Printing system, printing method, print job management device, and print job management program

Abstract

A printing system according to the present invention supports a variety of printing contents.　A printing system 1 includes at least one printing device 2. The printing system 1 includes a user terminal 3, a job management device 4, and a print data creating device 5. The user terminal 3 creates an instruction document 331 for printing onto a medium M, in response to a user input. The job management device 4 determines the printing contents, which are each step in print processing for the medium M, on the basis of the instruction document 331, and creates a print job PJ comprising a plurality of jobs to which the respective print contents are assigned. The print data creating device 5 creates print data for executing each job by controlling the operation of the printing device 2, and outputs the print data to the printing device 2.

Description

Printing system, printing method, print job management device, and print job management program

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing method, a print job management device, and a print job management program.

[0002] Printing devices can increase the added value of printed materials by performing a variety of printing operations, such as printing using special color inks such as W (white), CL (clear), Si (silver), and Pr (primer) in addition to general color inks (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-111257

[0004] To achieve a variety of printing needs, it is conceivable to combine multiple printing devices or to print multiple times using a single printing device. For example, in addition to printing an image using standard color inks, it is also possible to print a base coat or a finishing process using special color inks before or after printing the image. However, it is a burden for users to understand the printing functions of the printing device and perform complex settings to achieve a variety of printing needs.

[0005] There is a demand for a printing system that can easily realize a variety of print contents.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is: (1) a printing system having at least one printing device, comprising: an instruction creation unit that creates instructions for printing on media in accordance with user input; a job management unit that determines the print content, which is each step of the printing process for the media, based on the instructions, and creates a print job consisting of multiple jobs to which each of the print contents is assigned; and a print data creation unit that controls the operation of the printing device to create print data for executing each of the jobs and output it to the printing device.

[0007] (2) In the printing system of (1), there are a plurality of printing devices each having at least some different printing functions, and when creating the print job, the job management unit selects a printing device that will execute the print content assigned to each job based on the printing functions of each printing device.

[0008] (3) In the printing system of (1) or (2), when the printing device executes the nth job (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) in the print job, the printing device prints the nth job so that it overlaps at least a portion of the area on the media where the n-1th job was printed.

[0009] (4) In the printing system of (3), when the printing device executes the nth job in the print job, the printing device prints the nth job so that it overlaps at least a portion of the area on the media where the n-2th job was printed or the area where the n-1th job was printed.

[0010] (5) In the printing system of (1) or (2), the instruction sheet includes at least one of information regarding the characteristics of the media, print quality, and print functions, and the instruction sheet creation unit outputs the instruction sheet to the job management unit together with image data to be printed on the media.

[0011] (6) In the printing system of (1) or (2), the print data creation unit includes identification information of the print job in the print data, and the printing device that is first in the printing order, which is the order in which the printing devices are used in the print job, prints the identification information of the print job on the media together with an image based on the print content when executing the job, and the printing devices that are second or later in the printing order are equipped with a sensor that can detect the information printed on the media, and when executing the job, detects the identification information printed on the media with the sensor, and performs printing if the detected identification information matches the identification information included in the print data.

[0012] (7) In the printing system of (6), the second or subsequent printing device in the printing order prints print completion information on the medium together with an image based on the print content when executing the job.

[0013] (8) In the printing system of (7), the print data creation unit includes information regarding the printing order of each printing device in the print data output to the printing device, and the second or subsequent printing device in the printing order detects the print completion information printed on the media using the sensor, and performs printing if the print order determined from the detected print completion information is consistent with the information regarding the print order included in the print data.

[0014] (9) In the printing system according to any one of (1) to (8), the printing device that is first in the printing order of the print job prints a registration mark on the medium.

[0015] (10) In the printing system of (9), the second or subsequent printing device in the printing order is equipped with a sensor capable of detecting the alignment mark, and adjusts the printing position on the media based on the position information of the mark detected by the sensor.

[0016] (11) In the printing system of (1) or (2), the print data creation unit includes identification information of the print job in the print data, the printing device has a sensor capable of detecting information printed on the medium, and when executing the nth job (where n is a natural number) in the print job, the printing device prints the identification information of the print job on the medium together with an image based on the print content, and when executing any of the n+1th or subsequent jobs in the print job, the printing device detects the identification information printed on the medium with the sensor, and performs printing if the detected identification information of the print job matches the identification information of the print job included in the print data.

[0017] (12) In the printing system of (11), when executing a job included in the print job, the printing device prints print completion information on the medium together with an image based on the print content.

[0018] (13) In the printing system of (12), the print data creation unit includes information regarding the execution order of jobs included in the print job in the print data, and when the printing device executes a job included in the print job, the printing device detects the print completion information printed on the media with the sensor, and performs printing if the execution order determined from the detected print completion information is consistent with the information regarding the execution order included in the print data.

[0019] (14) In the printing system of any one of (1) to (2) and (11) to (13), the printing device prints alignment marks on the media when executing the nth job (where n is a natural number) in the print job.

[0020] (15) In the printing system of (14), the printing device is provided with a sensor capable of detecting the alignment mark, and when executing any of the jobs (n+1) or later in the print job, the printing position on the media is adjusted based on the position information of the mark detected by the sensor.

[0021] One aspect of the present invention is (16) a printing method in a printing system having at least one printing device, which creates instructions for printing on media in response to user input, determines print content, which is each step of the printing process for the media, based on the instructions, creates a print job consisting of multiple jobs to which each of the print contents is assigned, controls the operation of the printing device to create print data for executing each of the jobs, and outputs the print data to the printing device.

[0022] One aspect of the present invention is (17) a print job management device provided in a printing system having at least one printing device, which, when instructions for printing on media are input, determines the print content, which is each step of the printing process for the media, based on the instructions, creates a print job consisting of multiple jobs to which each of the print contents is assigned, and outputs information about each job to a print data creation device that controls the operation of the printing device and creates print data for executing the job.

[0023] One aspect of the present invention is (18) a print job management program in a printing system having at least one printing device, which, when instructions for printing on media are input to an electronic device, determines the print content, which is each step of the printing process for the media, based on the instructions, creates a print job consisting of multiple jobs to which the print content is assigned, and outputs information about each job to a print data creation device that controls the operation of the printing device and creates print data for executing the job.

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to accommodate a variety of print contents.

[0025] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing device; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a head; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an electronic device; FIG. 3 is a block diagram explaining the functional configurations of a user terminal, a job management device, and a print data creation device; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image data upload screen and an instruction creation screen; FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining the processing of the job management device; FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining an example of the processing of the allocation unit; FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining an example of the processing of the allocation unit; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of printing on media; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a matching process performed by a second or subsequent printing device; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a print position adjustment process; FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining image position misalignment, and FIG. 12 is a diagram explaining an example of the correction of image data; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of printing on media in a modified example; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of printing on media in a modified example.

[0026] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes at least one printing device 2. Any number of printing devices may be provided. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the printing system 1 includes multiple printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C. The multiple printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C may have at least some different printing functions. In the following description, when the multiple printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C are referred to without distinction, they will simply be referred to as the printing device 2. The printing system 1 further includes a user terminal 3 (instruction creation unit), a job management device 4 (job management unit), and a print data creation device 5 (print data creation unit). The user terminal 3 creates instructions for printing on media in response to user input. Any number of user terminals 3, one or more, may be provided. In the illustrated example, three user terminals 3A, 3B, and 3C are illustrated. In the following description, when the multiple user terminals 3A, 3B, and 3C are referred to without distinction, they will simply be referred to as the user terminal 3.

[0027] The job management device 4 is communicatively connected to the user terminal 3 and the print data creation device 5. Instructions created by the user terminal 3 are input to the job management device 4. The job management device 4 determines the print content to be printed on the media based on the input instructions. The job management device 4 also creates a print job consisting of multiple jobs to which the determined print content is assigned. As shown in FIG. 1 , when the printing system 1 includes multiple printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, the job management device 4 selects a printing device 2 that will execute the print content assigned to the job based on the printing capabilities of each printing device 2A, 2B, and 2C. The print data creation device 5 controls the operation of each printing device 2A, 2B, and 2C to create print data for executing each job included in the print job created by the job management device 4 and output the print data to each printing device 2A, 2B, and 2C.

[0028] Any number of print data creation devices 5 can be provided, for example, the number of which can correspond to the number of printing devices 2. Fig. 1 shows an example in which print data creation devices 5A, 5B, and 5C are provided corresponding to printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively. Each of the print data creation devices 5A, 5B, and 5C is connected to the corresponding printing device 2 so that they can communicate with each other. In the following description, when multiple print data creation devices 5A, 5B, and 5C are referred to without distinction, they will simply be referred to as print data creation device 5.

[0029] <Printing Device> Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a printing device 2. In the following description, the direction from the front side (left side in Figure 2) to the rear side (right side in Figure 2) of the printing device 2 will be referred to as the "X direction." The direction perpendicular to the X direction, which is the left-right direction of the printing device 2 (the direction from the front side to the back side of the paper in Figure 2), will be referred to as the "Y direction." The direction perpendicular to the X direction (the vertical direction) when the printing device 2 is placed on a horizontal surface, which is the vertical direction, and which is perpendicular to the X and Y directions, will be referred to as the "Z direction."

[0030] The printing device 2 according to this embodiment may be, for example, an inkjet printing device 2. The printing device 2 prints an image by ejecting ink droplets onto the medium M. The medium M is not limited to a specific type, but may be, for example, paper, cloth (woven fabric, nonwoven fabric), or a sheet made of resin such as vinyl chloride or polyester. The image printed on the medium M may include, for example, letters, figures, patterns, colors, and combinations thereof. The ink used in the printing device 2 is also not limited to a specific type, and may be, for example, ultraviolet curable ink, heat curable ink, solvent ink, resin ink, or the like.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2 , the printing device 2 includes a printing unit 21 and a platen 26. The printing unit 21 includes a carriage 22 and a guide rail 23. The carriage 22 is equipped with a head 24 that ejects ink and a sensor 25. If ultraviolet-curable ink is used in the printing device 2, an ultraviolet irradiation unit may be equipped on the carriage 22. The guide rail 23 is disposed along the Y direction. The carriage 22 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown), and is movable in the Y direction along the guide rail 23. As the carriage 22 moves, the head 24 and sensor 25 mounted on the carriage 22 also move in the Y direction.

[0032] The sensor 25 scans the surface of the medium M as the carriage 22 moves, and detects information printed on the medium M. The sensor 25 is not limited to a specific type, but can be, for example, an optical sensor or an image sensor. In the illustrated example, the sensor 25 is mounted on the carriage 22, but the sensor 25 may be installed in a location other than the carriage 22. In this case, the sensor 25 may be provided with a drive mechanism separate from the drive mechanism for the carriage 22.

[0033] The head 24 is provided with a gap between it and the upper surface of the platen 26. Although not shown in Figure 2, a plurality of nozzles, which are ink ejection ports, are arranged on the surface of the head 24 facing the platen 26.

[0034] 2, the medium M is supported on the upper surface of the platen 26. If the printing device 2 uses thermosetting ink, solvent ink, resin ink, or the like, a heater may be disposed inside the platen 26 to heat or dry the ink ejected onto the medium M. An image is printed on the medium M by ejecting ink from the head 24 while moving the head 24 relative to the medium M supported by the platen 26.

[0035] The printing device 2 can be, for example, a flatbed machine. In this case, the printing device 2 prints on a sheet-like or board-like medium M placed on a table-like platen 26. Although not shown, the printing device 2 is equipped with a movement mechanism that moves a guide rail 23 in the X direction. The printing device 2 ejects ink at a specified position on the printing surface of the medium M while moving a head 24 mounted on a carriage 22 in the Y direction. The printing device 2 moves the carriage 22 in the X direction by the width of one pass each time the head 24 makes one reciprocating movement in the Y direction (one pass).

[0036] The printing device 2 may be, for example, a model compatible with long roll media M (also referred to as a "vertical printer"). In this case, a feed mechanism (not shown) for transporting the media M in the X direction is provided behind the head 24 on the platen 26. The printing device 2 also includes a feed unit (not shown) on which the roll media M is placed at the rear side in the X direction, and a take-up unit (not shown) at the front side in the X direction for winding up the printed media M into a roll. By driving the feed mechanism, the media M is fed from the feed unit and supplied between the platen 26 and the printing unit 21. The printing device 2 ejects ink at a specified position on the printing surface of the media M while moving the head 24 mounted on the carriage 22 in the Y direction. In a vertical printer 2, the feed mechanism feeds the media M a predetermined distance downstream in the transport direction along the X direction each time the head 24 makes one reciprocating movement (one pass) in the Y direction. This allows an image to be printed on the media M. After printing, the medium M is taken up by the take-up section.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the head 24. Fig. 3 shows the head 24 as viewed from below. As shown in Fig. 3, the head 24 has a plurality of nozzle portions 241 to 248 aligned in the Y direction. The nozzle portions 241 to 248 are provided on the bottom surface of the head 24 (the surface facing the media M).

[0038] As shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 3, each of the nozzle sections 241 to 248 is made up of a plurality of nozzle rows Nq. Each nozzle row Nq is made up of a plurality of nozzles N arranged at regular intervals in the X direction. A single nozzle section is formed by arranging these multiple nozzle rows Nq at intervals in the Y direction. Although not shown in the figure, the head 24 is provided with piezo elements corresponding to each of the nozzles in the nozzle sections 241 to 248. Ink is ejected from the nozzles by driving the piezo elements of each nozzle.

[0039] Ink is supplied to each of the nozzle units 241 to 248 from an ink supply mechanism (not shown). The ink supply mechanism can supply different types of ink to the nozzle units 241 to 248 depending on the settings of the printing device 2. The ink can be, for example, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) process color inks (hereinafter referred to as "color inks"). Alternatively, the ink can be a special color ink such as LC (light cyan), LM (light magenta), Gy (gray), W (white), CL (clear), Pr (primer), O (orange), violet, metallic colors (gold, silver), or fluorescent colors. The printing device 2 can reproduce a variety of colors by ejecting and mixing these multiple color inks at each dot that constitutes an image.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 3 , C ink is supplied to nozzle portion 241 of the head 24, M ink to nozzle portion 242, Y ink to nozzle portion 243, and K ink to nozzle portion 244. LC ink is supplied to nozzle portion 245, LM ink to nozzle portion 246, W ink to nozzle portion 247, and Pr ink to nozzle portion 248. Note that FIG. 3 is merely an example, and specifications such as the number and arrangement of heads 24, the nozzle portion, nozzle row, and number and arrangement of nozzles of each head 24, and the assignment of ink colors to each nozzle portion can be changed as appropriate. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the printing system 1 includes three printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C. By configuring the printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C with different specifications, they can have at least some different printing functions. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the three printing devices 2 have at least some different ink sets as their printing functions. The ink sets indicate the types of ink ejected from each of the eight nozzle portions 241 to 248. In the example of FIG. 1 , the printing device 2A has an ink set of C, M, Y, K, W, W, Pr, Pr. The printing device 2B has an ink set of C, M, Y, K, LC, LM, W, W. The printing device 2C has an ink set of C, M, Y, K, W, W, CL, CL. Note that "printing functions that are at least partially different from each other" is not limited to ink sets. For example, the multiple printing devices 2 may have different settings for printing speed or print quality. Alternatively, some of the printing devices 2 may have options such as a pen plotter, cutting plotter, or foil stamping mechanism.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2 , the printing device 2 includes a controller 27 that controls the operation of each component. The controller 27 can be configured, for example, as a microcomputer equipped with a processor and memory. The controller 27 is communicatively connected to the print data creation device 5 via a LAN cable, wireless communication, or the like. The controller 27 receives print data for controlling the operation of the printing device 2 from the print data creation device 5. Based on the print data, the controller 27 controls operations such as the movement of the carriage 22 by the drive mechanism and the ejection of ink from the head 24. The printing device 2 can also include an operation panel 28. The operation panel 28 accepts touch operations by the user and can display information such as the status of the printing device 2 and error messages. Although not shown, the printing device 2 may also include a speaker that emits warning sounds or audibly notifies error messages, a lamp that lights up when an error occurs, and the like.

[0042] The user terminal 3, job management device 4, and print data creation device 5 shown in Fig. 1 can each be configured from an electronic device. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic device 9. As shown in Fig. 4, the electronic device 9 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 904, a display 905, an input device 906, a communication I / F 907, and a media I / F 908. Each component is interconnected by a bus.

[0043] The CPU 901 controls the operation of the electronic device 9. The CPU 901 can load an OS and various programs stored in the ROM 902 or HDD 904 into the RAM 903 and execute them. Alternatively, the CPU 901 can load a program stored in a storage medium RM into the RAM 903 via the media I / F 908 and execute it. The storage medium RM can be an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, a conductive memory tape medium, a semiconductor memory, or the like. Note that the electronic device 9 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or the like as a processor in addition to the CPU 901. The CPU 901 performs processing in response to user operations via the input device 906 and displays the processing results on the display 905. The input device 906 can be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, or the like.

[0044] The HDD 904 stores programs executed by the CPU 901, data used by the programs, etc. The communication I / F 907 outputs data received from other devices to the CPU 901 via a network NW such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication I / F 907 also transmits data generated by the CPU 901 to other devices. The other devices may be devices that make up the printing system 1, or may be server devices external to the printing system 1. The CPU 901 may load required programs onto the RAM 903 from other devices via the network NW.

[0045] In this embodiment, the CPU 901 of the electronic device 9 executes an application program loaded onto the RAM 903, thereby functioning as the user terminal 3, the job management device 4, or the print data creation device 5 shown in FIG.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the user terminal 3, job management device 4, and print data creation device 5. As described above, the printing system 1 can include multiple user terminals 3 and print data creation devices 5 (see Fig. 1), but Fig. 5 shows only one user terminal 3 and one print data creation device 5. The other user terminals 3 and print data creation devices 5 can have the same functional configuration as Fig. 5.

[0047] <User Terminal> The user terminal 3 has, as its functional configuration, an image data creation unit 31, an image data upload unit 32, and an instruction sheet creation unit 33. The user terminal 3 also has a storage unit 34 that is made up of a ROM 902, a RAM 903, an HDD 904, etc. (see FIG. 4). The storage unit 34 stores data necessary for the processing of each unit and also temporarily stores the processing results of each unit.

[0048] The image data creation unit 31 displays an operation screen for creating image data on the display 905 (see FIG. 4). The image data creation unit 31 receives operation input from the user via the input device 906 (see FIG. 4), creates image data, and stores the image data in the storage unit 34. The image data includes information about an image to be printed on the medium M. Here, when multiple images are printed on the medium M in an overlapping manner, the image data is composed of multiple image layers.

[0049] 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image data upload screen 310 and an instruction sheet creation screen 330. As shown in FIG. 6, the image data upload unit 32 displays the image data upload screen 310 on the display 905. The image data upload unit 32 accepts an operation input from the user and transmits the specified image data to the job management device 4. The user may specify image data created by the image data creation unit 31, or may specify image data created by another electronic device.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6 , the instruction creation unit 33 displays an instruction creation screen 330 on the display 905. Although not shown in FIG. 6 , the instruction creation screen 330 may include, for example, a pull-down menu that accepts selection of user-specified conditions and a field for inputting numerical values. This allows the user to create an instruction 331 with simple input operations. The instruction creation screen 330 may be displayed, for example, on the same screen as the upload screen 310. The instruction creation unit 33 creates the instruction 331 based on the user's input and transmits it to the job management device 4 together with the uploaded image data.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6 , the instruction sheet 331 can include at least one piece of information related to the characteristics of the medium M, print quality, and print functions. As shown in FIG. 6 , the instruction sheet 331 can describe, as characteristics of the medium M, conditions such as the ink adhesion and type (transparent, translucent, opaque) of the medium M used for printing. Other characteristics of the medium M may also include the material, thickness, and size of the medium M. The instruction sheet 331 can describe, as print quality, print settings related to print quality, such as normal mode, high-quality mode, and high-speed print mode, as well as graininess settings. Graininess refers to the conspicuousness of ink dots ejected onto the medium M; lowering the graininess reduces the conspicuousness of the dots. The instruction sheet 331 can describe, as print functions, functions used by the printing device 2, such as white printing and clear gloss finish. In white printing, white is printed over the color inks. As shown in FIG. 6 , white may be printed before or after the color inks. In the clear gloss finish, a glossy appearance can be achieved on the printed matter by finally printing CL on the medium M. Note that the content written in the instruction sheet 331 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 6, and other information may be included.

[0052] <Job Management Device> As shown in Fig. 5, the job management device 4 has, as its functional configuration, an allocation unit 41, an image registration unit 42, and a job list management unit 43. The job management device 4 also has a storage unit 44 configured from a ROM 902, a RAM 903, an HDD 904, etc. (see Fig. 4). The storage unit 44 stores data necessary for processing by each unit and temporarily stores processing results of each unit. The storage unit 44 stores, for example, a job list 441 that manages print jobs executed in the printing system 1. Although not shown, the storage unit 44 can also store identification information for each of the printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C that make up the printing system 1, information regarding the printing functions of the printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, etc.

[0053] The allocation unit 41 determines the print content to be printed on the medium M based on the instruction sheet 331 and image data input from the user terminal 3. The allocation unit 41 also creates a print job for executing the determined print content and registers it in a job list 441. A print job is a composite job composed of multiple jobs to which each print content is assigned. When the processing system 1 is composed of multiple printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, the allocation unit 41 selects a printing device to execute each job based on the printing capabilities of each printing device 2A, 2B, and 2C. The image registration unit 42 registers image data input from the user terminal 3 in the print job created by the allocation unit 41. The job list management unit 43 manages the progress of the print jobs registered in the job list 441 in response to user operation input and updates the job list 441 in accordance with the progress of the print jobs.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the job management device 4. As shown in FIG. 7, when image data and instruction sheet 331 are input from the user terminal 3 (Step S01: Yes), the allocation unit 41 references the image data and instruction sheet 331 to determine the print content to be executed on the medium M in the print job (Step S02). The allocation unit 41 creates a job to which the print content determined in Step S02 is assigned, and references the printing functions of the printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C to select a printing device to execute each job (Step S03). The allocation unit 41 can, for example, select the printing device 2 so as to minimize the number of times the medium M needs to be transferred between the multiple printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C. For example, if there is a printing device 2 capable of executing all jobs, all jobs can be executed by that printing device 2. If there is no printing device 2 capable of executing all jobs, multiple printing devices 2 can be combined to execute all jobs. The allocation unit 41 sets parameters for each job to be executed by each printing device 2 selected in step S03, and registers a print job that combines multiple jobs in the job list 441 (step S04). The image registration unit 42 registers image data in the print job (step S05). As described above, the image data includes multiple layers. The image registration unit 42 allocates and registers an image of an appropriate layer from the image data for each job included in the print job.

[0055] 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating examples of processing by the allocation unit 41. Fig. 8 shows a mode in which the allocation unit 41 determines print contents (1) to (4) based on the instruction book 331 shown in Fig. 6. It shows a mode in which the printing device 2 that executes the job to which print contents (1) to (4) are assigned is selected. Fig. 9 shows a mode in which jobs No. 01 to 04 are created to which print contents (1) to (4) determined in Fig. 8 are assigned.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8 , the instruction sheet 331 indicates that the characteristics of the medium M indicate that the medium M has poor ink adhesion. For example, when a resin sheet or the like is used as the medium M, ink adhesion may be poor. In this case, printing Pr, which has adhesive properties, first can improve the adhesion of other inks to the medium M. The instruction sheet 331 also indicates that the medium M is transparent as a characteristic of the medium M, and specifies W (white) printing as a printing function. On transparent medium M, printing W as a base before printing color inks can improve the visibility of the color inks. The instruction sheet 331 also specifies high quality mode and low graininess as print quality. By printing using special color inks such as LC and LM in addition to CMYK color inks, the graininess of the image can be reduced. The instruction sheet 331 also specifies a clear gloss finish as a printing function. Printing CL as a printing finish can give the printed matter a glossy finish.

[0057] The allocation unit 41 can determine the following print contents (1) to (4) from the instructions in the instruction sheet 331. Print content (1): Print image IM1 with Pr. Print content (2): Print image IM2 with W. Print content (3): Print image IM3 in high quality mode using special color inks such as LC and LM in addition to CMYK color inks. Print content (4): Print image IM4 with CL.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 9, the allocation unit 41 creates jobs (job numbers 01 to 04) to which print contents (1) to (4) are respectively assigned, and sets the execution order of the jobs. Job numbers 01 to 04 in FIG. 9 indicate the execution order of the jobs. The allocation unit 41 selects a printing device 2 to execute each of jobs 01 to 04. For print content (1), of the ink sets of the three printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C (see FIG. 1), only the ink set of printing device 2A includes Pr. Therefore, the allocation unit 41 selects printing device 2A as the printing device to execute job number 01, which corresponds to print content (1).

[0059] For print content (2), all three printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C have ink sets W. Here, job No. 01 is executed by printing device 2A. Therefore, the allocation unit 41 selects printing device 2A as the printing device to execute job No. 02, which corresponds to print content (2). This eliminates the need to transfer media M between job No. 01 and job No. 02.

[0060] For print content (3), of the ink sets of printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, only the ink set of printing device 2B includes LC and LM. Therefore, the allocation unit 41 selects printing device 2B as the printing device to execute job No. 03, which corresponds to print content (3).

[0061] For print content (4), of the ink sets of printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, only the ink set of printing device 2C has CL. Therefore, the allocation unit 41 selects printing device 2C as the printing device to execute job No. 04, which corresponds to print content (4).

[0062] 9, the allocation unit 41 sets various parameters for executing jobs No. 01 to 04. The allocation unit 41 creates a print job PJ by combining jobs No. 01 to 04 and registers it in a job list 441 (see FIG. 5). The image registration unit 42 also allocates and registers images IM1 to IM4 of each layer that make up the image data to each of jobs No. 01 to 04.

[0063] 9, the allocation unit 41 sets, for example, identification information 100 of the print job PJ as a parameter. The allocation unit 41 also sets, as a parameter, the printing order of the printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C. In the example of FIG. 9, the printing order is set as follows: 1st: printing device 2A 2nd: printing device 2B 3rd: printing device 2C

[0064] Although details are omitted, the allocation unit 41 can also set various other parameters such as print settings, spot color overlay settings, and clear settings.

[0065] When printing is performed in the printing system 1, the user specifies the desired print job PJ from the job list 441 (see FIG. 5), inputs the number of copies to be printed, etc., and then performs an operation input to start printing. The user may perform the operation input from an input device provided in the job management device 4, or may perform the operation input remotely via the user terminal 3.

[0066] 9, when job list management unit 43 receives a user operation input to start printing, it outputs image data and parameters for job Nos. 01 to 04 of print job PJ to print data creation devices 5A, 5B, and 5C (see FIG. 1) corresponding to printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively. Image data and parameters for job Nos. 01 and 02 are output to print data creation device 5A corresponding to printing device 2A. Image data and parameters for job No. 03 are output to print data creation device 5B corresponding to printing device 2B. Image data and parameters for job No. 04 are output to print data creation device 5C corresponding to printing device 2C.

[0067] <Print Data Creation Device> The print data creation device 5 controls the operation of each printing device 2 based on image data and parameters input from the job management device 4, and creates print data for executing the print content. As shown in Fig. 5, the print data creation device 5 has, as its functional configuration, a color conversion unit 51, a dot data creation unit 52, and a correction unit 53. The print data creation device 5 also has a storage unit 54 made up of a ROM 902, a RAM 903, an HDD 904, etc. (see Fig. 4). The storage unit 54 stores data required for processing by each unit and temporarily stores the processing results of each unit.

[0068] In image data input from the job management device 4, the color information of the image is expressed in an RGB color system or a CMYK color system, etc., that is independent of the printing device 2. The color conversion unit 51 performs color conversion processing to convert the color information of the image data into device values, which are color information that is dependent on the printing device 2. The color conversion unit 51 first performs color conversion processing on the color information of the image data expressed in an RGB color system or a CMYK color system, etc., using an input profile corresponding to the L*a*b* color space. The color conversion unit 51 further performs color conversion processing using Lab values ​​that indicate a color space that is independent of the printing device 2 and a device profile that indicates a color space that is dependent on the printing device 2. The color space that is dependent on the printing device 2 may be, for example, the CMYK color space. Note that if the printing device 2 ejects spot color inks, such as Or, LC, and LM, in addition to CMYK, the device profile may correspond to a color space that includes these colors in addition to CMYK.

[0069] The dot data creation unit 52 creates dot data by performing halftone processing, rasterization processing, etc. on the device values ​​acquired during the color conversion processing of the color conversion unit 51. The dot data is data that controls the positions (printing positions) of dots onto the medium M where ink is ejected and the amount of ink ejected for each dot. The dot data creation unit 52 further adds various commands to the created dot data for executing the printing content indicated in the parameters, and outputs the resulting data to the printing device 2 as final print data.

[0070] When the amount of image misalignment is input from the printing device 2, the correction unit 53 corrects the image in the image data. Details of the processing by the correction unit 53 will be described later. When the correction unit 53 has performed the correction processing, the color conversion unit 51 and the dot data creation unit 52 perform their respective processing based on the corrected image data to create corrected print data. The dot data creation unit 52 outputs the corrected print data to the printing device 2.

[0071] As described above, the job list management unit 43 outputs parameters for executing a job by each printing device 2. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the parameters include, for example, parameters for the printing device 2 to print an image on the medium M.

[0072] The job list management unit 43 further outputs parameters for the following operations to the printing device 2 that is first in the printing order: Printing a print management ID (identification information ID of the print job PJ) Printing a mark for alignment In the example of Fig. 9, the job list management unit 43 outputs these parameters to the first printing device 2A.

[0073] The job list management unit 43 further outputs parameters for the following operations to the printing devices 2 that are second or later in the printing order: Printing a print completion ID (print completion information) Matching the identification information ID of the print job PJ with the printing order Adjusting the print position In the example of Fig. 9, the job list management unit 43 outputs these parameters to the second printing device 2B and the third printing device 2C.

[0074] When transferring media M between multiple printing devices 2, there is a possibility that a user may mistakenly load media M that has been printed with a different print job PJ into a printing device 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first printing device 2 in the printing order prints a print management ID along with the image on the media M. Before printing, the second or subsequent printing devices 2 in the printing order detect the print management ID with the sensor 25 and verify the identification information ID of the print job PJ. This reduces printing errors caused by mixing up print jobs PJ.

[0075] Furthermore, even for the same print job PJ, there is a possibility that the user may load the media M in the wrong printing order. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second and subsequent printing devices 2 print a print completion ID along with the image on the media M. Then, before printing, the second and subsequent printing devices 2 use the sensor 25 to detect the print completion ID along with the print management ID and verify the print order. This reduces printing errors due to mixing up the print order.

[0076] Furthermore, when printing is performed by transferring the medium M between multiple printing devices 2, if an image printed by a later printing device 2 is misaligned with an image printed by an earlier printing device 2, this could affect print quality. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first printing device 2 prints alignment marks on the medium M. The second and subsequent printing devices 2 use the marks to adjust their print positions before printing. This makes it possible to reduce image misalignment.

[0077] FIG. 10 shows an example of printing on a medium M. FIG. 10(a) shows an example of printing by a printing device 2 that is first in the printing order. FIG. 10(b) shows an example of printing by a printing device 2 that is second in the printing order. FIG. 10(c) shows an example of printing by a printing device 2 that is third in the printing order. The printing device 2 performs printing so that at least a portion of the printing area PA on the medium M for each job overlaps with each other. The printing area PA is an area where, in addition to the image IM to be printed for each job, alignment marks mk, a printing management ID 100, and a printing completion ID 110 are printed. When the printing device executes the nth job (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) in a print job PJ, the printing device performs printing so that at least a portion of the printing area PA on the medium M where the n-1th job was printed overlaps. When executing the nth job in the print job PJ, the printing device 2 prints the nth job so that it at least partially overlaps the printing area PA on the medium M where the (n-2)th job was printed or the printing area PA on the medium M where the (n-1)th job was printed. Figures 10(b) and 10(c) show examples of printed print completion IDs. Figure 10(b) shows a print completion ID 110a printed by the printing device 2 that is second in the printing order, and Figure 10(c) shows a print completion ID 110b printed by the printing device 2 that is third in the printing order. When referring to the print completion IDs 110a and 110b without distinction, they are simply referred to as print completion IDs 110.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 10A , the printing device 2 that is first in the printing order prints, on the medium M, the image IM specified in the job, along with a positioning mark mk and a print management ID 100. <Positioning Mark> The positioning mark mk can be printed at any position in the printing area PA of the medium M. For example, the mark mk can be printed near the outer edge of the medium M. For example, the mark mk can be printed at the four corners of the printing area PA of the medium M so as to surround the image IM to be printed on the medium M. The mark mk can be, for example, L-shaped. The mark mk includes a line segment S1 extending in one direction and a line segment S2 extending in a direction perpendicular to the line segment S1. The example in FIG. 10A shows a mark mk in which one end of the line segment S1 is connected to one end of the line segment S2. The shape of the mark mk is not limited to this. For example, the mark mk may be a cross shape where the line segments S1 and S2 intersect. The mark mk may be, for example, only the line segment S1 or only the line segment S2.

[0079] The marks mk may be any mark that can be detected by the sensor 25 (see FIG. 2) provided in the printing device 2. The number, shape, and arrangement of the marks mk are not limited to the example shown in the figure and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the ink used to print the marks mk is not limited to a specific ink and may be any ink that can be detected by the sensor 25. The marks mk can also be used as marks mk that indicate the cutting position of the medium M after printing. For example, if the medium M is cut at the position of the marks mk, the marks mk will not remain on the cut medium M. This prevents the marks mk from affecting the finished printed product.

[0080] <Printing Management ID> As shown in FIG. 10A, the printing management ID 100 may be, for example, a barcode detectable by the sensor 25 (see FIG. 2) provided in the printing device 2. The printing management ID 100 records at least the identification information ID of the print job PJ. The printing management ID 100 may also record the identification information of the printing device 2 that printed the printing management ID 100. The printing management ID 100 may also record information such as the printing order of the print job PJ, the print content assigned to each job, and the job execution order. The printing management ID 100 may also function as a print completion ID for the first printing device. For example, in the example of the print job PJ shown in FIG. 9, the printing management ID 100 records the execution order (job Nos. 1 to 2) of the jobs executed and completed by the printing device 2A. The printing management ID 100 is not limited to a barcode and may be a QR code (registered trademark). The print management ID 100 may be composed of characters, symbols, figures, etc., or may be composed of a combination of these with a barcode or QR code (registered trademark).

[0081] The printing management ID 100 can be printed at any position in the printing area PA of the medium M. The printing management ID 100 can be printed, for example, near the outer edge of the medium M, similar to the alignment marks mk. When marks mk are printed at the four corners of the printing area PA on the medium M, the printing management ID 100 can be printed between two of the marks mk. For example, in FIG. 10A, a virtual line VL is shown connecting the line segments S1 of two marks mk, and the printing management ID 100 can be printed on this virtual line VL. In addition to the printing management ID 100, a printing completion ID (described below) is printed sequentially between the two marks mk. To ensure printing space for the printing completion ID, the printing management ID 100 can be printed near one of the marks mk on the virtual line VL.

[0082] <Print Completion ID> As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the printing device 2 second or later in the printing order prints a print completion ID 110 on the medium M along with the image IM specified in the job. Like the print management ID 100, the print completion ID 110 can be a barcode detectable by the sensor 25 provided in the printing device 2. The print completion ID 110 can record, for example, the identification information of the printing device 2 that printed the print completion ID 110, the printing order of the print job PJ of the printing device 2, and the execution order of the completed job (e.g., job number). For example, in the example of print job PJ shown in FIG. 9, the print completion ID 110a shown in FIG. 10B records the identification information of the printing device 2B, the printing order of the printing device 2B (second), and the execution order of the completed job (job number 3). The print completion ID 110b shown in Figure 10(c) records the identification information of the printing device 2C and the fact that it was third in the printing order. The print completion ID 110 is not limited to a barcode and may be a QR code (registered trademark). The print completion ID 110 may be composed of characters, symbols, figures, etc., or may be composed of a combination of these with a barcode or QR code (registered trademark).

[0083] The print completion ID 110 can be printed at any position on the medium M. Like the print management ID 100, the print completion ID 110 can be printed near the outer edge of the printable area on the medium M. If marks mk are printed at the four corners of the printable area on the medium M, the print completion ID 110 can be printed between two of those marks mk. As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the print completion ID 110 can be printed, for example, on the same virtual line VL as the print management ID 100. As described above, the print management ID 100 is printed, for example, near one of the marks mk on the virtual line VL. Here, as indicated by the arrows in the figure, the side of the virtual line VL where the mark mk adjacent to the print management ID 100 is the upstream side, and the side of the opposite mark mk is the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 10B, the second printing device 2B prints the print completion ID 110a, for example, downstream of the print management ID 100 on the virtual line VL. 10C, the third printing device 2C prints, for example, a printing completion ID 110b downstream of the printing completion ID 110a on the virtual line VL. In this way, the second and subsequent printing devices 2 sequentially print the printing completion ID 110 downstream of the printing management ID 100 or printing completion ID 110 printed by the immediately preceding printing device 2 in the printing order.

[0084] When the medium M is set on the platen 26 (see FIG. 2 ) of the second or subsequent printing device 2, the carriage 22 moves in the X and Y directions while the sensor 25 mounted on the carriage 22 scans the surface of the medium M. The sensor 25 detects the alignment marks mk printed at the four corners of the printing area PA of the medium M, as well as the print management ID 100 and print completion ID 110 printed on the virtual line VL. Note that after printing is completed by the first printing device 2, the print completion ID 110 is no longer printed on the medium M. Therefore, the sensor 25 of the second printing device 2 detects only the alignment marks mk and the print management ID 100. From the detection results of the sensor 25, the printing device 2 obtains the position information of the marks mk in the X and Y directions, as well as the information recorded in the print management ID 100 and print completion ID 110.

[0085] The printing device 2 first uses the print management ID 100 and the print completion ID to compare the identification information ID of the print job PJ with the printing order. If the comparison results match, the printing device 2 can adjust the print position. An example of the comparison process and the print position adjustment process will be described below.

[0086] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the collation process performed by the second or subsequent printing device 2. The printing device 2 has received print data from the print data creation device 5 and is in a standby state.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 11, when the media M is set on the platen 26 (step S11: Yes), the printing device 2 scans the surface of the media M with the sensor 25 to detect the alignment mark mk, the printing management ID 100, and the printing completion ID 110 (step S12).

[0088] The controller 27 of the printing device 2 first compares the identification information ID of the print job PJ with the print management ID 100 detected by the sensor 25 (step S13). Specifically, the printing device 2 determines whether the identification information ID of the print job PJ recorded in the print management ID 100 matches the identification information ID of the print job PJ included in the print data input to the printing device 2. If the two match (step S14: Yes), the printing device 2 proceeds to step S15; if they do not match (step S14: No), the printing device 2 proceeds to step S17. Note that the printing device 2 also proceeds to step S17 if the sensor 25 does not detect the print management ID 100 from the medium M in step S12 and comparison cannot be performed in step S14.

[0089] In step S15, the printing device 2 checks the printing order. Specifically, the printing device 2 determines up to which printing order the print job PJ has been completed from the printing completion ID 110 detected by the sensor 25. For example, if the printing management ID 100 is printed on the medium M but the printing completion ID 110 is not, the printing device 2 determines that printing has been completed up to the first printing order. If one or more printing completion IDs 110 are printed on the medium M, the printing device 2 can determine the completed printing order from, for example, the printing completion ID 110 located furthest downstream on the virtual line VL. As shown in FIG. 10B, if one printing completion ID 110a is printed on the medium M, the printing device 2 can determine from the printing completion ID 110a that printing up to the second printing order has been completed as a progress status. 10(c), when print completion IDs 110a and 110b are printed on the medium M, the printing device 2 can determine that printing has been completed up to the third printing order, starting from the print completion ID 110b located furthest downstream on the virtual line VL. Note that the method for determining the progress is not limited to this example and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the printing device 2 may determine the progress based on the total number of print completion IDs 110 printed on the medium M.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 11 , the printing device 2 determines whether the printing order determined from the print completion ID 110 matches the printing order indicated in the print data input to the printing device 2 (step S16). For example, in the print job of FIG. 9 , the printing order for the printing device 2C is third. If the progress status indicates that printing has been completed up to the second item in the printing order in step S15, the next item in the printing order will be third. In this case, the printing device 2C can determine that the progress status and printing order match. If a matching determination result is obtained (step S16: Yes), the printing device 2 can determine that the appropriate media M has been loaded, and can therefore terminate the verification process and proceed to the print position adjustment process. If a matching determination result is not obtained (step S16: No), the printing device 2 proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the printing device 2 can report an error that the appropriate media M has not been loaded. The manner of reporting the error is not limited, but an error message can be displayed, for example, on the operation panel 28 of the printing device 2 (see FIG. 2 ). Alternatively, an error message may be output by voice from a speaker (not shown), a warning sound may be emitted, or a lamp (not shown) may be turned on. When the user resets the media M on the platen 26 (Step S11: Yes), the printing device 2 performs the verification process again.

[0091] Although the example in which the matching process is performed by the controller 27 of the printing device 2 has been described, the matching process may also be performed by the job management device 4 or the print data creation device 5. In this case, the printing device 2 can transmit the detection result of the sensor 25 to the job management device 4 or the print data creation device 5 and receive the matching result from the job management device 4 or the print data creation device 5.

[0092] <Adjusting Printing Position> Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the printing position adjustment process. Fig. 13(a) is a diagram explaining image position misalignment, and Fig. 13(b) is a diagram explaining an example of how image data is corrected. The printing position adjustment process is performed after the collation process described in Fig. 11. Note that the adjustment process described here is merely an example, and the adjustment process is not limited to a specific form.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 12 , the controller 27 of the printing device 2 calculates the amount of misalignment of the image IM printed on the medium M based on the position information of the mark mk detected in step S12 of FIG. 11 (step S18). (a) of FIG. 13 shows the misalignment of the image IMa printed on the medium M. Note that the misalignment is exaggerated in the drawing. When a user sets the medium M printed on another printing device 2 on the platen 26 of the next printing device 2, the medium M may be slightly misaligned from the appropriate set position. This misalignment of the medium M also causes misalignment of the image IM printed on the medium M and the alignment mark mk. Here, misalignment includes not only linear misalignment in the X or Y direction, but also tilted states as shown in (a) of FIG. 13 .

[0094] When the medium M is not tilted, the line segment S1 of the mark mk printed on the medium M is aligned along the X direction, and the line segment S2 is aligned along the Y direction. On the other hand, when the medium M is tilted, the line segments S1 and S2 of the mark mk are tilted relative to the X and Y directions, respectively. The controller 27 of the printing device 2 can calculate the tilt angle θ of the mark mk as the amount of misalignment of the image IMa from the position information of the mark mk detected by the sensor 25. Here, if the amount of misalignment of the image IMa is not so great that it affects the print quality, there is no need to perform a print position adjustment process.

[0095] 12 , if the calculated amount of misalignment of image IMa exceeds a threshold (step S19: Yes), the controller 27 of the printing device 2 outputs the amount of misalignment to the print data creation device 5 (step S20). If the calculated amount of misalignment of image IMa is equal to or smaller than the threshold (step S19: No), the controller 27 of the printing device 2 ends the adjustment process and can start printing of image IMa in accordance with the print data.

[0096] The correction unit 53 of the print data creation device 5 corrects the next image IMb to be printed on the medium M by the printing device 2 based on the amount of positional deviation of the image IMa input from the controller 27 of the printing device 2. As shown in FIG. 13B, the correction unit 53 tilts the image IMb to match the calculated tilt angle θ of the mark mk. The correction unit 53 rotates the entire printing area PA of the image IMb by the angle θ around the center of the image IMb. As a result, the image IMb is tilted by the angle θ. The correction unit 53 uses a known method such as affine transformation to set a new rectangular printing area PA (dashed line in the figure) that includes the printing area PA tilted by the rotation and aligned with the X and Y directions. This creates corrected image data.

[0097] The color conversion unit 51 of the print data creation device 5 performs color conversion processing on the corrected image data to obtain device values, and the dot data creation unit 52 creates dot data using the device values ​​and adds necessary commands to the dot data to create corrected print data. The dot data creation unit 52 sends the corrected print data to the printing device 2.

[0098] 12, when the corrected print data is input from the print data creation device 5 (step S21: Yes), the controller 27 of the printing device 2 replaces the previously input print data with the corrected print data (step S22), and ends the adjustment process. The printing device 2 starts printing the image IMb in accordance with the corrected print data.

[0099] Note that while FIG. 13 illustrates a correction method using the tilt angle θ of the mark mk, this is merely an example. The correction unit 53 can correct the image data using various methods based on the position information of the mark mk. For example, when using heat-curable or UV-curable ink in the printing device 2, it is possible that the medium M or the image IM printed on the medium M may be slightly reduced by heating or UV irradiation. In this case, the correction unit 53 may calculate the reduction ratio of the mark mk from the position information of the mark mk and reduce the image IM of the image data according to that reduction ratio. Alternatively, as described above, the mark mk may not be tilted and may be linearly displaced in the X or Y direction. In this case, the correction unit 53 may move the position of the image IM according to the amount of displacement of the mark mk in the X or Y direction.

[0100] As described above, the printing system 1 described in the embodiment has, for example, the following configuration: (1) The printing system 1 has at least one printing device 2. The printing system 1 has a user terminal 3 (instruction creation unit), a job management device 4 (job management unit), and a print data creation device 5 (print data creation unit). The user terminal 3 creates instructions 331 for printing on the medium M in response to user input. The job management device 4 determines the print content, which is each step of the printing process for the medium M, based on the instructions 331, and creates a print job PJ consisting of multiple jobs to which each print content is assigned. The print data creation device 5 controls the operation of the printing device 2 to create print data for executing each job and outputs it to the printing device 2.

[0101] With this configuration, a variety of print contents can be easily realized in the printing system 1. In the printing system 1, for example, a variety of print contents can be realized by combining multiple printing devices 2 to print, or by printing multiple times using a single printing device. However, in order to realize a variety of print contents, it is a burden for the user to understand the printing functions of the printing devices and perform complex setting work. In this embodiment, the job management device 4 determines the print contents based on the instruction manual 331 created by the user, and assigns each of the print contents to a plurality of jobs executed by the printing device 2. This eliminates the need for the user to perform complex setting work, and allows a variety of print contents to be easily realized.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the instruction creation unit, job management unit, and print data creation unit are implemented in separate electronic devices (user terminal 3, job management device 4, print data creation device 5), but the printing system of the present invention is not limited to this example. Any two or all of the instruction creation unit, job management unit, and print data creation unit may be configured as a common electronic device. In the above-described embodiment, a print data creation device 5 is provided for each printing device 2, but the printing system of the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, one print data creation device 5 may be associated with multiple printing devices 2 and create print data for each printing device 2. Alternatively, the controller 27 of each printing device 2 may have the functionality of the print data creation unit. In this case, the job management device 4 can communicate directly with the controller 27 of each printing device 2 and output image data and parameters for executing a print job.

[0103] (2) The printing system 1 has a plurality of printing devices 2 (2A, 2B, 2C) each having at least some different printing functions. When creating a print job PJ, the job management device 4 determines a printing device 2 that will execute the print content assigned to each job based on the printing functions of each printing device 2.

[0104] In the printing system 1, print content tends to become more diverse depending on the type of media M and ink used by the user, the desired print quality, print functions, etc. In such cases, it may be difficult for a single printing device 2 to execute all of the print content. The printing system 1 of this embodiment is provided with multiple printing devices 2 with different print functions, and by combining these multiple printing devices 2, a variety of print content can be achieved. Furthermore, the job management device 4 determines the printing device 2 that will execute the job based on the printing functions of each printing device 2. This eliminates the need for the user to understand the printing functions of each printing device 2 and perform complex setting work, making it possible to easily achieve a variety of print content.

[0105] (3) When the printing device 2 executes the nth job (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) in the print job PJ, it prints the job so that it at least partially overlaps the printing area PA on the medium M where the (n-1)th job was printed. (4) When the printing device 2 executes the nth job in the print job PJ, it prints the job so that it at least partially overlaps the area on the medium M where the (n-2)th job was printed or the printing area PA on the (n-1)th job was printed.

[0106] In this way, when executing each of the multiple jobs that make up the print job PJ, the printing device 2 performs printing so that at least a portion of the print area PA on the medium M overlaps with the print area PA of another job. This allows the printing system 1 to perform a variety of printing that cannot be achieved with a single printing method. For example, on transparent medium M, printing a base with white ink and then printing the image IM with color inks can improve the visibility of the image IM. For example, printing the image IM on medium M and then performing a finishing process with clear ink can give the image IM a glossy finish, increasing the added value of the printed matter.

[0107] (5) The instruction sheet 331 may include, for example, at least one of information regarding the characteristics, print quality, and print functions of the medium M. The user terminal 3 outputs the instruction sheet 331 to the job management device 4 together with image data to be printed on the medium M.

[0108] The characteristics of the medium M can include, for example, the ink adhesion, type (transparent, translucent, opaque), material, thickness, size, etc. of the medium M used for printing. The print quality can include, for example, print settings related to print quality, such as normal mode, high quality mode, high-speed print mode, etc., and graininess settings, etc. The print functions can include, for example, functions used by the printing device 2, such as white printing and clear gloss finish. By describing these contents in the instruction manual 331, the job management device 4 can refer to the instruction manual 331 and determine appropriate print contents.

[0109] (6) The print data creation device 5 includes a print management ID 100 that records the identification information ID of the print job PJ in the print data output to the printing device 2. The printing device 2 is equipped with a sensor 25 that can detect information printed on the medium M. The printing device 2 that is first in the printing order, which is the order in which the printing devices 2 are used, for the print job PJ prints the identification information ID of the print job PJ together with an image IM based on the print content on the medium M when executing the job. The printing devices 2 that are second or later in the printing order detect the identification information ID of the print job PJ printed on the medium M with the sensor 25 when executing the job. The printing device 2 performs printing if the detected identification information ID of the print job PJ matches the identification information ID of the print job PJ included in the print data.

[0110] When transferring media M between multiple printing devices 2, for example, there is a possibility that a user may accidentally load media M into a printing device 2 that is being used for another print job. In this embodiment, the first printing device 2 prints a print management ID 100 along with an image on the media M. Before printing, the second and subsequent printing devices 2 detect the print management ID 100 with the sensor 25 and verify the identification information ID of the print job PJ. This reduces printing errors due to mix-ups of print jobs. However, the use of the print management ID 100 is not limited to this. For example, when a user transfers media M between multiple printing devices 2 or when moving printed media M to a storage location, the user can read the print management ID 100 with a barcode reader or the like to confirm the print job.

[0111] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a user transfers media M between multiple printing devices 2, but the transfer of media M is not limited to this example. The transfer of media M may also be performed by, for example, a robot that has been taught in advance.

[0112] (7) When executing a job, the second or subsequent printing device 2 in the printing order can print a print completion ID 110 (print completion information) on the medium M together with an image IM based on the print content.

[0113] When a user transfers media M between multiple printing devices 2, there is a possibility that the order in which media M is set may be incorrect. In this embodiment, the second and subsequent printing devices 2 print a print completion ID 110 on the media M along with the image IM. By recording the printing progress of the print job PJ on the media M, printing errors due to incorrect printing order can be reduced. For example, when a user transfers media M between multiple printing devices 2, the user can check the printing order by checking the number of print completion IDs 110. Alternatively, the user may check the printing order by reading the print completion IDs 110 with a barcode reader or the like.

[0114] (8) The print data creation device 5 includes information regarding the printing order of each printing device 2 in the print data output to that printing device 2. The second or subsequent printing devices 2 in the printing order use the sensor 25 to detect the print completion ID 110 printed on the medium M. The printing device 2 performs printing if the print order determined from the detected print completion ID 110 matches the information regarding the print order included in the print data.

[0115] In this way, the second and subsequent printing devices 2 can use the print management ID 100 to check the print order before printing an image, further reducing printing errors caused by mixing up the print order. If the progress of the print job determined from the print completion ID 110 does not match the print order, the printing device 2 can report an error, for example, on the operation panel 28. This allows the user to quickly reload the media M into the correct printing device 2.

[0116] (9) The printing device 2 that is first in the printing order of the print job can print alignment marks mk on the medium M.

[0117] When printing by transferring the medium M between multiple printing devices 2, if an image printed by a subsequent printing device 2 is misaligned with an image printed by a previous printing device 2, this may affect print quality. In this embodiment, the first printing device 2 prints alignment marks mk on the medium M. When printing is performed by the second or subsequent printing devices 2, alignment using the marks mk can be performed, thereby reducing image misalignment. For example, guidelines may be provided on the platen 26 of the printing device 2, and when the user sets the medium M in the printing device 2, the marks mk may be aligned with the guidelines.

[0118] (10) The printing device 2 includes a sensor 25 that can detect alignment marks (mk). The second or subsequent printing device 2 adjusts the printing position on the medium M based on the position information of the marks (mk) detected by the sensor 25.

[0119] This configuration reduces misalignment of images printed by multiple printing devices 2, improving the quality of printed materials. Furthermore, by having the printing device 2 perform the print position adjustment process, the user does not need to perform detailed position adjustment, improving user convenience.

[0120] The above-described effects can also be applied to the printing method, print job management device, and print job management program of the printing system 1.

[0121] In the embodiment, a mode (see FIG. 10 ) has been described in which the alignment marks mk, the print management ID 100, and the print completion ID 110 are printed based on the printing order of the multiple printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C. In a modified example, a mode will be described in which the alignment marks mk, the print management ID 100, and the print completion ID 110 are printed based on the execution order of the jobs that make up the print job PJ.

[0122] As described above, the allocation unit 41 of the job management device 4 sets the job execution order when allocating print content to jobs (see FIG. 9 ). In a modified example, the allocation unit 41 includes the job execution order in parameters output to the print data creation device 5. In a modified example, the print data creation device 5 can create print data so that the printing device 2 operates as follows. When executing each job included in a print job, the printing device 2 prints print completion information (print completion ID 110 or print management ID 100) on the medium M along with the image. When executing the nth job (where n is a natural number) in a print job PJ, i.e., for any job, the printing device 2 prints the print management ID 100, which records the identification information ID of the print job PJ, and a positioning mark mk. When executing any of the n+1th or later jobs in the print job PJ, i.e., for any job after the n+1th job, the printing device 2 detects the print management ID 100 and the print completion ID 110 using the sensor 25. As in the embodiment (see FIG. 11 ), the printing device 2 collates the identification information of the print jobs with the execution order of the jobs based on the detection results of the sensor 25. When the printing device 2 executes any of the (n+1)th and subsequent jobs in the print job PJ, that is, for any of the (n+1)th and subsequent jobs, the printing device 2 detects the alignment mark mk with the sensor 25. As in the embodiment (see FIG. 12 ), the printing device 2 performs processing to adjust the printing position of the image based on the detection results of the sensor 25.

[0123] That is, in this modification, printing of the print management ID 100 and the alignment mark mk, a comparison process using the print management ID 100 and the print completion ID 110, and a process of adjusting the print position of the image using the mark mk can be performed for any job. For example, these processes can be performed for jobs where there is a high possibility of the media M being mixed up or the image being misaligned. The job management device 4 can determine the job for which these processes will be performed when determining the print content based on the user's instructions.

[0124] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of printing on medium M in a modified example. Note that FIG. 14 does not show the image to be printed on medium M. FIG. 14 shows an example in which one printing device 2 executes jobs No. 01 to 03 that make up print job PJ. However, between job No. 02 and job No. 03, processing is performed manually on medium M. Therefore, after job No. 02 is executed, medium M must be removed from the printing device 2, and after the manual processing, medium M must be loaded back into the printing device 2.

[0125] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), when the medium M is set on the platen 26 of the printing device 2, the printing device 2 executes jobs No. 01 to 02 in succession. As shown in Figure 14(a), when executing job No. 1, the printing device 2 prints a print management ID 100 and alignment marks mk along with the image on the medium M. As shown in Figure 14(b), when executing job No. 2, the printing device 2 prints a print completion ID 110 along with the image on the medium M.

[0126] Between jobs No. 01 and 02, the medium M remains set on the platen 26 of the printing device 2. If the printing device 2 is a flatbed printer, the head 24 moves in the X and Y directions relative to the platen 26 to perform printing, so the position of the medium M on the platen 26 does not change. In other words, it is unlikely that the media M will be mixed up or that the image will be misaligned between jobs No. 01 and 02. In this case, the printing device 2 can omit the process of checking the print management ID 100 and the process of adjusting the image print position when executing job No. 2.

[0127] After job No. 02 is executed, the media M is removed from the platen 26 of the printing device 2 and manually processed. When job No. 03 is executed, the media M is loaded back onto the platen 26. At this time, there is a possibility that the media M may be mixed up or may be slightly misaligned in its position on the platen 26. As shown in FIG. 14C, when executing job No. 03, the printing device 2 uses the sensor 25 to detect the print management ID 100 and print completion ID 110 printed on the media M. Similar to the embodiment, the printing device 2 can compare the identification information of the print job PJ with the job execution order based on the detection results of the sensor 25. The printing device 2 also uses the sensor 25 to detect alignment marks mk. Similar to the embodiment, the printing device 2 can adjust the print position of the image based on the detection results of the sensor 25. This reduces the possibility of the media M being mixed up or the image being misaligned. The printing device 2 also uses the sensor 25 to detect the alignment marks mk. Similar to the embodiment, the printing device 2 can adjust the print position of the image based on the detection results of the sensor 25. This reduces the possibility of the media M being mixed up or the image being misaligned. When 03 is executed, a print completion ID 110 is printed on the medium M together with the image.

[0128] Figure 15 is a diagram showing another example of printing on media M in a modified example. In the example of Figure 15, one printing device 2 performs jobs No. 01 to 02 that make up print job PJ. Figure 15 also shows a case where the printing device 2 is a vertical printer. As shown in Figure 15(a), the printing device 2 prints job No. 1 while feeding media M set on the platen 26 forward in the X direction using a feed mechanism (not shown). At this time, the printing device 2 prints a print management ID 100 and alignment marks mk on the media M along with the image.

[0129] As shown in (b) of Figure 15, after completing job No. 1, the printing device 2 uses the feeding mechanism to pull media M backward in the X direction. The printing device 2 returns media M to the same position as when job No. 1 began, and then prints job No. 2, as shown in (c) of Figure 15. This allows the printing device 2 to print job No. 2 so that it overlaps at least partially with the print area PA of job No. 1. However, pulling back media M may cause it to tilt slightly. In this case, there is a possibility of image misalignment. Therefore, as shown in (c) of Figure 15, when executing job No. 2, the printing device 2 can detect alignment marks mk with the sensor 25 and perform processing to adjust the print position of the image to be printed in job No. 2. Note that in the example of Figure 15, because the possibility of mistaking media M is low, the matching processing using the print management ID 100 can be omitted. The printing device 2 prints job No. 2 so that it overlaps at least partially with the print area PA of job No. 1. When performing step 2, a print completion ID 110 is printed on the medium M together with the image.

[0130] As described above, the printing system 1 according to the modified example has the following configuration. (11) The print data creation device 5 (print data creation unit) includes the identification information ID of the print job PJ in the print data. The printing device 2 includes a sensor 25 capable of detecting information printed on the medium M. When executing the nth job (where n is a natural number) of the print job PJ, the printing device 2 prints a print management ID 100, which records the identification information ID of the print job PJ, on the medium M along with an image based on the print content. When executing any of the (n+1)th or subsequent jobs of the print job PJ, the printing device 2 uses the sensor 25 to detect the print management ID 100 printed on the medium M. The printing device 2 performs printing if the detected print management ID 100 matches the identification information ID of the print job PJ included in the print data.

[0131] Even when all jobs of a print job PJ are executed using one printing device 2, there is a possibility that media M may be mixed up if, for example, media M is removed from the platen 26 during a job. When transferring media M between multiple printing devices 2, for example, a user may accidentally load media M into a printing device 2 that is being used for another print job. In a modified example, when an arbitrary (nth) job is printed, the printing management ID 100 is printed, and when a subsequent job (n+1th) is executed, the printing management ID 100 is detected by the sensor 25 and compared with the identification information ID of the print job PJ, thereby reducing printing errors due to media M being mixed up.

[0132] (12) When executing a job included in the print job PJ, the printing device 2 prints the print management ID 100 or the print completion ID 110 on the medium M as print completion information together with an image based on the print content.

[0133] This allows the printing progress of the print job PJ to be recorded on the media M, reducing printing errors caused by incorrect job execution order. For example, when a user resets a medium M that was removed from the printing device 2, the user can check the job execution order by checking the number of print completion IDs 110. Alternatively, the user may read the print completion IDs 110 with a barcode reader or the like to check the job execution order.

[0134] (13) The print data creation device 5 (print data creation unit) includes information regarding the execution order of jobs included in the print job PJ in the print data. When executing the jobs included in the print job PJ, the printing device 2 detects the print management ID 100 and print completion ID 110 printed on the medium M using the sensor 25. The printing device 2 can perform printing if the execution order determined from the detection result is consistent with the information regarding the execution order included in the print data.

[0135] In this way, when the printing device 2 executes a job, it uses the print management ID 100 and the print completion ID 110 to check the job execution order, which further reduces printing errors due to incorrect execution order.

[0136] (14) The printing device 2 prints alignment marks mk on the medium M when executing the nth job (where n is a natural number) in the print job PJ.

[0137] Even when all jobs in a print job PJ are executed using one printing device 2, image misalignment may occur, for example, if the medium M is removed from the platen 26 during a job or if the medium is pulled back in a vertical printer. In a modified example, alignment marks mk are printed when printing an arbitrary (nth) job, and when executing subsequent (n+1th) jobs, the user can align the images using the marks mk, for example, thereby reducing image misalignment.

[0138] (15) The printing device 2 includes a sensor 25 that can detect alignment marks (mk). When executing any of the (n+1)th and subsequent jobs in the print job PJ, the printing device 2 adjusts the printing position on the medium M based on the position information of the marks (mk) detected by the sensor 25.

[0139] By having the printing device 2 adjust the printing position of the image using the alignment marks mk, the user does not need to perform detailed alignment, thereby improving user convenience.

[0140] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, the modified examples are not limited to the embodiment, and can be combined with each other.

[0141] 1: Printing system 2 (2A, 2B, 2C): Printing device 3 (3A, 3B, 3C): User terminal (instruction book creation unit) 4: Job management device (job management unit) 5 (5A, 5B, 5C): Print data creation device (print data creation unit) 25: Sensor 33: Instruction book creation unit 41: Allocation unit 53: Correction unit 100: Print management ID 110: Print completion ID (print completion information) 331: Instruction book mk: Alignment mark

Claims

1. A printing system having at least one printing device, characterized by having: an instruction creation unit that creates instructions for printing on media in accordance with user input; a job management unit that determines the print content, which is each step of the printing process for the media, based on the instructions, and creates a print job consisting of multiple jobs to which each of the print contents is assigned; and a print data creation unit that controls the operation of the printing device to create print data for executing each of the jobs and output it to the printing device.

2. A printing system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it has a plurality of printing devices each having at least some different printing functions, and when creating the print job, the job management unit selects a printing device that will execute the print content assigned to each job based on the printing functions of each printing device.

3. A printing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when executing the nth job (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) in the print job, the printing device prints the nth job so that it overlaps at least partially with the area on the media where the n-1th job was printed.

4. A printing system as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that when executing the nth job in the print job, the printing device prints so that at least a portion of the area on the media where the n-2th job was printed or the area where the n-1th job was printed overlaps.

5. A printing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the instruction sheet includes at least one of information relating to the characteristics of the media, print quality, and print functions, and the instruction sheet creation unit outputs the instruction sheet to the job management unit together with image data to be printed on the media.

6. A printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the print data creation unit includes identification information for the print job in the print data; the printing device that is first in the printing order, which is the order in which the printing devices are used in the print job, prints the identification information for the print job on the media together with an image based on the print content when executing the job; and the printing devices that are second or later in the printing order are equipped with a sensor that can detect the information printed on the media, and when executing the job, detects the identification information printed on the media with the sensor, and performs printing if the detected identification information matches the identification information included in the print data.

7. A printing system according to claim 6, wherein the second or subsequent printing device in the printing order prints print completion information on the media together with an image based on the print content when executing the job.

8. A printing system as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the print data creation unit includes information regarding the printing order of each printing device in the print data output to each printing device, and the second or subsequent printing device in the printing order detects the print completion information printed on the media with the sensor, and performs printing if the print order determined from the detected print completion information is consistent with the information regarding the print order included in the print data.

9. A printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printing device that is first in the printing order in the print job prints alignment marks on the media.

10. A printing system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the printing device second or subsequent to the printing device in the printing order is equipped with a sensor capable of detecting the alignment mark, and adjusts the printing position on the media based on the position information of the mark detected by the sensor.

11. A printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the print data creation unit includes identification information of the print job in the print data; the printing device is equipped with a sensor capable of detecting information printed on the medium; when executing the nth job (n is a natural number) in the print job, the printing device prints the identification information of the print job on the medium together with an image based on the print content; and when executing any of the n+1th or subsequent jobs in the print job, the printing device detects the identification information printed on the medium with the sensor, and performs printing if the detected identification information of the print job matches the identification information of the print job included in the print data.

12. A printing system according to claim 11, wherein the printing device prints print completion information on the media together with an image based on the print content when executing a job included in the print job.

13. A printing system according to claim 12, wherein the print data creation unit includes information regarding the execution order of jobs included in the print job in the print data, and when the printing device executes a job included in the print job, the printing device detects the print completion information printed on the media with the sensor, and performs printing if the execution order determined from the detected print completion information is consistent with the information regarding the execution order included in the print data.

14. A printing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the printing device prints alignment marks on the media when executing the nth job (where n is a natural number) in the print job.

15. A printing system as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the printing device is equipped with a sensor capable of detecting the alignment mark, and when executing any of the jobs from the n+1th job onwards in the print job, the printing position on the media is adjusted based on the position information of the mark detected by the sensor.

16. A printing method in a printing system having at least one printing device, characterized by creating instructions for printing on media in response to user input, determining the print content, which is each step of the printing process for the media, based on the instructions, creating print jobs consisting of multiple jobs to which each of the print contents is assigned, creating print data for executing each of the jobs by controlling the operation of the printing device, and outputting the print data to the printing device.

17. A print job management device provided in a printing system having at least one printing device, characterized in that when instructions for printing on media are input, the print content, which is each step of the printing process for the media, is determined based on the instructions, a print job consisting of multiple jobs to which each of the print contents is assigned is created, and information on each of the jobs is output to a print data creation device that controls the operation of the printing device and creates print data for executing the job.

18. A print job management program for a printing system having at least one printing device, characterized in that when instructions for printing on media are input to an electronic device, the program determines the print content, which is each step of the printing process for the media, based on the instructions, creates a print job consisting of multiple jobs to which each of the print contents is assigned, and outputs information about each job to a print data creation device that controls the operation of the printing device and creates print data for executing the job.

Images