Display device, display screen generation device, display method, and display program

Abstract

To further improve a process-control screen.SOLUTION: A display device comprises: a first obtaining part that obtains progress of processes for prints which are produced in a plurality of processes on the basis of information transmitted from a printer; a second obtaining part that obtains the progress on the basis of an operation of advancing a process by a user; and a display part that identifiably displays, on a display, an automatic transfer process which automatically transitions to the next process on the basis of the information transmitted from the printer and a manual transfer process which is manually transitioned to the next process on the basis of the operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, a display screen generation device, a display method, and a display program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, process control techniques are known that are used when a finished product is produced through multiple processes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which a bound finished product is produced by performing printing and cutting processes based on a file indicating a submitted manuscript. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-155118 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The conventional technology described above displays progress information (not detected, in progress, completed, alert) for each of multiple jobs on the UI screen. There is a request to further improve the process management screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A display device for solving the above problems includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires the progress of a process for printed materials produced by multiple processes based on information transmitted from a printer; a second acquisition unit that acquires the progress based on user operations to advance the process; and a display unit that displays on a display in an identifiable manner an automatic transition process that automatically transitions to the next process based on information transmitted from a printer, and a manual transition process that manually transitions to the next process based on user operations.

[0006] Furthermore, a display screen generation device for solving the above problems comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires the progress of processes for printed materials produced by multiple processes based on information transmitted from a printer; a second acquisition unit that acquires the progress based on user operations to advance the processes; and a display unit that generates a display screen that can identify an automatic transition process that automatically transitions to the next process based on information transmitted from a printer, and a manual transition process that manually transitions to the next process based on user operations.

[0007] Furthermore, a display method to solve the above problems includes obtaining the progress of the processes for printed materials produced through multiple processes based on information transmitted from the printer, obtaining the progress based on user operations to advance the processes, and displaying on the display in an identifiable manner an automatic transition process that automatically moves to the next process based on information transmitted from the printer, and a manual transition process that manually moves to the next process based on user operations.

[0008] Furthermore, the display program for solving the above problems causes the computer to function as a first acquisition unit that acquires the progress of the process for printed materials produced by multiple processes based on information transmitted from the printer, a second acquisition unit that acquires the progress based on user operations to advance the process, and a display unit that displays on the display in an identifiable manner an automatic transition process that automatically transitions to the next process based on information transmitted from the printer, and a manual transition process that manually transitions to the next process based on user operations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a production system. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the server configuration. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the printer's configuration. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of a process control screen. [Figure 6]Figure showing an example of project list information. [Figure 7] Figure showing an example of file information. [Figure 8] Figure showing an example of printer information. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing display screen generation processing. [Figure 10] Flowchart showing manual transition processing. [Figure 11] Figure showing an example of a transparent graphic. [Figure 12] Figure showing an example of a second graphic. [Figure 13] Figure showing examples of the next process that can be manually transitioned and the next process that cannot be manually transitioned.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) System configuration: (1-1) Server configuration: (1-2) Terminal configuration: (1-3) Printer configuration: (2) Process management: (2-1) Process management screen: (3) Display screen generation processing: (4) Manual transition processing: (5) Other embodiments:

[0011] (1) System configuration: FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The production system 1 includes a server 10, a terminal 20, and a printer 30. In the present embodiment, the number of the illustrated devices is an example, and the number is not limited. For example, the plurality of terminals 20 and printers 30 shown in FIG. 1 are not limited to the number shown in FIG. 1, and the single server 10 shown may be plural. These devices can communicate with each other via a network. The mode of the network may be various modes, and it may be a local network, or devices physically separated from each other via the Internet or the like may communicate with each other.

[0012] In this embodiment, the user who manages production and performs production tasks receives production requests from clients. The user operates terminal 20 to input information indicating the content of the request. Terminal 20 transmits this information to server 10. Server 10 controls printer 30 to perform the requested production.

[0013] In this embodiment, production system 1 is a system for producing printed materials. Based on a file indicating the material to be printed, predetermined post-processing such as surface finishing is performed on the printed material to produce a finished product corresponding to the file. If the file indicating the material to be printed is different, the printed material will be different, and different finished products will be obtained. On the other hand, if the same process is repeated based on the same file, multiple identical finished products can be produced.

[0014] In the production system 1 according to this embodiment, printing can be performed based on any file indicating the item to be printed, and the number of finished products produced based on a single file is also arbitrary. In other words, it is possible to produce printed materials with content that matches the request of the client who is requesting the production of finished products, in the number of items that match the request. In this embodiment, the unit of a request is called a "case." In this embodiment, the content of one case is specified based on one file. For example, if two files are received from the same client, and finished products are produced based on those two files, then two cases have been requested by that client. The number of finished products produced based on a single file is arbitrary and may differ from case to case.

[0015] The following describes the configuration of each device in production system 1 that is capable of displaying such information. (1-1) Server configuration: Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 10. Server 10 comprises a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, and a non-volatile memory 10c. Processor 10a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c to control various parts of server 10 and devices connected to the network. Processor 10a may be composed of a single chip, multiple chips, or configured as an SoC together with various functional blocks for operating the printer. Furthermore, for example, an ASIC may be used instead of a CPU, or a configuration in which a CPU and an ASIC cooperate may be used. When each device in this embodiment is equipped with a processor, that processor can be realized in various forms, similar to processor 10a.

[0016] The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The server 10 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 10b. The communication unit 10b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memory devices installed in the server 10.

[0017] Various types of information are stored in the non-volatile memory 10c of the server 10. For example, the non-volatile memory 10c contains a manuscript file 10c1 that represents the finished product. The manuscript file 10c1 is a file containing data that represents the content to be printed on a printed material in order to produce the finished product, and for example, a PDF file may be the manuscript file 10c1.

[0018] Furthermore, non-volatile memory 10c stores file information 10c3. File information 10c3 includes the file name of the file to be printed, the project name, the deadline, the number of copies, etc. Details about file information 10c3 will be described later with reference to Figure 7.

[0019] Furthermore, process list information 10c4 is recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c. Process list information 10c4 is information that defines the process for printing. Details of process list information 10c4 will be described later with reference to Figure 6. Furthermore, printer information 10c5 is recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c. Printer information 10c5 is information that holds information such as the current status for each of the multiple printers used in the production of printed materials. Details of printer information 10c5 will be described later with reference to Figure 8. In this embodiment, file information 10c3, process list information 10c4, and printer information 10c5 are used to create the process management screen, which will be described later.

[0020] (1-2) Terminal configuration: Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of terminal 20. Terminal 20 comprises a processor 20a, a communication unit 20b, a non-volatile memory 20c, a display 20d, and an input unit 20e. The processor 20a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 20c to control each part of terminal 20.

[0021] The communication unit 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The terminal 20 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 20b. The communication unit 20b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memory devices installed in the terminal 20.

[0022] The non-volatile memory 20c of terminal 20 stores a document file 10c1 that indicates the case. The document file 10c1 may be stored in the non-volatile memory 20c in any manner. For example, the document file 10c1 prepared by the client who requested the production of the finished product may be stored in removable memory and transferred from removable memory to non-volatile memory 20c via the communication unit 20b. Alternatively, the document file 10c1 may be obtained from an external device via a network. Furthermore, the user may create the document file 10c1 using an application program or the like with terminal 20 and store it in the non-volatile memory 20c. Of course, the user may also edit a document created by the client and store it in the non-volatile memory 20c as the document file 10c1. When entering a case, the user identifies the case by the file name of the document file 10c1 stored in the non-volatile memory 20c. Once the case is entered, the document file 10c1 is transferred to the server 10. These files may be temporarily stored in the volatile memory of terminal 20, transferred to server 10, and then stored long-term in server 10's non-volatile memory 10c.

[0023] The display 20d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 20e is a device that the user uses to perform input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. In any case, the user can input their intentions by operating the input unit 20e while viewing the images and characters displayed on the display 20d. In this embodiment, the user uses the display 20d and input unit 20e of the terminal 20 as a user interface to input the above-mentioned setting information. The processor 20a also displays the process management screen, which will be described later, on the display 20d for the user to view. In this case, the processor 20a functions as a display unit 20a3. The process management screen includes identifiable automatic transition processes and manual transition processes, which will be described later. To display the process management screen, the processor 20a acquires the progress of the automatic transition process from the printer 30 via the server 10. In this case, the processor 20a functions as a first acquisition unit 20a1. The user also inputs this information using the input unit 20e when the processing of a manual transition process is completed. In this case, the processor 20a functions as a second data acquisition unit 20a2.

[0024] (1-3) Printer configuration: Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 30. The printer 30 comprises a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, a non-volatile memory 30c, a printing unit 30d, and a UI unit 30e. The processor 30a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs stored in the non-volatile memory 30c to control each part of the printer 30.

[0025] The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printer 30 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 30b. The communication unit 30b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memory devices installed in the printer 30.

[0026] The printing unit 30d is the part that performs printing, and various printing methods such as inkjet and electrophotography may be employed. The printing unit 30d is equipped with actuators, various devices, sensors, drive circuits, mechanical parts, etc., for performing printing on various media. The sensors include sensors that detect various detection targets that may change in the printer 30. The detection targets are not limited to these, and examples include sensors that detect the remaining amount of media and sensors that detect the remaining amount of ink for each color used for printing.

[0027] The UI unit 30e includes a touch panel display and various keys and switches. The touch panel display includes a display panel that shows various information, such as the status of the printer 30 and the remaining ink level, and a touch detection panel superimposed on the display panel to detect touch operations by a person's finger or the like. The processor 30a can acquire user operations via the UI unit 30e. The processor 30a can also display various information on the UI unit 30e's display and notify the user.

[0028] In this embodiment, multiple printers 30 are installed within the facilities of a printing company, and printing of each case can be performed in parallel in response to multiple requests from multiple clients. The server 10 associates the processing order of the print jobs for each case with each of the multiple printers 30. The server 10 then instructs the printers 30 to start printing the cases in processing order. At this time, the server 10 performs various image processing based on the document file 10c1 to be printed and outputs print data indicating the content to be printed to the printer 30 via the communication unit 10b. The processor 30a of the printer 30 acquires the print data via the communication unit 30b, controls the printing unit 30d based on the print data, and performs printing. When printing is completed, the processor 30a outputs information to the server 10 via the communication unit 30b indicating that printing has been completed. When the server 10 acquires this information via the communication unit 10b, the processor 10a identifies the case that is next in the processing order after the case that has been printed and issues an instruction to start printing for that case.

[0029] (2) Process control: As described above, in the production system 1 according to this embodiment, multiple devices operate in parallel in a situation where multiple projects coexist, each involving the production of a finished product through multiple processes. Therefore, in this embodiment, a user-friendly list is displayed to grasp the production status of the production system 1.

[0030] In this embodiment, the server 10 and the terminal 20 cooperate to display information related to process management. The processor 20a of the terminal 20 controls the display 20d to display a default reception screen and accepts information entered by the user based on the information output from the input unit 20e. The information entered by the user includes items such as project name, delivery date, number of copies, target process, and print settings.

[0031] The information entered by the user is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication unit 20b. When the processor 10a of the server 10 receives the transmitted information, the processor 10a records the information in the non-volatile memory 10c.

[0032] Furthermore, when transmitting the information, the processor 20a sends the document file 10c1 indicated by the input information, i.e., the document file 10c1 specified by the case name, to the server 10. The processor 10a of the server 10 retrieves the document file 10c1 via the communication unit 10b and records it in the non-volatile memory 10c. The file name of the document file 10c1 is recorded in the file information 10c3.

[0033] As described above, when the server 10 receives information about a case from the terminal 20, the processor 10a associates the first of several processes for producing printed materials as the ongoing process for that case. In the production system 1 according to this embodiment, a process management screen can be presented to the user for viewing the progress of the processes for multiple cases.

[0034] (2-1) Process control screen: Figure 5 shows an example of a process management screen. In this embodiment, projects are displayed vertically. Horizontally, a project information section 100, which displays information about a project, and a chart section 200, which shows the progress of a project, are displayed. In other words, in the process management screen, information for the same project is displayed horizontally, and information for different projects is displayed vertically. The project information section 100 displays the project name, deadline, file name, number of copies, and memo for each project. The chart section 200 displays a list of multiple processes in the order they are executed. In this embodiment, the processes are arranged in the order they are executed, with later processes appearing on the right.

[0035] In this embodiment, the assumed process consists of 11 steps: "Before starting," "Waiting for proofreading," "Waiting for settings," "Color matching," "Waiting for printing," "Printing," "Printed," "Laminating," "Panel," "Eyelets," and "Completion." These steps are shown in the chart section 200. "Before starting" corresponds to the starting step among these steps. A rectangular area is allocated to represent these steps for each case. The area corresponding to the step currently being executed contains an execution icon (I) containing a circular shape to indicate that the step is being executed. 21 ,I 22 ,I 23 ,I 24 (etc.) will be displayed. Running icon I 21 ,I 22 ,I 23 ,I 24 The circular figures included in this correspond to the first figure.

[0036] A bar (C1, C2, C3, C4, etc.) is displayed that extends from the area of ​​the initial process (the "pre-start" process in this embodiment), which is the first process among all processes, to the area of ​​the process currently in progress. In each case, as the process progresses, the bar extends to the right from the initial process. The left end of the bar touches the left end of the rectangle corresponding to the initial process, and the right end of the bar touches the icons displayed in the process currently in progress, such as the execution icon and the error icon described later.

[0037] The bar's thickness is thinner than the vertical length of the area corresponding to the process. Therefore, the user can still see the background of the process area where the bar is displayed. The process corresponding to the area the bar passes through is the process to the left of the area where the "running" icon is displayed, and indicates that it is a completed process, excluding processes that are not scheduled for execution (described later). The process corresponding to the area the bar does not pass through is the process to the right of the area where the "running" icon is displayed, and indicates that it is a process waiting to be executed, excluding processes that are not scheduled for execution (described later).

[0038] In this embodiment, processes that are not to be executed are indicated by displaying a diagonal line in the region of that process. In the example shown in Figure 5, a diagonal line is displayed in the region of the "color matching" process for cases A, B, C, E, and G, indicating that this process is not executed in the production process for these cases. In this embodiment, if a process that follows a process that is not to be executed (a process with a diagonal line displayed) is being executed, the bar will also be displayed in the region of the process that is not to be executed. However, the diagonal line in the region of the process that is not being executed is still visible even when the bar is displayed, so the user can recognize that the process was not executed. Thus, in this embodiment, the presence or absence of diagonal lines in the region of a process distinguishes between processes that are not to be executed and processes that are to be executed, and the user can recognize whether a process is to be executed or not based on the presence or absence of diagonal lines.

[0039] In this embodiment, the process is divided into three process groups 210, 220, and 230. In the example shown in Figure 5, process group 210 includes the "pre-start" process and the "awaiting proofreading" process, process group 220 includes the processes from "awaiting settings" to "printing", and process group 230 includes the processes from "printed" to "completed".

[0040] The "Pre-start" and "Waiting for Proofreading" stages belonging to process group 210 correspond to pre-processing stages for the stages executed in conjunction with the printer 30 (process group 220). "Pre-start" and "Waiting for Proofreading" are manual transition stages that are manually transitioned to the next stage based on user operations to advance the stage. In this example, the stage interval from the "Pre-start" stage to the "Waiting for Proofreading" stage is also called the manual transition interval. In this embodiment, the user's operation to advance the stage is to click on the area of ​​the next stage to transition to on the screen in Figure 5. When the processor 20a of terminal 20 detects this operation, it functions as a second acquisition unit 20a2.

[0041] The "Pre-Start" stage is the stage that indicates the state in which a case has been registered, and is the starting stage among all the stages in the example shown in Figure 5. When the user proofreads the manuscript file 10c1 corresponding to the case, they operate the mouse on terminal 20 and click the area of ​​the next "Waiting for Proofreading" stage. When the processor 20a detects that the area of ​​the "Waiting for Proofreading" stage has been clicked for a case in which the currently running stage is "Pre-Start," it sends information to the server 10 indicating that the currently running stage is transitioning from "Pre-Start" to "Waiting for Proofreading," and moves the running icon for the target case from the "Pre-Start" area to the "Waiting for Proofreading" area. Based on the information sent from terminal 20, the server 10 transitions the currently running stage for the target case from "Pre-Start" to "Waiting for Proofreading." Specifically, the processor 10a updates the stage stored in the "Currently Running Stage Management ID" (see Figure 7) of the file information 10c3 with a value indicating "Waiting for Proofreading."

[0042] When the user finishes the proofreading process, they click the area for the next "settings pending" step. When the processor 20a detects that the area for the next "settings pending" step has been clicked for a case where the currently running step is "proofreading pending," it sends information to the server 10 indicating that the currently running step will transition from "proofreading pending" to "settings pending," and moves the running icon for the case from the "proofreading pending" area to the "settings pending" area. Based on the information sent from the terminal 20, the server 10 transitions the currently running step for the case from "proofreading pending" to "settings pending."

[0043] In this embodiment, the four steps from "Waiting for settings" to "Printing" are executed in cooperation with the printer 30, and are automatic transition steps that automatically move to the next step once the execution of a step is complete. That is, the processor 10a acquires the progress of the steps based on the information sent from the printer 30, and if the information sent from the printer 30 indicates that the execution of a step is complete, it automatically moves to the next step after the completed step. The processor 10a sends information (display data) to the terminal 20 indicating that the steps have been transitioned based on the information sent from the printer 30. The processor 20a of the terminal 20 acquires this information (first acquisition unit 10a1), and then moves the currently executing step to the next step and updates the step management screen. The step interval from the "Waiting for settings" step to the "Printing" step is also called the system cooperation interval.

[0044] The "Waiting for Settings" stage is the stage where the system waits for the user to complete the setting of the print conditions. The user operates the UI section of terminal 20 or printer 30 to set the print conditions for the target project. When the system detects that the settings are complete, processor 10a transitions the currently running stage to the next "Color Matching" stage. Processor 10a sends information to terminal 20 indicating that the currently running stage for the target project has transitioned to the "Color Matching" stage. Based on this information, processor 20a on terminal 20 moves the running icon for the target project to the "Color Matching" stage area. The "Color Matching" stage is the stage where, for example, when using spot inks, a color matching pattern is printed and the print result is measured to adjust the color conversion LUT, etc. Processor 10a obtains the color measurement results from the colorimeter and, if it determines that the color requested by the client has been reproduced based on the color measurement results, transitions to the next "Waiting for Printing" stage.

[0045] The "Waiting to Print" stage is a stage in which the system waits until printing begins. In other words, the "Waiting to Print" stage is a stage in which the system waits until the printer 30 to which the print job for the target case is assigned is ready to start executing the print job for the target case. For example, if multiple print jobs are assigned to one printer, and the first print job in the order has not yet finished printing, the cases corresponding to the second and subsequent print jobs in the order will be in the "Waiting to Print" stage. When the print job for the target case becomes the first print job in the order, the system will be ready to start the print job for the target case. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that the print job is considered ready to start when the user performs preparatory work on the printer, such as changing media, and then the user inputs the command to start the print job. In any case, when the system obtains information from the printer 30 or the like indicating that the print job is ready to start, the processor 10a transitions the currently running stage to the next "Print" stage, and in conjunction with this, the running icon on the terminal 20 also moves to the "Print" stage. The assignment of printers 30 to perform the color matching process and printers 30 to perform the printing process is based on the printing conditions of the target project, and is determined by selecting and assigning the printer 30 capable of printing the target project, for example, the printer 30 with the shortest waiting time before printing can begin. Alternatively, the assignment may be made to distribute the printing of a single project across multiple printers 30.

[0046] The "Print" process is the process of printing the original document file 10c1 for the target project. When the processor 10a receives information from the printer 30 indicating that printing of the original document file 10c1 is complete, it automatically transitions the currently running process to the next "Printed" process, and in conjunction with this, the running icon on the terminal 20 also moves to the "Printed" process.

[0047] The five processes from "Printed" to "Completed" belonging to the engineering group 230 are post-processing processes of the processes (engineering group 220) executed in cooperation with the printer 30, and are manual transition processes that manually transition to the next process based on the operation of advancing the process by the user. In this example, the process section from "Printed" to "Completed" is also referred to as the manual transition section.

[0048] The "Printed" process is the process to which it automatically transitions when the printing process of the manuscript file 10c1 corresponding to the case is completed. When the process of laminating the printed media is to be executed in the target case, the user clicks on the area of the "Lamination" process. When the processor 20a detects that the area of the next "Lamination" process has been clicked in a case where the currently executing process is "Printed", the processor 20a sends information indicating that the currently executing process transitions from "Printed" to "Lamination" to the server 10, and moves the currently executing icon of the target case from the area of "Printed" to the area of "Lamination". Thereafter, similarly, when the user completes the work of the process, the user performs an operation to move the currently executing icon to the next process. By this operation, the currently executing icon moves to the next process, and the server 10 also updates the currently executing process of the target case. Even when the last "Sealing" process is completed, when the user performs an operation to move the currently executing icon to the next "Completed" process, by this operation, the currently executing icon moves to the "Completed" process, and the server 10 also updates the currently executing process of the target case.

[0049] The currently executing icon I shown in FIG. 5 21 is the icon displayed in the area of the "Completed" process for cases where all the processes to be executed are completed. The currently executing icon I displayed in the area of the "Completed" process 21 is displayed with a check mark inside a circular figure, and the color inside the circular figure is also different from the colors of the currently executing icons other than the "Completed" process. Therefore, the user can easily distinguish between the state where all the processes in the target case are completed and the state where they are not yet completed by the color of the currently executing icon and the aspect inside the figure.

[0050] Also, if the printing process is in progress, the "In Progress" icon I will appear. 23 As shown, a frame is displayed that emphasizes the outline of the circular shape (first shape) indicating that the process is running. Therefore, when the "print" process is running, it is easy to understand that the progress of the case in question is in the "print" process. Furthermore, when the print process is running, the estimated completion time of the print process is displayed in the default display area corresponding to the running icon. In this embodiment, the default display area is set on the same line as the case in which the process running is the print process, but on the process side after the running icon. In this set display area, a callout (e.g., T) pointing to the running icon of the print process is displayed. 23 A notification icon appears, and the estimated print completion time is displayed within that notification icon. By displaying the estimated print completion time in the display area corresponding to the running icon within the printing process area, it is easier to draw the user's attention to the estimated print completion time. Furthermore, since the display area for the estimated completion time is displayed on the later side of the printing process area, the display of the estimated completion time does not hide icons or bars for other cases, nor does it hide the bar for the target case. The estimated print completion time may be displayed only when the mouse hovers over the running icon for a case where the printing process is in progress, and hidden otherwise.

[0051] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, odd-numbered rows have a gray background, while even-numbered rows have a white background. By differentiating the background colors between even and odd-numbered rows in this way, users can more easily associate and recognize the case information section 100 and the chart section 200 for the same case. In this embodiment, in rows with a gray background (odd-numbered rows), the areas of automatic transition processes (system linkage section, process group 220) and manual transition processes (manual transition section, process groups 210, 230) have different background colors. The background color of the system linkage section is a lighter shade of gray than the background color of the manual transition section. By differentiating the background colors of the areas of automatic transition processes and manual transition processes in this way, users can more easily distinguish and recognize sections where automatic transition processes are continuous (system linkage section, process group 220) and sections where manual transition processes are continuous (manual transition section, process groups 210, 230). Of course, the background color may be different for even-numbered and odd-numbered rows, and the background color of the area for automatic transition processes and the area for manual transition processes may be different for even-numbered rows. In this way, the processor 20a (display unit 20a3) of the terminal 20 displays automatic transition processes and manual transition processes in a distinguishable manner, allowing the user to easily distinguish between automatic and manual transition processes in the process list.

[0052] Furthermore, the bar extending from the starting process area to the currently running process area is filled in if the currently running process is a manually transitioned process (e.g., C1, C2, C4). The bar is hatched if the currently running process is an automatically transitioned process (e.g., C3). This makes it easier for users to recognize whether the currently running process is an automatically transitioned or manually transitioned process. In addition, as in Case A in Figure 5, the bar for a case where all processes have been completed may be displayed in a different color than the bar for a case that has not yet reached the completion stage (e.g., the former in achromatic gray, the latter in a chromatic color). With this configuration, it becomes even easier for users to distinguish between cases where all processes have been completed and cases that have not yet reached the completion stage.

[0053] If an error occurs in a process that is currently running, an error symbol will be displayed in the area of ​​the process that is currently running. The processor 10a identifies the case and process where the error occurred based on the information sent from the printer 30. Icon I is shown in Figure 5. 25 This shows examples of error icons that appear when an error occurs during the printing process. Also, Icon I 26 This shows an example of an error icon indicating that an error occurred in the color matching process. Thus, the display of the error icon may differ depending on the nature of the error and the process in which the error occurred. Even if an error occurs in a process that is currently running, a bar extending from the starting process area to the process area where the error occurred will be displayed. Error Icon I 25 ,I 26 Since this can only be displayed during an automated transition process, the bar is displayed using hatching.

[0054] Furthermore, if an event occurs in the process that requires notification to the user, a graphic indicating the presence of notification information will be displayed in the area of ​​the process in progress. The processor 10a identifies the case and process for which notification information exists based on the information sent from the printer 30. Icon I in Figure 5 27 This shows an example of an icon indicating the presence of notification information. If notification information exists in a currently running process, a bar will be displayed extending from the starting process area to the area of ​​the process containing the notification information. Notification Icon I 27 Since this can only be displayed during an automated transition process, the bar is displayed using hatching.

[0055] The details of the process list information 10c4, file information 10c3, and printer information 10c5, which are referenced to display the process management screen described above, will be explained in order. Figure 6 shows an example of the process list information 10c4. In the process list information 10c4, multiple processes for producing printed materials are defined. In the process list information 10c4, each process is recorded in the display order (execution order). Each process is assigned a "process management ID". The "process name" of the process indicated by the process management ID is recorded in association with the process management ID. The "process name" is used when displaying the name of each process in the chart section 200 of Figure 5.

[0056] Each process belongs to one of the process groups. Process groups are identified by their "process group name". For example, in this example, the "Pre-start" process with process management ID A1 belongs to process group AA, the "Print" process with process management ID B4 belongs to process group BB, and the "Laminate" process (laminating process) with process management ID C2 belongs to process group CC. In addition, a "system linkage flag" value is recorded for each process group. If the system linkage flag is ON, it indicates that the group is a process group consisting of automatically transitioning processes that automatically transition to the next process based on information sent from the printer 30. If the system linkage flag is OFF, it indicates that the group is a process group consisting of manually transitioning processes that manually transition to the next process based on user actions to advance the process.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of file information 10c3. File information 10c3 records the "project name," "file name," "delivery date," "number of copies," "memo field," "current process management ID," and "process setting information list" for each file. The "file name" is the name of the file registered by the user as the target of process management, and the "delivery date," "number of copies," and "memo field" record information set by the user. The "delivery date" records the delivery date and time. The "number of copies" records the number of copies to be delivered. The "memo field" records work instructions and supplementary information and is used to make it easier for the user to identify what the target file is on the process management screen. The "project name," "file name," "delivery date," "number of copies," and "memo field" are referenced when generating the display data for the project information section 100 of the process management screen in Figure 5.

[0058] The "Currently Running Process Management ID" records the process management ID that indicates the currently running process among the processes executed for the target project. The process management ID used is the one defined in the process list information 10c4. If the currently running process is an automatically transitioning process, when information indicating that the currently running process has been completed is obtained from the printer 30, the processor 10a updates the "Currently Running Process Management ID" with the process management ID of the next process that does not have the invalidation flag turned ON. The invalidation flag will be described later. If the currently running process is a manually transitioning process, the processor 10a updates the "Currently Running Process Management ID" based on the user's operation to advance the process. That is, when the terminal 20 detects an operation by the user to advance the process, the terminal 20 notifies the server 10 of the process the user intended to advance to, and the processor 10a of the server 10 determines whether the process the user intended to advance to is a process that can be transitioned to next by that operation. If the processor 10a determines that the next step the user intended to proceed to is a step that can be transitioned to by that operation, it sets the process management ID of the next step the user intended to proceed to as the "executing process management ID".

[0059] The "Process Setting Information List" records the "Process Management ID," "Invalidation Flag," and "Job Information List" for each process involved in producing the printed materials for the target project. The Invalidation Flag records a value indicating whether or not the target process is to be executed in relation to the production of the target file. In the example in Figure 7, for the original file 10c1 named "aaa.pdf," the invalidation flag for the process with Process Management ID "B2" is ON, while the invalidation flags for all other processes are OFF. In this case, it indicates that the color matching process (see Figure 6), with Process Management ID "B2," is not to be executed in the production process for the printed materials targeting the original file 10c1 named "aaa.pdf."

[0060] The "Job Information List" records information about jobs currently running in the target process. When a print job is running, the "Job Information List" records the "Print Job ID," "Serial Number," "Print Settings," "Number of Copies," and "Estimated Print Completion Time" for the process executing that job. The "Print Job ID" is an identifier used to identify the print job. The "Serial Number" is the serial number of the printer 30 used for the target print job. The "Print Settings" are the print settings information used for the target print job. The "Number of Copies" is the number of copies to be printed for the target print job. The "Estimated Print Completion Time" is the time when the target print job is expected to be completed. The processor 10a obtains the required time for the print job by the printer 30 for the target case. Specifically, for example, the processor 10a calculates the required time per page based on the printing conditions (e.g., media size, print quality, etc.), adds this required time for the number of pages per copy, and then adds the resulting required time for the number of copies to obtain the required time for the print job. Processor 10a calculates the estimated completion time of a print job by adding the required time of the print job to the current time. The estimated completion time is used to display the estimated completion time of the print process on the process management screen shown in Figure 5. The calculation and display of the estimated completion time may be performed periodically. The calculation and display of the estimated completion time may also be performed when the user reloads the process management screen. The estimated completion time is recorded in file information 10c3 when a print job is in progress and the estimated completion time for that print job can be calculated. When a print job is completed, the print job ID, serial number, print settings, number of copies, and estimated completion time of that print job are deleted from file information 10c3.

[0061] If multiple jobs are running in the target process, the "Print Job ID," "Serial Number," "Print Settings," "Number of Copies," and "Estimated Print Completion Time" are recorded for each job. In the example in Figure 7, for the original file 10c1 named "eee.pdf," there are two jobs currently running in the "B4" process (printing process, see Figure 6): "JOB001" and "JOB002." When the same process is executed by multiple print jobs, the estimated completion time displayed on the process management screen shown in Figure 5 uses the latest estimated completion time among the multiple print jobs. In the example in Figure 7, the later of "17:00" and "17:15" is used and displayed as the estimated completion time for the "eee.pdf" printing process shown in Figure 5.

[0062] Figure 8 shows an example of printer information 10c5. Printer information 10c5 records the current status of each printer 30 used in production system 1. In printer information 10c5, the following information is recorded for each printer 30: "Printer name", "Model name", "Serial number", "Status", "Error information", and "Notification information". "Printer name" is the name of the target printer 30. "Model name" is the model name of the target printer 30. "Serial number" is the serial number used to identify the target printer 30.

[0063] "Status" indicates the current status of the target printer 30, and depending on the status information sent from the printer 30 when the status changes, a status such as "Printing" or "Error Occurring" is recorded. "Error Information" is information indicating the content of the error currently occurring in the target printer 30. In this embodiment, the appearance of the error icon differs depending on the content of the error. When an error occurs in the printer 30, the printer 30 notifies the server 10 of the status information "Error Occurring" along with information indicating the error that occurred. When the processor 10a of the server 10 receives this information, it records the error code indicating the error in the "Error Information" of the printer 30. When the processor 10a receives notification from the printer 30 that the error has been resolved, it discards the error code recorded in the "Error Information". "Notification Information" is information indicating the content of notifications currently occurring in the target printer 30. When the processor 10a receives notification of notification information from the printer 30, it records information indicating the content of the notification in the "Notification Information" of the printer 30.

[0064] (3) Display screen generation process: Next, the process of generating the process management screen shown in Figure 5 based on the process list information 10c4, file information 10c3, and printer information 10c5 described above will be explained. The process of updating the entire process management screen shown in Figure 5 is executed when a request to display (or update) the process management screen is received from terminal 20, when the status of any of the printers 30 changes, or when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last screen update. In the process of updating the entire process management screen, processor 10a generates display data for displaying each item name (project name, delivery date, file name, etc.) in the project information section 100 and display data for displaying each item name (item names such as "before commencement" and "awaiting proofreading") in the chart section 200.

[0065] First, the process of generating display data for displaying each item in the case information section 100 will be described. The processor 10a refers to the file information 10c3 and generates display data for each case recorded in the file information 10c3, for displaying the case name, delivery date, file name, number of copies, and memo information in rectangular areas (areas provided below each item in the case information section 100) provided for display. Next, the process of generating display data for displaying each item in the chart section 200 will be described. The processor 10a generates display data for displaying rectangular areas equal to the number of processes for each case in the chart section 200. In this embodiment, in both the case information section 100 and the chart section 200, the display data is generated so that the background color of odd-numbered rows is gray and the background color of even-numbered rows is white. Also, in odd-numbered rows, the display data is generated so that the area of ​​the automatically transitioning process in the chart section 200 is dark gray and the area of ​​the manually transitioning process is light gray.

[0066] Furthermore, the processor 10a executes the display screen generation process shown in Figure 9 for each case in order to generate display data for displaying the chart section 200 for each case. Specifically, the display screen generation process shown in Figure 9 is executed for each case, such as Case A and Case B, recorded in the file information 10c3 shown in Figure 7. When the display screen generation process is started for a case to be processed, the processor 10a executes the processes from steps S100 to S110, targeting one process in the process setting information list of the case (file) to be processed. The processes from steps S100 to S110 are repeated for all processes in the process setting information list. For example, if the process shown in Figure 9 is being executed for Case A, the processes from steps S100 to S110 are repeated a total of 11 times, for each element A1 to C5 in the process setting information list of Case A. In step S100, the processor 10a determines whether or not an invalidation flag is set for the process to be processed. If an invalidation flag is set for the process to be processed, the processor 10a generates display data to show a diagonal line in the background of the process to be processed, indicating that it is not a process to be executed (step S105).

[0067] If it is determined in step S110 that all of the process setting information list has been completed, the processor 10a obtains the process group containing the currently executing process management ID from the process list information (step S115). That is, the processor 10a obtains the "currently executing process management ID" from the file information 10c3 (see Figure 7) of the case to be processed. Then the processor 10a refers to the process list information 10c4 (see Figure 6) and identifies the process group to which the said process management ID belongs.

[0068] Next, the processor 10a determines whether the identified process group is a system collaboration section (step S120). Specifically, the processor 10a refers to the system collaboration flag of the process group to which the process indicated by the currently executing process management ID belongs in the process list information 10c4 (see Figure 6), and determines whether the system collaboration flag is a value indicating system collaboration.

[0069] If it is not determined in step S120 that the process is a system integration section, the processor 10a displays a circular shape (first shape) in the area of ​​the process currently in progress and displays a bar (filled) extending from the starting process to the area of ​​the process currently in progress (step S125). This generates display data for displaying the process in progress icon and filled bar for case A in Figure 5, for example. If the process in progress is a "completed" process, display data is generated for displaying an icon with a check mark inside the circular shape. For cases B, C, K, and L, display data for displaying the process in progress icon and filled bar is also generated in step S125 of the display screen generation process shown in Figure 9 for each of the cases B, C, K, and L.

[0070] If it is determined in step S120 that it is a system linkage section, the processor 10a executes the processes from steps S130 to S180 for one process in the process setting information list of the case to be processed. The processes from steps S130 to S180 are repeated for all processes in the process setting information list. For example, if the process in Figure 9 is executed for case A, the processes from steps S130 to S180 are repeated a total of 11 times, for each element A1 to C5 in the process setting information list of case A.

[0071] In step S130, the processor 10a determines whether or not a job ID exists in the job information list. That is, the processor 10a determines whether or not a print job ID is associated with the process to be processed in the file information 10c3 (Figure 7). If it is determined in step S130 that a print job ID is not associated with the process to be processed, the processor 10a considers the process to be processed not to be a process that is currently running and proceeds to step S180.

[0072] If it is determined in step S130 that a print job ID is associated with the process to be processed, the processor 10a repeats the process from steps S135 to S175 for each job ID. If the process being executed is performed by a single print job, the process from steps S135 to S175 for that print job is executed once. If the process being executed is divided into multiple jobs, the process from steps S135 to S175 is executed for each of those jobs. For example, process B4 in Figure 7 has two job IDs associated with it, so in this case, the process from S135 to S175 is repeated twice.

[0073] In step S135, the processor 10a obtains printer information that matches the serial number corresponding to the job ID to be processed (step S135). That is, the processor 10a identifies the serial number corresponding to the print job to be processed and identifies the printer that matches that serial number in the printer information 10c5 (see Figure 8). Specifically, for example, if JOB001 in B4 of Figure 7 is the job ID to be processed, the processor 10a identifies the serial number of the printer that will execute the job of JOB001. Then, the processor 10a identifies the printer information (see Figure 8) of the printer with the identified serial number.

[0074] Next, the processor 10a determines whether or not the printer information contains error information (step S140). That is, the processor 10a refers to the error information for the printer identified in step S135 in the printer information 10c5 (see Figure 8) and determines whether or not the error information is associated with it. If it is determined in step S140 that the error information is contained, the processor 10a generates display data to display an error icon (step S145) and proceeds to step S175. That is, the processor 10a displays an error icon (for example, I in Figure 5) in the area of ​​the process to be processed. 25 , I 26 This generates display data for displaying the error. An error icon is adopted that corresponds to the content of the error information (e.g., the type of error) recorded in the printer information 10c5.

[0075] If it is not determined in step S140 that error information is included, the processor 10a determines whether or not notification information is included in the printer information (step S150). That is, the processor 10a refers to the notification information for the printer identified in step S135 in the printer information 10c5 (see Figure 8) and determines whether or not notification information is associated with it. If it is determined in step S150 that notification information is included, the processor 10a generates display data to display a notification icon (step S155) and proceeds to step S175. That is, the processor 10a places a notification icon (Figure 5, I) in the area of ​​the process to be processed. 27 Generates display data to show ).

[0076] If it is determined in step S150 that no notification information is included, the processor 10a generates display data to display a circular shape (first shape) in the area of ​​the process to be processed (step S160). If the process to be processed is a printing process, the processor 10a displays a frame that emphasizes the outline of the circular shape (first shape) (Figure 5, I 23 ).

[0077] Next, the processor 10a determines whether the job information includes an estimated print completion time (step S165). That is, it determines whether a time is recorded in the estimated print completion time of the job to be processed in the file information 10c3. If it is determined in step S165 that an estimated print completion time is included, the processor 10a generates display data to display the estimated print completion time (step S170) and proceeds to step S175. In step S170, if the same process is performed for multiple jobs, the processor 10a adopts the latest estimated completion time among the estimated completion times of the multiple jobs as the display time in step S170.

[0078] In step S175, the processor 10a determines whether it has finished processing all job IDs, and if not, returns to step S135. If it determines in step S175 that it has finished processing all job IDs, the processor 10a determines whether it has finished processing all process setting information lists (step S180). If it determines in step S180 that it has not finished processing all process setting information lists, the processor 10a repeats the processing from step S135 for one of the unprocessed processes. If it determines in step S180 that it has finished processing all process setting information lists, the processor 10a generates display data to display a bar (hatching) extending from the starting process to the currently executing process (step S185).

[0079] The processor 10a can generate display data for the progress chart of each case in the chart unit 200 by repeating the display screen generation process shown in Figure 9 for the number of cases recorded in the file information 10c3. Once the display data for displaying the entire process management screen shown in Figure 5 has been generated in this manner, the processor 10a transmits the display data to the terminal 20. When the processor 20a of the terminal 20 acquires the display data (first acquisition unit 20a1, second acquisition unit 20a2), it displays the process management screen on the display 20d based on the display data (display unit 20a3).

[0080] (4) Manual transition processing: As described above, the user assistance display when a user operates the mouse to advance a process while the process control screen is displayed on the display 20d of the terminal 20 will now be explained. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the manual transition process. The manual transition process in Figure 10 is a process executed by the processor 20a (second acquisition unit 20a2, display unit 20a3) of the terminal 20 when the process control screen is displayed and the mouse cursor is located in one of the process areas of the chart unit 200. When the manual transition process starts, the processor 20a determines whether or not the mouse has been clicked (step S200).

[0081] If it is not determined that a click occurred in step S200, that is, if the mouse is not clicked, the processor 20a determines whether the mouse cursor is in the area of ​​the next process that can be manually transitioned to (step S205). That is, the processor 20a identifies the rectangular area corresponding to the position of the mouse cursor and identifies the case and process corresponding to that rectangular area. The processor 20a sends the case and process corresponding to the position of the mouse cursor to the server 10. The processor 10a of the server 10 refers to the file information 10c3 and identifies the process management ID currently being executed for that case. The processor 10a determines whether the currently executed process is a manually transitioned process based on the process list information 10c4. If the currently executed process is a manually transitioned process, the processor 10a identifies the next process after the currently executed process, excluding processes that are not being executed, based on the file information 10c3. The processor 10a notifies the terminal 20 of the next process after the currently executed process, excluding processes that are not being executed, as the next process that can be manually transitioned to. Based on this notification, the processor 20a of terminal 20 determines whether the position of the mouse cursor is in an area corresponding to the next process that can be accessed manually.

[0082] In step S205, if it is determined that the mouse cursor is in the area of ​​the next process that can be manually accessed, the processor 20a displays a transparent shape in the area over which the mouse is hovering (step S210). That is, the processor 20a displays a transparent shape at the mouse cursor's position that is identical in shape to the currently displayed execution icon in the execution process and has a transparent background. Figure 11 Icon I 28This shows an example of a transparent shape that appears when the mouse hovers over the area of ​​the next process that can be manually transitioned to. In the example in Figure 11, the currently executing process is the manual transition process immediately preceding the system integration section, and the mouse cursor is located at the first execution target process in the system integration section. Therefore, the server 10 determines that the process being hoversed over is the next process that can be manually transitioned to. Other processes are not determined to be the next processes that can be manually transitioned to. In this way, by displaying an icon with the same shape as the executing icon but in a lighter color (a ghost display of the executing icon) when the mouse cursor is located in the area of ​​the next process that can be manually transitioned to, the user can be made aware that the mouse cursor's position indicates the next process that can be manually transitioned to.

[0083] In step S205, if it is not determined that the mouse cursor is in the area of ​​the next process that can be manually accessed, the processor 20a displays a second shape at the mouse cursor's position (step S215). The second shape is intended to inform the user that the mouse cursor is in the area of ​​a process other than the next process that can be manually accessed. This is shown in the icon I in Figure 12. 29 ,I 30 This shows an example of the second figure. By displaying the second figure in conjunction with the mouse cursor's position, the user can be made aware that they cannot manually transition to the process corresponding to the mouse cursor's position. After executing step S210 or step S215, the processor 20a returns to the processing of step S200.

[0084] If it is not determined that a click occurred in step S200, the processor 20a determines whether the clicked position is in the region of the next process that can be accessed by manual operation (step S220). That is, the processor 20a makes the same determination regarding the clicked position as it did in step S205.

[0085] In step S220, if it is determined that the clicked position is in the area of ​​the next process that can be manually transitioned to, the processor 20a transitions the currently running process to the process corresponding to the area containing the clicked position (step S225). That is, the processor 20a notifies the server 10 that the area of ​​the next manually transitionable process has been clicked. Upon receiving this notification, the processor 10a on the server 10 updates the running process management ID of the target case in the file information 10c3. The processor 20a on the terminal 20 also moves and displays the running icon in the area of ​​the destination process. That is, the running icon that was displayed in the area of ​​the process before the transition is hidden, and the running icon is displayed in the area of ​​the process after the transition. In addition, a bar extending from the starting process to the transitioned process is displayed. If the transitioned process is an automatically transitioned process, the bar is displayed with hatching, and if it is a manually transitioned process, the bar is displayed with a solid fill.

[0086] If, in step S220, the click position is not determined to be in the region of the next process that can be transitioned to by manual operation, or after executing step S225, the processor 20a returns to the processing of step S200.

[0087] (5) Other embodiments: The embodiments described above are merely examples for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can be adopted. For example, in the embodiments described above, the server 10 and the terminal 20 are configured as different devices, but they may be the same device or distributed across three or more devices. The processing shown in Figure 9 may be executed on the terminal 20 side. That is, the server 10 may provide the terminal 20 with the latest file information 10c3, process list information 10c4, and printer information 10c5, and the processor 20a of the terminal 20 may execute the display screen generation process based on this information. In addition, the manual transition process may be executed on the server 10 after acquiring the user's operations and cursor position on the terminal 20.

[0088] The display unit only needs to be able to distinguish between automatic transition sections and manual transition sections. For example, the color of the characters displayed may be different for automatic transition sections and manual transition sections, or the appearance of the icons displayed may be different. User actions to advance the process may be performed using various input devices other than a mouse, such as a touch panel or other devices. Actions corresponding to mouseovers and clicks may be designed appropriately depending on the input device. Processes that cannot be advanced to by user actions include those defined as follows: Consider the case where an automatic transition process follows a first manual transition process, and a second manual transition process follows the automatic transition process. In such a case, when the first shape (running icon) indicating that the process is running is displayed in the area of ​​the first manual transition process, the area of ​​the second manual transition process is considered not to be a process that can be advanced to by user action. For example, the process that can be manually advanced to from the manual transition process immediately preceding an automatic transition process is the first process of that automatic transition process (excluding processes that are not being executed). Therefore, it is not possible to skip the first process of that automatic transition process and proceed to the manual transition process that follows it as the next process. For this reason, in such cases, the second shape is displayed at the mouse cursor's position. When expressed in a manner consistent with the above embodiment, the above-mentioned automatic transition process is a process of process group 220, the above-mentioned first manual transition process is a process of process group 210 which is a pre-processing process for printing, and the above-mentioned second manual transition process is a process of process group 230 which is a post-processing process for printing. Figure 12 I 30 This icon is displayed when the currently executing process is "Waiting for proofreading," which is the manual transition process immediately preceding the system integration section related to printing, and the process indicated by the mouseover area is "Printed," which is immediately following the system integration section. In this state, it is not possible to transition to the "Printed" process, which is the post-printing processing process, without executing the processes of the system integration section (220) related to printing, hence the icon I indicates that the transition is not possible. 30 This will be displayed.

[0089] In addition, processes that cannot be transitioned to by user actions are defined as follows: When there is a sequence of manually transitioned processes, the processes immediately following the currently executing process and beyond are not considered processes that can be transitioned to by user actions. Figure 13 shows an example of seven consecutive manually transitioned processes. If the currently executing process is the second process from the left, the third process from the left is a process that can be transitioned to by user actions, and therefore, when the mouse hovers over it, a transparent icon (I) indicates that it can be transitioned to the next process. 31 ) is displayed. However, the fourth step from the left and beyond are not steps that can be transitioned to next. Therefore, when the mouse hovers over the area of ​​the fourth step from the left and beyond, the second shape icon (I) indicating that it is not possible to transition will be displayed at the mouse cursor's position. 32 ) will be displayed.

[0090] Furthermore, processes that cannot be transitioned to by user actions also include processes that are not being executed. In such cases, the second shape is displayed at the mouse cursor's position.

[0091] A project is a unit that is the subject of processing in multiple processes, and a finished product corresponding to a project is produced when the processes corresponding to the project are completed. Therefore, a project is, for example, a unit of instruction to obtain a predetermined finished product by carrying out processing from the start to the end of one or more processes. The number of finished products to be completed in a single project is not limited; it may be one or more. The finished product of each project may be an item in a predetermined state, and of course, other finished products may be completed through processes that use finished products produced by multiple projects.

[0092] The process corresponding to a project is at least a part of the processing necessary to complete the project, and may differ from project to project or be the same for all projects. The production process only needs to be able to execute the process corresponding to the project. The process may be executed by equipment, by an operator, or by both. When the process is executed by equipment, the system is configured to execute the process by electrically providing start instructions and necessary information. When the process is executed by an operator, the system is configured to execute the process by transmitting start instructions and necessary procedures to the operator. Of course, the finished products produced are not limited to printed materials, and production systems for various finished products may be realized. In other words, the production system may not include printing processes.

[0093] The progress of a process only needs to indicate the degree of progress, and may be expressed by information indicating that each process has started, that it has been completed, or the percentage of progress that each process has made. The manner in which the progress of each process is displayed in the list is not limited to the manner described above, and may also include a configuration that shows the degree of progress numerically.

[0094] The direction in which the cases are arranged and the direction in which the processes are arranged in execution order may differ from those of the above-described embodiment. For example, the former may be horizontal and the latter vertical. Also, the direction in which time progresses may differ from those of the above-described embodiment. The process may be configured to allow administrators to customize it by adding or deleting processes. In addition to the processes listed in the above embodiment, various other processes may be envisioned as pre-printing and post-printing processes.

[0095] Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable as a program or method executed by a computer. Moreover, such systems, programs, and methods may be implemented as a single device or by utilizing components from multiple devices, encompassing various embodiments. They can also be modified as appropriate, such as being partly software and partly hardware. Furthermore, the invention also functions as a recording medium for a program that controls the system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or any recording medium developed in the future can be considered in exactly the same way.

[0096] Furthermore, the above embodiments do not limit the invention. Since the embodiments include multiple inventions with different effects, one problem or effect that can be inferred from an embodiment is not necessarily a problem or effect that applies to all inventions included in the embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1…Production system, 10…Server, 10a…Processor, 10b…Communication unit, 10c…Non-volatile memory, 10c1…Original file, 10c3…File information, 10c4…Process list information, 10c5…Printer information, 20…Terminal, 20a…Processor, 20a1…First acquisition unit, 20a2…Second acquisition unit, 20a3…Display unit, 20b…Communication unit, 20c…Non-volatile memory, 20d…Display, 20e…Input unit, 30…Printer, 30a…Processor, 30b…Communication unit, 30c…Non-volatile memory, 30d…Printing unit, 30e…UI unit

Claims

1. A first acquisition unit acquires the progress of the process for printed materials produced through multiple processes based on information transmitted from the printer, A second acquisition unit acquires the progress based on user operations to advance the process, A display unit that displays on a display in an identifiable manner an automatic transition process that automatically moves to the next process based on information transmitted from the printer, and a manual transition process that manually moves to the next process based on the operation. Equipped with, Areas representing multiple processes are arranged in the order of execution. The area of ​​the automatic transition process and the area of ​​the manual transition process have different background colors. When the mouse hovers over an area of ​​a process that can be transitioned to next by the operation, the display unit displays a transparent figure within that area indicating that the process corresponding to that area can be transitioned to next by the operation. Display device.

2. When the mouse hovers over an area of ​​a process that cannot be transitioned to next by the operation, the display unit does not display the transparent figure within that area, but instead displays a second figure at the mouse cursor position indicating that it cannot be transitioned to next by the operation. The display device according to claim 1.

3. In the case where the automatic transition step follows the first manual transition step, and the second manual transition step follows the automatic transition step, When a first graphic indicating that the first manual transition process is in progress is displayed in the area of ​​the first manual transition process, and the mouse hovers over the area of ​​the second manual transition process, the second graphic is displayed at the mouse cursor's position. The display device according to claim 2.

4. The first manual transition step is a pre-processing step for printing, and the second manual transition step is a post-processing step for printing. The display device according to claim 3.

5. The display unit displays a bar extending from the starting process area to the process area currently being executed, The aforementioned bar is If the process currently being executed is the manual transition process, it will be displayed as a filled-in area. If the process currently being executed is the automatic transition process, it will be displayed with hatching. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A first acquisition unit that acquires the progress of processes for a printed material produced by multiple processes based on information transmitted from a printer, A second acquisition unit acquires the progress based on user operations to advance the process, A display unit that generates a display screen that can identify an automatic transition process that automatically moves to the next process based on information transmitted from the printer, and a manual transition process that manually moves to the next process based on the operation. Equipped with, Areas representing multiple processes are arranged in the order of execution. The area of ​​the automatic transition process and the area of ​​the manual transition process have different background colors. When the mouse hovers over an area of ​​a process that can be transitioned to next by the operation, the display unit displays a transparent figure within that area indicating that the process corresponding to that area can be transitioned to next by the operation. Display screen generation device.

7. Obtain the progress of the process for a printed material produced by multiple processes based on information transmitted from the printer, The progress is obtained based on the user's actions to advance the process. The system displays on a display in an identifiable manner an automatic transition process that automatically moves to the next process based on information transmitted from the printer, and a manual transition process that manually moves to the next process based on the operation. This includes, Areas representing multiple processes are arranged in the order of execution. The area of ​​the automatic transition process and the area of ​​the manual transition process have different background colors. If the mouse hovers over the area of ​​the next process that can be transitioned to in the aforementioned operation, a transparent figure will be displayed within that area to indicate that the process corresponding to that area is the next process that can be transitioned to in the aforementioned operation. Display method.

8. A computer, A first acquisition unit acquires the progress of the processes for printed materials produced through multiple processes, based on information transmitted from the printer. A second acquisition unit acquires the progress based on user operations to advance the process. A display unit that displays on a display in an identifiable manner an automatic transition process that automatically moves to the next process based on information transmitted from the printer, and a manual transition process that manually moves to the next process based on the operation. To make it function as, Areas representing multiple processes are arranged in the order of execution. The area of ​​the automatic transition process and the area of ​​the manual transition process have different background colors. When the mouse hovers over an area of ​​a process that can be transitioned to next by the operation, the display unit displays a transparent figure within that area indicating that the process corresponding to that area can be transitioned to next by the operation. Display program.

Images