Cutting device, cutting method and cutting program

Abstract

To provide a cutting device that appropriately performs a cutting process to a sheet medium.SOLUTION: A cutting device 1 comprises: a data obtaining part that obtains cutting data including information about a series of cutting motions of a cutter to a sheet medium (information about short vector sequence); a data editing part that edits the cutting data so that a direction of the cutting motion pointing in a first direction in a conveying direction, of the series of cutting motions, is changed to a second direction that is opposite to the first direction; and a cut executing part that executes a cutting process on the basis of the edited data. The data editing part detects the cutting motion pointing in the first direction, from a reference point in the series of cutting motions, and when a predetermined detection condition is satisfied, changes the direction of the detected cutting motion from the first direction to the second direction. The cut executing part performs the cutting process from the reference point up to a predetermined point based on the edited data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting device, a cutting method, and a cutting program, and more particularly to a cutting device, a cutting method, and a cutting program that continuously perform a predetermined cutting process on a roll of sheet media. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, cutting devices are known that cut images formed on sheet media by moving a carriage holding a cutter while the tip of the cutter is in contact with or separated from the sheet media, and transporting the sheet media in a transport direction perpendicular to the direction of carriage movement. There are two main types of cutting devices: the "grit rolling type" and the "flatbed type." In a grit rolling type device, a rolled sheet medium is sandwiched between a drive roller and a pressure roller, and the sheet medium is transported by the rotation of the drive roller, allowing for continuous cutting (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The cutting device described in Patent Document 1 is designed to be able to cut thick sheet media even when the cutting pressure applied by the cutter is low. Specifically, when performing cutting processing along the contour line of a figure formed on a sheet medium, the cutting device detects the "pull-out section" of the contour line that is cut when the sheet medium is transported in the pull-out direction and the "pull-in section" of the contour line that is cut when the sheet medium is transported in the pull-in direction, separates the detected "pull-out section" and "pull-in section," changes the separated "pull-in section" so that it is cut when the sheet medium is transported in the pull-out direction, creates "edited cut data," and performs cutting processing based on the created "edited cut data." In other words, when forming a predetermined cut line on the sheet media, the cutter's cutting action on the sheet media is always aligned in one direction in the sheet transport direction (the direction in which the cutter moves relative to the sheet media when it is transported in the direction in which it is pulled out). By doing so, although the cut line cannot be completed by a series of cutting actions (a single cutting action) by the cutter, the cutter always moves in one direction in the sheet transport direction (relative movement) while cutting, making it possible to cut the sheet medium with a constant pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-151033 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in a cutting device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, there has been a demand for more suitable cutting processing of sheet media. For example, there has been a demand for technology that allows cutting to be performed while editing cut data, rather than starting the cutting process after editing the cut data, so that cutting can be performed efficiently on sheet media. Furthermore, for example, in order to efficiently cut sheet media, there was a demand for technology that would enable cutting to be performed as quickly as possible using a series of cutting operations (a single cutting operation) within a range that would not affect the finished cutting process, rather than uniformly aligning the cutter's cutting action on the sheet media in the sheet transport direction.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cutting device, a cutting method, and a cutting plotter that can perform cutting processing on sheet media in an appropriate manner. Another object of the present invention is to provide a cutting device, a cutting method, and a cutting plotter that can efficiently cut sheet media without affecting the finish of the cutting process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above-mentioned problem is solved by the cutting device of the present invention, in which the cutter is in contact with the sheet medium. ,before A cutting device that performs a cutting process by conveying the sheet medium, the cutting device comprising: a data acquisition unit that acquires cutting data for forming a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium, the cutting data including information on a series of cutting operations of the cutter on the sheet medium; and a data acquisition unit that acquires cutting data for forming a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium, the cutting data including information on a series of cutting operations of the cutter on the sheet medium. Sheet media a data editing unit that edits the cutting data so as to change the direction of a cutting operation, which is oriented in a first direction in a conveying direction, to a second direction that is an opposite direction to the first direction in the conveying direction; and a cutting execution unit that executes a cutting process based on the cutting data edited by the data editing unit, wherein the data editing unit and others Detecting a cutting motion directed in the first direction; a switching point at which a cutting operation directed in the first direction switches to a cutting operation directed in the second direction in the series of cutting operations is detected, and when the switching point is detected, a direction of the cutting operation directed in the first direction is changed to the second direction from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to the switching point or a point corresponding to the switching point; The problem is solved by the cutting execution unit executing the cutting process from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to a predetermined point based on cutting data edited by the data editing unit. With the above configuration, it is possible to realize a cutting device that can perform cutting processing suitably on sheet media (especially thin sheet media). In detail, the data editorial department, When a switching point is detected at which a series of cutting operations switches between a cutting operation directed in a first direction and a cutting operation directed in a second direction in a series of cutting operations. The direction of the detected cutting operation is changed from the first direction to the second direction. By doing so, rather than uniformly aligning the cutter's cutting action on the sheet media in the sheet transport direction as in the past, conditions can be set within a range that does not affect the finished cutting process, allowing for more efficient cutting. Alternatively, rather than finishing editing the cutting data and then starting the cutting process based on the edited cutting data as in the past, if certain conditions are met, it is possible to perform the cutting process while editing the cutting data in parallel. Since the execution speed of the cutting process is usually slower than the data editing, it is possible to control it so that it appears as if the cutting process is being performed in real time while the cutting data is being edited.

[0008] In this case, when the specified detection condition is satisfied, the data editing unit changes the direction of the cutting operation facing in the first direction from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to a point based on the specified detection condition to the second direction, the cutting execution unit executes a first cutting process from the reference point to the point, and the data editing unit sequentially detects cutting operations facing in the first direction again from the point after or while the first cutting process is executed by the cutting execution unit. With the above configuration, instead of starting the cutting process based on the edited cutting data after editing the cutting data as in the past, the cutting process can be performed at any time while editing the cutting data. Alternatively, the cutting process can be performed in parallel while editing the cutting data. By doing so, the cutting process can be started quickly, and the cutting process can be performed efficiently on the sheet media. Furthermore, because there is no longer a need to edit cutting data all at once as in the past, there is no need to store the edited cutting data in full, which reduces memory capacity. For example, depending on the shape of the cut line to be formed on the sheet medium, cutting processing can be performed as needed while editing the cutting data, thereby reducing conventional memory capacity by up to half.

[0010] In this case, the data editing unit may determine, as the predetermined detection condition, whether a distance in the conveying direction of a cutting operation facing the first orientation in the series of cutting operations, or a cumulative distance in the conveying direction of a group of cutting operations that are successively facing the first orientation, exceeds a predetermined tolerance. If it is determined that the distance or the cumulative distance exceeds the tolerance, it may detect a switch point at which a cutting operation facing the first orientation in the series of cutting operations switches from a cutting operation facing the first orientation to a cutting operation facing the second orientation in the series of cutting operations. When the switch point is detected, it may further determine whether a distance in the conveying direction of a cutting operation facing the second orientation in the series of cutting operations, or a cumulative distance in the conveying direction of a group of cutting operations that are successively facing the second orientation, exceeds the predetermined tolerance. If it is determined that the distance of a cutting operation facing the second orientation or the cumulative distance of a group of cutting operations that are successively facing the second orientation exceeds the predetermined tolerance, it may change the orientation of the detected cutting operation from the first orientation to the second orientation. As described above, by setting conditions (for example, tolerances that are allowable widths) within a range that does not affect the finish of the cutting process, the cutting process can be performed more efficiently. In other words, rather than editing the cutting data to uniformly align the cutter's cutting operation on the sheet media in the sheet transport direction as in the past, priority can be given to performing cutting processing with as simple a cutting operation as possible, as long as it is within the tolerance range. Furthermore, by setting a plurality of conditions as described above, cutting can be performed more efficiently within a range that does not affect the finish of the cutting process.

[0011] Furthermore, the above problem occurs when the cutter is in contact with the sheet medium. ,beforeA cutting method executed by a computer that performs a cutting process by conveying the sheet medium, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring cutting data for forming a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium, the cutting data including information on a series of cutting operations of the cutter on the sheet medium; and selecting, from the series of cutting operations included in the cutting data, Sheet media The cutting data is edited so as to change the direction of the cutting operation, which is in a first direction in the conveying direction, to a second direction that is opposite to the first direction in the conveying direction, and cutting is performed based on the edited cutting data. When editing the cutting data, and others Detecting a cutting motion directed in the first direction; a switching point at which a cutting operation directed in the first direction switches to a cutting operation directed in the second direction in the series of cutting operations is detected, and when the switching point is detected, a direction of the cutting operation directed in the first direction is changed to the second direction from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to the switching point or a point corresponding to the switching point; The above-mentioned problem can also be solved by a cutting method in which, when performing the cutting process, the cutting process is performed from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to a predetermined point based on edited cutting data.

[0012] Furthermore, the above problem occurs when the cutter is in contact with the sheet medium. , the above A data acquisition process for acquiring cutting data, which is data for forming a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium, including information on a series of cutting operations of the cutter on the sheet medium, into a computer as a cutting device that performs a cutting process by conveying the sheet medium; and a data acquisition process for acquiring cutting data, which is data for forming a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium, including information on a series of cutting operations of the cutter on the sheet medium, Sheet media a data editing process for editing the cutting data so as to change the direction of the cutting operation, which is in a first direction in the conveying direction, to a second direction which is opposite to the first direction in the conveying direction; and a cutting execution process for executing the cutting operation based on the cutting data edited by the data editing process. In the data editing process, a reference point in the series of cutting operations is changed to a second direction opposite to the first direction in the conveying direction. and others Detecting a cutting motion directed in the first direction; a switching point at which a cutting operation directed in the first direction switches to a cutting operation directed in the second direction in the series of cutting operations is detected, and when the switching point is detected, a direction of the cutting operation directed in the first direction is changed to the second direction from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to the switching point or a point corresponding to the switching point;In the cutting execution process, the problem is also solved by a cutting program that executes the cutting process from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to a predetermined point based on the cutting data edited by the data editing process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the cutting device, cutting method, and cutting program of the present invention, it is possible to perform cutting processing on sheet media in an appropriate manner. Furthermore, it is possible to efficiently perform cutting processing on the sheet medium within a range that does not affect the finish of the cutting processing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a cutting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the cutting device, illustrating a sheet transport mechanism, a carriage movement mechanism, and a cutter movement mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the cutting device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the cutting device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of sheet-specific tolerance data. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of cutting data. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a data editing unit. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a data editing unit. [Figure 9A] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a data editing unit and a cutting execution unit. [Figure 9B] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a data editing unit and a cutting execution unit. [Figure 9C] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a data editing unit and a cutting execution unit. [Figure 9D] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a data editing unit and a cutting execution unit. [Figure 9E] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a data editing unit and a cutting execution unit. [Figure 9F] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a data editing unit and a cutting execution unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a cutting method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment relates to a cutting device that performs a cutting process by moving a carriage holding the cutter while the cutter is in contact with the sheet medium and transporting the sheet medium in a transport direction that intersects with the direction of carriage movement.The main feature of this invention is that it performs the cutting process at any time while editing cutting data to form a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium, sets tolerances within a range that does not affect the finished cutting process, and performs the cutting process with as simple a cutting operation as possible. When viewed from the carriage holding the cutter, the upstream side in the conveying direction (sheet conveying direction) means the side on the sheet medium where the image before cutting processing is placed, and the downstream side in the conveying direction means the side where the image after cutting processing is placed.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cutting device 1 of this embodiment is a cutting plotter that accepts user input and continuously performs cutting processing on multiple images 2a formed on a roll of sheet medium 2.The sheet medium 2 is placed on a conveying table, and a predetermined cutting line is formed along the contour of the image 2a formed on the sheet medium 2. The cutting device 1 is a grid rolling type plotter, but is not particularly limited and can be modified. For example, the cutting device 1 may be a flatbed type plotter. Alternatively, the cutting device 1 is not limited to these and can be widely applied as long as it is a cutting device that can cut the sheet medium 2.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet medium 2 is a roll of paper made of a sheet of paper, synthetic paper, patterned paper, plastic film, or the like, on which an image 2a is printed in advance. More specifically, the sheet medium 2 has a plurality of images 2a formed in a line in the longitudinal direction thereof. The sheet medium 2 may further have a code mark 2b or a register mark 2c at a predetermined position for each image 2a. The code mark 2b is a barcode mark for optically reading the image information of the image 2a and the register mark 2c, and the register mark 2c is a mark for aligning the cutting line of the image 2a. The sheet media 2 are classified into several types based on the differences in their mechanical properties. The types of sheet media 2 will be described in detail later.

[0018] <Cutting device 1 hardware> As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the cutting device 1 is mainly composed of a user input mechanism 10 for receiving user input, a display mechanism 20 for displaying various setting items and messages, a sheet conveying mechanism 30 for conveying the sheet medium 2 in a conveying direction X, a carriage 40 holding a cutter 41 for cutting the sheet medium 2, a carriage moving mechanism 50 for moving the carriage 40 in a direction intersecting the conveying direction X, and a control controller 60 provided inside the cutting device 1 for performing various calculations and controls.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the user input mechanism 10 accepts operational inputs that allow the user to make various settings and manually operate the sheet conveying mechanism 30, carriage moving mechanism 50, etc. Specifically, user inputs are accepted by operating the operation buttons provided at the top end of the cutting device 1. The display mechanism 20 displays, on a display screen provided at the top end of the cutting device 1, the contents of various settings made by the user, error messages when an abnormality occurs, and the like.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the sheet conveying mechanism 30 is mainly composed of a conveying table 31 for conveying the rolled sheet medium 2 horizontally, a drive roller 32 for driving the sheet medium 2 placed on the conveying table 31 so that it can be conveyed, a pressure roller 33 attached in a position opposite the drive roller 32 in the vertical direction and clamping the sheet medium 2 between it and the drive roller 32, a stock roller 34 located upstream (most upstream) of the conveying table 31 in the conveying direction X for placing the rolled sheet medium 2 before cutting, and a winding roller 35 located downstream (most downstream) of the conveying table 31 in the conveying direction X for winding up the sheet medium 2 after cutting.

[0021] The conveying table 31 is a plate-like member that supports the sheet medium 2 from below when the sheet medium 2 is conveyed and when the sheet medium 2 is cut. The drive roller 32 is a roller that is driven by the rotation of a drive motor (not shown) and is rotatable about a rotation axis 32a that extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction X. The drive roller 32 is disposed on the conveying table 31 that is located downstream in the conveying direction X from the carriage 40 that holds the cutter 41. The pressure roller 33 is a roller that can rotate around a rotation axis 33a, and is configured to be able to clamp the sheet medium 2 between itself and the drive roller 32. A plurality of pressure rollers 33 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the movement direction Y of the carriage 40, and are arranged at positions that correspond to at least both ends of the sheet medium 2 in the sheet width direction. The pressure roller 33 can adjust the contact pressure with the sheet medium 2 by adjusting the spring pressure of the compression spring 33b shown in Figure 2, and can transport the sheet medium 2 by rotating in response to the rotational movement of the drive roller 32.

[0022] In the above, for example, when the sheet medium 2 is a hard and thick sheet, it is preferable to arrange three or five sets of pressure rollers 33 and adjust the pressure rollers 33 to a relatively high contact pressure so as to be able to properly hold the sheet medium 2. It is also preferable that the pressure rollers 33 are arranged about 20 mm or more inward from both ends of the sheet medium 2 in the sheet width direction.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the carriage 40 is a moving body that is moved in a direction intersecting the conveying direction X by a carriage moving mechanism 50 while holding a cutter 41, and is positioned opposite the conveying table 31 in the vertical direction, and is also positioned upstream of the drive roller 32 and the pressure roller 33 in the conveying direction X. Specifically, the carriage 40 includes a cutter 41 capable of cutting the sheet medium 2, a cutter holder 42 that can move in the vertical direction Z relative to the carriage body while holding the cutter 41, and an actuator 43 (cutter moving mechanism) that is attached inside the carriage body and moves the cutter holder 42 up and down in the vertical direction Z. In addition, the carriage 40 may be equipped with a detection sensor attached to the lower end portion of the cutter holder 42, which optically detects the positions of the code marks 2b and registration marks 2c formed at predetermined positions for each image 2a on the sheet medium 2, and a reading sensor which optically detects the image information stored in the code marks 2b.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the cutter 41 is a rod-shaped cutting pen that is long in the vertical direction, and the tip of the cutter 41 is configured to be able to come into contact with the sheet medium 2 in the vertical direction. The cutter holder 42 consists of a cylindrical plunger that removably holds the cutter 41 in the vertical direction, and more specifically, is configured to hold the cutter 41 rotatably around a rotation axis (not shown) that extends in the vertical direction. The cutter 41 is an eccentric cutting pen whose cutting edge is held at a predetermined distance from the rotation axis. When forming a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium 2, the cutter 41 rotates so that its cutting edge follows the direction of least resistance to the sheet medium 2, i.e., the cutting direction.

[0025] In the above configuration, the cutter holder 42 is connected to the actuator 43, and can move up and down together with the cutter 41 in the vertical direction Z by driving the actuator 43. Then, the cutter 41 can be brought into contact with or separated from the sheet medium 2 placed on the conveying table 31 by applying pressure thereto. In other words, the cutter holder 42 and the actuator 43 correspond to a "cutter moving mechanism" that moves the cutter 41 in a direction to contact or move away from the sheet medium 2.

[0026] The carriage movement mechanism 50 has a mechanism for moving the carriage 40 along the width direction of the cutting device 1, as shown in FIGS. Specifically, the carriage moving mechanism 50 includes a slide rail 51 extending along the width direction of the cutting device 1, a slider 52 attached so as to be able to slide along the slide rail 51 and holding the carriage 40, and a drive motor (not shown) for driving the slider 52 along the slide rail 51. A pair of pressure rollers 33 are attached to both ends of the slide rail 51 in the longitudinal direction, and the slider 52 is disposed sandwiched between the pair of pressure rollers 33. Therefore, the slider 52 holding the carriage 40 is slidable between the pair of pressure rollers 33.

[0027] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, the cutter 41 can move in three dimensions relative to the sheet medium 2 by moving the cutter holder 42 in the vertical direction Z, moving the carriage 40 in the movement direction Y, and transporting the sheet medium 2 in the transport direction X. Strictly speaking, the cutter 41 can move in the vertical direction Z and the movement direction Y relative to the sheet medium 2, and can also move in the transport direction X relative to the sheet medium 2.

[0028] 4, the control controller 60 is a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a data arithmetic and control processing device, ROM, RAM, and HDD (SSD) as storage devices, and a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information data via a home network or the Internet (it does not have to be equipped with an HDD). The control controller 60 may be realized by a semiconductor integrated circuit or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) equipped with a CPU. The cutting device 1 may further include an external storage device such as a USB memory or an external hard disk. As shown in Figure 5, the memory device of the control controller 60 stores a cutting program in addition to a main program that performs the functions necessary for a computer, and the functions of the cutting device 1 are realized by executing these programs by the CPU.

[0029] Specifically, the control controller 60 receives signals from the user input mechanism 10 and various sensors, and transmits control signals to the sheet transport mechanism 30, the actuator 43 (cutter movement mechanism), and the carriage movement mechanism 50, thereby performing a cutting process of the image formed on the sheet medium 2. In addition, by transmitting a control signal to the display mechanism 20, the controller 60 displays the contents of various setting items, error messages, etc. on the display screen. With the above configuration, the cutting device 1 can form a predetermined cut line by having the sheet conveying mechanism 30 move the sheet medium 2 in the conveying direction X and the carriage moving mechanism 50 move the carriage 40 in the moving direction Y, so that the cutter 41 moves in the conveying direction X and the moving direction Y relative to the sheet medium 2.

[0030] <Functions of cutting device 1> As shown in Figure 5, from a functional perspective, the cutting device 1 has as its main components a memory unit 61 that stores various programs and data as well as ``sheet-specific tolerance data,'' ``graphic data,'' and ``cutting data,'' a data acquisition unit 62, a sheet selection acceptance unit 63, a sheet attribute information acquisition unit 64, a tolerance setting unit 65, a data editing unit 66, and a cutting execution unit 67. These are composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, communication interface, various programs, etc.

[0031] The "sheet-specific tolerance data" stored in the memory unit 61 is table data showing the correspondence between the type of sheet medium, attribute information (sheet attribute information) regarding the properties of the sheet medium, and tolerance values, as shown in Figure 6, and is centrally managed in the memory unit 61. By referencing this data, it is possible to utilize a function that automatically sets an appropriate tolerance value corresponding to the type of sheet medium (attribute information of the sheet medium). The "sheet attribute information" includes information about various properties of the sheet medium, such as "material," "thickness," "hardness," "viscosity," and "specific gravity." The "tolerance" is a threshold value of the tolerance range that is preset based on the attribute information of the sheet medium. As will be described in detail later, this threshold value is set so that the cutting process can be performed as much as possible through a series of cutting operations, within a range that does not affect the finish of the cutting process. The "allowable value" has a preset initial value, but the initial value can be changed manually by accepting input from the user.

[0032] Looking at this embodiment in Figure 6, it can be seen that for "Media A," the sheet attribute information is that the "Material" is Material A, the "Thickness" is thin, the "Hardness" is soft, and the "Tolerance" is set to 0.0 mm. On the other hand, for "medium B," the sheet attribute information shows that the "material" is material A, the "thickness" is thin, the "hardness" is hard, and the "tolerance" is set to 30.0 mm. To explain the above settings, since medium A is softer in "hardness" than medium B, it is more likely to bend during the cutting process, making it difficult to cut properly (which can easily affect the finish of the cutting process). For this reason, the "tolerance value" for medium A is set small. By doing so, the cutting operation of the cutter on medium A can be aligned as much as possible in the conveyance direction X. Based on the same concept, since medium A has a thinner "thickness" than medium C, the "tolerance value" for medium A is set smaller. Note that a "tolerance" of 0.0 mm means that the cutting process is performed by a series of (single-stroke) cutting operations, that is, the cutting process is always performed in one direction, the sheet conveying direction X. An example of such a medium A is car film.

[0033] The "tolerance value" is set based on the "sheet medium attribute information," but it may also be set based on the sheet medium attribute information, the cutting processing conditions by the cutter, and the shape of the cut line. Examples of "cutting processing conditions" include "cutting speed," "cutting pressure," and "cutting acceleration." "Cutting speed" refers to the movement speed of the cutter, "cutting pressure" refers to the pressure of the cutter on the sheet medium, and "cutting acceleration" refers to the movement acceleration of the cutter. If the values ​​of the cutting speed and cutting acceleration are large, it is recommended to make the tolerance smaller. If the value of the cutting pressure is small, it is recommended to make the tolerance smaller. Regarding the "shape of the cut line," if the shape of the cut line is relatively simple, such as a spade mark, the tolerance may be set relatively large. On the other hand, if the shape of the cut line is more complex, it is better to set the tolerance relatively small.

[0034] The “graphic data (image data)” is created based on user operations and is centrally managed in the storage unit 61. The graphic data includes "graphic information (image information)" consisting of line drawing commands and Bezier curve commands. "Graphic information" refers to information about a graphic or pattern that has been formed in advance on a sheet medium, as shown in Fig. 7. The graphic or pattern information does not necessarily have to be formed in advance on the sheet medium, and the cutting device 1 equipped with a pen may be configured to draw a graphic on the sheet medium and then cut along the graphic. The data acquisition unit 62 generates "cutting data" based on the "graphic data" and acquires the cutting data.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, "cutting data" is data for forming a predetermined cut line on a sheet medium, and includes "short vector sequence information" that indicates a series of cutting operations of the cutter on the sheet medium. The cutting data is managed in a unified manner in the storage unit 61. By referencing the "cutting data," it is possible to utilize the function of forming a predetermined cut line along the contour of an image formed on a sheet medium.

[0036] "Information on a series of short vectors" is information (control information) that indicates a series of cutting operations of a cutter on a sheet medium to form a cut line along the contour of an image formed on the sheet medium, as shown in Figure 7, and is information on a collection of short vectors. In other words, the "short vector sequence information" is defined by the XY coordinate system of the cutting device 1. It can also be said to be control information that controls a series of cutting operations of the cutter on the sheet medium set in the cutting device 1. A "short vector sequence" is a collection of line segment vectors when each vertex of a cut line consisting of multiple line segments is defined by XY coordinates. A "short vector" indicates a quantity that combines the size of a line segment and the direction from the vertex of that line segment to the next vertex. A "short vector" corresponds to a cutting operation (cut element operation) on a sheet medium.

[0037] Looking at the "cutting data" shown in FIG. 7, it can be seen that this is data for forming a cut line along the contour of the image "spade mark" formed on the sheet medium. For example, when creating a cut line from the data, the cutter is first moved from the coordinate origin (0,0) to point A (X1,Y1), which is the cutting start position, while being moved away from the sheet medium. After reaching point A, the cutter is pressed against the sheet medium and a cut line of line segment AB is created from point A to point B (X2,Y2). After reaching point B, the cutter is moved toward point C (X3, Y3) while still in pressure contact with the sheet medium, forming a cut line of line segment BC. Similarly, by forming cut lines for each line segment, cut lines for the image "spade mark" can be formed.

[0038] As described above, by referring to the "cutting data" shown in FIG. 7, the cutting device 1 can perform cutting processing on the sheet medium by a continuous cutting operation (a cutting operation in one stroke) using the cutter. On the other hand, this means that the cutter cuts while constantly facing in one direction or the other in the sheet conveying direction X, which causes bending when trying to cut thin sheet media in the direction of pressure, making it difficult to cut the sheet media with a constant pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to edit the "cutting data" so that the cutter can always cut while moving (relatively moving) in one direction in the sheet conveying direction X. This will be explained in detail below.

[0039] <<Getting cutting data>> The data acquisition unit 62 acquires the above-mentioned "cutting data." More specifically, the data acquisition unit 62 acquires "graphic data (image data)" created by an external information terminal (computer) via a communication network or via an auxiliary storage device (USB memory, etc.), and processes the acquired "graphic data" to create "cutting data" that includes "graphic information" and "short vector sequence information (information on a series of cutting operations)." The data acquisition unit 62 may also directly acquire the "cutting data" completed by an external information terminal.

[0040] Next, the "cutting data" acquired by the data acquisition unit 62 is edited, and in order to edit the data, it is necessary to set a "tolerance" in advance. The tolerance is a threshold for efficiently proceeding with the cutting process within a range that does not affect the finished cutting process. In other words, it is a predetermined editing condition (detection condition) for editing the data.

[0041] <<Tolerance setting process>> The sheet selection receiving unit 63 receives a user selection of the type of sheet medium to be cut. The sheet attribute information acquisition unit 64 acquires attribute information relating to the properties of the sheet medium. In detail, the sheet attribute information acquisition unit 64 refers to the "sheet-specific tolerance data" shown in Figure 6 and acquires attribute information such as the material, thickness, hardness, etc. of the sheet medium from the type of sheet medium selected based on user operation. Specifically, when "medium A" is selected based on a user operation, attribute information such as the material of medium A, "material a", thickness, "thin", hardness, "soft", etc. is acquired.

[0042] The tolerance setting unit 65 refers to the "per-sheet tolerance data" shown in FIG. 6 and automatically sets a predetermined tolerance based on the attribute information of the sheet medium. Specifically, when "medium A" is selected based on a user operation, the tolerance value "0.0 mm" is automatically set based on the attribute information of medium A. The allowable value setting unit 65 can also set the allowable value (manual setting) by accepting input from a user. In this case, it is preferable to set upper and lower limit values ​​that can be input by a user in advance, and to accept input of a new allowable value within the range of the upper and lower limit values. Through the above process, a "tolerance" is set according to the properties of the sheet medium.

[0043] <<Data editing and cutting processing>> The data editing unit 66 edits the cutting data shown in Figure 7 so that the direction of the short vectors (cutting operations) that are facing in the "first direction" in the conveying direction X are changed to the "second direction" that is the direction opposite to the first direction in the conveying direction X. The cutting execution unit 67 refers to the "cutting data" edited by the data editing unit 66 and performs cutting processing to form a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium. Here, the "first direction" refers to the direction in which the sheet medium is pulled out in the conveying direction X. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, this is the direction in which the sheet medium is pulled out (sent out) from the stock roller 34 side to the take-up roller 35 side in the conveying direction X. The "second direction" refers to a direction in which the sheet medium is drawn in the transport direction X. Specifically, it refers to a direction in which the sheet medium is drawn (sent back) in the transport direction X from the take-up roller 35 side to the stock roller 34 side.

[0044] In detail, the data editing unit 66 has, as its specific functions, a vector detection unit 66a, a vector modification unit 66b, and an allowable value determination unit 66c, and edits the cutting data mainly according to the "first detection condition" and the "second detection condition." First, the "first detection condition (switching point)" will be described. (1-1) The vector detection unit 66a detects short vectors in the short vector sequence that are oriented in a "first direction" in order from the reference point (start point A). At this time, as a "first detection condition," it also detects a "switching point" where a short vector in the short vector sequence switches between a short vector oriented in the "first direction" and a short vector oriented in the "second direction." The "switching point" corresponds to, for example, point D (X4, Y4) or point N (X14, Y14) shown in FIG. 7. (1-2) When a "switching point" is detected, the vector change unit 66b changes the direction of the short vector that is facing in the "first direction" from the "reference point (point A)" in the short vector sequence to the "switching point (point corresponding to the switching point)" to the "second direction." Then, the cut execution unit 67 executes the first cut process from the reference point (point A) to the switching point. (1-3) After or while the first cut process is executed by the cut execution unit 67, the data editing unit 66 starts to sequentially detect short vectors pointing in the "first direction" again from the switching point. By repeating the above series of processes, the cutting device 1 can simultaneously perform the first cutting process, the second cutting process, and the Nth cutting process (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 3) at any time while editing the "cutting data." Because the execution speed of the cutting process is slower than that of data editing, it is possible to control the cutting process so that it appears to be performed in real time while the "cutting data" is being edited.

[0045] Next, both the "first detection condition (switching point)" and the "second detection condition (tolerance value)" will be explained. (2-1) The tolerance determination unit 66c determines whether the distance in the conveying direction of a short vector in a short vector sequence that faces in the "first direction" or the cumulative distance in the conveying direction of a group of short vectors that are consecutively oriented in the "first direction" exceeds a "predetermined tolerance value." (2-2) If it is determined that the distance or cumulative distance exceeds the “allowable value,” the vector detection unit 66a detects a “switching point” in the short vector sequence where a short vector pointing in the “first direction” switches to a short vector pointing in the “second direction.” (2-3) When the “switching point” is detected, the tolerance determination unit 66c further determines whether the distance in the conveying direction of the short vector in the short vector sequence that faces the “second direction” or the cumulative distance in the conveying direction of the group of short vectors that are consecutively facing the “second direction” exceeds a “predetermined tolerance value.” (2-4) When it is determined that the distance of a short vector pointing in the "second direction" or the cumulative distance of a group of short vectors pointing consecutively in the "second direction" exceeds the "predetermined tolerance," the vector change unit 66b changes the direction of the detected short vector from the "first direction" to the "second direction." Then, the cut execution unit 67 executes the first cut process from the reference point (point A) to the switching point. In this case, the cut execution unit 67 executes the first cut process in a manner that does not include a short vector (cut operation) facing in the "first direction" but includes a short vector facing in the "second direction." (2-5) After the first cut process is executed by the cut execution unit 67, the data editing unit 66 again starts sequentially detecting short vectors pointing in the "first direction" from the starting point of the next short vector of the short vector pointing in the above-mentioned "second direction" or the starting point of the next short vector of a group of short vectors pointing consecutively in the "second direction". By repeating the above series of processes, the cutting device 1 can perform the first, second, and Nth cutting processes at any time while editing the "cutting data."

[0046] As described above, the data editing unit 66 edits the cutting data in accordance with the "first detection condition" and the "second detection condition," which allows the cutting device 1 to more efficiently cut the sheet medium. In other words, the cutting process can be performed with a simpler cutting operation within a range that does not affect the finished cutting process. The data editing unit 66 can edit the cutting data according to only the "first detection condition." In this case, the "tolerance" is set to 0.0 mm, which is somewhat less efficient, but allows the cutting process to be performed with priority given to the finish of the cutting process.

[0047] <<Other rules for data editing and cutting processing>> Additionally, the "processing rules" for data editing and cutting will be explained with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. (3) Determining whether the "tolerance" has been exceeded The cumulative distance of the short vector group that is continuously oriented in the "second direction" or the "first direction" is reset to "0 mm" when editing of cutting data begins. Furthermore, the cumulative distance of the short vector group is reset to "0 mm" every time the direction of the consecutive short vectors in the conveying direction X changes, that is, every time a "switching point" is detected. In the example of Figure 8A, the cumulative distance of the group of short vectors that are consecutively oriented in the "second direction" does not exceed the "allowable value," and the cumulative distance of the group of short vectors that are consecutively oriented in the "first direction" also does not exceed the "allowable value."

[0048] (4) Switching the data editing mode As shown in FIG. 8B, the data editing process proceeds by switching between three processing modes: "non-directional processing mode," "first-directional processing mode," and "second-directional processing mode." (4-1) "Non-directional processing mode" When editing cutting data, it starts in "non-directional processing mode." The "non-directional processing mode" continues until the distance in the transport direction of a short vector in a short vector sequence that faces the "first direction or the second direction," or the cumulative distance in the transport direction of a group of short vectors that face consecutively in the "first direction or the second direction," exceeds the "allowable value." In the "non-directional processing mode", each short vector that is detected is unconditionally stored in memory in order. If the data editing process proceeds from the reference point (start point A) of the short vector string to the end point (end point A) while remaining in "non-directional processing mode," the cutting data including the short vector string stored in memory will be used as the edited cutting data, and the data editing process will end.

[0049] (4-2) "First direction processing mode (push direction processing mode)" This mode switches when the data editing process is proceeding in the "non-directional processing mode" or "second direction processing mode" and the distance in the transport direction of a short vector facing in the "first direction" or the cumulative distance in the transport direction of a group of short vectors facing consecutively in the "first direction" exceeds the "allowable value" (corresponding to mode switches 1 and 4 shown in Figure 8B). The "first direction" in which the cutter performs the cutting operation is the "push cutting" direction in which the sheet medium is pressed against the cutter blade, so the "first direction processing mode" is also called the push direction processing mode. When a short vector facing in the "first direction" is detected in the "first direction processing mode," the distance (magnitude) of the short vector is counted in the cumulative distance of the group of short vectors facing in the "first direction," and the short vectors are stored in memory in order. Furthermore, when a short vector pointing in the "second direction" is detected in the "first direction processing mode," the distance of the short vector is counted as part of the cumulative distance of the group of short vectors pointing in the "first direction," and the short vectors are stored in memory in order. If the cumulative distance exceeds an allowable value, the direction of all detected short vectors pointing in the "first direction" is changed to the "second direction," and the mode is switched from the "first direction processing mode" to the "second direction processing mode" (corresponding to mode switch 3 shown in FIG. 8B). If the data editing process continues up to the end point (end point A) of the short vector string while remaining in "first direction processing mode," the cutting data including the short vector group remaining in memory will be used as the edited cutting data, and the data editing process will end.

[0050] (4-3) "Second direction processing mode (pull direction processing mode)" This mode switches when the data editing process is proceeding in the "non-directional processing mode" or "first direction processing mode" and the distance in the transport direction of a short vector pointing in the "second direction" or the cumulative distance in the transport direction of a group of short vectors pointing consecutively in the "second direction" exceeds the "allowable value" (corresponding to mode switching 2 and 3 shown in Figure 8B). Since the "second direction" in which the cutter cuts is the direction in which the cutter blade is inserted into the sheet medium and pulled while cutting, the "second direction processing mode" is also called the pull direction processing mode. When a short vector pointing in the "first direction" is detected in the "second direction processing mode," the distance of the short vector is counted as part of the cumulative distance of the short vector group pointing in the "first direction," and the short vector is stored in memory in order. If the cumulative distance exceeds an allowable value, the mode is switched from the "second direction processing mode" to the "first direction processing mode" (corresponding to mode switch 4 shown in Figure 8B). Also, in the "second direction processing mode," when a short vector pointing in the "second direction" is detected, the next short vector is detected as is. However, if a short vector pointing in the "first direction" is stored in memory, the direction of that short vector is not changed, it is output from memory as is, and the detection process continues. This is because the short vector pointing in the "first direction" stored in memory is a short vector with a distance that does not exceed the tolerance value, and is part of a group of short vectors that are consecutively pointing in the "second direction." Therefore, the direction change process is not performed. If the data editing process continues up to the end point (end point A) of the short vector string while remaining in the "second direction processing mode," the cutting data including the short vector group remaining in memory will be used as the edited cutting data, and the data editing process will end.

[0051] (5) Other When switching from "non-directional processing mode" to "first direction processing mode" or "second direction processing mode," the data editing process continues as is. That is, the short vector group stored in memory in order is not output, and the next short vector is simply stacked and stored. In other words, no cutting process (intermediate cutting process) is performed from the reference point (point A) of the short vector string to the switching point. On the other hand, when switching from the "first direction processing mode" to the "second direction processing mode" or from the "second direction processing mode" to the "first direction processing mode," the short vector group stored in memory is output in order. In other words, the orientation of the short vector group stored in memory in the transport direction is determined. Then, cutting processing (midway cutting processing) is performed from the reference point of the short vector string to the switching point. When the end point of the short vector string is detected, the short vector group stored in memory is output in order. That is, the orientation of the short vector group stored in memory in the transport direction is determined. Then, cutting processing is performed from the reference point (predetermined point) of the short vector string to the end point.

[0052] <<Examples of data editing and cutting processing>> A specific example of data editing and cutting processing will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9F. In this specific example, the cutting device 1 edits "cutting data" to form a cut line along the image "spade mark" formed on the sheet medium, and performs the cutting process based on the edited cutting data.

[0053] First, the data editing unit 66 sets the editing mode to "non-directional processing mode" and the "accumulated distance" to 0 mm, and starts data editing. 9A, the data editing unit 66 detects a short vector V1 from the short vector string and stores it in memory. Since the short vector V1 is a vector that does not have the same orientation as the conveyance direction, the "cumulative distance" is set to 0 mm.

[0054] In the editing process (2) shown in Figure 9B, the data editing unit 66 detects a short vector V2 facing in the "first direction." Because a new short vector facing in the "first direction" has been detected, the "accumulated distance" is initialized to 0 mm, and the accumulated distance is stored in memory. At this point, the "non-directional processing mode" remains. Then, the data editing unit 66 detects the short vector V3 facing in the "first direction," counts the "cumulative distance" of the group of short vectors facing in the "first direction," and determines whether the cumulative distance exceeds the "allowable value." Because the "cumulative distance" exceeds the "allowable value," the data editing unit 66 switches from the "non-directional processing mode" to the "first direction processing mode" in accordance with the processing rules (4)-1 and (5) above, and stores the short vector V3 in memory. If the "cumulative distance" of the group of short vectors pointing in the "second direction" exceeds the "allowable value" at this point, the direction of the short vectors V1 to V3 in memory will not be changed, and the vectors V1 to V3 will be output as is.

[0055] In the editing process (3), the data editing unit 66 detects a short vector V4 facing the "second direction" and detects a "switching point" where the direction of the short vector switches. Having detected the switching point, the data editing unit 66 resets the "accumulated distance" to 0 mm. Then, since the "first direction processing mode" is selected, the cumulative distance of the short vectors V4 and V5 facing in the "second direction" is counted, and the vectors V4 and V5 are accumulated and stored in memory. In the editing process (3), the "cumulative distance" of the short vector group pointing in the "second direction" does not exceed the "tolerance value," so the "first direction processing mode" continues.

[0056] 9C, the data editing unit 66 detects a short vector V6 facing the "first direction" and detects a "switching point" where the direction of the short vector switches. Having detected the switching point, the data editing unit 66 resets the "accumulated distance" to 0 mm. Then, since the "first direction processing mode" is selected, the distance of the short vector V6 facing the "first direction" is counted, and the vector V6 is accumulated and stored in memory. In the editing process (4), the "first direction processing mode" continues.

[0057] In the editing process (5), the data editing unit 66 detects the group of short vectors V7 to V13 facing in the "first direction" and counts the cumulative distance of the group of short vectors V7 to V13 facing in the "first direction". At this time, when the data editing unit 66 detects the short vector V7, it determines that the "cumulative distance" of the short vector group facing the "first direction" exceeds the "allowable value." On the other hand, in accordance with the processing rule (4)-2 above, it continues the "first direction processing mode" (without switching modes) and accumulates and stores the short vector group V7 to V13 in memory.

[0058] 9D, the data editing unit 66 detects a short vector V14 facing the "second direction" and detects a "switching point" where the direction of the short vector switches. Having detected the switching point, the data editing unit 66 resets the "accumulated distance" to 0 mm. Then, when the data editing unit 66 detects the short vector V15, it determines that the "cumulative distance" of the group of short vectors facing in the "second direction" exceeds the "allowable value." At this point, since the "first direction processing mode" is being executed, the data editing unit 66 accumulates and stores the short vector groups V14 and V15 in memory.

[0059] In the editing process (7), the data editing unit 66 determines that the cumulative distance in the conveying direction of the short vector group pointing in the "second direction" exceeds the "allowable value" while proceeding in the "first direction processing mode," and therefore switches from the "first direction processing mode" to the "second direction processing mode" in accordance with the above processing rules (4)-2 and (4)-3. Then, since the data editing unit 66 has switched from the "first direction processing mode" to the "second direction processing mode," it outputs the short vector group V1 to V13 stored in the memory in order in accordance with processing rule (5). That is, it determines the orientation in the transport direction of the short vector group V1 to V13 stored in the memory (it changes the orientation of the short vector facing the "first orientation" to the "second orientation"). Then, the cut execution unit 67 executes a first cut process from the reference point of the short vector sequence (the start point of the short vector V1) to the switching point (the end point of the short vector V13). In the editing process (7) of Fig. 9B, the black color of the arrow of each short vector means that it has been "cut." Also, the white color of the arrow of each short vector means that it has not been "cut."

[0060] 9E, the data editing unit 66 sequentially detects the short vector string again from the end point of the short vector V15 after the first cut process is executed by the cut execution unit 67. Specifically, the data editing unit 66 sequentially detects the short vector group V16 to V21 facing the "second direction" according to the processing rule (4)-3. According to the processing rule (4)-3, when the data editing unit 66 detects a short vector V16 facing the "second direction" in the "second direction processing mode," it detects the next short vector V17 (V18 to V21) as is (it outputs V16 to V21 without storing them in memory). Also, if short vectors V14 and V15 facing the "first direction" are stored in memory, it does not change the direction of the short vector, outputs it from memory as is, and continues the detection process.

[0061] In the editing process (9), the data editing unit 66 detects the short vector V22 facing the "first direction" and detects the "switching point" where the direction of the short vector switches. Having detected the switching point, the "accumulated distance" is reset to 0 mm. Then, since the "second direction processing mode" is selected, the cumulative distance of the short vector groups V22 and V23 facing in the "first direction" is counted, and the vectors V22 and V23 are accumulated and stored in memory. In the editing process (9), the "second direction processing mode" continues.

[0062] In the editing process (10) shown in Fig. 9F, the data editing unit 66 detects a short vector V24 facing in the "second direction" within a range in which the cumulative distance of the short vector group facing in the "first direction" does not exceed the "allowable value," and detects a "switching point" where the direction of the short vector switches. Having detected the switching point, the "cumulative distance" is reset to 0 mm. According to the processing rule (4)-3, when the data editing unit 66 detects a short vector V24 facing the "second direction" in the "second direction processing mode," it detects the next short vector (outputs it without storing it in memory). Also, if short vectors V22 and V23 facing the "first direction" are stored in memory, it does not change the direction of the short vector, outputs it from memory as is, and continues the detection process.

[0063] In the editing process (11), the data editing unit 66 detects the last short vector V25 in the short vector string that is oriented in the "second direction," and reaches the end point of the short vector string. Then, since data editing has been completed up to the end point of the short vector string while remaining in the "second direction processing mode," in accordance with processing rules (4)-3 and (5), the cutting data including the uncut short vector group is made the edited cutting data, and the data editing process is terminated. Then, the cut execution unit 67 executes a second cut process from the reference point (start point of the short vector V14) to the end point (end point of the short vector V25) of the short vector string.

[0064] By executing the data editing process and cutting process described above, the cutting device 1 can perform cutting process appropriately along the image "spade mark" formed on the sheet medium. In other words, the cutting process can be performed efficiently on the sheet medium within a range that does not affect the finish of the cutting process. Furthermore, even for particularly thin sheet medium, the cutting process can be performed appropriately while suppressing the occurrence of sheet bending. Furthermore, by performing cutting processing as needed while editing the cutting data, it is possible to reduce the memory capacity by up to half compared to conventional methods. In this specific example, cutting processing can be performed without storing the short vector sequence V1 to V25 in full memory as in conventional methods.

[0065] <Cutting method> Next, the processing of the cutting program (cutting method) executed by the cutting device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The above program in this embodiment is a utility program that aggregates various programs to realize the above-mentioned data acquisition unit 62, sheet selection acceptance unit 63, sheet attribute information acquisition unit 64, tolerance setting unit 65, data editing unit 66, and cut execution unit 67 as functional components of a cutting device 1 equipped with a memory unit 61, and the CPU of the cutting device 1 executes this cutting program. The above program is executed in response to an operation instruction from the user.

[0066] The cutting process shown in FIG. 10 begins with step S1 in which the data acquisition unit 62 acquires the "cutting data" shown in FIG. Specifically, the data acquisition unit 62 acquires "graphic data (image data)" created by an external computer via a communication network, and processes the acquired "graphic data (image data)." In other words, it converts the graphic data into a short vector string and creates "cutting data" including information about the short vector string.

[0067] Next, in step S2, the sheet selection receiving unit 63 receives a user selection of a sheet medium to be subjected to cutting processing. For example, if the sheet medium is "tissue paper," the user's selection of "medium E" will be accepted. Then, in step S3, the sheet attribute information acquisition unit 64 refers to the "sheet-specific tolerance data" shown in FIG. 6 and acquires attribute information such as "material," "thickness," and "hardness" of the sheet medium selected by the user. Specifically, when "medium A" is selected, attribute information such as the material of medium A, "material a", thickness, "thin", hardness, "soft", etc. is acquired.

[0068] Next, in step S4, the tolerance setting unit 65 automatically sets a predetermined tolerance based on the acquired attribute information of the sheet medium. Specifically, when "medium E" is selected based on a user operation, the tolerance value "10.0 mm" is automatically set based on the attribute information of medium E.

[0069] Next, in step S5, the data editing unit 66 accepts an operation instruction from the user and starts editing the "cutting data" acquired by the data acquisition unit 62. First, in step S6, the data editing unit 66 detects the orientation of the short vectors that are oriented in the "first orientation" in the transport direction, from among the short vector strings included in the "cutting data." Specifically, the data editing unit 66 detects short vectors that are oriented in the "first direction" in order from the reference point in the short vector sequence. In other words, it determines whether or not a short vector oriented in the "first direction" has been detected. If a short vector pointing in the "first direction" is detected (step S6: Yes), proceed to step S7. On the other hand, if the end point of the short vector string is reached without detecting the short vector (step S6: No), proceed to step S11.

[0070] Next, in step S7, the data editing unit 66 determines whether or not the "predetermined detection condition" is satisfied when detecting each short vector. The "predetermined detection conditions" are based on the above-mentioned (1) first detection condition (switching point), (2) second detection condition (tolerance value), (3) determination of whether the "tolerance value" has been exceeded, (4) mode switching of data editing processing, and (5) other rules.

[0071] If it is determined that the "predetermined detection condition" is met (step S7: Yes), the process proceeds to step S8, where the data editing unit 66 changes the direction of the group of short vectors facing the detected "first direction" to the "second direction." On the other hand, if it is determined that the "predetermined detection condition" is not satisfied (step S7: No), the process proceeds to step S9, where the data editing unit 66 leaves the direction of the detected short vector facing the "first direction" as it is. For example, if it is determined that the distance in the conveying direction of a short vector facing the "first direction" in the short vector sequence, or the cumulative distance in the conveying direction of a group of short vectors consecutively facing the "first direction" does not exceed the "allowable value," the direction of the short vector is left as it is.

[0072] Next, in step S10, the data editing unit 66 determines whether or not a "predetermined cut condition" is satisfied when detecting each short vector. The "predetermined cutting conditions" are based on the above-mentioned (1) first detection condition, (2) second detection condition, (3) determination of whether the "allowable value" has been exceeded, (4) mode switching of data editing processing, and (5) other rules.

[0073] If it is determined that the "predetermined cutting conditions" are satisfied (step S10: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11, where the cutting data edited by the data editing unit 66 is passed to the cutting execution unit 67, and the cutting execution unit 67 then executes cutting processing based on the cutting data edited by the data editing unit 66. Specifically, cutting processing is executed from the reference point in the short vector sequence to a predetermined point based on the cutting data edited by the data editing unit 66. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "predetermined cutting condition" is not satisfied (step S10: No), the process returns to step S6.

[0074] Finally, in step S12, the cutting execution unit 67 determines whether the cutting process is complete. If the cutting process is complete (step S12: Yes), the process of Fig. 10 ends. On the other hand, if the cutting process is not complete and unprocessed cut lines remain, the process returns to step S5.

[0075] The above-described processing flow of the cutting program enables the sheet medium to be cut in an appropriate manner, and also enables the sheet medium to be cut efficiently within a range that does not affect the finish of the cutting process. That is, the cutting process can be performed efficiently on the sheet medium within a range that does not affect the finish of the cutting process. In the cutting device 1 (cutting method), if certain conditions are met, the processing by the data editing unit 66 and the processing by the cutting execution unit 67 may be executed in parallel. In this case, the cutting device 1 can be controlled so that it appears as if the cutting process is being performed in real time while the cutting data is being edited.

[0076] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the cutting device 1 is a cutting plotter equipped with a cutter, but it may also be a cutting plotter equipped with a cutter and a pen. In the case of a cutting plotter equipped with a cutter and a pen, the technology of the present invention can be applied not only to cutting processes but also to pen processes. That is, the cutting plotter executes pen processes as needed while editing drawing data for forming a predetermined drawing on a sheet medium, and can set tolerances within a range that does not affect the finish of the pen processes, allowing pen operations to be executed with as simple a pen movement as possible. Furthermore, the device according to the present invention may be a pen plotter equipped with only a pen, and the technique of the present invention can be applied when performing pen processing.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the cutting device 1 executes the cutting process at any time while editing cutting data for forming cut lines on the sheet medium (function 1), and sets tolerances within a range that does not affect the finished cutting process, executing the cutting process with as simple a cutting operation as possible (function 2). Without being limited to the above, for example, the cutting device 1 may execute the cutting process as needed while editing cutting data for forming cut lines on the sheet medium, and no particular "tolerance" may be set. In other words, the cutting device 1 may have the above function 1 but not the above function 2. Furthermore, for example, the cutting device 1 may set a tolerance within a range that does not affect the finish of the cutting process, and perform the cutting process with as simple a cutting operation as possible, and may not necessarily perform the cutting process at all times while editing the cutting data (it may not be necessary to perform the cutting process in real time). In other words, the cutting device 1 may have the above function 2 but not the above function 1.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the data editing unit 66 edits the cutting data so as to align the orientation of short vectors in the short vector sequence that are facing in the "first orientation" in the conveying direction to the "second orientation," but this can be changed without any particular limitation. Conversely, the data editing unit 66 may edit the cutting data so as to align the direction of the short vector that is oriented in the "second direction" in the transport direction with the "first direction." It is preferable to align them in the "second direction," i.e., in the direction in which the sheet medium is pulled in along the conveying direction. This makes it difficult for the sheet medium to bend, and allows the sheet medium to be cut appropriately.

[0079] In the above embodiment, a cutting program is stored in a recording medium readable by the cutting device 1, and processing is performed by the cutting device 1 reading and executing the program. Here, the recording medium readable by the cutting device 1 refers to a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc. Furthermore, this cutting program may be distributed to a user terminal (not shown) via a communication line, and the user terminal that receives this distribution may itself function as a video processing device and execute the program.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the cutting device, the cutting method, and the cutting program according to the present invention have been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Cutting device 2 Sheet media 2a Image 2b Code Mark 2c Tombow mark 10 User Input Mechanisms 20 Display mechanism 30 Sheet transport mechanism 31 Transport Platform 32 Drive roller 32a Rotation axis 33 Pressure roller 33a Rotation axis 33b Compression spring 34 Stock Roller 35 Winding roller 40 Carriage 41 Cutter 42 Cutter holder 43 Actuator (cutter movement mechanism) 50 Carriage movement mechanism 51 Slide rail 52 Slider 60 Controller 61 Storage section 62 Data Acquisition Section 63 Seat selection reception area 64 Sheet attribute information acquisition unit 65 Tolerance setting section 66 Data Editorial Department 66a Vector detection unit 66b Vector change section 66c Tolerance judgment section 67 Cutting Execution Department X transport mechanism (sheet transport direction) Y movement direction (carriage movement direction) Z vertical direction

Claims

1. A cutting device that performs a cutting process by conveying a sheet medium while a cutter is in contact with the sheet medium, a data acquisition unit that acquires cutting data for forming a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium, the cutting data including information on a series of cutting operations of the cutter on the sheet medium; a data editing unit that edits the cutting data so as to change the orientation of a cutting operation that is oriented in a first orientation in a sheet medium conveyance direction among the series of cutting operations included in the cutting data to a second orientation that is an orientation opposite to the first orientation in the conveyance direction; a cutting execution unit that executes cutting processing based on the cutting data edited by the data editing unit, The data editing unit detecting a cutting operation directed in the first direction from a reference point in the series of cutting operations; detecting a switching point at which a cutting operation directed in the first direction switches to a cutting operation directed in the second direction in the series of cutting operations; When the switching point is detected, a direction of the cutting operation from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to the switching point or a point corresponding to the switching point is changed from the first direction to the second direction; The cutting device is characterized in that the cutting execution unit executes the cutting process from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to a predetermined point based on cutting data edited by the data editing unit.

2. The cut execution unit executes a first cut process from the reference point to the point, The cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the data editing unit detects a cutting operation again facing the first direction from the point after or while the first cutting process is executed by the cutting execution unit.

3. The data editing unit determining whether or not a distance in the conveying direction in a cutting operation directed in the first direction in the series of cutting operations, or a cumulative distance in the conveying direction in a group of cutting operations directed consecutively in the first direction, exceeds a predetermined allowable value; When it is determined that the distance or the cumulative distance exceeds the allowable value, a switching point at which a cutting operation directed in the first direction switches to a cutting operation directed in the second direction in the series of cutting operations is detected; When the switching point is detected, it is further determined whether or not a distance in the conveying direction in a cutting operation facing the second direction in the series of cutting operations, or a cumulative distance in the conveying direction in a group of cutting operations facing the second direction consecutively, exceeds the predetermined allowable value; A cutting device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when it is determined that the distance of a cutting operation facing the second direction or the cumulative distance of a group of cutting operations facing consecutively in the second direction exceeds the specified tolerance value, the direction of the detected cutting operation is changed from the first direction to the second direction.

4. A cutting method executed by a computer to perform a cutting process by conveying a sheet medium while bringing a cutter into contact with the sheet medium, comprising: The computer acquiring cutting data for forming a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium, the cutting data including information on a series of cutting operations of the cutter on the sheet medium; Editing the cutting data so that the orientation of a cutting operation facing a first orientation in a sheet medium conveyance direction among the series of cutting operations included in the cutting data is changed to a second orientation that is an orientation opposite to the first orientation in the conveyance direction; Carrying out cutting processing based on the edited cutting data; When editing the cutting data, detecting a cutting operation directed in the first direction from a reference point in the series of cutting operations; detecting a switching point at which a cutting operation directed in the first direction switches to a cutting operation directed in the second direction in the series of cutting operations; When the switching point is detected, a direction of the cutting operation from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to the switching point or a point corresponding to the switching point is changed from the first direction to the second direction; The cutting method is characterized in that, when performing the cutting process, the cutting process is performed from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to a predetermined point based on edited cutting data.

5. A computer as a cutting device that performs a cutting process by conveying a sheet medium with a cutter in contact with the sheet medium, a data acquisition process for acquiring cutting data for forming a predetermined cut line on the sheet medium, the cutting data including information on a series of cutting operations of the cutter on the sheet medium; a data editing process for editing the cutting data so as to change the orientation of a cutting operation, which is oriented in a first direction in a conveying direction of a sheet medium, among the series of cutting operations included in the cutting data to a second orientation which is an orientation opposite to the first orientation in the conveying direction; a cutting execution process for executing a cutting process based on the cutting data edited by the data editing process; In the data editing process, detecting a cutting operation directed in the first direction from a reference point in the series of cutting operations; detecting a switching point at which a cutting operation directed in the first direction switches to a cutting operation directed in the second direction in the series of cutting operations; When the switching point is detected, a direction of the cutting operation from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to the switching point or a point corresponding to the switching point is changed from the first direction to the second direction; The cutting program is characterized in that, in the cutting execution process, the cutting process is executed from a reference point in the series of cutting operations to a predetermined point based on cutting data edited by the data editing process.

Images