is reciprocally movable in the X-axis direction along a first guide rail 43 installed in the printing apparatus 1 along the X-axis direction. Further, the carriage 42 is reciprocally movable in the Y-axis direction along a second guide rail (not shown) installed along the Y-axis direction. The carriage 42 is driven by a first carriage motor 181 and a second carriage motor 182 to move the discharge heads 41 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. That is, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a lateral type inkjet head printer.

[0018] The printing unit 4 performs printing in the width direction of the printing medium S by discharging ink while moving the discharge head 41 in the Y-axis direction. The printing unit 4 moves the discharge head 41 in the X-axis direction while the printing medium S is stopped, thereby moving the discharge head 41 in the X-axis direction with respect to the printing medium S. Here, the printing unit 4 moves the discharge head 41 in the Y-axis direction to perform printing in the width direction of the printing medium S. In this way, the printing unit 4 prints on the area that extends in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with respect to the printing medium S while the medium conveyance unit 3 stops the conveyance of the printing medium S.

[0019] The medium conveyance unit 3 intermittently conveys the printing medium S by the power of the conveyance motor 183. That is, the medium conveyance unit 3 conveys the printing medium S by a predetermined length in the conveyance direction F and stops the printing medium S. Here, the predetermined length is the length in the X-axis direction that can be printed by the printing unit 4 while the conveyance of the printing medium S is stopped. The printing unit 4 moves the discharge head 41 in the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction to perform printing on the stopped printing medium S. When the printing by the printing unit 4 is completed, the medium conveyance unit 3 conveys the printing medium S along the X-axis direction.

[0020] The printing apparatus 1 has a platen 44 disposed opposite to the printing unit 4. The platen 44 has a rectangular surface arranged to be parallel to the XY plane. The platen 44 supports the printing medium S from the side facing the printing unit 4. Below the platen 44, a heater for heating the platen 44 is provided. The printing medium S is heated during printing or before and after printing, and the drying of the ink landing on the printing medium S is promoted.

[0021] The printing medium S on which an image is printed is conveyed from the printing unit 4 to the drying unit 5 by the conveyance rollers 36 and 37. The drying unit 5 includes, for example, a heater for heating the printing surface of the printing medium S and a heater for heating the back surface of the printing surface. The drying unit 5 dries the ink adhering to the printing medium S by heating the printing medium S.

[0022] The printed medium S is conveyed from the drying unit 5 to the medium recovery unit 6 by the conveying rollers 38, 39, and 40. The medium recovery unit 6 has a winding shaft 61 that rotates by the power of the winding motor 185. The medium recovery unit 6 winds and recovers the printed medium S dried by the drying unit 5 onto the winding shaft 61.

[0023] All of the conveying rollers 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 are in contact with one side of the printed medium S and convey the printed medium S while guiding it. The conveying rollers 34 and 35 nip and convey the printed medium S. However, this is a specific example, and the number and configuration of the conveying rollers provided in the medium conveying unit 3 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the medium conveying unit 3 may include a plurality of roller pairs that nip the printed medium S.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control system of the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 includes an input device 150, a display device 160, and a communication device 170. The input device 150, the display device 160, and the communication device 170 are connected to the control device 100. The input device 150 is a device for a user who operates the printing apparatus 1 to perform various inputs to the printing apparatus 1, and is an input device such as a switch, a keyboard, or a mouse. The input device 150 outputs the information input by the user to the control device 100. The display device 120 includes a display 120A and displays various information on the display 120A according to the control of the control device 100. The printing apparatus 1 may include a touch panel that integrates the input device 150 and the display device 160. In FIG. 1, the case where the display device 120 is provided at the upper rear part of the printing apparatus 1 is illustrated, but the installation position of the display device 120 is not limited to the upper rear part. The communication device 170 includes communication hardware such as an antenna and a communication circuit, and communicates with an external device separate from the printing apparatus 1.

[0025] The control device 100 is a device that controls each part of the printing device 1. The control device 100 includes a processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a memory 120, an interface 130, and a drive circuit 140. The memory 120 is an example of a "storage unit".

[0026] The processor 110 controls each part of the printing device 1 by reading and executing a control program 121 stored in the memory 120. The processor 110 functions as a communication control unit 111 and a printing control unit 112 by executing the control program 121 stored in the memory 120. Further, the processor 110 functions as a display processing unit 113 and a data processing unit 114 by executing an image processing program 122 stored in the memory 120. The image processing program 122 is an example of a "program".

[0027] The memory 120 stores the control program 121, the image processing program 122, setting data related to the settings of the printing device 1, and various other data. The memory 120 stores the variable data 123 when the printing device 1 receives the variable data 123. The memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. Further, the memory 120 may include a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the processor 110.

[0028] The image processing program 122 is a program having functions such as generating a print preview screen VG which is a screen of a print preview, displaying the print preview screen VG, generating raster data or print data, and outputting the generated raster data or print data. The image processing program 122 of the present embodiment is a program separate from the control program 121, but may also be a program included in the control program 121.

[0029] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the variable data 123. Variable data 123 is data used for variable printing. Variable data 123 is data composed of multiple pages. Variable data 123 includes page images PG corresponding to the pages for the number of pages that make up variable data 123. As an example of the data format of variable data 123, the PDF (Portable Document Format) format can be cited.

[0030] In the following description, when distinguishing page numbers and indicating page image PG, a number is appended after the symbol of PG. That is, when indicating the page image PG corresponding to the page with page number n, in other words, when indicating the page image PG corresponding to the nth page with the first page being the first page, in the following description, it is indicated as page image PGn. n is an integer of 1 or more.

[0031] The page image PG included in variable data 123 has a variable area VA which is an area where the image is variable for each page, and an invariable area NVA which has the same image regardless of the page. Each of the page images PG shown in FIG. 3 has two variable areas VA, VA1 and VA2, and three invariable areas NVA, NVA1, NVA2, and NVA3. The variable area VA is an example of the "first area". The invariable area NVA is an example of the "second area".

[0032] FIG. 3 shows variable data 123 composed of 100 pages. In FIG. 3, among the 100 page images PG, page image PG1, page image PG50, and page image PG100 are shown as representatives. As is clear from comparing each of page images PG1, PG50, and PG100, the images of each of invariable areas NVA1, NVA2, and NVA3 are the same in page images PG1, PG50, and PG100. On the other hand, the images of each of variable areas VA1 and VA2 are different in page images PG1, PG50, and PG100.

[0033] The interface 130 includes communication hardware such as connectors and interface circuits. The interface 130 is connected to the input device 150, the display device 160, and the communication device 170, and performs data communication with these devices.

[0034] The drive circuit 140 is connected to the ejection head 41, the first carriage motor 181, the second carriage motor 182, the conveyance motor 183, the feeding motor 184, the winding motor 185, and the drying unit 5. The drive circuit 140 outputs a control signal according to the control of the control device 100 to operate the ejection head 41, the first carriage motor 181, the second carriage motor 182, the conveyance motor 183, the feeding motor 184, and the winding motor 185. Also, the drive circuit 140 operates the drying unit 5. The conveyance motor 183 drives the medium conveyance unit 3 and rotationally drives at least any one of the conveyance rollers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40.

[0035] The control device 100 drives the ejection head 41 to eject ink toward the printing medium S. The control device 100 drives the first carriage motor 181 to move the carriage 42 in the X-axis direction. The control device 100 drives the second carriage motor 182 to move the carriage 42 in the Y-axis direction. The control device 100 alternately repeats the main scanning by the first carriage motor 181, the second carriage motor 182, and the ejection head 41, and the sub-scanning by the conveyance motor 183, intermittently conveys the printing medium S, and intermittently prints on the printing medium S.

[0036] The control device 100 drives the conveyance motor 183 to move the printing medium S in the conveyance direction. The control device 100 drives the feeding motor 184 to rotate the supply shaft 21 to feed the printing medium S. The control device 100 drives the winding motor 185 to rotate the winding shaft 61 to wind up the printing medium S. The control device 100 operates the heater of the drying unit 5 to dry the ink adhering to the printing medium S.

[0037] As described above, the processor 110 functions as a communication control unit 111, a printing control unit 112, a display processing unit 113, and a data processing unit 114.

[0038] The communication control unit 111 communicates with an external device separate from the printing device 1 via the communication device 170.

[0039] The printing control unit 112 performs intermittent printing. That is, the printing control unit 112 controls the ejection head 41, the first carriage motor 181, the second carriage motor 182, the conveyance motor 183, the feeding motor 184, the winding motor 185, and the drying unit 5 to intermittently convey the printing medium S and intermittently print on the printing medium S.

[0040] The display processing unit 113 causes the display device 160 to display the print preview screen VG. The print preview screen VG will be described later. When the display processing unit 113 receives a user operation on the print preview screen VG via the input device 150, the display processing unit 113 switches the display content of the print preview screen VG to the display content corresponding to the received operation.

[0041] The data processing unit 114 generates data to be output to the printing control unit 112 based on the variable data 123. The data processing unit 114 generates raster data such as TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) data as the data to be output to the printing control unit 112. The data processing unit 114 generates raster data of the column image CG described later for each column image CG. The data processing unit 114 outputs the generated raster data to the printing control unit 112. The printing control unit 112 generates print data for printing the column image CG indicated by the raster data input from the data processing unit 114, and prints the column image CG on the printing medium S based on the generated print data. Note that the print data includes control commands conforming to the command system of the printing device 1. Note that the data processing unit 114 may be configured to generate print data based on the generated raster data and output the generated print data to the printing control unit 112.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, the print preview screen VG will be described. In FIGS. 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10, the vertical direction in the figures is referred to as the first direction and is denoted by the symbol D1, and the direction toward the right in the figures is referred to as the second direction and is denoted by the symbol D2. The first direction D1 is a direction corresponding to the width direction of the print medium S and is the short side direction of the print preview screen VG. The second direction D2 is a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1, is a direction corresponding to the conveyance direction F of the print medium S, and is the direction toward the right when the print preview screen VG is viewed from the front.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the print preview screen VG. The print preview screen VG has a job list area JA, a print preview area PA, and a setting area SA.

[0044] The job list area JA is an area for listing the data names of the data added to the print preview screen VG as print jobs. Data such as variable data 123 and data other than variable data 123 can be added to the print preview screen VG. Note that the data other than variable data 123 is, for example, data composed of only one page. The job list area JA shown in FIG. 4 exemplifies the case where variable data 123 with the data name of "aaa-bbb.pdf" is added to the print preview screen VG.

[0045] The print preview area PA includes an image display area PA1 and an operation area PA2. The image display area PA1 is an area for displaying the print content. When the image display area PA1 displays the print content of variable printing, it can display column images CG. The column image CG is an image in which a plurality of page images PG are arranged in a column in the first direction D1.

[0046] In the following description, when distinguishing column images CG, a number is appended to the symbol of the CG. Hereinafter, this number is referred to as the "column number". When indicating the column image CG with the column number m, in the following description, it is denoted as column image CGm. m is an integer of 1 or more. In the present embodiment, the smaller the column number, the smaller the page number of the page image PG included in the corresponding column image CG. Therefore, column image CG1 includes page image PG1. In the print preview screen VG of FIG. 4, the case where the image display area PA1 is displaying column image CG1 is illustrated.

[0047] Here, the column image CG will be described in detail. FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the column image CG. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the numbers shown in the page image PG indicate the page numbers. Each of the column images CG in FIG. 5 is a column image CG displayed when the print preview screen VG shows the print content when printing one sheet per page. FIG. 5 illustrates the case where the variable data 123 is composed of 10 pages and one column image CG includes 4 page images PG.

[0048] In the print preview screen VG when printing one sheet per page, the plurality of page images PG included in the column image CG have consecutive page numbers. Also, the plurality of page images PG included in the column image CG are arranged so that the page numbers increase from top to bottom in the figure.

[0049] The example of FIG. 5 is such that the variable data 123 is composed of 10 pages and one column image CG includes 4 page images PG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, column image CG1 includes page images PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, column image CG2 includes page images PG5, PG6, PG7, PG8, and column image CG3 includes page images PG9, PG10.

[0050] Each of the column images CG in FIG. 6 is a column image CG displayed when the print preview screen VG shows the print content when printing three sheets per page.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, in the print preview screen VG when printing multiple sheets per page, in one column image CG, page images PG with the same page number are arranged adjacent to each other. In units of page numbers, in one column image CG, the page numbers are consecutive, and the page numbers increase from top to bottom in the figure. When all of the multiple page images PG with the same page number cannot be included in one column image CG, the multiple page images PG with the same page number are included in multiple column images CG with consecutive column numbers.

[0052] The example of FIG. 6 is such that the variable data 123 is composed of 5 pages, and one column image CG includes 4 page images PG. Thus, column image CG1 includes 3 page images PG1 and 1 page image PG2, column image CG2 includes 2 page images PG2 and 2 page images PG3, column image CG3 includes 1 page image PG3 and 3 page images PG4, and column image CG4 includes 3 page images PG5.

[0053] Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the operation area PA2 includes a plurality of software buttons for switching the display content of the image display area PA1. The operation area PA2 includes, as the software buttons, a first page unit switching button KB1, a second page unit switching button KB2, a first column unit switching button KB3, a second column unit switching button KB4, a first column switching button KB5, and a last column switching button KB6. Further, the operation area PA2 includes a page number input field NA. Details of the operation area PA2 will be described later. The first column unit switching button KB3, the second column unit switching button KB4, the first column switching button KB5, and the last column switching button KB6 are switching buttons KB for switching the column image CG currently displayed on the print preview screen VG to another column image CG in units of column images CG. Switching in units of column images CG means that when the user operates the switching button KB once, the currently displayed column image CG is switched to another column image CG. The first column unit switching button KB3 and the second column unit switching button KB4 are examples of "column unit switching buttons". The page number input field NA is an example of a "reception unit".

[0054] The setting area SA is an area that accepts various settings for the page image PG displayed in the image display area PA1. The setting area SA of the present embodiment accepts the layout setting of the page image PG and the color setting of the page image PG. The setting area SA has a layout setting button RB for performing the layout setting of the page image PG and a color setting button CB for performing the color setting of the page image PG. Each of the layout setting button RB and the color setting button CB is a software button. FIG. 4 shows a mode in which the layout setting button RB is selected in the setting area SA.

[0055] The setting area SA for layout setting has spin buttons SPB1, SPB2, SPB3, SPB4, and accepts the setting of enlargement and reduction of the page image PG via the spin buttons SPB1, SPB2, SPB3, SPB4. Further, the setting area SA for layout setting has a pull-down PD1, and accepts the setting of rotation of the page image PG via the pull-down PD1. Further, the setting area SA for layout setting has spin buttons SPB5, SPB6, and accepts the setting of the margin in the column image CG via the spin buttons SPB5, SPB6. Further, the setting area SA for layout setting has spin buttons SPB7, SPB8, and accepts the setting of the number of printed sheets per page and the setting of the interval between two page images PG via the spin buttons SPB7, SPB8. Further, the setting area SA for layout setting has a spin button SPB9, and accepts the setting of the number of printed copies via the spin button SPB9. Further, the setting area SA for layout setting has a pull-down PD2, and accepts the setting of whether to display a plurality of page images PG side by side, that is, the setting of whether to display the column image CG via the pull-down PD2.

[0056] In the case of the setting for displaying the column image CG, the number of page images PG included in one column image CG changes according to the content set in the setting area SA for layout setting.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the print preview screen VG has an add button TB, a delete button DB, and a print button PB. The add button TB, the delete button DB, and the print button PB are software buttons. The add button TB is a button for adding data including variable data 123 to the print preview screen VG. The delete button DB is a button for deleting data including variable data 123 from the print preview screen VG. The print button PB is a button for performing printing based on the variable data 123. When the print button PB is operated, the data processing unit 114 generates raster data or print data. The data processing unit 114 sequentially generates and outputs raster data or print data from the column image CG with a smaller column number. As a result, a plurality of column images CG are printed on the print medium S such that the smaller the column number, the closer the position is to the downstream in the conveyance direction F.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, the operation area PA2 will be described in detail. In the examples of FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, the setting area SA is accepting a setting for displaying the column image CG via the pull-down PD2. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the first page unit switching button KB1 and the second page unit switching button KB2.

[0059] The first page unit switching button KB1 and the second page unit switching button KB2 switch the page image PG selected in the image display area PA1 in page units. When the first page unit switching button KB1 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the selection target from the page image PGn to the page image PGn-1. For example, when the page image PG2 is selected in the image display area PA1, when the first page unit switching button KB1 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the selection target from the page image PG2 to the page image PG1.

[0060] When the second page unit switching button KB2 is operated once, the selection target is switched from the page image PGn to the page image PGn+1. For example, when the page image PG2 selected in the image display area PA1, if the second page unit switching button KB2 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the selection target from the page image PG2 to the page image PG3.

[0061] Assume that in the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1, the page image PG corresponding to the page with the smallest page number is selected, and the first page unit switching button KB1 is operated once. In this case, the display control unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CGm to the column image CGm-1. For example, assume that the variable data 123 is composed of 10 pages and one column image CG contains 4 page images PG. If the image display area PA1 is displaying the column image CG2 and the page image PG5 is selected. In this case, if the first page unit switching button KB1 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CG2 to the column image CG1.

[0062] Assume that in the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1, the page image PG corresponding to the page with the largest page number is selected, and the second page unit switching button KB2 is operated once. In this case, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CGm to the column image CGm+1. For example, assume that the variable data 123 is composed of 10 pages and one column image CG contains 4 page images PG. If the image display area PA1 is displaying the column image CG1 and the page image PG4 is selected. In this case, if the second page unit switching button KB2 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CG1 to the column image CG2. FIG. 7 shows the switching mode of this example.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the first column unit switching button KB3 and the second column unit switching button KB4.

[0064] The first column unit switching button KB3 and the second column unit switching button KB4 switch the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 to another column image CG. When the first column unit switching button KB3 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CGm to the column image CGm-1. For example, when the first column unit switching button KB3 is operated once in a state where the image display area PA1 is displaying the column image CG2, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CG2 to the column image CG1.

[0065] When the second column unit switching button KB4 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CGm to the column image CGm+1. For example, when the variable data 123 is composed of 10 pages and one column image CG includes 4 page images PG, and assuming that the image display area PA1 is displaying the column image CG2. In this case, when the second column unit switching button KB4 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CG2 to the column image CG3. FIG. 8 shows the switching mode of this example.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the head column switching button KB5 and the last column switching button KB6.

[0067] The head column switching button KB5 and the last column switching button KB6 switch the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 to another column image CG. When the head column switching button KB5 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 to the column image CG1. The column image CG1 is a column image CG that includes the page image PG corresponding to the first page among the page images PG included in the variable data 123. For example, when the head column switching button KB5 is operated once while the image display area PA1 is displaying the column image CG3, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG being displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CG3 to the column image CG1.

[0068] When the final column switching button KB6 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG being displayed in the image display area PA1 to a column image CG including a page image PG corresponding to the last page among the page images PG included in the variable data 123. For example, assuming that the variable data 123 is composed of 10 pages and one column image CG includes 4 page images PG, and the image display area PA1 is displaying the column image CG1. In this case, when the final column switching button KB6 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG being displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CG1 to the column image CG3. FIG. 9 shows the switching mode of this example.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the page number input field NA.

[0070] The page number input field NA accepts the input of a page number for page designation. The display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG being displayed in the image display area PA1 to a column image CG including a page image PG corresponding to the page number input in the page number input field NA. For example, assuming that the variable data 123 is composed of 20 pages and one column image CG includes 4 page images PG, and the image display area PA1 is displaying the column image CG2. In this case, when the page number 18 is input in the page number input field NA, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG being displayed in the image display area PA1 from the column image CG2 to the column image CG5. FIG. 10 shows the switching mode of this example.

[0071] The example of FIG. 10 illustrates the print preview screen VG when printing one sheet per page. In the print preview screen VG when printing multiple sheets per page, when a plurality of page images PG corresponding to the page specified via the page number input field NA are included in a plurality of column images CG, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG being displayed by the image display area PA1 to the next column image CG.

[0072] That is, the column image CG switched by the display processing unit 113 includes the page image PG that is next to the page image PG corresponding to the page immediately before the page specified via the page number input field NA among the plurality of page images PG corresponding to the page specified via the page number input field NA. Referring to FIG. 6 for a detailed description, for example, when the page number 2 is input to the page number input field NA, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG to the column image CG1 including the page image PG2 that is next to the page image PG1.

[0073] Note that, in the print preview screen VG when printing multiple sheets per page, when all of the plurality of page images PG corresponding to the page specified via the page number input field NA are included in one column image CG, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG being displayed by the image display area PA1 to the next column image CG. That is, the display processing unit 113 switches to the column image CG including the page image PG corresponding to the page with the page number input to the page number input field NA. Referring to FIG. 6 for a detailed description, for example, when the page number 5 is input to the page number input field NA, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG to the column image CG1 including the page image PG5.

[0074] Next, the operation of the control device 100 will be described. In the description of the operation of the control device 100, the operation when data is added to the print preview screen VG and the operation when the operation area Pa2 is operated will be described separately.

[0075] First, the operation when data is added to the print preview screen VG will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 100. The display processing unit 113 of the control device 100 adds data to the print preview screen VG based on the operation of the add button TB (step SA1).

[0076] The display processing unit 113 determines whether the data added in step SA1 is variable data 123 (step SA2).

[0077] The determination in step SA2 will be described in detail. For example, when the data format of the added data is the PDF / VT data format, the display processing unit 113 determines that the data added in step SA1 is variable data 123. Also, when the data format of the added data is not the PDF / VT data format, the display processing unit 113 determines that the data added in step SA1 is not variable data 123. PDF is an abbreviation for Portable Document Format, and VT is an abbreviation for Variable and Transactional. PDF / VT is a data format of PDF defined by Adobe Systems (registered trademark).

[0078] Also, for example, when the added data has a DPart hierarchical structure, the display processing unit 113 determines that the data added in step SA1 is variable data 123, and when the added data does not have a DPart hierarchical structure, the display processing unit 113 determines that the data added in step SA1 is not variable data 123.

[0079] When the display processing unit 113 determines that the data is not variable data 123 (step SA2: NO), it performs the process of step SA4. On the other hand, when the display processing unit 113 determines that the data is variable data 123 (step SA2: YES), it determines whether it is set to display a plurality of page images PG side by side, that is, whether it is set to display the column image CG (step SA3).

[0080] Step SA3 will be described in detail. For example, when the pull-down PD2 indicates "vertical packing arrangement" in the setting area SA where the display processing unit 113 performs the layout setting of the page image PG, an affirmative determination is made in step SA3. On the other hand, when the pull-down PD2 indicates other than "vertical packing arrangement", a negative determination is made in step SA3.

[0081] When the display processing unit 113 determines that it is not set to display a plurality of page images PG side by side (step SA3: NO), it renders one page image PG to be displayed in the image display area PA1 (step SA4).

[0082] The display processing unit 113 converts the color of the rendered one page image PG into the color set in the setting area SA (step SA5).

[0083] The display processing unit 113 displays the color-converted one page image PG in the image display area PA1 (step SA6). That is, the display processing unit 113 causes the display device 160 to display the print preview screen VG on which the color-converted one page image PG is displayed.

[0084] Returning to the description of step SA3, when the display processing unit 113 determines that it is set to display a plurality of page images PG side by side (step SA3: YES), it performs page identification processing (step SA7).

[0085] The display processing unit 113 specifies a plurality of pages to be displayed based on the number of pages corresponding to the layout setting of the setting area SA in the page specification process. For example, when the variable data 123 is added to the print preview screen VG, it is predetermined to display the column image CG1, and it is assumed that the number of pages corresponding to the layout setting is 4. In this case, in the page specification process, the display processing unit 113 specifies pages from page 1 to page 4.

[0086] Next, the display processing unit 113 performs rendering of the page image PG corresponding to the page specified in the page specification process (step SA8).

[0087] The display processing unit 113 converts the color of the rendered page image PG into the color set in the setting area SA (step SA9).

[0088] The display processing unit 113 displays the column image CG including the color-converted page image PG in the image display area PA1 (step SA10). That is, the display processing unit 113 causes the display device 160 to display the print preview screen VG on which the column image CG including the color-converted page image PG is displayed.

[0089] Next, the operation of the control device 100 when the operation area Pa2 is operated will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 100.

[0090] The display processing unit 113 of the control device 100 determines whether an operation has been performed in the operation area PA2 (step SB1).

[0091] When the display processing unit 113 determines that no operation has been performed in the operation area PA2 (step sB1: NO), it makes the determination in step sB1 again.

[0092] On the other hand, when the display processing unit 113 determines that an operation has been performed in the operation area PA2 (step sB1: YES), it determines whether the data including the page image PG to be displayed in the image display area PA1 is variable data 123 (step SB2). The determination in step SB2 is made in the same manner as the determination in step SA1.

[0093] When the display processing unit 113 determines that the data including the page image PG to be displayed in the image display area PA1 is not variable data 123 (step SB2: NO), it performs the processing of step SB4.

[0094] On the other hand, when the display processing unit 113 determines that the data including the page image PG to be displayed in the image display area PA1 is variable data 123 (step SB2: YES), it determines whether it is a setting to display a plurality of page images PG side by side, that is, whether it is a setting to display the column image CG (step SB3). The determination in step SB3 is made in the same manner as the determination in step SA3.

[0095] When the display processing unit 113 determines that it is not a setting to display a plurality of page images PG side by side (step SB3: NO), it determines whether one page image PG to be displayed has already been rendered (step SB4).

[0096] When the display processing unit 113 determines that one page image PG to be displayed has not already been rendered (step SB4: NO), it renders one page image PG to be displayed (step SB5). Note that the rendered page image PG is associated with information indicating the color setting at the time of rendering and an appropriate page number and is stored in the memory 120.

[0097] The display processing unit 113 converts the color of the rendered one page image PG into the color set in the setting area SA (step SB6).

[0098] The display processing unit 113 displays the color-converted single-page image PG in the image display area PA1 (step SB7).

[0099] Returning to the description of step SB4, when the display processing unit 113 determines that the single-page image PG to be displayed has already been rendered (step SB4: YES), it determines whether the color setting during rendering is different from the color setting indicated by the current setting area SA for the single-page image PG to be displayed (step SB8).

[0100] When the display processing unit 113 determines that the color setting during rendering is different from the current color setting (step SB8: YES), it reads the single-page image PG to be displayed from the memory 120, and converts the color of the read page image PG to the color corresponding to the current color setting of the setting area SA (step SB6). Then, the display processing unit 113 displays the color-converted page image PG in the image display area PA1 (step SB7).

[0101] On the other hand, when the display processing unit 113 determines that the color setting during rendering is the same as the current color setting (step SB8: NO), it reads the single-page image PG to be displayed from the memory 120 and displays it in the image display area PA1 (step SB7). When a negative determination is made in step SB8, the display processing unit 113 does not perform color conversion on the read page image PG.

[0102] Returning to the description of step SB3, when the display processing unit 113 determines that it is a setting to arrange a plurality of page images PG (step SB3: YES), it performs page identification processing (step SB9).

[0103] The page identification process in step SB9 identifies a plurality of pages to be displayed based on the operations received by the operation area PA2 and the number of pages corresponding to the layout settings of the setting area SA. For example, in the case of the example in FIG. 7, the display processing unit 113 identifies that the pages to be displayed are the 5th to 8th pages in the page identification process. Also, for example, in the case of the example in FIG. 8, the display processing unit 113 identifies that the pages to be displayed are the 9th and 10th pages in the page identification process. Also, for example, in the case of the example in FIG. 9, the display processing unit 113 identifies that the pages to be displayed are the 9th and 10th pages in the page identification process. Also, for example, in the case of the example in FIG. 10, the display processing unit 113 identifies that the pages to be displayed are the 17th to 20th pages in the page identification process.

[0104] The display processing unit 113 determines whether all the pages identified in the page identification process have been rendered (step SB10). As described above, the rendered page image PG is stored in the memory 120 with information indicating the color settings at the time of rendering and an appropriate page number associated therewith.

[0105] If the display processing unit 113 determines that not all pages have been rendered (step SB10: NO), it renders the page image PG corresponding to the pages identified in the page identification process (step SA11).

[0106] The display processing unit 113 converts the color of the rendered page image PG to the color set in the setting area SA (step SA12).

[0107] The display processing unit 113 displays the column image CG including the color-converted page image PG in the image display area PA1 (step SA14).

[0108] Returning to the description of step SB10, when the display processing unit 113 determines that rendering has been completed for all pages (step SA10: YES), for each page image PG to be displayed, it determines whether the color setting during rendering is different from the color setting indicated by the current setting area SA (step SB13).

[0109] When the display processing unit 113 determines that the color setting during rendering is different from the current color setting (step SB13: YES), it reads all of the page image PG to be displayed from the memory 120, and converts all of the colors of the read page image PG to the colors corresponding to the current color setting (step SB12). Then, the display processing unit 113 displays the column image CG including the color-converted page image PG in the image display area PA1 (step SB14).

[0110] On the other hand, when the display processing unit 113 determines that the color setting during rendering is the same as the current color setting (step SB13: NO), it reads all of the page image PG to be displayed from the memory 120, and displays the column image CG including all of the read page image PG in the image display area PA1 (step SB14). When a negative determination is made in step SB13, the display processing unit 113 does not perform color conversion on the read page image PG.

[0111] As described above, the control device 100 includes a memory 120 that stores variable data 123 including a plurality of page images PG having a variable area VA with a variable image for each page and a non-variable area NVA having the same image regardless of the page, and a display processing unit 113 that causes the display device 160 to display a print preview screen VG of the variable data 123. The display processing unit 113 displays a print preview screen VG that displays one column image CG in which a plurality of page images PG are arranged in a row in the first direction D1 corresponding to the width direction of the print medium S.

[0112] Accordingly, since a plurality of page images PG corresponding to pages are simultaneously displayed on the print preview screen VG, the user can easily grasp the print content of the variable printing.

[0113] The display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG to another column image CG.

[0114] According to this, since the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG is switched to another column image CG, even when a plurality of page images PG are included in the plurality of column images CG, the user can easily grasp the print content of the variable printing.

[0115] The print preview screen VG has a column unit switching button. When the column unit switching button is operated, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG to the column image CG one column before or one column after.

[0116] According to this, when the column unit switching button is operated, it switches to the column image CG one column before or one column after. Therefore, the column image CG one column before or one column after can be switched at the timing desired by the user. Thus, the user can easily grasp the print content of the variable printing, and the convenience for the user can be improved. Also, the user can switch to another column image CG with a single operation, reducing the effort required to display other column images CG.

[0117] The print preview screen VG includes at least one of a head column switching button KB5 and a last column switching button KB6. When the head column switching button KB5 is operated, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG to another column image CG including the page image PG corresponding to the first page among the page images PG included in the variable data 123. When the last column switching button KB6 is operated, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG to another column image CG including the page image PG corresponding to the last page among the page images PG included in the variable data 123.

[0118] According to this, by operating the leading column switching button KB5 and the last column switching button KB6, the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG can be switched to a column image CG including the page image PG corresponding to the first page or the last page. Therefore, the user can easily display the column image CG including the page image PG corresponding to the first page or the last page, and the user can more easily grasp the print content of the variable printing.

[0119] The print preview screen VG has a page number input field NA for receiving a page specification. The display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed on the print preview screen VG to another column image CG including the page image PG corresponding to the page received by the page number input field NA.

[0120] According to this, since the column image CG including the page image PG corresponding to the page specified by the user is displayed, the user can more easily grasp the print content of the variable printing.

[0121] When a plurality of page images PG corresponding to the page specified via the page number input field NA are included in a plurality of column images CG, the other column image CG switched by the display processing unit 113 is among the page images PG corresponding to the page specified via the page number input field NA, and includes the page image PG arranged next to the page image PG corresponding to the page immediately before the page specified via the page number input field NA.

[0122] According to this, on the print preview screen VG when printing multiple copies per page, the user can easily display the column image CG including the two page images PG corresponding to the specified page and the page immediately before this page. Therefore, in variable printing with multiple copies per page, the user can easily grasp the print content of two consecutive pages with consecutive page numbers. Therefore, for variable printing with multiple copies per page, the user can easily grasp the print content.

[0123] The control device 100 includes a data processing unit 114 that generates raster data of the column image CG or print data of the column image CG for each column image CG, and outputs the generated raster data or the generated print data to the print control unit 112.

[0124] According to this, it is possible to output a print result corresponding to the print content displayed on the print preview screen VG. Therefore, it is possible to output a print result corresponding to the print content grasped by the user.

[0125] The display method by the control device 100 includes a step of causing the display device 160 to display a print preview screen VG of variable data 123 including a plurality of page images PG having a variable area VA where the image varies for each page and a non-variable area NVA having the same image regardless of the page. The print preview screen VG displays one column image CG in which a plurality of page images PG are arranged in a row in a first direction D1 corresponding to the width direction of the print medium S.

[0126] According to this, the same effect as that of the control device 100 described above can be achieved.

[0127] The image processing program 122 causes the processor 110 to function as a display processing unit 113 that causes the display device 160 to display a print preview screen VG of variable data 123 including a plurality of page images PG having a variable area VA where the image varies for each page and a non-variable area NVA having the same image regardless of the page. The display processing unit 113 displays a print preview screen VG that displays one column image CG in which a plurality of page images PG are arranged in a row in a first direction D1 corresponding to the width direction of the print medium S.

[0128] According to this, the same effect as that of the control device 100 described above can be achieved.

[0129] [Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration of the second embodiment, the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0130] In the second embodiment, the number of column images CG displayed on the print preview screen VG is different from that in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the print preview screen VG of the second embodiment.

[0131] The print preview area PA of the second embodiment includes an image display area PA1A and an operation area PA2A. The image display area PA1A is an area for displaying print contents. The image display area PA1 can display a printable image IG. The printable image IG is an image in which a plurality of column images CG are arranged in a row along the second direction D2. The upper limit number of column images CG included in the printable image IG corresponds to the upper limit number of column images CG printable in one conveyance of intermittent printing. This upper limit number corresponds to the length of the image that the ejection head 41 can print in the X-axis direction.

[0132] Hereinafter, when distinguishing printable images IG, numbers are appended to the symbols of IG. When indicating the i-th printable image IG, it is indicated as printable image IG i. i is an integer of 1 or more. In the present embodiment, the smaller the number following the symbol of IG, the more the printable image IG includes page images PG with smaller page numbers.

[0133] In the example of FIG. 13, a printable image IG1 including column images CG1, CG2, and CG3 is shown. That is, in the example of FIG. 13, the upper limit number of column images CG printable in one conveyance of intermittent printing is 3.

[0134] The operation area PA2A includes a plurality of software buttons for switching the display contents of the image display area PA1A. The operation area PA2A includes, as the software buttons, a first page unit switching button KB1A, a second page unit switching button KB2A, a first image unit switching button KB7, a second image unit switching button KB8, a first column switching button KB5A, and a last column switching button KB6A.

[0135] The first page unit switching button KB1A switches the page image PG of the selected page, similar to the first page unit switching button KB1. In the printable image IG displayed in the image display area PA1A, assuming that the first page unit switching button KB1A is operated once when the page image PG corresponding to the page with the smallest page number is selected. In this case, the display control unit 113 switches the printable image IG displayed in the image display area PA1A from the printable image IGi to the printable image IGi-1.

[0136] The second page unit switching button KB2A switches the page image PG of the selected page, similar to the second page unit switching button KB2. In the printable image IG displayed in the image display area PA1A, assuming that the second page unit switching button KB2A is operated once when the page image PG corresponding to the page with the largest page number is selected. In this case, the display control unit 113 switches the printable image IG displayed in the image display area PA1A from the printable image IGi to the printable image IGi+1.

[0137] The first image unit switching button KB7 and the second image unit switching button KB8 switch the printable image IG displayed in the image display area PA1A to another printable image IG. When the first image unit switching button KB7 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the printable image IG displayed in the image display area PA1A from the printable image IGi to the printable image IGi+1. When the second image unit switching button KB8 is operated once, the display processing unit 113 switches the printable image IG displayed in the image display area PA1 from the printable image IGi to the printable image IGi-1.

[0138] The page number input field NAA accepts the input of a page number for page designation. The display processing unit 113 switches the printable image IG displayed in the image display area PA1A to a printable image IG including the page image PG corresponding to the page with the page number input in the page number input field NA.

[0139] As described above, the control device 100 of the second embodiment includes a memory 120 that stores variable data 123 including a plurality of page images PG having a variable area VA with variable images for each page and a non-variable area NVA having the same image regardless of the page, and a display processing unit 113 that causes a display device 160 to display a print preview screen VG of the variable data 123. The display processing unit 113 causes a print preview screen VG to be displayed that displays a plurality of column images CG in which a plurality of page images PG are arranged in a row in a first direction D1 corresponding to the width direction of the print medium S.

[0140] According to this, since a plurality of page images PG corresponding to pages are simultaneously displayed on the print preview screen VG, the user can easily grasp the print content of the variable printing. In addition, since more page images PG are simultaneously displayed compared to the first embodiment, the user can more easily grasp the print content of the variable printing.

[0141] The print preview screen VG displays a printable image IG having a plurality of column images CG printable in one conveyance of the intermittent printing. The plurality of column images CG included in the printable image IG are arranged in a second direction D2 corresponding to the conveyance direction F of the print medium S. The display processing unit 113 switches the printable image IG displayed on the print preview screen VG to another printable image IG.

[0142] According to this, since the printable image IG displayed on the print preview screen VG is switched to another printable image IG, even when a plurality of page images PG are included in a plurality of printable images IG, the user can easily grasp the print content of the variable printing.

[0143] [Third Embodiment] Next, the third embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration of each part of the third embodiment, for the same configurations as those of each part of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description is omitted.

[0144] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printing system 1000. The printing system 1000 of the third embodiment includes a printing device 1A and a PC (Personal Computer) 7. The PC 7 is an example of an "information processing device" in this embodiment.

[0145] Compared with the printing device 1 of the first embodiment, in the printing device 1A, the processor 110 does not function as the display processing unit 113 and the data processing unit 114. Also, compared with the printing device 1 of the first embodiment, the memory 120 in the printing device 1A does not store the image processing program 122 and the variable data 123.

[0146] The PC 7 may be a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone. The PC 7 includes a PC control unit 700, an input unit 701, a display unit 702, and a communication unit 703.

[0147] The PC control unit 700 includes a PC processor 710, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or an MPU, and a PC memory 720. The PC control unit 700 controls each part of the PC 7 by having the PC processor 710 read and execute the control program 721 stored in the PC memory 720. The PC processor 710 functions as the display processing unit 113 and the data processing unit 114 described in the first embodiment by executing the image processing program 122 stored in the PC memory 720. In this embodiment, the PC memory 710 is an example of a "processor". In this embodiment, the PC memory 720 is an example of a "storage unit".

[0148] The PC memory 720 is a memory that stores programs executed by the PC processor 710 and data processed by the PC processor 710. The PC memory 720 stores the control program 721, the image processing program 122, the variable data 123, and other various data executed by the PC processor 710. The PC memory 720 has a non-volatile storage area. Also, the PC memory 720 may include a volatile storage area and constitute the work area of the PC processor 710.

[0149] The input unit 701 is an input interface that connects to input means such as operation switches provided on the PC 7, a panel having a touch input function, a mouse, and a keyboard, detects operations on the input means by the user, and outputs the detection results to the PC control unit 700. The PC control unit 700 executes processing corresponding to the operations on the input means based on the input from the input unit 701.

[0150] The display unit 702 includes a display and displays information on the display according to the control of the PC control unit 700.

[0151] The communication unit 703 is a communication interface including a communication circuit, a connector, etc., and communicates with the printing device 1A according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication standard of the communication unit 703 may be a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0152] The PC processor 710 functions as the display processing unit 113 and the data processing unit 114 described in the first embodiment.

[0153] The display processing unit 113 of the PC processor 710 causes the print preview screen VG to be displayed on the display unit 702. When the display processing unit 113 receives a user operation on the print preview screen VG via the input unit 701, it switches the display content of the print preview screen VG to the display content corresponding to the received operation. Note that the print preview screen VG displayed by the display processing unit 113 in the third embodiment may be either the print preview screen VG in the first embodiment or the print preview screen VG in the second embodiment.

[0154] The data processing unit 114 of the PC processor 710 generates data to be output to the print control unit 112 based on the variable data 123. The data processing unit 114 generates raster data such as TIFF data as the data to be output to the print control unit 112. The data processing unit 114 generates raster data of the column images CG described later for each column image CG. The data processing unit 114 outputs the generated raster data to the print control unit 112 of the printing apparatus 1A via the communication unit 703. The print control unit 112 of the printing apparatus 1A generates print data for printing the column images CG indicated by the raster data input from the data processing unit 114, and prints the column images CG on the print medium S based on the generated print data. Note that the data processing unit 114 of the PC processor 710 may be configured to generate print data based on the generated raster data and output the generated print data to the print control unit 112 of the printing apparatus 1A.

[0155] According to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments are obtained.

[0156] The above-described embodiments merely show one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.

[0157] In the above-described third embodiment, the print preview screen VG is displayed on the display included in the PC 7, but the PC 7 may be configured to display the print preview screen VG on an external display.

[0158] In the above-described print preview screen VG, a column number input field may be provided instead of or together with the page number input field NA. The column number input field is an area where a column number is input. When a column number is input into the column number input field, the display processing unit 113 switches the column image CG displayed in the image display area PA1 to the column image CG of the column number input into the column number input field. In the case of this configuration, each of the column images CG is assigned a column number.

[0159] The above-described print preview screen VG may have a switching button KB for switching to the column image CG with the smallest column number and a switching button KB for switching to the column image CG with the largest column number.

[0160] In the above-described embodiment, the printing method of the printing apparatus 1 is exemplified as a lateral type inkjet method, but the printing method of the printing apparatus 1 may be a line type inkjet method or a serial type inkjet method. Further, the printing method of the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to the inkjet method, and may be other printing methods such as an electrophotographic method using toner.

[0161] In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 may have functions other than the printing function such as a scan function and a facsimile function.

[0162] The processor 110 and the PC processor 710 may be composed of a plurality of processors or may be composed of a single processor. The processor 110 and the PC processor 710 may be hardware programmed to realize the functions of each part described later. That is, the processor 110 and the PC processor 710 are composed of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0163] In addition, each part shown in FIGS. 2 and 14 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessarily required to implement hardware corresponding to each part individually, and of course, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Also, in the above-described embodiment, a part of the functions realized by software may be implemented as hardware, or a part of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the control device 100 and the other parts of the printing device 1 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0164] In addition, the step units of the operations shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are divided according to the main processing contents, and the present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing units and their names. Depending on the processing contents, it may be further divided into more step units. Also, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processes. Also, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed without impairing the spirit of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0165] 1, 1A... Printing device, 5... Drying unit, 7... PC (Information processing device), 41... Discharge head, 100... Control device (Information processing device), 110... Processor, 111... Communication control unit, 112... Printing control unit, 113... Display processing unit, 114... Data processing unit, 120... Memory (Storage unit), 121... Control program, 122... Image processing program (Program), 123... Variable data, 130... Interface, 140... Drive circuit, 150... Input device, 160... Display device (Display unit), 170... Communication device, 181... First carriage motor, 182... Second carriage motor, 183... Conveyor motor, 184... Feed motor, 185... Take-up motor, 702... Display unit, 710... PC processor (Processor), 720... PC memory (Storage unit), CG... Column image, D1... First direction, D2... Second direction, F... Conveyor direction, IG... Printable image, KB... Switching button, KB3... First column unit switching button (Switching button, column unit switching button), KB4... Second column unit switching button (Switching button, column unit switching button), KB5... First column switching button (Switching button), KB6... Last column switching button (Switching button), NA... Page number input field (Reception unit), NVA... Variable area (Second area), PG... Page image, S... Print medium, VA... Variable area (First area), VG... Print preview screen.

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores variable data including a plurality of page images having a first area with a variable image for each page and a second area having the same image regardless of the page; A display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a print preview screen of the variable data, wherein the display processing unit displays the print preview screen that displays one column image in which a plurality of the page images are arranged in a column in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the print medium, switches the column image displayed on the print preview screen to another column image, An information processing apparatus.

2. A storage unit that stores variable data including a plurality of page images having a first area with a variable image for each page and a second area having the same image regardless of the page; A display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a print preview screen of the variable data, wherein the display processing unit displays the print preview screen that displays a plurality of column images in which a plurality of the page images are arranged in a column in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the print medium, the print preview screen displays a printable image, the printable image has a plurality of the column images printable in one conveyance of intermittent printing, the plurality of column images included in the printable image are arranged in a second direction corresponding to the conveyance direction of the print medium, the display processing unit switches the printable image displayed on the print preview screen to another printable image, An information processing apparatus.

3. The print preview screen has a column unit switching button, wherein the display processing unit switches the column image displayed on the print preview screen to a column image one column before or one column after when the column unit switching button is operated, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The print preview screen includes at least one of a first column switching button and a last column switching button, wherein the display processing unit when the first column switching button is operated, switches the column image displayed on the print preview screen to another column image including the page image corresponding to the first page among the page images included in the variable data, when the last column switching button is operated, switches the column image displayed on the print preview screen to another column image including the page image corresponding to the last page among the page images included in the variable data, The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The print preview screen has a reception unit that receives a page specification, When the reception unit receives a page specification, the display processing unit switches the column image displayed on the print preview screen to another column image including the page image corresponding to the page specified via the reception unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. When a plurality of the page images corresponding to the page specified via the reception unit are included in a plurality of the column images, the other column image switched by the display processing unit includes the page image adjacent to the page image corresponding to the page immediately before the page specified via the reception unit among the page images corresponding to the page specified via the reception unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. A data processing unit that generates raster data of the column image or print data of the column image for each column image and outputs the generated raster data or the generated print data to a print control unit is provided, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Including the step of causing a display unit to display a print preview screen of variable data including a plurality of page images each having a first region where an image varies for each page and a second region having the same image regardless of the page, The print preview screen displays one column image in which a plurality of the page images are arranged in a row in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the print medium, The step includes a step of switching the column image displayed on the print preview screen to another column image, Display method.

9. Including the step of causing a display unit to display a print preview screen of variable data including a plurality of page images each having a first region where an image varies for each page and a second region having the same image regardless of the page, The print preview screen displays a plurality of column images in which a plurality of the page images are arranged in a row in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the print medium, The print preview screen displays a printable image, The printable image has a plurality of the column images printable in one conveyance of intermittent printing, The plurality of the column images included in the printable image are arranged in a second direction corresponding to the conveyance direction of the print medium, The step includes a step of switching the printable image displayed on the print preview screen to another printable image, Display method.

10. A processor, Function as a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a print preview screen of variable data including a plurality of page images each having a first area with a variable image per page and a second area having the same image regardless of the page. The display processing unit: Displays the print preview screen that displays one column image in which a plurality of the page images are arranged in a row in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium. Switches the column image displayed on the print preview screen to another column image. Program. **Claim 11**: A processor Function as a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a print preview screen of variable data including a plurality of page images each having a first area with a variable image per page and a second area having the same image regardless of the page. The display processing unit displays the print preview screen that displays a plurality of column images in which a plurality of the page images are arranged in a row in a first direction corresponding to the width direction of the printing medium. The print preview screen displays a printable image. The printable image has a plurality of the column images printable in one conveyance of intermittent printing. The plurality of column images included in the printable image are arranged in a second direction corresponding to the conveyance direction of the printing medium. The display processing unit switches the printable image displayed on the print preview screen to another printable image. Program.

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