Control device, control method, system

Abstract

To reduce the workload of a user for achieving a desired suction mode of the user.SOLUTION: A control device for controlling an image processing device including an arrangement part where a printing medium is arranged, and a plurality of suction ports for sucking the printing medium are provided includes: a display control part for displaying a display screen that is a screen indicating the positions of the plurality of suction ports in the arrangement part on a display part; a selection receiving part for receiving selection of the suction port from the plurality of suction ports whose positions are displayed on the display screen; and an execution control part for performing such control as to allow at least a part of the selected suction port to execute the suction operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a system. [[Background Art]]

[0002] In a printing apparatus that performs printing with a print medium fixed, such as a flatbed type printing apparatus, the print medium is fixed by sucking air through suction ports provided in a placement portion where the print medium is placed during printing. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in a flatbed printer that supports a medium by sucking air through a suction port provided on a document platen for the medium. [[Related Art]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2018-513028 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Conventionally, in order to achieve suction in a desired mode, a user has directly checked the positions of a plurality of suction ports in a placement portion for a print medium, determined which suction ports perform suction and which do not, and manually performed the work of adjusting the presence or absence of suction of the suction ports based on the determination result (for example, work of placing a sheet or the like to block the suction ports). Further, suction through suction ports in an area of the placement portion where no print medium is placed is not desirable because air escaping from such suction ports may reduce the force for fixing the print medium or increase power consumption for suction. Accordingly, there has been a demand for reducing the user's work burden for achieving the user's desired suction mode. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0005] In view of the above issues, the control device is a control device for controlling an image processing apparatus which is an arrangement section on which a printing medium is placed and which is provided with a plurality of suction ports for sucking up the printing medium, and the control device comprises a display control unit which causes a display screen which is a screen showing the positions of the plurality of suction ports in the arrangement section to be displayed on a display unit, a selection receiving unit which accepts the selection of a suction port from the plurality of suction ports whose positions are displayed on the display screen, and an execution control unit which controls to perform a suction operation on at least a portion of the selected suction ports. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a control device, etc. [Figure 2] This figure shows a plan view of an example of the layout. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a display screen. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a display screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a display screen. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing an example of a suction control process. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a display screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a display screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) First embodiment: (1-1) Configuration of the control device: (1-2) Suction control process: (2) Second embodiment: (3) Third embodiment: (4) Other embodiments:

[0008] (1) First embodiment: (1-1) Configuration of the control device: Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the control device 100 and printing device 200 according to this embodiment. The control device 100 in this embodiment is an information processing device that controls the printing device 200, and is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet device, a smartphone, or a computer incorporated into the printing device 200. The printing device 200 is an image processing device that prints an image onto a printing medium (for example, a transparent or opaque acrylic plate, a glass plate, a resin medium (for example, a resin smartphone case, etc.), printing paper, etc.) in response to instructions from the control device 100. In this embodiment, the printing device 200 prints onto the printing medium using predetermined inks (color inks, spot inks, etc.). In this embodiment, these are color inks (cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks) and spot inks. Spot inks are inks used to express colors that cannot be expressed with color inks or to impart effects such as gloss, and are white inks, varnish inks, etc. The printing apparatus 200 of this embodiment is a flatbed type printing apparatus that performs printing using ink that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light.

[0009] In this embodiment, the printing device 200 performs printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium and irradiating the ejected ink with ultraviolet light. The control device 100 and the printing device 200 are connected to each other via wired or wireless means so that they can communicate with one another.

[0010] The hardware included in the control device 100 and the printing device 200 will be described below. The control device 100 comprises a processor 110, a communication unit 120, a storage medium 130, and a UI unit 140. The control device 100 also includes Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM), which are not shown. The processor 110 controls the control device 100 by executing various programs stored in the ROM, storage medium 130, etc. The processor 110 may consist of a single chip or multiple chips. In this embodiment, the processor 110 is assumed to be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it may be composed of an ASIC, or a CPU and an ASIC. The communication unit 120 includes circuits used for communication with external devices such as a printing device 200, according to various wired or wireless communication protocols.

[0011] The storage medium 130 stores various programs, such as a suction control program 111 for executing a process to control suction through the suction port in the printing device 200, and various information, such as setting information 130a.

[0012] The setting information 130a indicates whether each of the multiple suction ports for sucking up the printing medium, provided in the placement section of the printing device 200 where the printing medium is placed, is selected or not. A suction port is a hole used for sucking up air, the printing medium, etc., provided in the placement section of the printing device 200 where the printing medium is placed. In this embodiment, the processor 110 stores the setting information 130a in the storage medium 130 via the display screen 300, which will be described later. The UI unit 140 includes an input unit that receives input from the user, such as a mouse, keyboard, touchpad, or touch panel, and an output unit used to present information to the user, such as a monitor, touch panel display, or speaker.

[0013] The printing apparatus 200 includes a processor 210, a communication unit 220, a storage medium 230, a placement unit 240, a suction mechanism 250, an opening / closing mechanism 260, a measurement unit 270, and a print head 280. The printing apparatus 200 also includes a RAM and a ROM, which are not shown. The processor 210 controls the printing apparatus 200 by executing various programs stored in the ROM, the storage medium 230, and the like. The processor 210 may be configured as a single chip or may be configured as a plurality of chips. In the present embodiment, the processor 210 is assumed to be a CPU, but it may be configured by an ASIC or the like, or may be configured by a CPU and an ASIC. The communication unit 220 includes a circuit used for communication in accordance with various wired or wireless communication protocols with an external device such as the control apparatus 100. The storage medium 230 stores various programs such as a print execution program 211 for controlling execution of printing, and various types of information.

[0014] The placement unit 240 is a base including a flat portion (hereinafter referred to as a placement surface) on which a print medium is placed during printing. The configuration of the placement unit 240 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the placement unit 240. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows the placement unit 240 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the placement surface, looking down onto the placement surface. A plurality of suction ports 241 are provided on the placement surface of the placement unit 240. Each of the suction ports 241 is a hole provided in the placement surface, is connected to the suction mechanism 250 described later, and is used for suction of air by the suction mechanism 250. The suction mechanism 250 includes a fan used for air suction, and is a mechanism that sucks air.

[0015] Further, each suction port 241 is provided with an opening / closing mechanism 260. The opening / closing mechanism 260 is a mechanism for switching the suction port 241 between an open state (a state where the suction port 241 is unobstructed) and a closed state (a state where the suction port 241 is blocked). Each suction port 241 is opened or closed by the opening / closing mechanism 260. The measuring unit 270 is a sensor provided in each of the spaces connected to the respective suction ports 241, and measures the pressure (atmospheric pressure) applied to the gas in the space connected to the suction port 241 when air is sucked via the suction mechanism 250.

[0016] The print head 280 discharges ink onto a print medium and emits ultraviolet light. The print head 280 is supported by a linear gantry 281 and is movable along the gantry 271. The processor 210 causes ink to be discharged and ultraviolet light to be irradiated onto the print medium while moving the print head 280 via a drive mechanism of the print head 280. The processor 210 performs printing by repeating line-by-line printing on the print medium via the print head 280. Hereinafter, the direction of this line is referred to as the main scanning direction. The direction in which the print head 280 can move along the gantry 271 is the main scanning direction. Further, hereinafter, a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction and parallel to the arrangement surface is referred to as the sub-scanning direction. Further, hereinafter, one line of printing performed by the print head 280 during printing while moving from one end of the printing area to the other end in the main scanning direction on the print medium is defined as one printing pass. Further, the number of printing passes required for printing the same area in the printing area is defined as the number of printing passes. The print head 280 includes a discharge unit used for discharging various inks, and an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the discharged ink with ultraviolet light. The processor 210 performs printing by changing the position of the gantry 271 in the sub-scanning direction and repeatedly scanning the print head 280 in the main scanning direction.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the suction ports 241 are arranged in a matrix, and are provided at equal intervals in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Hereafter, the arrangement of suction ports 241 in the main scanning direction will be referred to as rows, and the arrangement of suction ports 241 in the sub-scanning direction will be referred to as columns.

[0018] Next, the functions of the control device 100 and the printing device 200 will be described. The processor 110 of the control device 100 functions as a display control unit 111a, a selection reception unit 111b, a detection unit 111c, an execution control unit 111d, and a storage control unit 111e by executing the suction control program 111 stored in the storage medium 130.

[0019] The display control unit 111a has the function of displaying a screen on the display unit that shows the positions of the multiple suction ports 241 in the arrangement unit 240. When the processor 110 receives a command via the UI unit 140 to display a screen showing the positions of multiple suction ports 241 in the placement unit 240, based on the functions of the display control unit 111a, it displays the display screen 300 on the UI unit 140. An example of the display screen 300 is shown in Figure 3.

[0020] The display screen 300 shows the positions of the multiple suction ports 241 in the arrangement unit 240 and is used to select the suction port to be used for suction. Selecting a suction port to be used for suction can be considered as selecting the other suction ports to be not used for suction. The display screen 300 includes selection assist buttons 301-302, an open instruction button 303, a close instruction button 304, a fully open instruction button 305, a fully closed instruction button 306, a setting memory button 307, a setting application button 308, and a display area 310.

[0021] The display area 310 is an area that shows the placement surface of the placement unit 240. In this embodiment, the lower end of the display area 310 indicates a predetermined end of the two ends of the placement surface of the placement unit 240 in the sub-scanning direction. The upper end of the display area 310 indicates the other end of the two ends of the placement surface of the placement unit 240 in the sub-scanning direction. The left end of the display area 310 indicates a predetermined end of the two ends of the placement surface of the placement unit 240 in the main scanning direction. The right end of the display area 310 indicates the other end of the two ends of the placement surface of the placement unit 240 in the main scanning direction. The processor 110 displays a circular object 311 indicating the corresponding suction port 241 at the position corresponding to each of the multiple suction ports 241 within the display area 310. This shows the position of each of the multiple suction ports 241 in the placement unit 240 within the display area 310. The processor 110 sets the state of each suction port 241 to a first state, which indicates that it has not been selected by the user. Here, the state of the suction port 241 refers to information set for each suction port 241, which is used to control whether it is open or closed. The processor 110 stores in RAM information indicating that each suction port 241 is in the first state. The processor 110 then displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 in the first state in a default color (hereinafter referred to as the first color). In this embodiment, the first color is white. As will be described later in the explanation of the selection receiving unit 111b, the processor 110 accepts a selection for the object 311 and transitions the suction port 241 corresponding to the object 311 to a second state, which indicates that it has been selected by the user. More specifically, for each suction port 241 that has transitioned to the second state, the processor 110 stores in RAM information indicating that it is in the second state.

[0022] The selection assist button 301 is used to detect the area of ​​the printing medium placed in the placement unit 240 and to instruct the process of setting the suction port 241 in the detected area to a second state. The selection assist button 302 is a button used to instruct the process of setting the suction port 241 included in the specified position to the second state.

[0023] The open instruction button 303 is used to instruct the process of opening the suction port 241 in the second state and closing the suction port 241 in the first state. The close instruction button 304 is used to instruct the process of closing the suction port 241 in the second state and opening the suction port 241 in the first state.

[0024] The full open instruction button 305 is used to instruct the process of opening all suction ports 241. The full closure instruction button 306 is used to instruct the system to close all suction ports 241.

[0025] The setting memory button 307 is a button used to instruct a process that stores information indicating whether each suction port 241 in the arrangement unit 240 is in the first state or the second state, as setting information 130a. The setting application button 308 is a button used to instruct the process of applying the state of each object 311 stored in the setting information 130a to each object 311. The above is a description of the display control unit 111a.

[0026] The selection reception unit 111b has the function of accepting the selection of a suction port 241 from among multiple suction ports 241 whose positions are displayed on the display screen 300. In this embodiment, the processor 110 accepts a selection for each suction port 241 through the function of the selection acceptance unit 111b. More specifically, when the processor 110 receives a designation (e.g., click, tap, etc.) of an object 311 corresponding to a suction port 241 in the first state through operation of the UI unit 140 by the user, it sets the suction port 241 corresponding to the designated object 311 to the second state. The processor 110 displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 in the second state in a different color (hereinafter referred to as the second color) than the first state. In this embodiment, the second color is black. In the example in Figure 3, the suction port 241 corresponding to the object 311 in the lower left part of the display area 310 is in the second state. When the processor 110 receives a designation of an object 311 corresponding to a suction port 241 in the second state, it sets the suction port 241 corresponding to the designated object 311 to the first state and displays the corresponding object 311 in the first color (white). In this way, the processor 110 sets the suction port 241 corresponding to each object 311 to either the second state or the first state, according to the user's specification of each object 311 via the UI unit 140. The processor 110 selects the suction port 241 to perform suction by setting the suction port 241 to either the first state or the second state.

[0027] Furthermore, when the processor 110 receives a selection of the selection assist button 301 through operation of the UI unit 140 by the user, it performs the following processing. The processor 110 detects the area of ​​the printing medium placed in the placement section 240 of the printing device 200. The detection unit 111c will now be described.

[0028] The detection unit 111c has the function of detecting the area of ​​the printing medium to be placed in the placement unit 240 based on the pressure when performing suction operations at the multiple suction ports 241. The processor 110, based on the function of the detection unit 111c, instructs the printing device 200 to operate the suction mechanism 250 at a predetermined drive output when the printing medium is placed in the placement unit 240 of the printing device 200 and all suction ports 241 are open. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 operates the suction mechanism 250 at a predetermined drive output in response to the instruction. The processor 110 then instructs the printing device 200 to measure the air pressure in the space connected to each suction port 241. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 periodically measures the air pressure in the space connected to each suction port 241 via the measurement unit 270 and waits until the air pressure in the space connected to each suction port 241 stabilizes (until it no longer fluctuates beyond a predetermined threshold). The processor 210 then measures the air pressure in the space connected to each suction port 241 and notifies the control device 100 of the measured air pressure. The processor 110 compares the notified atmospheric pressure with a pre-measured calibration value for each suction port 241. This calibration value is the atmospheric pressure in the space connected to each suction port 241, measured via the measurement unit 270 when the suction mechanism 250 is operated at a default drive output, with nothing placed in the placement unit 240 and all suction ports 241 open. This calibration value is also measured after waiting for the atmospheric pressure in the space connected to each suction port 241 to stabilize after operating the suction mechanism 250. The processor 110 identifies the suction ports 241 whose difference between the measured atmospheric pressure and the calibration value is greater than or equal to a default threshold. The processor 110 then determines that the printing medium exists overlapping with the identified suction port 241 and detects the area near the identified suction port 241 as the area of ​​the printing medium.

[0029] Let's return to the explanation of the selection reception unit 111b. The processor 110 sets the suction ports 241 included in the area of ​​the printing medium detected by the detection unit 111c to a second state, and displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction ports 241 in the second state in a second color. In other words, the selection of the suction ports 241 within the area of ​​the printing medium is accepted according to the selection of the selection assist button 301. The processor 110 also displays an object indicating the printing medium at the position corresponding to the identified area of ​​the printing medium in the display area 310. Figure 4 shows an example of the situation when the selection assist button 301 is selected. The processor 110 identifies the area of ​​the printing medium and displays an object 400 representing the printing medium in the area corresponding to the identified area within the display area 310. In the example in Figure 4, since the printing medium is trapezoidal, the object 400 is also trapezoidal. The processor 110 then puts the suction port 241 included in the identified area into a second state and displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 in the second state in a second color (black). In the example in Figure 4, the object 311 within object 400 corresponds to the suction port 241 in the second state and is displayed in black.

[0030] Furthermore, when the processor 110 receives a selection of the selection assist button 302 through the user's operation of the UI unit 140, it performs the following processing. The processor 110 displays a dialog box on the UI unit 140 for receiving a position specification in the placement unit 240. In this embodiment, this dialog box includes an input field for the position in the placement unit 240. The user enters the desired position in this input field using the UI unit 140. The processor 110 accepts the entered position as the specified position. The processor 110 may also accept the specified position through drag operations via the UI unit 140. The processor 110 sets the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 included in the entered position to a second state. The processor 110 also displays an object indicating the specified position at the position corresponding to the entered position in the display area 310. Figure 5 shows an example of the situation when the selection assist button 302 is selected. The processor 110 displays an object 500 indicating the specified location at a position corresponding to the specified location. In the example in Figure 5, since a rectangular area is specified for the printing medium, the object 500 is also rectangular. The processor 110 then sets the suction port 241 included in the specified location to a second state. That is, the selection of the suction port 241 included in the specified location is accepted according to the selection of the selection assist button 302. In the example in Figure 5, object 311 within object 500 corresponds to the suction port 241 in the second state and is displayed in black.

[0031] Furthermore, when the processor 110 receives a setting application button 308 from the user through operation of the UI unit 140, it performs the following processing: The processor 110 displays a dialog box used for selecting setting information 130a on the UI unit 140. The processor 110 then accepts the selection of setting information 130a through the displayed dialog box. The processor 110 updates the state of each suction port 241 to match the selected setting information 130a. The processor 110 then displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 in the first state in the first color (white). The processor 110 also displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 in the second state in the first color and a default color different from the second color (hereinafter referred to as the third color) to indicate that the setting information 130a has been applied. In this embodiment, the third color is gray. In the example shown in Figure 3, object 311 near the bottom center of the display area 310 corresponds to the suction port 241, which has entered a second state due to the application of setting information 130a, and is displayed in a third color (gray). The state shown in Figure 3 indicates that after setting information 130a has been applied according to the setting application button 308, object 311 in the lower left part of the display area 310 has been selected by the user. The above is a description of the selection reception unit 111b.

[0032] The execution control unit 111d has the function of controlling the suction operation to be performed on at least a portion of the selected suction ports. When the processor 110 receives a request from the user to press the open instruction button 303 via the UI unit 140, it performs the following processing using the functions of the execution control unit 111d: The processor 110 instructs the printing device 200 to open the suction port 241 in the second state. The processor 110 also instructs the printing device 200 to close the suction port 241 in the first state. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 opens the suction port 241 in the second state and closes the suction port 241 in the first state via the opening / closing mechanism 260 in response to the instructions. The processor 110 then instructs the printing device 200 to perform an air suction operation from the open suction port 241. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 starts suction via the suction mechanism 250 in response to the instructions. As a result, suction is performed in the printing device 200, and the printing medium resting on the open suction port 241 is fixed in place. Thus, when the open instruction button 303 is selected, the suction port 241 in the second state is selected as the suction port 241 that performs suction. Conversely, the suction port 241 in the first state is selected as the suction port 241 that does not perform suction.

[0033] Furthermore, when the processor 110 receives a designation of the close instruction button 304 by the user through operation of the UI unit 140, the execution control unit 111d performs the following processing: The processor 110 instructs the printing device 200 to close the suction port 241 in the second state. The processor 110 also instructs the printing device 200 to open the suction port 241 in the first state. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 closes the suction port 241 in the selected state and opens the suction port 241 in the first state via the opening / closing mechanism 260 in response to the instructions. In this way, the treatment of the second state and the first state is reversed compared to when the open instruction button 303 is designated. That is, when the close instruction button 304 is designated, the suction port 241 in the first state is selected as the suction port 241 that performs suction. Also, the suction port 241 in the second state is selected as the suction port 241 that does not perform suction. The processor 110 then instructs the printing device 200 to draw air through the open suction port 241. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 responds to the instruction and starts drawing air through the suction mechanism 250. This fixes the printing medium that is resting on the open suction port 241.

[0034] Furthermore, when the processor 110 receives a request from the user to press the "Open All" instruction button 305 via the UI unit 140, it performs the following processing using the functions of the execution control unit 111d: The processor 110 instructs the printing device 200 to open all suction ports 241 via the opening / closing mechanism 260. The processor 110 also controls the printing device 200 to perform suction by instructing it to draw air from the open suction ports 241 via the suction mechanism 250.

[0035] Furthermore, when the processor 110 receives a request from the user to press the all-close instruction button 306 via the UI unit 140, the execution control unit 111d performs the following processing: The processor 110 closes all suction ports 241 via the opening / closing mechanism 260. The above is a description of the execution control unit 111d.

[0036] The memory control unit 111e has the function of storing information in the storage medium 130 about whether each suction port 241 is in the second state or the first state. When the setting storage button 307 is selected via the UI unit 140, the processor 110 determines whether each suction port 241 is in the first state or the second state, based on the function of the memory control unit 111e, and stores the determined information as setting information 130a in the storage medium 130.

[0037] Next, I will explain the functions of the printing device 200. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 functions as a suction control unit 211a and a printing execution unit 211b by executing a printing execution program 211 stored in the storage medium 230. The suction control unit 211a has the function of opening and closing the suction port 241 and performing suction operations in response to instructions from the control device 100 to open and close the suction port 241 and to perform suction operations. When the processor 210 receives an instruction from the control device 100 to open the suction port 241, it opens the designated suction port 241 via the opening / closing mechanism 260 and closes the other suction ports 241. Also, when the processor 210 receives an instruction from the control device 100 to perform suction operations, it performs air suction operations from the opened suction port 241 via the suction mechanism 250.

[0038] The print execution unit 211b has the function of printing a print layer onto the printing medium in response to a print instruction from the control device 100. The processor 210, using the function of the print execution unit 211b, prints a specified image onto the printing medium under specified printing conditions in response to an instruction from the control device 100. In this embodiment, the processor 110 performs printing using the function of the print execution unit 211b while the suction operation is being performed by the function of the suction control unit 211a. This allows the processor 210 to print with the printing medium fixed in place.

[0039] In this embodiment, the control device 100 displays the position of each suction port 241 in the arrangement unit 240 on the display screen 300. The control device 100 then accepts the selection of a suction port 241 to be opened from the displayed suction ports 241, and causes the printing device 200 to perform a suction operation after opening the selected suction port 241. This allows the user to easily determine which suction port 241 to use by checking the displayed suction port 241 position without directly checking the placement unit 240. Furthermore, by selecting which suction port 241 to open from the suction ports 241 whose positions are displayed in the display area 310, suction is achieved with the desired suction port 241 open. Therefore, the processor 110 can achieve suction in the manner desired by the user without requiring the user to manually close the suction ports 241. As a result, the control device 100 can reduce the workload on the user.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 100 accepts a selection for each suction port 241 to either enter the second state or the first state. This allows the control device 100 to open or close each suction port 241.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 100 detects the area of ​​the printing medium to be placed in the placement unit 240 according to the selection of the selection assist button 301, and displays an object indicating the detected area on the UI unit 140. This allows the control device 100 to present the area of ​​the printing medium in the placement unit 240 to the user. The control device 100 also sets the suction port 241 included in the detected area of ​​the printing medium to a second state. This reduces the effort required for the control device 100 to select the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 included in the detected area of ​​the printing medium.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 100 sets the suction port 241 included in the specified position to a second state according to the selection of the selection assist button 302. This reduces the effort required for the control device 100 to select the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 included in the specified position.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 100 stores information indicating whether each suction port is in the second state or the first state as setting information 130a. The control device 100 then reflects the stored setting information 130a to each suction port 241, thereby setting the state of each suction port 241 to the state indicated by the stored setting information 130a. This allows the control device 100 to easily reproduce the state of each suction port 241 stored as setting information 130a.

[0044] (1-2) Registration process: The suction control process performed by the control device 100 will be explained using Figure 6. The processor 110 starts the process shown in Figure 6 when it receives an instruction to start the suction control process via the UI unit 140.

[0045] In step S100, the processor 110 displays the display screen 300 on the UI unit using the functions of the display control unit 111a. The processing in step S100 is an example of a display control step. After completing the processing in step S100, the processor 110 proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the processor 110 determines, through the function of the selection reception unit 111b, whether or not the user has specified the setting application button 308 through operation of the UI unit 140. If the processor 110 determines that the user has specified the setting application button 308, it proceeds to step S110; if it determines that the user has not specified the setting application button 308, it proceeds to step S115.

[0046] In step S110, the processor 110 displays a dialog box used for selecting setting information 130a on the UI unit 140 using the function of the selection reception unit 111b. The processor 110 then accepts the selection of setting information 130a through the displayed dialog box. The processor 110 updates the state of each suction port 241 to match the selected setting information 130a. The processor 110 then displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 in the first state in the first color. The processor 110 also displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 in the second state in the third color.

[0047] In step S115, the processor 110 determines, using the function of the selection reception unit 111b, whether or not the selection assist button 301 has been specified by the user's operation of the UI unit 140. If the processor 110 determines that the selection assist button 301 has been specified, it proceeds to step S120; if it determines that the selection assist button 301 has not been specified, it proceeds to step S130.

[0048] In step S120, the processor 110, using the function of the detection unit 111c, instructs the printing device 200 to operate the suction mechanism 250 at a predetermined drive output when the printing medium is placed in the placement unit 240 of the printing device 200 and all suction ports 241 are open. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 operates the suction mechanism 250 in response to the instruction. The processor 110 also instructs the printing device 200 to measure the air pressure in the space connected to each suction port 241. The processor 210 starts measuring the air pressure in the space connected to each suction port 241 via the measurement unit 270 in response to the instruction. The processor 210 waits until the air pressure in the space connected to each suction port 241 stabilizes. Then, the processor 110 measures the air pressure in the space connected to each suction port 241. The processor 210 notifies the control device 100 of the air pressure measured for each suction port 241. The processor 110 compares the notified atmospheric pressure with a pre-measured calibration value for each suction port 241. The processor 110 identifies the suction ports 241 in which the difference between the measured atmospheric pressure and the calibration value is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The processor 110 then determines that the printing medium exists overlapping with the identified suction port 241 and detects the area near the identified suction port 241 as the area of ​​the printing medium. After completing the process in step S120, the processor 110 proceeds to step S125.

[0049] In step S125, the processor 110, using the function of the selection receiving unit 111b, sets the suction port 241 included in the area of ​​the printing medium detected in step S120 to a second state, and displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 in the second state in a second color. The processor 110 also displays an object indicating the printing medium at the position corresponding to the identified area of ​​the printing medium in the display area 310. After completing the processing in step S125, the processor 110 proceeds to step S130.

[0050] In step S130, the processor 110 determines, based on the function of the selection receiving unit 111b, whether or not a position has been specified according to the selection assist button 302. If the processor 110 determines that a position has been specified, it proceeds to S135; if it determines that no position has been specified, it proceeds to S140.

[0051] In step S135, the processor 110, using the function of the selection reception unit 111b, sets the suction port 241 included in the position determined to have been specified in step S130 to a second state, and displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 in the second state in a second color. The processor 110 also displays an object indicating the printing medium at the position corresponding to the area of ​​the specified printing medium in the display area 310. After completing the processing in step S135, the processor 110 proceeds to step S140.

[0052] In step S140, the processor 110 determines whether or not it has received a designation of object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241, based on the function of the selection reception unit 111b. If the processor 110 determines that it has received a designation of object 311, it proceeds to step S145; if it determines that it has not received a designation of object 311, it proceeds to step S150.

[0053] In step S145, the processor 110, using the function of the selection reception unit 111b, changes the suction port 241 corresponding to the object 311 specified in step S140 from the first state to the second state, and from the second state to the first state. Then, the processor 110 updates the color of the object 311 corresponding to the updated suction port 241 to the color corresponding to the state. After completing the processing in step S145, the processor 110 proceeds to step S150. The processing in steps S115 to S145 is an example of a selection reception step.

[0054] In step S150, the processor 110 determines, based on the function of the execution control unit 111d, whether or not it has received a request to press the release command button 303. If the processor 110 determines that it has received a request to press the release command button 303, it proceeds to step S155. If it determines that it has not received a request to press the release command button 303, it proceeds to step S160.

[0055] In step S155, the processor 110, through the function of the execution control unit 111d, instructs the printing device 200 to open the suction port 241 in the second state. The processor 110 also instructs the printing device 200 to close the suction port 241 in the first state. The processor 210 of the printing device 200, in response to the instructions, opens the suction port 241 in the second state and closes the suction port 241 in the first state via the opening / closing mechanism 260. Then, the processor 110 instructs the printing device 200 to perform an air suction operation through the open suction port 241. The processor 210 of the printing device 200, in response to the instructions, starts suction via the suction mechanism 250. The processing in step S155 is an example of an execution control step. After the processing in step S155 is completed, the processor 110 proceeds to step S160.

[0056] In step S160, the processor 110 determines, based on the function of the execution control unit 111d, whether or not it has received a request to press the close instruction button 304. If the processor 110 determines that it has received a request to press the close instruction button 304, it proceeds to step S165. If it determines that it has not received a request to press the close instruction button 304, it proceeds to step S170.

[0057] In step S165, the processor 110 instructs the printing device 200 to close the suction port 241 in the second state, using the functions of the execution control unit 111d. The processor 110 also instructs the printing device 200 to open the suction port 241 in the first state. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 closes the suction port 241 in the second state and opens the suction port 241 in the first state via the opening / closing mechanism 260 in response to the instructions. Then, the processor 110 instructs the printing device 200 to perform an air suction operation from the open suction port 241. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 starts suction via the suction mechanism 250 in response to the instructions. The processing in step S165 is an example of an execution control step. After the processing in step S165 is completed, the processor 110 proceeds to step S170.

[0058] In step S170, the processor 110 determines, based on the function of the execution control unit 111d, whether or not it has received a request to press the full release instruction button 305. If the processor 110 determines that it has received a request to press the full release instruction button 305, it proceeds to step S175. If it determines that it has not received a request to press the full release instruction button 305, it proceeds to step S180.

[0059] In step S175, the processor 110 instructs the printing device 200 to open all suction ports 241 via the function of the execution control unit 111d. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 opens all suction ports 241 via the opening / closing mechanism 260 in response to the instruction. The processor 110 then instructs the printing device 200 to perform an air suction operation from all the open suction ports 241. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 starts suction via the suction mechanism 250 in response to the instruction. After the processing in step S175 is completed, the processor 110 proceeds to step S180.

[0060] In step S180, the processor 110 determines, based on the function of the execution control unit 111d, whether or not it has received a request to press the full-close instruction button 306. If the processor 110 determines that it has received a request to press the full-close instruction button 306, it proceeds to step S185. If it determines that it has not received a request to press the full-close instruction button 306, it proceeds to step S185.

[0061] In step S185, the processor 110 instructs the printing device 200 to close all suction ports 241 using the functions of the execution control unit 111d. The processor 210 of the printing device 200 closes all suction ports 241 via the opening / closing mechanism 260 in response to the instruction. After the completion of the process in step S185, the processor 110 proceeds to step S190.

[0062] In step S190, the processor 110 determines whether the setting memory button 307 has been specified, based on the function of the memory control unit 111e. If the processor 110 determines that the setting memory button 307 has been specified, it proceeds to step S195; if it determines that the setting memory button 307 has not been specified, it proceeds to step S200. In step S195, the processor 110, using the function of the memory control unit 111e, determines whether each suction port 241 is in the second state or the first state, and stores the determined information as setting information 130a in the storage medium 130. After the completion of the processing in step S185, the processor 110 proceeds to step S200.

[0063] In step S200, the processor 110 determines, based on the function of the selection reception unit 111b, whether or not it has received an instruction to terminate the suction control process via the UI unit 140. If the processor 110 determines that it has received an instruction to terminate the suction control process, it instructs the printing device 200 to stop any ongoing suction operations, and terminates the process shown in Figure 6. If the processor 110 determines that it has not received an instruction to terminate the suction control process, it proceeds to step S105.

[0064] (2) Second embodiment: The differences between the processing of the control device 100 in this embodiment and that of the first embodiment will be explained. The processor 110 displays the display screen 300 on the UI unit 140 using the functions of the display control unit 111a. An example of the display screen 300 in this embodiment is shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the display screen 300 in this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a bar-shaped object 320 used for selecting each row of object 311 and a bar-shaped object 330 used for selecting each row of object 311. Object 320 is located on the left side of the display area 310 and is provided for each row of object 311. Object 330 is located on the lower side of the display area 310 and is provided for each column of object 311.

[0065] When the processor 110 receives a selection of object 320 from the user through an operation of the UI unit 140 via the function of the selection reception unit 111b, it performs the following processing: The processor 110 identifies the state of each of the multiple objects 311 contained in the row corresponding to the specified object 320. If the identified state includes the first state, the processor 110 transitions the suction port 241 corresponding to the object 311 contained in the row corresponding to the specified object 320 to the second state. The processor 110 then displays the object 311 contained in the row corresponding to the specified object 320 in the second color. If the identified state does not include the first state, the processor 110 transitions the suction port 241 corresponding to the object 311 contained in the row corresponding to the specified object 320 to the first state.

[0066] Furthermore, when the processor 110 receives a specification of object 330 by the user through the operation of the UI unit 140 via the function of the selection reception unit 111b, it performs the following processing: The processor 110 identifies the state of each of the multiple objects 311 contained in the column corresponding to the specified object 330. Then, if the identified state includes the first state, the processor 110 transitions the suction port 241 corresponding to the object 311 contained in the column corresponding to the specified object 330 to the second state. Then, the processor 110 displays the object 311 contained in the row corresponding to the specified object 330 in the second color. If the identified state does not include the first state, the processor 110 transitions the suction port 241 corresponding to the object 311 contained in the column corresponding to the specified object 330 to the first state.

[0067] In the example in Figure 7, the third and fourth objects 330 are specified from the left, and object 311, which is included in the column corresponding to the specified object 330, is displayed in the second color (black).

[0068] As described above, with the configuration of this embodiment, the control device 100 can control the opening and closing of the suction ports 241 for each row and each column. This improves user convenience when it is required to open and close the suction ports 241 for each row and each column, or when it is only possible to control the opening and closing of the suction ports 241 for each row and each column.

[0069] (3) Third embodiment: The differences between the processing of the control device 100 in this embodiment and that of the first embodiment will be explained. After the display screen 300 is displayed, the processor 110 performs the following processing using the function of the selection reception unit 111b. The processor 110 determines whether or not there is a print job for which printing has been instructed. If the processor 110 determines that there is no print job for which printing has been instructed, it performs the same processing as in the first embodiment. If the processor 110 determines that there is a print job for which printing has been instructed, it identifies the print position, which is the position in the placement unit 240 where printing will take place, from the print job for which it has been determined that there is a print job. The processor 110 then displays an object indicating the specified print position at a position corresponding to the specified print position within the display area 310. The processor 110 then puts the suction port 241 included in the specified print position into a second state and displays the object 311 corresponding to the suction port 241 in the second state in a second color. Figure 8 shows the situation where the print position has been specified and the object 800 corresponding to the print position is displayed in the display area 310. The object 311 within object 800 corresponds to the suction port 241 in the second state and is displayed in the second color (black). Subsequently, the processor 110, as in the first embodiment, accepts from the user a selection of a second state and a first state for each suction port 241.

[0070] As described above, with the configuration of this embodiment, the control device 100 can improve convenience for the user when it is required to open and close the suction port 241, or when it is only possible to control the opening and closing of the suction port 241 on a row-by-row or column-by-column basis. Since the printing medium may be placed at the print position of a print job, it may be necessary to open the suction port 241 included in this print position. Therefore, the processor 110 can reduce the effort required of the user to select the suction port 241 by putting the suction port 241 included in this print position into a second state.

[0071] (4) Other embodiments: The embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention, and various other embodiments can be adopted. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the control device 100 and the printing device 200 are configured as different devices, but they may be configured as the same device. For example, the functions of the control device 100 may be implemented in the printing device 200. Also, the control device 100 may be configured as multiple devices. Furthermore, the processing order of the flowchart shown in Figure 6 may be different. For example, the processing of steps S105 to S110, steps S115 to S125, steps S130 to S135, and steps S140 to S145 may be reversed.

[0072] In each of the embodiments described above, the processor 110 opens the suction port 241 in the second state (or first state) and closes the suction port 241 in the first state (or second state) when a suction operation is performed in response to the opening instruction button 303 (closing instruction button 304). However, the processor 110 may open at least a portion of the suction ports 241 in the second state (or first state) during the suction operation. For example, if the suction ports 241 included in a polygonal (triangle, quadrilateral, etc.) region on the placement surface of the placement unit 240 are in the second state (or first state), the processor 110 may do the following: That is, the processor 110 may open a portion of the suction ports 241 within this polygonal region, including at least the suction ports 241 closest to each vertex. Alternatively, the processor 110 may open a portion of the suction ports 241 within this polygonal region, including at least the suction ports 241 along the outer perimeter of the polygon.

[0073] Furthermore, the processor 110 may open the suction ports 241 in the second state (or first state) that are adjacent to the suction ports 241 in the first state (or second state), and the suction ports 241 located at the end in the main scanning direction or sub-scanning direction. Furthermore, the processor 110 may open a predetermined percentage (for example, 80%, 90%, etc.) or more of the suction ports 241 in the second state (or first state).

[0074] Furthermore, the processor 110 may close at least a portion of the suction port 241 in the first state (or second state) during the suction operation. Furthermore, the processor 110 may close a predetermined percentage (for example, 80%, 90%, etc.) or more of the suction ports 241 in the first state (or second state).

[0075] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the suction mechanism 250 is connected to all of the suction ports 241 and draws in air from the open suction ports 241. However, the suction mechanism 250 may be arranged for each suction port 241, so that each suction mechanism 250 draws in air from one suction port 241. Alternatively, the suction mechanism 250 may be arranged for every multiple (3, 4, etc.) suction ports 241, so that each suction mechanism 250 draws in air from multiple suction ports 241.

[0076] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the processor 110 sets the suction port 241 included in the area of ​​the printing medium to a second state according to the selection of the selection assist button 301. However, the processor 110 may not perform any processing according to the selection of the selection assist button 301. In this case, the display screen 300 may not include the selection assist button 301.

[0077] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the processor 110 sets the suction port 241 included in the specified position to a second state in accordance with the selection of the selection assist button 302. However, the processor 110 may not perform any processing in accordance with the selection of the selection assist button 302. In this case, the display screen 300 may not include the selection assist button 302.

[0078] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the processor 110 causes the printing device 200 to perform a suction operation when any of the buttons 303 to 305 is selected. However, the processor 110 may cause the printing device 200 to perform a suction operation at other times. For example, when at least one suction port 241 transitions to a second state, the processor 110 may instruct the printing device 200 to open the suction port 241 in the second state and to start the suction operation, thereby causing the printing device 200 to perform the suction operation. Furthermore, if any of buttons 303 to 305 is selected, the processor 110 may instruct the printing device 200 to control only the opening and closing of the suction port 241. The processor 110 may also instruct the printing device 200 to perform the suction operation when it instructs the printing device 200 to print on the printing medium.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the measuring unit 270 is a sensor provided in each space connected to each suction port 241, which measures the pressure (atmospheric pressure) acting on the gas in the space connected to the suction port 241 when air is drawn in via the suction mechanism 250. However, the measuring unit 270 may be other sensors. For example, the measuring unit 270 may be a sensor provided near each suction port 241, which measures the pressure acting near the suction port 241 on the placement surface when air is drawn in via the suction mechanism 250. In that case, the processor 110 may use the pressure acting near the suction port 241 on the placement surface instead of the atmospheric pressure in the space connected to the suction port 241 in the above-described embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the measurement unit 270 is used to detect the area of ​​the printing medium. However, the measurement unit 270 may be used for other purposes. For example, the processor 110 may obtain the air pressure of the space connected to each suction port 241 detected from the printing device 200 via the measurement unit 270, and determine the state of the printing medium based on the obtained air pressure. For example, the processor 110 may determine that the printing medium may be warped if there is a suction port 241 in which the air pressure of the space connected to the open suction port 241 is lower than a predetermined first threshold. Also, the processor 110 may determine that the printing medium may be out of position if there is a suction port 241 in which the air pressure of the space connected to the open suction port 241 is lower than a predetermined second threshold which is less than the first threshold. The processor 110 may then display information indicating the result of the determination on the UI unit 140.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the setting information 130a is information indicating whether each of the multiple suction ports for sucking up the printing medium, provided in the placement section of the printing device 200 where the printing medium is placed, is selected or not. The setting information 130a may be stored in association with a print job. For example, when the processor 110 executes printing related to a print job, it may reflect the state indicated by the setting information 130a associated with the print job to each of the suction ports 241 and display the display screen 300.

[0082] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the processor 110 performs state transitions for each row and column of the suction ports 241 in accordance with the designation of object 320 and object 330, as well as state transitions for each suction port 241 in accordance with the designation of object 311. However, the processor 110 may choose not to perform state transitions for each suction port 241 in accordance with the designation of object 311.

[0083] 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. 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]

[0084] 100...Control device, 110...Processor, 111...Suction control program, 111a...Display control unit, 111b...Selection reception unit, 111c...Detection unit, 111d...Execution control unit, 111e...Storage control unit, 120...Communication unit, 130...Storage medium, 130a...Setting information, 140...UI unit, 200...Printing device, 210...Processor, 211...Print execution program, 211a...Suction control unit, 211b...Print execution unit, 220...Communication unit, 230...Storage medium, 240...Placement unit, 241...Suction port, 250...Suction mechanism 260...Opening / closing mechanism, 270...Measurement unit, 280...Print head, 281...Gantry, 300...Display screen, 301...Selection assist button, 302...Selection assist button, 303...Open instruction button, 304...Close instruction button, 305...All open instruction button, 306...All closed instruction button, 307...Setting memory button, 308...Setting application button, 310...Display area, 311...Object, 320...Object, 330...Object, 400...Object, 500...Object, 800...Object

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an image processing apparatus, which comprises an arrangement section on which a printing medium is placed, wherein a plurality of suction ports that can be opened and closed for sucking up the printing medium are provided along a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, A display control unit causes a display unit to display a display screen which is a screen showing a plurality of first objects indicating the positions of a plurality of suction ports in the arrangement unit, and a plurality of second objects corresponding to each row or column of the plurality of first objects. A selection receiving unit receives, via a plurality of second objects, the selection of a suction port in a row or column to be opened or closed from a plurality of suction ports whose positions are displayed as a plurality of first objects on the display screen, An execution control unit controls the opening and closing of at least a portion of the suction ports in the selected row or column, A control device equipped with the following features.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the selection receiving unit receives a selection of a suction port to be opened or closed from a plurality of suction ports, for each suction port, via the plurality of first objects.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the area of ​​the printing medium arranged in the arrangement unit to be displayed in the display unit.

4. The system further includes a detection unit that detects the area of ​​the printing medium placed in the arrangement section based on the pressure applied when performing a suction operation at the multiple suction ports, The control device according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit causes the detected area of ​​the print medium to be displayed on the display unit.

5. The system further includes a detection unit that detects the area of ​​the printing medium placed in the arrangement section based on the pressure applied when performing a suction operation at the multiple suction ports, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the selection receiving unit receives the selection of the suction port included in the detected area of ​​the printing medium.

6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the selection receiving unit receives the selection of one or more suction ports included in a designated area.

7. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the selection receiving unit receives the selection of the suction port included in the printing position indicated by the print job.

8. A control method executed by a control device that controls an image processing apparatus, the apparatus comprising an arrangement section on which a printing medium is placed, wherein the arrangement section is provided with a plurality of suction ports that can be opened and closed for sucking up the printing medium, along a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the control device that controls the apparatus, A display control step of causing a display unit to display a display screen which is a screen showing a plurality of first objects indicating the positions of a plurality of suction ports in the arrangement unit, and a plurality of second objects corresponding to each row or column of the plurality of first objects, A selection receiving step in which the selection of a suction port to be opened or closed in a row or column is received via a plurality of second objects from a plurality of suction ports whose positions are displayed as a plurality of first objects on the display screen, An execution control step that controls the opening and closing of at least a portion of the suction ports in the selected row or column, A control method including

9. A system comprising: an image processing apparatus having an arrangement section on which a printing medium is placed, wherein the arrangement section is provided with a plurality of suction ports that can be opened and closed for sucking up the printing medium, along a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; and a control device for controlling the image processing apparatus, The control device is A display control unit causes a display unit to display a display screen which is a screen showing a plurality of first objects indicating the positions of a plurality of suction ports in the arrangement unit, and a plurality of second objects corresponding to each row or column of the plurality of first objects. A selection receiving unit receives, via a plurality of second objects, the selection of a suction port in a row or column to be opened or closed from a plurality of suction ports whose positions are displayed as a plurality of first objects on the display screen, An execution control unit controls the opening and closing of at least a portion of the suction ports in the selected row or column, A system equipped with these features.

Images