JP2006011583A - Printing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing program capable of executing suitable printing on a postal card. <P>SOLUTION: This printing program makes a print data generation device 1 execute: information input processing (S13) for making a user input prescribed information to be printed on the postal card 5; print data generation processing (S17 and S18 in Figure) for generating print data making the prescribed information inputted in the information input processing (S13) be printed on a care area 4 of the postal card 5; and data output processing (S19 in Figure) for outputting the print data generated in the print data generation processing (S17 and S18 in Figure). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing program for outputting print data.

  Conventionally, a recipient who has received a postcard regarding a change in office, etc. has had to transfer the content of the communication to the sender's old business card.

Therefore, the horizontal width is the same as the long side width of the business card, and a horizontal perforation from the left end to the right end is placed at the same length as the short side width of the business card. A postcard has been proposed in which the lower part is a printed part of a business card, and the recipient can separate it with the perforation so that it can be stored separately vertically (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).
JP 2001-121853 A

  However, in the postcards as described above, the upper part of the perforation is the printed part of the communication text, and the lower part is the printed part of the business card. Therefore, there is a restriction that the area where the address is described is limited to the upper part of the perforation. For example, when the address of the address is long, the address will be described up to the center part of the postcard, so that the appearance is deteriorated. There is. In addition, it is impossible to deal with a user who wants the address of the destination to be on the right side of the postcard and the left side to be the printed part of the business card.

  In addition, the above postcard has a horizontal perforation from the left end to the right end of the postcard, and the lower part is a printed portion of a business card. In other words, since the printed portion has an angular shape, the design is lacking, and even if the postcard is presented to a recipient (particularly a friend), it is difficult to be pleased.

  In recent years, postcards have been easily printed out with images taken with a digital camera as a commemorative photo of a child's birth or marriage. However, these postcards are printed with images and messages, as well as unnecessary recipient addresses and names after mailing, so the recipients should keep them as postcards or as photos in photo books. I often get lost.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a printing program capable of executing printing suitable for a postcard.

  In order to achieve the above object, the printing program of the present invention includes an information input step for allowing a user to input predetermined information to be printed on a postcard having a detachable card area surrounded by a cut line, and the information A computer apparatus comprising: a print data generation step for generating print data for printing the predetermined information input in the input step on the card area of the postcard; and a data output step for outputting the print data generated in the print data generation step The gist of this is to execute.

  That is, according to the printing program of the present invention, when the user inputs the predetermined information to be printed on the postcard in the information input step, the print data for printing the input predetermined information on the card area of the postcard. Is generated and output.

  For example, when a predetermined printing device is configured to execute printing based on the print data, the user may print predetermined information on the card area of the postcard with the predetermined printing device. it can.

  Accordingly, the sender can print the predetermined information on the card area of the postcard, and the recipient of the postcard can store the card area on which the predetermined information is printed separately from the postcard along the cut line. I can leave. When the predetermined information is image information such as a commemorative photo, for example, the card area on which the image information is printed functions as a photo and can be stored in a photo book. In addition, when the predetermined information is character information such as an address, name, and telephone number, the card area on which the character information is printed functions as a business card, and is a portable accessory case such as a business card case or a wallet. It can be stored in a notebook or sandwiched between notebooks.

  In this way, the sender can input predetermined information using images and characters, and can easily and appropriately print the predetermined information in the card area of the postcard with the printing device, giving consideration to the recipient. be able to. Since the recipient can easily store the card area on which the predetermined information is printed from the postcard, the recipient can save the trouble of copying the predetermined information on a notepad or an old business card, and it is not necessary after mailing. It is no longer necessary to store up to the area where the necessary destination information (postal code, address, name, etc.) is written.

  The printing program according to the present invention further includes a destination input step for allowing the user to input destination information. In the print data generation step, the destination information input in the destination input step is different from the card area. When generating print data to be printed in the area, it is possible to prevent the destination information from being printed in the card area. Therefore, the appearance of the printed card area is improved, and the value of storing the card area is improved.

  In the printing program of the present invention, in the information input step, the predetermined information is input to the card area on the front surface of the postcard and / or the card area on the back surface of the postcard, and the information input is performed in the print data generation step. In the first print data generation process for generating the first print data for printing the predetermined information input in the card area on the front side of the postcard in the step in the card area on the front side of the postcard and / or the postcard in the information input step. When executing the second print data generation process for generating the second print data for printing the predetermined information input in the card area on the back side of the post card in the card area on the back side of the post card, the card area on the front side of the post card And / or predetermined information can be printed on the card area on the back of the postcard. For example, image information such as a commemorative photo is printed as predetermined information on the card area on the front side of the postcard, and as predetermined information on the card area on the back side of the postcard, for example, a message to the recipient, the address of the sender, Character information such as name can be printed. As a result, the use of the postcard can be expanded and the design can be further improved as a whole.

  The printing program of the present invention further comprises a layout selection step that allows a user to select a layout of a postcard for printing the predetermined information. In the information input step, the predetermined information is selected in the layout selection step. When generating the print data for printing the predetermined information input in the card area of the postcard in the information input step in the card area of the postcard. The user can select the layout corresponding to the postcard to be printed in the layout selection step and print predetermined information on the card area of the postcard. That is, the sender can print predetermined information on card areas having various layouts using the printing program of the present invention, and the postcard can be used for various purposes.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a print data generation apparatus which is a computer apparatus that executes a printing program of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the print data generation device 1 sends predetermined information (a user image and characters described later) to be printed on a postcard 5 having a detachable card area 4 surrounded by a cut line 4 a to the user. Information input means (input device 6 and database management means 15 (FIG. 3) described later) to be input, and printing for generating print data for printing the predetermined information input in the information input means on the card area 4 of the postcard 5 Data generation means 17 (FIG. 3) and output means 19 (FIG. 3) as data output means for outputting the print data generated by the print data generation means 17 are provided.

  The print data generation apparatus 1 includes a printing apparatus that is a printing unit that prints a postcard 5 based on print data (first print data and / or second print data described later) generated by the print data generation unit 17. 3 is connected.

  Next, an example of the postcard 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The postcard 5 has a detachable card area 4 surrounded by a cut line 4a, and the card area 4 can be cut along the cut line 4a.

  The cut line 4a is formed by intermittent cuts (so-called perforations). For this reason, before the card area 4 is separated, the card area 4 is held so as not to be easily separated from the postcard 5, and when the card area 4 needs to be separated, the cutting line is used without using scissors or the like. The card area 4 can be easily separated along with 4a with a finger or the like.

  As shown in the figure, the card area 4 of the postcard 5 described in the present embodiment is formed in the lower part of the postcard 5 in a horizontally long rectangular shape. The layout (shape, position, number, etc.) of the card area 4 of the postcard 5 is not limited to this. Even with various layout postcards 5, layout selection processing (S 1) described later with reference to FIG. 4 is executed so that appropriate printing can be performed on the postcards 5. ing.

  Next, the print data generation apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The print data generation device 1 is an input device (for example, a keyboard or the like) as input means for inputting predetermined information (including user images and characters) and destination information (information such as a destination zip code, address, and name). A mouse 6), a control device 7 as a control means for receiving data input from the input device 6 and performing various controls, a layout selection image (FIG. 6) and a print direction selection image (FIG. 7) described later. ), A front surface input image (FIG. 8), a back surface input image (FIG. 13), and other display devices 8 as display means for displaying various images.

  The control device 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 9 that is an arithmetic device that controls various devices, a storage device 11 that stores a program for operating the device and various data, and a printing program of the present invention. It includes a memory 13 that also serves as a temporary work area.

  The CPU 9 includes a database management unit 15 for managing a database described later, a print data generation unit 17 including a first print data generation unit 23 and a second print data generation unit 25 described later, the first print data and / or Alternatively, it functions as an output means 19 for outputting the second print data and a display control means 21 for controlling the display of the display device 8.

  The database management means 15 receives data (information) input from the input device 6 and writes it into the storage device 11 and reads data stored in the storage device 11 as necessary. It has become.

  The first print data generation means 23 receives the predetermined information input to the card area 4 on the surface of the postcard 5 in a first print data generation process (S17 in FIG. 5) described later as an information input step. First print data to be printed in the card area 4 is generated. The generated first print data is output from the output means 19 and input to the printing apparatus 3.

  The printing apparatus 3 prints the postcard 5 based on the first print data output by the output means 19.

  The second print data generation means 25 receives the predetermined information input to the card area 4 on the back side of the postcard 5 in a later-described second print data generation process (S18 in FIG. 5) as an information input step. Second print data to be printed in the card area 4 is generated. The generated second print data is output from the output unit 19 and input to the printing apparatus 3 in the same manner as the first print data.

  Thus, by providing the printing apparatus 3 that prints based on the first print data and / or the second print data output by the output means 19, the user (sender) can receive predetermined information and destination information. Can be printed on postcards.

  In the storage device 11, a database for storing model number data 31, postcard image data 33, user image data 35, and character data 37 is constructed. This database is constructed by the database management means 15.

  The model number data (model numbers A01 to A12 shown in FIG. 6) 31 is identification information individually associated with each of a plurality of postcards 5 having different layouts of the card area 4, and the postcard image data 33 is The user image data 35 is data related to the postcard image corresponding to the identification information, and the user image data 35 is data related to an image, an illustration, or the like stored by the user (for example, “commemorative photo.jpg” shown in FIG. 11). Reference numeral 37 denotes font data such as the type, color, and shape of characters output to the postcard 5.

  The storage device 11 may be provided with data storage means for storing print data generated by the first print data generation means 23 or the second print data generation means 25. Then, the user may be able to read and output any print data from the data storage means. By doing so, the user can read out the print data when he / she wants to use the previously generated print data again, so that it is possible to save time and effort to create the same print data. it can.

  The postcard image data 33 is extracted from the storage device 11 in accordance with the input identification information. In this embodiment, identification information is not directly input, but a postcard image displayed as a thumbnail corresponding to model number data 31 (model number A01 to A12 shown in FIG. 6) 31 is selected and clicked (selected) The postcard image corresponding to the identification information is extracted from the storage device 11. As a result, the user of the print data generation apparatus 1 can easily select a postcard image having the same layout as the postcard 5 to be printed in the print direction selection image (FIG. 7) described later, Characters and user images can be input at the positions and shapes. Note that the user may be caused to input identification information directly, and a postcard image corresponding to the identification information may be extracted from the storage device 11.

  The print data generation apparatus 1 operates according to the print data program of the present invention and outputs print data.

  The printing program uses the information input process (S13 in FIG. 5), which is an information input step for allowing the user to input predetermined information to be printed on the postcard 5, and the predetermined information input in the input reception process. 5 is a print data generation process (S17, 18 in FIG. 5) that is a print data generation step for generating print data to be printed in the card area 4 and a data output step for outputting the print data generated by the print data generation process. A certain data output process (S19 in FIG. 5) is executed by the print data generation apparatus 1 (specifically, the CPU 9).

  Next, an example of the operation of the print data generation apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Here, “S” means a step.

  First, the CPU 9 performs a layout selection process (S1) that allows the user to select a postcard layout for printing predetermined information. In the layout selection process, a later-described layout selection image (FIG. 6) is displayed, and the user is made to select a postcard image having the same layout as the postcard 5 to be printed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the layout selection image, a plurality of postcard images with different layouts of the card area 4 are displayed as thumbnails. The card areas 4 of these postcard images are different in shape, position, number, size and the like. Model numbers A01 to A12 are assigned to the postcard images in order from the upper left. The user can select a postcard image with the same layout as the postcard 5 to be printed from among these postcard images with the pointer 73 by clicking with the mouse, and select the postcard image. It has become. In the figure, a postcard image (postcard image in the upper left in the figure) having the same layout as the postcard 5 printed by the user is selected.

  In the layout selection image, an “end” button 51 for ending this program is displayed. The buttons displayed on the image as described above function when clicked (selected) with the mouse.

  When any one of the plurality of postcard images is selected, the CPU 9 ends the layout selection process (S1) and proceeds to S2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the layout selection process (S1) is completed, the CPU 9 performs a print direction selection process that allows the user to select the print direction of the postcard 5 (S2). In the printing direction selection process, a printing direction selection image (FIG. 7) is displayed, and the printing direction of the postcard 5 selected in the layout selection process (S1) is selected.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of postcard images selected by the layout selection image are displayed in the print direction selection image. These postcard images are displayed in different directions (vertically and horizontally in the figure). The user can select a desired postcard image from these postcard images, and can print a predetermined image and destination information in the same printing direction as the selected postcard image. . In the figure, a postcard image (left postcard image shown) having the same layout as the postcard 5 printed by the user is selected.

  The “end” button 51 and the “return” button 53 for displaying the previous image (here, the layout selection image shown in FIG. 6) are displayed in the print direction selection image.

  When any of the plurality of postcard images is selected, the CPU 9 ends the printing direction selection process (S2) and proceeds to S3.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the printing direction selection process (S2) is completed, an input receiving process described later with reference to FIG. 5 is performed (S3).

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the input reception process, first, the CPU 9 first displays the front surface input image (FIG. 5) based on the layout selected in the layout selection process (S1) and the print direction selected in the print direction selection process (S2). 8) is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the front input image includes a postal code input area 55 that allows the user to input a postal code of the destination, an address input area 57 that allows the user to input the address of the destination, and the user. On the other hand, a destination information input area such as a name input area 59 for inputting the name of the destination is displayed.

  The front input image includes an “image pasting” button 61 for the user to print a desired user image on the postcard 5, and a “character input” button 63 for the user to print a desired character on the postcard 5. A “back side input” button 65 for displaying a back side input image (FIG. 13) to be described later, a “print” button 67 for the user to output print data, and a “return” button 53 that performs the same function as described above. And an “end” button 51 are displayed.

  Further, a print image display area 71 for displaying a print image is displayed on the front input image. In the illustrated print image display area 71, postcard images are displayed based on the layout selected in the layout selection process (S1) and the print direction selected in the print direction selection process (S2).

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the front surface input image (FIG. 8) is displayed (S11), the CPU 9 makes a destination as a destination input step for allowing the user to input destination information such as the postal code, address, and name of the destination. An input process is performed (S12), and an information input process (S13) for causing the user to input destination information and predetermined information to be printed on the postcard 5 is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the destination input process, the user is caused to select a destination information input area to be input with the pointer 73, and the destination information is input to the selected destination information input area with a keyboard or the like. It has become.

  FIG. 8 shows a state in which an address input area 57 is selected after a destination zip code is input to the zip code input area 55, and the address of the destination is input to the area using a keyboard or the like. Information input to the destination information input area is reflected in the print image display area 71.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the print area on the surface of the postcard 5 is divided corresponding to each destination information input area. Specifically, the print area includes a zip code print area 81 in which the zip code input in the zip code input area 55 is printed, an address print area 83 in which the address input in the address input area 57 is printed, and a name. A destination print area including a name print area 85 in which the name input in the input area 59 is printed, a stamp affix area 87 to which a stamp is affixed, an area other than these, and predetermined information (user An information print area 89 for inputting images and characters). In this embodiment, the print area on the back side of the postcard 5 is all the information print area 89.

  The stamp pasting area 87 is a printing non-permitted area set as an area where a stamp is pasted.

  The information print area 89 displayed in the print image display area 71 functions as an information input area 90 for inputting predetermined information on the print image display area 71. Thus, when the predetermined information is input to the information input area 90, the information print area 89 has the same mode (position, size, color, shape, etc.) as the predetermined information input to the information input area 90. It is supposed to be printed on. That is, at the time of printing, the postcard 5 is printed in the same manner as the print image display area 71.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the “image pasting” button 61 is selected, the user is allowed to specify a range in which the user image is to be printed in the information input area 90 with the pointer 73. In the drawing, the range to be printed is designated to protrude from the card area of the postcard. When the range is designated, a user image selection image (FIG. 11) that allows the user to select a user image is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the user refers to the displayed user image selection image (selection window), and a file (“commemorative photo.jpg” in the figure) that stores the user image from the directory of the storage device 11. ) Can be used to select the user image.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the selected user image is automatically enlarged or reduced so as to be in the designated range, and is displayed in the print image display area 71 so as to be pasted in that range.

  As described above, since the user image is specified so as to protrude from the card area 4, the predetermined information input in the information input process (S13) in the print data generation process (S17 and S18 in FIG. 5) is used. Print data to be printed so as to protrude from the card area 4 of the postcard 5 is generated. As a result, the so-called “borderless” card area 4 can be printed.

  In the figure, a state where the “back side input” button 65 is selected is shown. By selecting the “back side input” button 65, a back side input image (FIG. 13) is displayed, and predetermined information can be input also to the card area 4 on the back side of the postcard 5.

  As shown in FIG. 5, while the input receiving process (S3) is being performed, the CPU 9 determines whether or not the “end” button 51 has been operated (S14). If the “end” button 51 is operated (“YES” in S14), the program is terminated. If the “end” button 51 is not operated (“NO” in S14), the process proceeds to S15. That is, the CPU 9 monitors whether or not the “end” button 51 is operated while the front surface input image is displayed. Here, when a back side input image to be described later is displayed, it is monitored whether or not the “end” button 51 is operated while the back side input image is displayed.

  If the “end” button 51 has not been operated (“NO” in S14), the CPU 9 determines whether or not the “print” button 67 has been operated (S15). If the “print” button 67 is operated (“YES” in S15), the process proceeds to S16. If the “print” button 67 is not operated (“NO” in S15), the process proceeds to S20. That is, the CPU 9 monitors whether or not the “print” button 67 is operated while the front surface input image is displayed. When a back side input image to be described later is displayed, it is monitored whether or not the “print” button 67 is operated while the back side input image is displayed.

  When the “print” button 67 is operated (“YES” in S15), the CPU 9 determines whether or not the operated “print” button 67 is the “print” button 67 of the front surface input image (S16). . If it is the “print” button 67 for the front surface input image (“YES” in S16), the process proceeds to S17. If it is not the “print” button 67 for the front surface input image (“NO” in S16), the process proceeds to S18.

  If the operated “print” button 67 is the “print” button 67 of the front face input image (“YES” in S16), a predetermined input inputted to the card area 4 on the front face of the postcard 5 in the information input process (S13). A first print data generation process (S17) for generating first print data for printing information on the card area 4 on the front surface of the postcard 5 is performed, and the process proceeds to S19.

  The first print data generated by the first print data generation process (S17) includes destination information print data for printing the destination information input in the destination information input area in the corresponding destination print area.

  When the destination information and the predetermined information are input, the first print data generation process (S17) prints the destination information input in the destination input process (S12) in a destination print area different from the card area 4. Generate data. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the destination information from being printed in the card area 4. Therefore, the appearance of the printed card area 4 is improved, and the value of storing the card area 4 is improved.

  If the operated “print” button 67 is the “print” button 67 of the back side input image (“NO” in S16), a predetermined input that is input to the card area 4 on the back side of the postcard 5 in the information input process (S13). A second print data generation process (S18) for generating second print data for printing information on the card area 4 on the back side of the postcard 5 is performed, and the process proceeds to S19.

  When predetermined information is not input to the card area 4 of the postcard 5, the print data indicating that is included in the print data.

  When the print data is generated in the print data generation process (S17 or S18), the CPU 9 performs a data output process (S19) for outputting the generated print data. In the data output process, when the first print data is generated in the first print data generation process (S17), the first print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and printing is executed based on the first print data. In the data output process, when the second print data is generated in the second print data generation process (S18), the second print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and printing is executed based on the second print data. Let

  When the data output process (S19) ends, the CPU 9 returns to the destination input process (S12). Therefore, the user can print on the front surface of the postcard 5 with the selected information selected or printed on the back surface. Thereby, for example, first, destination information or predetermined information is printed on the front surface of the postcard 5, and character information (characters) such as a message is continuously printed on the back surface of the postcard 5 without reselecting the layout. Can do.

  Returning to the description of S15, if the “print” button 67 is not operated (“NO” in S15), the CPU 9 determines whether or not the “back input” button 65 is operated (S20). If the “back input” button 65 is operated (“YES” in S20), the process proceeds to S21. If the “back input” button 65 is not operated (“NO” in S20), the process proceeds to S22.

  When the “back side input” button 65 is operated (“YES” in S20), the CPU 9 switches the input image (S21). Specifically, for example, when the front surface input image is currently displayed, the back surface input image is displayed, and when the back surface input image is displayed, the front surface input image is displayed. Thereafter, the CPU 9 returns to the destination input process (S12).

  If the “back input” button 65 has not been operated (“NO” in S20), the CPU 9 determines whether or not the “return” button 53 has been operated (S22). If the “return” button 53 is operated (“YES” in S22), the process returns to the printing direction selection process (S2). If the “return” button 53 is not operated (“NO” in S22), The process returns to the destination input process (S12).

  As shown in FIG. 13, the back side input image includes an “image pasting” button 61, a “character input” button 63, a “return” button 53, a “print” button 67, and an “end” button 51 that perform the same functions as described above. , And a print image display area 71 and a “surface input” button 91 are displayed.

  By operating the “front side input” button 91, a front side input image is displayed, and a print image of the back side of the postcard 5 is displayed in the print image display area 71. In the figure, the “character input” button 63 is selected.

  In this way, the front input image is switched to the back input image in S21, and the process returns to the destination input processing (S12), so that the user can continue to input a predetermined image on the back of the postcard 5.

  That is, in the input receiving process (S3), predetermined information is input to the card area 4 on the front surface of the postcard 5 and / or the card area 4 on the back surface of the postcard 5. In the print data generation process (S17 and S18), the predetermined information input to the card area 4 on the front face of the postcard 5 in the information input process (S13) is printed on the card area 4 on the front face of the postcard 5. Predetermined information input to the card area 4 on the back side of the postcard 5 in the first print data generation process (S17) and / or information input process (S13) for generating print data is printed on the card area 4 on the back side of the postcard 5 The second print data generation process (S18) for generating the second print data to be executed is executed.

  Therefore, predetermined information can be printed on the card area 4 on the front surface of the postcard 5 and / or the card area 4 on the back surface of the postcard 5. For example, image information such as a commemorative photo as described above is printed as predetermined information on the card area 4 on the front side of the postcard 5, and a message to the recipient is given as predetermined information on the card area 4 on the back side of the postcard 5. Character information such as the sender's address and name can be printed. Thereby, the use of the postcard 5 can be expanded and the design of the card area 4 as a whole can be further improved.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the “character input” button 63 of the back side input image is operated, the user designates a range to be printed with the pointer 73 in the information input area 90 corresponding to the information print area 89. And input characters within that range. The user can change the font of the input character. Although not shown in the figure, characters can be similarly input to the surface of the postcard 5, and images and characters can be arranged on the same surface.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the “print” button 67 is operated, predetermined information and destination information can be printed on the postcard 5 in the same manner as the print image. When printing is performed based on the first print data, as shown in FIG. 15A, the user image is printed on the card area 4 on the front surface of the card area 4, and the destination information is printed on each destination print area. .

  When printing is performed based on the first print data, as shown in FIG. 15B, the postcard 5 with the message printed on the back surface of the card area 4 can be delivered to the destination. The recipient of the postcard can use it as a photograph, a message card with an image, or a business card by separating (cutting out) the card area 4 from the postcard 5.

  As described above, according to the printing program of the present invention, when the user inputs predetermined information to be printed on the postcard 5 in the information input process (S13), the input predetermined information is stored in the card area 4 of the postcard 5. Generate and output print data to be printed.

  Since the predetermined printing device 3 performs printing based on the print data, the user can print predetermined information on the card area 4 of the postcard with the printing device 3.

  Therefore, the sender can print the predetermined information on the card area 4 of the postcard 5, and the recipient of the postcard 5 cuts off the card area 4 on which the predetermined information is printed from the postcard 5 along the cut line. Can be stored. When the predetermined information is image information such as a commemorative photo as described above, the card area 4 on which the image information is printed functions as a photo and can be stored in a photo book. In addition, when the predetermined information is character information such as an address, name, telephone number, etc., the card area 4 on which the character information is printed functions as a business card, and is a portable accessory case such as a business card case or a wallet. It can be stored in a notebook or sandwiched between notebooks.

  In this way, the sender can input predetermined information using images and characters, and can easily and appropriately print the predetermined information on the card area 4 of the postcard 5 with the printing device 3. Can be considered. Since the recipient can easily store the card area 4 on which the predetermined information is printed from the postcard 5, the user can save the trouble of copying the predetermined information on a notepad or an old business card, and it is not necessary after mailing. It is no longer necessary to store up to the area where the necessary destination information (postal code, address, name, etc.) is written. In addition, since one postcard 5 can perform many functions in accordance with the contents of printing, it is convenient.

  In the information input process (S13), predetermined information is input to the card area 4 of the postcard 5 of the layout selected in the layout selection process (S1), and in the print data generation process (S17 and S18 in FIG. 5), Since the predetermined data input to the card area 4 of the postcard 5 in the information input process (S13) is generated to print on the card area 4 of the postcard 5, the user selects the layout selection process. In (S1), a layout corresponding to the postcard 5 to be printed is selected, and predetermined information can be printed on the card area 4 of the postcard 5. That is, the sender can print predetermined information on the card area 4 of various layouts by the printing program of the present invention, and the postcard 5 can be used for various purposes.

  In this embodiment, the postcard 5 is used alone, but a plurality of postcards may be used simultaneously. The size of the card area is not limited to a business card or card size, and any size can be adopted. The shape of the card area is not limited to a quadrangle, and an arbitrary shape such as a polygon such as a triangle or a pentagon, a circle (including an ellipse), or a cloud shape can be employed. By doing so, the use of postcards can be expanded and various sender preferences can be met.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the postcard 5 may be held on the printing paper 101. For example, a plurality of postcards 5 may be formed on a single printing paper 101 so as to be separated from each other by being surrounded by a cut line 4a. In this case, the user may be able to select the printing paper 101 as described above in the layout selection process (S1). When the printing paper 101 is selected, a predetermined image may be printed on the card area 4 of the plurality of postcards 5 held on the printing paper 101 by one printing. By doing so, a large amount of postcards 5 can be printed at a time, and the printing time of the postcards 5 can be shortened.

  Note that the printing apparatus 3 may be installed at a location away from the installation location of the print data generation apparatus 1. For example, in this case, the printing apparatus 3 receives the first print data and / or the second print data from the print data generation apparatus 1 via a communication line such as a telephone line via a network such as a LAN or the Internet. It may be connected to a possible receiving device (for example, a computer device). In this way, the first print data and / or the second print data output from the print data generation device 1 is received by the receiving device via the network and input to the printing device 3. Become.

  The program of the present invention is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to a computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card, and provided as a program product. You can also. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. The program can also be provided through a network such as a telecommunication line or a satellite communication line. The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The print data generated by the program of the present invention can be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM, ROM, RAM, and memory card. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. It can also be provided through a network such as a telecommunication line or a satellite communication line. The provided print data can be stored in a data storage unit such as a recording medium or a hard disk, and used for causing the printing apparatus to execute printing.

1 is a diagram illustrating a print data generation apparatus that executes a printing program of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the postcard which has a card | curd area | region. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a print data generation apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the print data generation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an input reception process. It is a figure which shows a layout selection image. It is a figure which shows a printing direction selection image. It is a figure which shows a surface input image. It is a figure which shows the printing area | region of a postcard. It is a figure which shows a surface input image. It is a figure which shows selection of a user image. It is a figure which shows a surface input image. It is a figure which shows a back surface input image. It is a figure which shows a back surface input image. It is a figure which shows the printed postcard. It is a figure which shows printing paper.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print data generation device 3 Printing device 4 Card area 4a Cut line 5 Postcard 6 Input device 7 Control device 8 Display device 9 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Memory | storage device 13 Memory 15 Database management means 17 Print data generation means 19 Output means 21 Display control means 23 1st print data generation means 25 2nd print data generation means 31 Model number data 33 Postcard image data 35 User image data 37 Character data 51 “End” button 53 “Back” button 55 Zip code input area 56 “Previous night version input” selection area 57 Address input area 59 Name input area 61 “Paste image” button 63 “Character input” button 65 “Back side input” button 67 “ Print button 71 Print image display area 73 Pointer 81 Zip code print area 83 Address print area 85 Name print area 87 Postage stamp area 89 Information print area 90 Information input area 91 “Surface input” button 101 Printing paper 103 Cut line

Claims (4)

An information input step for allowing a user to input predetermined information to be printed on a postcard having a detachable card area surrounded by a cut line;
A print data generation step for generating print data for printing the predetermined information input in the information input step on the card area of the postcard;
A printing program causing a computer device to execute a data output step of outputting the print data generated in the print data generation step. A destination input step for allowing the user to input destination information;
The printing program according to claim 1, wherein, in the print data generation step, print data for generating the destination information input in the destination input step in a destination print area different from the card area is generated. In the information input step, the predetermined information is input to the card area on the front side of the postcard and / or the card area on the back side of the postcard,
In the print data generation step, a first print data generation process for generating first print data for printing the predetermined information input in the card area on the front face of the postcard in the information input step on the card area on the front face of the postcard And / or performing a second print data generation process for generating second print data for printing the predetermined information input to the card area on the back side of the postcard in the card area on the back side of the postcard in the information input step. Item 3. A printing program according to item 1 or 2. A layout selection step for allowing a user to select a layout of a postcard for printing the predetermined information;
In the information input step, the predetermined information is input to a card area of a postcard of the layout selected in the layout selection step,
The print data generation step generates print data for printing the predetermined information input in the card area of the postcard in the information input step in the card area of the postcard. Printing program.

Images