Printing production system, printing production method, and printing production program

Abstract

To improve the convenience for a user in duplicating a three-dimensional object with a pattern formed thereon.SOLUTION: A printed matter production system includes: a reception unit configured to receive an order of a printed matter; and an output unit configured, when the order includes production of a three-dimensional printed matter, to output a first preview indicating a plurality of faces of the three-dimensional printed matter after printing; and a production unit configured to perform printing according to the order to produce the three-dimensional printed matter and a planar printed matter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printed matter production system, a printed matter production method, and a printed matter production program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for printing on various media are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus that prints an image on a can body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a case where an image is formed on a three-dimensional medium, a technique that allows a user to easily visualize the completed printed matter has been desired.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] A printed matter production system for solving the above problem includes a reception unit that receives an order for a printed matter, an output unit that, when the order includes production of a three-dimensional printed matter, outputs a first preview showing a plurality of faces of the three-dimensional printed matter after printing, and a production unit that performs printing based on the order to produce the three-dimensional printed matter and a planar printed matter.

[0006] A printed matter production method for solving the above problem receives an order for a printed matter, when the order includes production of a three-dimensional printed matter, outputs a first preview showing a plurality of faces of the three-dimensional printed matter after printing, and causes printing to be performed based on the order to produce the three-dimensional printed matter and a planar printed matter.

[0007] A print production program to solve the above problems causes the computer to function as a reception unit that receives orders for prints, an output unit that outputs a first preview showing multiple faces of the three-dimensional print after printing if the order includes the production of a three-dimensional print, and a production unit that prints and produces the three-dimensional print and the two-dimensional print based on the order. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Block diagram of a print production system. [Figure 2] Block diagram of the customer terminal. [Figure 3] Block diagram of staff terminals. [Figure 4] A block diagram of the server. [Figure 5] Block diagram of a print control terminal. [Figure 6] Sequence diagram of the printing production process. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of an order acceptance screen. [Figure 8] An example of a preview screen is shown in the diagram. [Figure 9] An example of a preview screen is shown in the diagram. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of an order form. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of an order form. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of an order form. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) Configuration of the print production system: (1-1) Customer terminal configuration: (1-2) Staff terminal configuration: (1-3) Server configuration: (1-4) Configuration of the print control terminal: (2) Print production processing: (3) Other Embodiments:

[0010] (1) Configuration of Printed Matter Production System: Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a printed matter production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printed matter production system 1 includes a customer terminal 10, a staff terminal 20, a server 30, and a print control terminal 40. In addition, printers 51, 52, 50a, and 50b that can execute printing by receiving a print instruction from each terminal are connected to the customer terminal 10, the staff terminal 20, and the print control terminal 40, respectively. The number of devices illustrated is an example, and the number is not limited. For example, the number of printers 50a and 50b indicated as a plurality may be larger or smaller. The customer terminal 10, the staff terminal 20, the printers 51, 52, etc., each indicated as a single unit, may be provided in plurality.

[0011] These devices can communicate with each other via a network. The form of the network may be various forms. For example, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the customer terminal 10 performs wireless communication with the staff terminal 20 and the printer 51, and the staff terminal 20 performs wireless communication with the customer terminal and the printer 52 and performs wired communication with the server 30, but the present invention is not limited to this form.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the printed matter production system is used when producing printed matter according to an order from a customer. In the present embodiment, the customer terminal 10, the staff terminal 20, and the printers 51 and 52 are installed at a storefront where order reception and the like are performed. On the other hand, the server 30, the print control terminal 40, and the printers 50a and 50b are installed in a backyard different from the storefront. The backyard may be a place connected to the storefront, or may be a remote place such as a printing factory.

[0013] In the present embodiment, a customer places an order using a customer terminal 10 installed at a storefront. A storefront staff member uses a staff terminal 20 to confirm the order and perform payment. Print data generated in response to the order is transmitted to a server 30. The print data is stored in the server 30, and the server 30 executes print progress management and the like related to the print data. In a backyard, a printing worker uses a print control terminal 40 to execute printing according to the customer's order.

[0014] The type of printed matter produced by the order is not limited, and in the present embodiment, an example is assumed in which printed matter is produced by printing on three-dimensional media (such as mugs and smartphone cases) and flat media. For this reason, facilities capable of producing three-dimensional media and flat media are prepared as printers 50a and 50b. The aspects of the printers 50a and 50b are not limited, but here, an example is assumed in which the printer 50a includes a sublimation transfer printer and a press machine for sublimation transferring an image printed on sublimation transfer paper (for example, a mug press machine for transferring to the surface of a cylindrical object such as a mug, a press machine for transferring to a smartphone cover, etc.). The formation of an image on a three-dimensional medium may be realized by transfer as in the present embodiment, or may be performed directly using a robot arm or the like.

[0015] An example is assumed in which the printer 50b is a printer that prints on flat printing paper. In the present embodiment, printers 51 and 52 are also printers that print on flat printing paper. The printer 51 is, for example, a document printer that prints receipts and the like indicating an order number or the like for identifying an order placed by a customer. The printer 52 is, for example, a document printer that prints order slips and the like indicating order contents to the customer.

[0016] Hereinafter, each device constituting the above-described printed matter production system 1 will be described. (1-1) Configuration of customer terminal: Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the customer terminal 10. The customer terminal 10 comprises a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, a non-volatile memory 10c, a display 10d, and an input unit 10e. The 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 the customer terminal 10 and the printer 51.

[0017] The processor 10a may consist of a single chip, multiple chips, or be configured as an SoC with various functional blocks. Furthermore, for example, an ASIC may be used instead of a CPU, or a configuration in which a CPU and an ASIC cooperate is also possible. If each device in this embodiment includes a processor, that processor can be implemented in various ways, similar to the processor 10a.

[0018] The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various communication protocols. The customer terminal 10 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 10b. The communication unit 10b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memory devices installed in the customer terminal 10.

[0019] The display 10d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 10e is a device on which the user performs input operations, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel. In this embodiment, the customer terminal 10 is assumed to be a tablet terminal, so the input unit 10e is mainly assumed to be a touch panel, but of course, a keyboard or mouse may also be used. In any case, the user as a customer can input their intentions by operating the input unit 10e while viewing the images and characters displayed on the display 10d.

[0020] The processor 10a executes a print production program (not shown). When the print production program is executed, the processor 10a functions as a reception unit 10a1 and an output unit 10a2. The reception unit 10a1 is a function for receiving orders for printed materials. When placing an order, the customer operates the input unit 10e while viewing the display 10d to specify the image to be formed on the three-dimensional medium, as well as the size and position of the image. The reception unit 10a1 generates print data 10c1 to form the image on the medium in the specified manner. The print data 10c1 is associated with order identification information and print settings and recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c. Details of this process will be described later. The print settings include at least information indicating the size and position of the image.

[0021] In this embodiment, the customer uses the customer terminal 10 to specify images, etc., and the customer visualizes the three-dimensional medium on which the image is formed, i.e., the finished printed product, based on the image displayed on the two-dimensional display 10d. However, if the print settings are made using only an image of the three-dimensional medium viewed from only one direction or an image of the three-dimensional medium unfolded, it may be difficult to visualize the finished product. Therefore, in this embodiment, the system is configured to allow previewing of multiple surfaces of the three-dimensional printed product after printing.

[0022] The output unit 10a2 is a function for performing such a preview. Specifically, when an order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed material, the output unit 10a2 is a function that outputs a first preview showing multiple faces of the printed three-dimensional material after printing. If a view of the three-dimensional object from a single direction, for example, an oblique view, is displayed as a preview, the appearance of faces not shown in that oblique view is unknown. Therefore, in this embodiment, the output unit 10a2 generates images of the three-dimensional object as viewed from multiple directions, with the image formed on the three-dimensional medium, and displays them on the display 10d. As a result, the user, as a customer, can easily visualize the finished printed material. Details of this process will be described later. Once the customer's order is confirmed, the print data 10c1 is sent to the staff terminal 20 and payment is made.

[0023] (1-2) Staff terminal configuration: Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the staff terminal 20. The staff 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 stored in the non-volatile memory 20c to control various parts of the staff terminal 20 and the printer 52. Print data 10c1 transmitted from the customer terminal 10 is stored in the non-volatile memory 20c.

[0024] The communication unit 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various communication protocols. The staff 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 staff terminal 20.

[0025] The display 20d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 20e is a device on which the user performs input operations, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel. In this embodiment, the staff terminal 20 is assumed to be a tablet terminal, so the input unit 20e is mainly assumed to be a touch panel, but of course, a keyboard, mouse, numeric keypad, etc. may also be used. In any case, the user, as a store staff member, can input their intentions by operating the input unit 20e while viewing the images and characters displayed on the display 20d.

[0026] In this embodiment, a staff terminal 20, which is a tablet device, is connected to a POS (Point of Sales) system (not shown). The processor 20a can process orders and payments, and when the customer confirms their intention to purchase, the processor 20a causes the POS system to perform the payment processing.

[0027] Once payment processing is complete, processor 20a prints an order form showing the contents of the ordered printed materials. For this purpose, processor 20a executes a printed material production program (not shown). Once the printed material production program is executed, processor 20a functions as a printing unit 20a1. Printing unit 20a1 prints an order form for the settled order, including a preview for each printed material. The preview is an image used to check the appearance of the finished product before production of the printed material, and can take various forms. For example, an image showing the printed image and the medium superimposed on it can serve as a preview.

[0028] However, in this embodiment, the order form provided to the customer displays different previews depending on the number of three-dimensional printed materials. Specifically, if the order includes the production of three-dimensional printed materials and there is only one type of printed material to be produced, the printing unit 20a1 prints a first preview on the order form. For this purpose, the printing unit 20a1 refers to the print data 10c1 and generates images of the three-dimensional material as viewed from multiple directions, with the image formed on the three-dimensional medium. If the order includes flat printed materials in addition to three-dimensional printed materials, the printing unit 20a1 generates an image representing the flat printed material. The printing unit 20a1 arranges the generated images in a predetermined area on the order form and generates data for printing the order form. Then, the printing unit 20a1 controls the printer 52 based on this data and prints the order form including the first preview.

[0029] On the other hand, if the order includes the production of more than one predetermined type of three-dimensional printed material, the printing unit 20a1 prints a second preview on the order form instead of a first preview for the predetermined three-dimensional printed material. In this embodiment, there are two predetermined types, and the second preview is a preview showing one face of the printed three-dimensional material after printing (for example, a perspective view). Therefore, if the order includes the production of two or more types of three-dimensional printed material, the printing unit 20a1 refers to the print data 10c1 and generates an image of the three-dimensional medium as seen from one direction. If the order includes a two-dimensional printed material in addition to the three-dimensional printed material, the printing unit 20a1 generates an image showing the two-dimensional printed material. The printing unit 20a1 arranges the generated images in a predetermined area on the order form and generates data for printing the order form. Then, the printing unit 20a1 controls the printer 52 based on this data and prints the order form including the second preview.

[0030] Images of a three-dimensional printed object viewed from multiple directions become images spanning multiple surfaces, and a certain size of printing area is required to print them without blurring. When an order includes the production of a predetermined type of three-dimensional printed object, a large printing area is required to print images of the three-dimensional printed object viewed from multiple directions for all types of printed objects side by side. For this reason, in this embodiment, when an order includes the production of a predetermined type of three-dimensional printed object, the customer is provided with an order form that includes a second preview. As a result, the customer can easily understand the printed objects that have been ordered. Furthermore, since the second preview is an image of the three-dimensional object viewed from one direction, the customer can understand the contents of the order relatively easily compared to when the order identification number or the name of the medium is printed on it.

[0031] In this embodiment, the type of printed material is defined by the print settings. That is, printed materials with different print settings are different types of printed materials. For example, even if the same image is formed, if the medium on which it is formed is different, the type of printed material is different. Also, even if the same image is formed, if the position of the image on the three-dimensional medium is different, the type of printed material is different. Details of the above processing will be described later. The order form is given to the customer. Therefore, the user as the customer can easily visualize the finished printed material. In addition to the customer, the order form may also be given to the printing operator who operates the print control terminal 40. Furthermore, if the production of a predetermined type of three-dimensional printed material is included, an order form representing the printed material may be printed using the first preview, according to the customer's request, etc. When the staff terminal 20 is instructed to execute the payment process, the processor 20a sends the print data 10c1 recorded in the non-volatile memory 20c to the server 30.

[0032] (1-3) Server configuration: Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 30. Server 30 comprises a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, and a non-volatile memory 30c. The processor 30a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c to control various parts of server 30 and devices connected to the network.

[0033] The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The server 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 server 30.

[0034] Various types of information are stored in the non-volatile memory 30c of the server 30. For example, print data 10c1 transmitted from the staff terminal 20 is recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c. In addition, management data 30c1 for managing ordered production is recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c.

[0035] The management data 30c1 is information indicating the progress of an order. In this embodiment, for each order identification, information indicating the progress, such as "before printing," "in progress," or "printed," is generated and recorded as management data 30c1. When the processor 30a receives print data 10c1 from the staff terminal 20, it generates management data 30c1 that associates information indicating the status is "before printing" with the order identification information for the print data 10c1.

[0036] When printing of the print data 10c1 is started by the printer operator as described later, information indicating the start of printing is transmitted from the print control terminal 40, and the processor 30a updates the status associated with the order identification information from before printing to printing. When the printing is completed, information indicating the end of printing is transmitted from the print control terminal 40, and the processor 30a updates the status associated with the order identification information from printing to printed. The management data 30c1 can be accessed at any time from the staff terminal 20 or the print control terminal 40.

[0037] (1-4) Configuration of the print control terminal: Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the print control terminal 40. The print control terminal 40 comprises a processor 40a, a communication unit 40b, a non-volatile memory 40c, a display 40d, and an input unit 40e. The processor 40a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs stored in the non-volatile memory 40c to control various parts of the print control terminal 40 and printers 50a and 50b. The non-volatile memory 40c stores print data 10c1 for orders instructed by the printing operator.

[0038] The communication unit 40b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various communication protocols. The print control terminal 40 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 40b. The communication unit 40b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memories installed in the print control terminal 40.

[0039] The display 40d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 40e is a device that the user uses to perform input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard or mouse. In this embodiment, the print control terminal 40 is assumed to be a stationary computer, so the input unit 40e is mainly assumed to be a keyboard or mouse, but of course, a touch panel or the like may also be used. In any case, the user as a printer can input their intentions by operating the input unit 40e while viewing the images and characters displayed on the display 40d.

[0040] In this embodiment, the printer 50a for forming an image on a three-dimensional medium is composed of a sublimation transfer printer and a press for sublimating and transferring the image printed on sublimation transfer paper to the three-dimensional medium, as described above. In this embodiment, the transfer position when transferring the sublimation transfer paper to the three-dimensional medium is adjusted by the printer operator. That is, the position of the image formed on the three-dimensional medium can vary depending on the adjustments made by the printer operator. For this reason, the position of the image included in the print settings included in the print data 10c1 of the three-dimensional medium is not a parameter that can be automatically adjusted by the printer 50a when forming an image on the three-dimensional medium, but is manually adjusted by the printer operator.

[0041] On the other hand, customers place orders after visualizing the position of images and other elements that will be formed on the medium in the printed material. Therefore, if the printer forms images on the three-dimensional medium without understanding the customer's intentions, printed materials different from the customer's order may be produced. To address this, in this embodiment, the print control terminal 40 is also configured to display and print the first preview.

[0042] To perform this processing, the processor 40a executes a print production program (not shown). When the print production program is executed, the processor 40a functions as a production unit 40a1, an output unit 40a2, and a printing unit 40a3.

[0043] The production unit 40a1 is a function that produces printed materials by forming images on a three-dimensional medium based on the print settings. The production unit 40a1 refers to the print data 10c1 of the order instructed by the printing operator using the input unit 40e, and issues print instructions to the printers 50a and 50b based on the print settings. The printers 50a and 50b print the image indicated by the print data 10c1 in accordance with the print instructions.

[0044] The output unit 40a2 has the same function as the output unit 10a2. That is, based on the print data 10c1, the output unit 10a2 generates images of the three-dimensional medium as it is viewed from multiple directions, and displays them on the display 10d. As a result, the user, as a printer, can easily visualize the finished printed product.

[0045] The printing unit 40a3 prints order forms for settled orders, including previews for each printed item. The preview is an image used to check the appearance of the finished product before production, and can take various forms. For example, an image showing the printed image and the medium superimposed on it can serve as a preview.

[0046] However, if the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed object, the order form will include a first preview of the object. That is, a first preview showing multiple faces of the printed three-dimensional object will be printed on the order form. For this reason, the printing unit 40a3 refers to the print data 10c1 and generates images of the object as viewed from multiple directions, with the image formed on the three-dimensional medium, and generates data for printing the order form. Then, the printing unit 40a3 controls the printer 52 based on this data and prints the order form including the first preview. Details of this process will be described later.

[0047] When producing printed materials by forming images on three-dimensional media, the image is printed onto sublimation transfer paper by printer 50a. The printer then places the sublimation transfer paper onto the three-dimensional media and uses a press to sublimate the image onto the media. At this time, there is some discretion in the position, orientation, and posture of the media, the position where the sublimation transfer paper is placed, and the position where the image is printed on the sublimation transfer paper. Therefore, the printer refers to the order form to determine the position where the image will be formed on the three-dimensional media. The printer then adjusts the position, orientation, and posture of the media, as well as the position where the sublimation transfer paper is placed, so that the position where the image is formed on the three-dimensional media by the press matches the customer's order. After these adjustments, the printer executes the press. Through these operations, printed materials with images formed on three-dimensional media according to the customer's order are produced.

[0048] Furthermore, order forms printed by staff terminal 20 are used by customers, while order forms printed by print control terminal 40 are used by printers. Therefore, in this embodiment, each order form may be different. Specifically, in the customer order form, if the production of a predetermined type of three-dimensional printed material is included, a second preview, i.e., an image of the three-dimensional printed material viewed from one direction, is printed on the order form. As a result, the order form given to the customer does not occupy an excessively large space.

[0049] On the other hand, for order forms used by printers, regardless of the type of three-dimensional printed material, a first preview is printed, which includes images of the three-dimensional printed material viewed from multiple directions. As a result, printers can easily visualize the finished printed material based on the order form, and can adjust the position of the images in each printed material while understanding the customer's intent.

[0050] (2) Print production processing: Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of the print production process. The print production process for an order begins when a customer places an order for printed materials at the store. When the customer starts the ordering process, the processor 10a accepts the order using the functions of the reception unit 10a1 (step S100). Specifically, the customer selects the medium from which to form the desired image, referring to samples of the medium available at the store or images of the medium displayed on the display 10d. The customer also selects an image stored in removable memory or the like and transfers it to the customer terminal 10.

[0051] The media include three-dimensional and two-dimensional media, and a single customer may order the creation of images on multiple types of media. When images are created on two-dimensional media, the customer enters the type of media, the image to be printed (file name, etc.), the size and position of the image, and the number of copies as print settings. When images are created on three-dimensional media, the customer enters the type of media, the image to be printed (file name, etc.), the size and position of the image, and the number of printed items as print settings.

[0052] The reception unit 10a1 associates the image with the print settings entered by the customer and saves it as print data 10c1 in the non-volatile memory 10c. Figure 7 shows the order acceptance screen displayed on the display 10d of the customer terminal 10 when determining the size and position of the image to be formed on the three-dimensional medium. The order acceptance screen displays an image of the medium M unfolded on a flat surface. In the example shown in Figure 7, the medium M is a mug.

[0053] The customer operates the input unit 10e to determine the size of the image IM they have selected by cropping, enlarging, or reducing it, and then adjusts its position to overlay the image IM onto the medium M. Through this process, the customer can consider how to overlay the image onto the three-dimensional medium while reviewing their order, and can determine the size and position of the image IM. The customer also inputs the above-mentioned print settings on screens other than the screen shown in Figure 7.

[0054] The screen shown in Figure 7 displays the three-dimensional medium M in an unfolded state, making it difficult to understand the appearance of the three-dimensional printed material. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to preview the order before confirming it, and in the example shown in Figure 7, an instruction button B1 is provided to indicate whether or not to perform a preview.

[0055] The output unit 10a2 determines whether the customer has given a preview instruction (step S105). If it is determined that a preview instruction has been given, the output unit 10a2 displays a preview (step S110). Previews can be performed for each type of printed material, and are possible for both three-dimensional and two-dimensional printed materials. For two-dimensional printed materials, the output unit 10a2 performs the preview by overlaying the image to be printed on the image of the printing medium and displaying it on the display 10d.

[0056] If the printed material is three-dimensional, the output unit 10a2 refers to the print data 10c1 and obtains the type of medium, the image to be printed, the size and position of the image. Based on this information, the output unit 10a2 generates an image showing a first preview that displays multiple faces of the printed three-dimensional material after printing, and displays it on the display 10d. In this embodiment, the first preview is an image of the printed three-dimensional material viewed from each of several directions, and includes multiple perspective views and multiple unfolded views. Figure 8 shows the preview screen of the example shown in Figure 7, and Figure 9 shows the preview screen of another example. These figures include perspective views PV1 to PV5 and unfolded views DV1 to DV3. Perspective views PV1 and PV2 are images of the printed three-dimensional material viewed from the same direction, but they are of different sizes. Perspective views PV2 to PV5 are images of the printed three-dimensional material viewed from different directions, and cover all directions of the image forming area of ​​the three-dimensional medium. Diagrams DV1 to DV3 are diagrams obtained by unfolding the image-forming region of a three-dimensional medium onto a plane and then dividing it.

[0057] Each figure included in the preview screen can be generated by various processes, for example, based on the correspondence between the position on the surface of a predetermined medium and its position on the perspective view. Specifically, a correspondence is defined such that a pixel on the surface of medium M on the order acceptance screen (for example, pixel P1 shown in Figure 7) corresponds to a pixel on the perspective view (for example, pixel P2 shown in Figure 8). By defining such a correspondence for each position on the surface of the medium and each position on the perspective view, it is possible to generate a perspective view of any image placed at any position on the surface of a three-dimensional object.

[0058] In the case of a unfolded drawing, it can be generated by cropping the image shown in the print data 10c1 into regions corresponding to each face of the three-dimensional printed object, and then overlaying the image of the three-dimensional printed object unfolded on a plane onto images divided into predetermined regions. These processes are just examples; for instance, an image could be overlaid on a three-dimensional medium constructed in virtual space using a 3D model, and an image viewed from an arbitrary viewpoint could be generated.

[0059] Figures 8 and 9 show preview screens of image formation on the same medium, but the images being formed are different in each case. In Figure 8, the image is placed over almost the entire side of the mug, which is the image formation area. On the other hand, in Figure 9, the image is placed over about half of the side of the mug. In this embodiment, in the preview of the three-dimensional printed material, images viewed from multiple directions are shown as in Figures 8 and 9. Therefore, even if the printed material has an image formed only on a part of the image formation area, as in Figure 9, the user can easily visualize the finished printed material.

[0060] When the preview is displayed, the reception unit 10a1 determines whether or not the order confirmation instruction in step S100 has been made (step S115). The confirmation instruction is made, for example, when the customer operates the confirmation instruction button B3 displayed on the preview screen in Figures 8 and 9 using the input unit 10e. When the reception unit 10a1 receives the operation on the confirmation instruction button B3, it determines that the confirmation instruction has been made. If the customer operates the cancel button B4 using the input unit 10e, the reception unit 10a1 does not determine that the confirmation instruction has been made. The confirmation instruction may also be made using the button B2 shown in Figure 7.

[0061] If it is determined in step S115 that an order confirmation instruction has been given, the processor 10a sends the print data 10c1 generated in step S100 to the staff terminal 20 (step S120).

[0062] When print data 10c1 is sent to the staff terminal 20, the processor 20a receives the print data 10c1, transmits it, and performs payment processing (step S200). That is, the processor 20a receives the print data 10c1 via the communication unit 20b and stores it in the non-volatile memory 20c. The processor 20a also transmits the print data 10c1 to the server 30 via the communication unit 20b. The server receives the transmitted print data 10c1 and stores it in the non-volatile memory 30c (step S300). Furthermore, the processor 20a communicates with a POS system (not shown) via the communication unit 20b and performs payment for the customer's order.

[0063] Next, the processor 20a prints the order form using the functions of the printing unit 20a1. To do this, the printing unit 20a1 first determines whether there is only one type of three-dimensional object (step S205). Specifically, the printing unit 20a1 refers to the print data 10c1 received in step S200 and determines whether the medium of the ordered printed material includes a three-dimensional object. If a three-dimensional object is included, the printing unit 20a1 determines whether there is only one type of three-dimensional printed material ordered.

[0064] If there is only one type of three-dimensional object, the printing unit 20a1 prints an order form including a first preview (step S210). Specifically, the printing unit 20a1 obtains the type of medium, the image to be printed, the size and position of the image for the three-dimensional object indicated by the print data 10c1. Then, based on this information, the printing unit 20a1 generates an image showing a first preview that shows multiple faces of the printed three-dimensional object. The image generation process can be implemented by the same process as in step S110. However, the number of pixels in the image may differ from that in S110.

[0065] When an image showing the first preview is generated, the printing unit 20a1 generates data for printing, placing the image in a predetermined position on an order form of a specified format. If the order includes a flat printed material, the printing unit 20a1 generates an icon image by superimposing the image to be printed onto the image of the print medium, and places it in a predetermined position on the order form.

[0066] When data for printing the order form is generated, the printing unit 20a1 sends the data to the printer 52. Upon receiving the data, the printer 52 prints the order form on the printing paper. The order form is then handed over to the customer. Figure 10 shows an example of an order form printed when there is only one type of three-dimensional object. In the example shown in Figure 10, the top of the order form includes sections for filling in the order number, the scheduled delivery date of the printed material, information about the staff member who took the order, whether payment has been made, whether delivery has taken place, and customer information.

[0067] Below this information is a preview. In the preview, each print item is numbered, and a preview is shown for each number along with the product name. The quantity of print items is also shown for each numbered order. Figure 10 shows an example of an order form when two types of print items are ordered. Order number 1 is for forming an image on a three-dimensional medium, a mug, and includes one perspective view similar to Figure 8, and an image of the medium unfolded on a plane with the image-forming area divided into multiple faces. The image to be printed is also included. Order number 2 is for printing a snapshot on printing paper, and the image to be printed is shown.

[0068] While the first preview of a three-dimensional print occupies a large area on the order form, if only one type of three-dimensional object is ordered, it is possible to display the first preview on a single order form, as shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, a preview of a two-dimensional print can be added to the same order form. This order form allows customers to easily visualize the finished three-dimensional print.

[0069] If it is not determined in step S205 that there is only one type of three-dimensional object, the printing unit 20a1 prints an order form including a second preview (step S215). Specifically, the printing unit 20a1 obtains the type of medium, the image to be printed, the size and position of the image for the three-dimensional object indicated by the print data 10c1. Then, based on this information, the printing unit 20a1 generates an image showing a second preview that shows a perspective view of the printed three-dimensional object. The process of generating this perspective view can be achieved by the same process as in step S110. However, the number of pixels in the image, etc., may differ from the process in S110.

[0070] When a perspective view showing a second preview is generated for each three-dimensional printout, the printing unit 20a1 generates data for arranging and printing these perspective views in a predetermined position on an order form of a specified format. If the order includes a two-dimensional printout, the printing unit 20a1 generates an icon image by superimposing the image to be printed onto the image of the print medium and places it in a predetermined position on the order form.

[0071] When data for printing the order form is generated, the printing unit 20a1 sends the data to the printer 52. Upon receiving the data, the printer 52 prints the order form on the printing paper. The order form is then handed over to the customer. Figure 11 shows an example of an order form printed when there is more than one type of three-dimensional object. In Figure 11, the order form format is the same as in Figure 10. Figure 11 shows an example of an order form when three types of printed materials are ordered. Orders 1 and 2 are orders to form images on mugs, which are three-dimensional media, and the image of each order is represented by a perspective view similar to that in Figure 8. Order 2 is an order to print a snapshot on printing paper, and the image to be printed is shown.

[0072] In the example shown in Figure 11, the second preview of the three-dimensional printed material is shown as a single perspective view for each printed material, and the area occupied by each perspective view is smaller than that of the first preview. Therefore, it is possible to display the second previews of multiple printed materials on a single order form. Consequently, the order form handed to the customer can be made more compact.

[0073] Once the print data 10c1 is saved in the server 30, the printer can begin its work. When work is to be performed, the printer operates the print control terminal 40 and instructs it to start printing. When the printer is instructed to start printing, the processor 40a of the print control terminal 40 accepts the specification of the print target (step S400). That is, the processor 40a prompts the printer to specify the order to be processed. Specifically, the processor 40a queries the server 30 for the order to be printed. The processor 30a of the server 30 refers to the management data 30c1 of the non-volatile memory 30c, identifies the print data 10c1 of the order to be printed, and sends it to the print control terminal 40 (step S305). The processor 40a receives the print data 10c1 and displays the order to be printed on the display 40d so that it can be selected. The display method is not limited; for example, the order identification information may be displayed in a list, or the images to be printed may be displayed in a list. In any case, the printer operates the input unit 40e to specify the print target.

[0074] When a print target is specified, the processor 40a displays a preview using the functions of the output unit 40a2 (step S405). In this embodiment, the output unit 40a2 displays a preview for each print target specified in step S400. The output unit 10a2 then displays a first preview if the print target is three-dimensional, and displays an image indicating the print target if the print target is two-dimensional. The image for displaying the first preview can be generated by the same process as in step S110. The image displayed as the first preview can be any image of the three-dimensional medium viewed from multiple directions, and is not limited to that, but may be composed of images similar to those in Figures 8 and 9, for example. If the order includes multiple print targets, the system may be configured to switch the displayed print target according to the instructions of the printer. With the above display, the user as a printer can easily visualize the finished product of the print target.

[0075] Next, the printing unit 40a3 prints an order form including a preview (step S410). If a three-dimensional printed object is included in the order, in this embodiment, a first preview is printed regardless of whether the type of three-dimensional printed object is a predetermined type or not. If the printed object is flat, an image is printed in which an image indicating the print target is superimposed on the printing paper. The process for generating the image showing the first preview can be implemented by the same process as in step S110. However, the number of pixels in the image may differ from that of the process in S110. The format of the order form may also be the same as in step S210. However, regardless of whether the type of three-dimensional printed object is a predetermined type or not, a first preview is printed for all of the ordered three-dimensional printed objects.

[0076] When an image showing a preview is generated, the printing unit 40a3 generates data for printing, placing the image in a predetermined position on the order form. Once the data for printing the order form is generated, the printing unit 40a3 sends the data to the printer 50b. Upon receiving the data, the printer 50b prints the order form on the printing paper. The order form is then referenced by the printing operator. Figure 12 shows an example of a printed order form. In the example shown in Figure 12, the first preview is printed below the order number. The first preview shown in Figure 12 consists of the same type of image as the first preview shown in Figure 10. In this example, if the preview of the ordered printouts does not fit on one order form, two or more order forms will be printed.

[0077] The first preview of a three-dimensional print occupies a large area on the order form, but in this embodiment, the first preview is printed for all three-dimensional prints. Since the printer needs to produce prints that reflect the customer's intentions, the order form is configured to print the first preview for all three-dimensional prints so that the printer can accurately grasp the customer's intentions, rather than prioritizing area efficiency. With this order form, the printer can easily visualize the finished product for all three-dimensional prints.

[0078] When the order form is printed, the processor 40a performs the printing process according to the functions of the production unit 40a1 (step S415). Specifically, the production unit 40a1 refers to the print data 10c1 to be printed, which was received in step S400, and identifies the print settings. Then, the production unit 40a1 generates data for printing the images contained in the print data 10c1 according to the print settings and sends it to the printers 50a and 50b. When the printers 50a and 50b receive this data, they execute printing (step S500).

[0079] If the printing target includes printed materials in three-dimensional media, the image is printed on sublimation transfer paper. In this case, the printer sets the transfer position by referring to the image displayed on the display 40d in step S405 or the order form printed in step S410. That is, the printer sets the three-dimensional media in the press and adjusts the transfer position of the sublimation transfer paper by referring to the image displayed on the display 40d or the order form. Once the transfer position is adjusted, the printer operates the press to transfer the image and form the image on the three-dimensional media (step S505). If the printing target does not include printed materials in three-dimensional media, step S505 may be skipped.

[0080] (3) Other embodiments: The embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention, and various other embodiments can be adopted. For example, the types of printers shown in the above embodiments are only examples, and various other printers for forming images on three-dimensional media may be used. The types of printers for forming images on two-dimensional media are also not limited.

[0081] Furthermore, the equipment configuration of the print production system is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1. For example, the equipment present in the store and the back office may differ from the configuration shown in Figure 1. Also, each terminal shown in Figure 1 may consist of fewer terminals or more terminals that share functions. For example, the customer terminal 10 and the staff terminal 20 may be the same terminal, and the server 30 and the print control terminal 40 may be the same terminal. Moreover, each terminal may consist of more terminals, such as the server 30 being a cloud server.

[0082] Furthermore, the first preview, which is obtained by unfolding a three-dimensional printed object into a net diagram, is not limited to the forms shown in Figures 8 and 9 above, such as net diagrams DV1 to DV3. For example, if the three-dimensional object has multiple planes, such as a rectangular prism, the first preview may be constructed using the net diagram of the rectangular prism. Moreover, if the three-dimensional object is such as a smartphone case, which has curved surfaces that form recesses, the net diagram can be constructed by converting the curved surfaces into planes, cutting them, and showing them on the planes. With the above configuration, it becomes possible to easily grasp the image of the three-dimensional printed object when viewed from multiple directions.

[0083] The reception desk only needs to be able to accept orders for printed materials. In other words, the reception desk only needs to be able to accept information to identify the printed materials to be produced. The order only needs to indicate the printed materials to be produced, but may also include other information, such as print settings. Print settings include information about the settings necessary to form an image on the printed material, and may include various types of information necessary for image formation, such as print quality, print speed, type of ink to be used, and method of image formation.

[0084] The output unit, if the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed object, outputs a first preview showing multiple faces of the three-dimensional printed object after printing. In other words, the receiving unit outputs a state showing multiple faces of the three-dimensional printed object after printing, so that the user who sees the output can easily visualize the finished three-dimensional printed object.

[0085] The first preview should show multiple views of the printed object after it has been printed. In other words, since the image formed on the object may be hidden when viewed from a certain direction, the system should be configured to output views of the object from multiple directions so that the printing on the potentially hidden surfaces can be previewed.

[0086] The number of faces should be determined such that the images formed on each face do not overlap, or at least partially overlap. In other words, the number of faces should be determined so that the image formed on the three-dimensional printed material is divided into multiple parts such that at least partially they overlap. The number of faces may be predetermined, or they may be variable depending on the size of the image or printing area. The first preview showing the multiple faces of the printed three-dimensional material after printing may be an unfolded diagram as in the embodiment described above, or it may be images of the printed three-dimensional material viewed from multiple different viewpoints. As an example of the latter, a configuration in which at least two of the six views are used as the first preview can be cited. Of course, the drawing method is not limited, and curved surfaces in the printed material may be converted to planes and output. The drawing method of the first preview may differ depending on the type of medium of the three-dimensional material.

[0087] The first preview may always be output if the order includes the production of three-dimensional printed materials, or it may be output if the order includes the production of three-dimensional printed materials and other conditions are also met. In the latter case, if there are multiple types of printed materials ordered, a list of the order is output first, and then the first preview is output if instructed by the user. The manner in which the first preview is output can vary; it may be displayed on a screen, printed on a printing medium such as printing paper, or projected by a projector. In any case, if the order includes the production of three-dimensional printed materials, it is sufficient that the system is configured to output the first preview, which is not output for flat printed materials.

[0088] The production department only needs to be able to print and produce both three-dimensional and two-dimensional printed materials based on orders. In other words, the printed materials can be either three-dimensional or two-dimensional objects, and an order is placed to produce at least one of each. The production department only needs to be able to have printers produce the printed materials or have printers print onto sublimation transfer paper and have printing operators transfer the prints according to the order.

[0089] Printing may or may not be performed directly on a three-dimensional or two-dimensional medium. In the latter case, a configuration is envisioned in which a printed material is produced by transferring an image printed on a printing medium to another medium. The manner in which the image is formed on the medium is arbitrary, but printing is used at some stage of the process. For this reason, the produced object is called a printed material. The three-dimensional or two-dimensional medium can be any object on which an image can be formed, and is not limited to the examples in the embodiments described above. Various types of three-dimensional media are envisioned, such as cans, signs, photo frames, and objects manufactured with a 3D printer. Various types of two-dimensional media are envisioned, such as printing paper and cloth. Of course, the material of the medium is not limited.

[0090] The printing unit only needs to be able to print order forms that include a first preview for each printed item. One order form may contain a first preview for one printed item, or it may contain first previews for multiple printed items. However, since the first preview is a preview for each printed item, it is preferable that the first preview for the same printed item is laid out so that it is not divided across multiple order forms. In the above embodiment, printing units are provided on multiple computers, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which the printing unit is provided on only one computer.

[0091] The second preview can be any preview of the three-dimensional printed object viewed from one direction. Therefore, it is not limited to a perspective view as in the embodiment described above, but may be any one of the six views, for example. The decision of whether to output using the first or second preview is not limited to the above-mentioned criteria. The number of previews is not limited to two. For example, if three types of previews are used, the preview format may be changed as the number of 3D printed objects increases, such as outputting the first preview, then the third preview, then the second preview. The third preview may occupy a smaller area and display fewer images than the first preview, but occupy a larger area and display more images than the second preview. Alternatively, some 3D printed objects may be displayed in the same format as the first preview, while the remaining 3D printed objects are displayed in the same format as the second preview. Furthermore, if the number of 3D printed objects increases and the system switches from the first preview to the second preview, but the number increases further to the point where the second preview overflows the single screen or the printed paper, the system may switch back to the first preview. Even in that case, if the number increases further, the system may switch back from the first preview to the second preview again to ensure that the printed paper does not exceed two pages.

[0092] 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, and each element may be provided in a device different from the aforementioned devices; thus encompassing various embodiments. Furthermore, it can be modified as appropriate, for example, by being partly software and partly hardware. 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1…Print production system, 10…Customer terminal, 10a…Processor, 10a1…Reception unit, 10a2…Output unit, 10b…Communication unit, 10c…Non-volatile memory, 10c1…Print data, 10d…Display, 10e…Input unit, 20…Staff terminal, 20a…Processor, 20a1…Printing unit, 20b…Communication unit, 20c…Non-volatile memory, 20d…Display, 20e…Input unit, 30…Server, 30a…Processor, 30b…Communication unit, 30c…Non-volatile memory, 30c1…Management data, 40…Print control terminal, 40a…Processor, 40a1…Production unit, 40a2…Output unit, 40a3…Printing unit, 40b…Communication unit, 40c…Non-volatile memory, 40d…Display, 40e…Input unit, 50a, 50b, 51, 52…Printer

Claims

1. The reception desk for taking orders for printed materials, When the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed material, an output unit generates and outputs a first preview showing multiple faces of the printed three-dimensional material based on the print data of the order, A production unit that prints and produces three-dimensional and two-dimensional printed materials based on the aforementioned order, A printing production system equipped with the following features.

2. A reception desk for receiving orders for printed materials, When the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed material, an output unit outputs a first preview showing multiple faces of the three-dimensional printed material after printing, A production unit that prints and produces three-dimensional and two-dimensional printed materials based on the aforementioned order, The system includes a printing unit that prints an order form including a preview of each printed item for the aforementioned order, If the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed material, and there is only one type of three-dimensional printed material to be produced, the printing unit prints the first preview on the order form. If the order includes the production of more than one type of predetermined three-dimensional printed material, the printing department prints a second preview on the order form instead of the first preview for the predetermined three-dimensional printed material. Print production system.

3. The first preview is a preview of the three-dimensional printed material unfolded into a flattened diagram. A printing production system according to either claim 1 or claim 2.

4. We accept orders for printed materials. If the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed material, a first preview showing multiple faces of the printed three-dimensional material after printing is generated and output based on the print data of the order. Based on the aforementioned order, printing is performed to produce the three-dimensional printed material and the two-dimensional printed material. Methods of producing printed materials.

5. Computers The reception desk that takes orders for printed materials, If the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed material, an output unit generates and outputs a first preview showing multiple faces of the printed three-dimensional material based on the print data of the order. A production unit that prints and produces three-dimensional and two-dimensional printed materials based on the aforementioned order. A print production program that functions as such.

6. Accepting orders for printed materials, If the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed material, a first preview showing multiple faces of the three-dimensional printed material after printing is output. Based on the aforementioned order, printing is carried out to produce the three-dimensional printed material and the two-dimensional printed material. A method for producing printed materials, which involves printing an order form including a preview for each printed material, for the aforementioned order, If the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed material, and there is only one type of three-dimensional printed material to be produced, then print the first preview on the order form. If the order includes the production of more than one type of predetermined three-dimensional printed material, a second preview shall be printed on the order form instead of the first preview for the predetermined three-dimensional printed material. Methods of producing printed materials.

7. A computer, The reception desk that takes orders for printed materials, If the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed material, an output unit outputs a first preview showing multiple faces of the three-dimensional printed material after printing. A production unit that prints and produces three-dimensional and two-dimensional printed materials based on the aforementioned order. A print production program that functions as a printing unit that prints an order form including a preview for each of the aforementioned print items, If the order includes the production of a three-dimensional printed material, and there is only one type of three-dimensional printed material to be produced, the printing unit will cause the computer to print the first preview on the order form. If the order includes the production of more than one type of predetermined three-dimensional printed material, the printing unit will cause the computer to print a second preview on the order form instead of the first preview for the predetermined three-dimensional printed material. Print production system.

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