JP2013065196A - Packaging support device, packaging support program, and packaging material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To print an indication line on a packaging material, the line showing a fold for packaging an article to be packaged with the packaging material.SOLUTION: A packaging support device includes: an indication line drawing section 25 for creating information for drawing indication lines, such as a fold for packaging an article by a selected packaging method, on a back surface of the packaging paper after a user selects a shape of the article, a packaging method for the article, and packaging paper, and also inputs a size of the article; a packaging paper surface drawing section 26 for creating information for drawing a design image on a front surface of the packaging paper in order to form the selected packaging paper; and a printing control section 27 for allowing the design image and the indication lines to be printed on a front surface and a back surface of a paper sheet, respectively, on the basis of the created drawing information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a packaging support device, a packaging support program, and a packaging material.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for individually printing an image selected by a purchaser on a packaging material of a purchased product or a seal material attached to the product.

  Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for providing a packaging explanatory diagram for explaining a packaging method of a product when a wrapping paper and a packaging method are selected by a user.

JP 2004-303249 A JP-A-61-55795

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to print an instruction line indicating a crease based on a shape of a packaged object and a packaging method desired by a user on the packaged material when the packaged object is packaged with the packaging material.

  The packaging support apparatus according to the present invention includes a package identification information acquisition unit that acquires package identification information that specifies the shape and size of a package to be packaged, and a packaging method identification information that identifies a packaging method. Referring to the packaging method acquisition means to be acquired and the package identification information, generate instruction information that at least indicates a fold when packaging the package with a packaging material according to the packaging method identified from the packaging method identification information An instruction information generating means, and referring to the instruction information generated by the instruction information generating means, a back surface drawing information generating means for generating back surface drawing information for drawing an instruction line printed on the back surface of the packaging material; Printing control means for controlling the printing of the instruction line on the packaging material with reference to the backside drawing information generated by the backside drawing information generating means.

  Further, the packaging material specifying information acquiring means for acquiring the packaging material specifying information for specifying the packaging material generated by printing an image on the surface, and the instruction information generated by the generating means, the packaging material Determining means for determining at least one of a printing position or a size of the image so that an image printed on the front surface of the image is printed at a position that does not overlap with the instruction line printed on the back surface of the packaging material; Surface drawing information generating means for generating surface drawing information for drawing the image to be printed on the surface of the packaging material at the position or size determined by the determining means, and the printing control means Control for printing the image on the packaging material is performed with reference to the surface drawing information generated by the surface drawing information generating means.

  In addition, the instruction information generating means generates cut information indicating a position to cut off an unnecessary portion of the packaged object as instruction information, and the back surface drawing information generating means generates a cut line printed on the back surface of the packaging material. Backside drawing information for drawing is generated, and the print control unit performs control to print the cut line on the packaging material with reference to the backside drawing information generated by the backside drawing information generation unit. .

  The packaging support program according to the present invention uses a computer to specify a packaging object specifying information acquisition means for acquiring a packaging object specifying information for specifying the shape and size of a packaged object to be packaged, and a packaging method specification for specifying a packaging method. By referring to the packaging method acquisition means for acquiring information and the package identification information, the instruction information for at least instructing the fold when packaging the package with the packaging material according to the packaging method specified from the packaging method identification information is generated. Instruction information generating means for performing backside drawing information generating means for generating backside drawing information for drawing an instruction line printed on the backside of the packaging material with reference to the instruction information generated by the instruction information generating means, This is intended to function as a print control means for performing control to print the instruction line on the packaging material with reference to the back face drawing information generated by the back face drawing information generating means.

  The packaging material according to the present invention is instruction information generated based on the shape and size of the packaged object to be packaged and the packaging method of the packaged object, and the packaging material is packaged according to the packaging method. An instruction line indicating a position to be creased is printed based on instruction information that at least specifies the position to crease.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when packaging an article to be packaged with the packaging material, an instruction line indicating a fold based on the shape of the article to be packaged and the packaging method desired by the user is printed on the packaging material. be able to.

  According to invention of Claim 2, when a to-be packaged object is packaged with the packaging material by which the image was printed on the surface, an image can be printed in the position which does not go to a crease | fold.

  According to invention of Claim 3, a cut can be printed with respect to a packaging material.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to print on the packaging material an instruction line indicating a crease when the article to be packaged is packaged with the packaging material.

  According to invention of Claim 5, when packaging a to-be-packaged object by a user, a packaging material can be folded according to a crease | fold.

1 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus which is an embodiment of a packaging support apparatus according to the present invention. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the application selection screen displayed on an operation panel in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the shape selection screen displayed on the operation panel in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the shape reading screen 1 displayed on the operation panel in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the shape reading screen 2 displayed on an operation panel in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the packaging method selection screen displayed on an operation panel in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the wrapping paper selection screen displayed on an operation panel in this Embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a print screen displayed on an operation panel in the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the completion | finish screen displayed on an operation panel in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the instruction line printed on the back surface of a wrapping paper, when a caramel packet is selected in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of the dimension list set to the dimension list table in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of the packaging method list | wrist set to the packaging method list table in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of the shape image data set to the shape image data table in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of the coordinate conversion list | wrist set to the coordinate conversion list | wrist table in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of the instruction line list | wrist set to the instruction line list table in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of the polygon list | wrist set to the polygon list table in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of the packaging method image data set to the packaging method image data table in this Embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a data structure of a paper list set up in a paper list table in this embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of the completion image data set to the completion image data table in this Embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of paper image data set in a paper image data table according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a figure showing an example of data composition of a paper coordinate list set up in a paper coordinate list table in this embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the wrapping paper printing process in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the coordinate conversion list | wrist when a caramel packet is selected in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the coordinate transformation type used in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the relationship between the coefficient (coordinate transformation matrix) contained in one record with the goods specific information, coordinate transformation list, and an output coordinate when furoshiki is selected in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of the output coordinate list set to the output coordinate list table in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the output coordinate list | wrist produced | generated when a caramel packet is selected in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the polygon list table when a caramel packet is selected in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the instruction | indication line list table when a caramel packet is selected in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the reference | standard thing when packaging with the wrapping paper in which the design image was printed as reference | standard in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the goods when it wraps with the wrapping paper in which the design image was printed as reference | standard in this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the goods when it wraps with the wrapping paper printed after the design image was image-converted in this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus which is an embodiment of a packaging support apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized by a multi-function peripheral equipped with various functions such as a scan function and a print function, and has a computer 13 built therein. 1 shows an operation panel 1, an IIT (Image Input Terminal) 2, an IOT (Image Output Terminal) 3, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 4, a network controller 5, a UI (User Interface) 6, an IIT controller 7, and an IOT controller. 8 shows a configuration in which a ROM (Read Only Memory) 9, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 are connected by an address data bus 12.

  The operation panel 1 is a form of a touch panel type user interface (UI), and functions as an input unit that receives an input by a user via a user interface component displayed on the operation panel 1, a virtual keyboard, or the like, and sends the input to the UI controller 6. At the same time, it functions as display means for displaying data of characters, figures, and images output from the UI controller 6. The UI controller 6 performs input / output control using the operation panel 1 in this way. The IIT 2 reads an image of the set object surface based on an instruction from the IIT controller 7 and outputs the read image to the IIT controller 7. IIT2 is, for example, a scanner. The IIT controller 7 controls the operation of the IIT 2 in this way. The IOT 3 prints the image data sent from the IOT controller 8 on the packaging material based on the instruction from the IOT controller 8. The IOT 3 is, for example, a printer. The IOT controller 8 controls the operation of the IOT 3 in this way. The HDD 4 is auxiliary storage means for storing data necessary for the operation of the packaging support application and data necessary for the operation of each controller, as will be described in detail later. The network controller 5 performs data communication with other devices via the network 14. The ROM 9 is a non-volatile storage means for storing software for controlling the operation of each controller and data necessary for the operation of each controller, including a packaging support application that provides characteristic processing in the present embodiment. The RAM 10 is a volatile storage unit that temporarily stores data necessary for the operation of each controller, including data necessary for the operation of the packaging support application. The CPU 11 performs overall control in the image forming apparatus including operation control of each controller. The image forming apparatus used in the present embodiment may be realized with a conventional hardware configuration.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, a measurement processing unit 21, a packaging method selection processing unit 22, a wrapping paper selection processing unit 23, a vertex coordinate calculation unit 24, an instruction line drawing unit 25, a wrapping paper surface drawing unit 26, a print control unit 27, and a packaging support control A unit 28 and an information storage unit 29 are shown. Note that components not necessary for the description of the present embodiment are not shown. The measurement processing unit 21 functions as a packaged object specifying information acquisition unit that acquires packaged object specifying information that specifies the shape and size of a packaged object to be packaged. Here, the article to be packaged is an article packaged with a packaging material. In the present embodiment, an item such as a product is described as an example of an item to be packaged, and thus the measurement processing unit 21 acquires item specifying information for specifying the shape and size of the item. The packaging method selection processing unit 22 functions as a packaging method acquisition unit that acquires packaging method specifying information for specifying a packaging method. In the present embodiment, the user is allowed to select a packaging method. The wrapping paper selection processing unit 23 functions as a wrapping material specifying information acquiring unit that acquires wrapping material specifying information for specifying a wrapping material generated by printing an image on the surface. In this embodiment, a case where a wrapping paper generated from a paper material is used as a packaging material will be described as an example. However, the packaging material is not limited to a paper material as long as it can be printed. In this embodiment, the user is allowed to select a wrapping paper. As the packaging material in the present embodiment, a sheet of a size appropriate for packaging an article is selected from blank sheets of both sides of a predetermined size set in the image forming apparatus, and the surface of the sheet is selected. Then, the wrapping paper selected by the user is generated by printing the design image.

  The vertex coordinate calculation unit 24 refers to the package identification information and generates an instruction information that at least indicates a fold when packaging the package with a packaging material according to the packaging method identified from the packaging method identification information. It functions as information generation means. The vertex coordinate calculation unit 24 in the present embodiment obtains the vertex of the fold of the wrapping paper by calculation. Furthermore, the vertex coordinate calculation unit 24 generates cut information indicating the cuts for cutting off unnecessary portions of the packaged object as instruction information. The instruction line drawing unit 25 refers to the instruction information generated by the vertex coordinate calculation unit 24 and serves as back surface drawing information generation means for generating back surface drawing information for drawing an instruction line printed on the back surface of the packaging material. Function.

  The wrapping paper surface drawing unit 26 functions as a determination unit that determines at least one of the print position and the size of the image printed on the surface of the packaging material with reference to the instruction information generated by the vertex coordinate calculation unit 24. Further, the wrapping paper surface drawing unit 26 functions as a surface drawing information generating unit that generates surface drawing information for drawing the image printed on the surface of the packaging material at the determined position or size. In this embodiment, since the position and size of the image to be printed on the surface of the wrapping paper are adjusted, the wrapping paper surface drawing unit 26 is provided as the determining means and the surface drawing information generating means. Good.

  The print control unit 27 functions as a print control unit that performs control to print the instruction line on the packaging material with reference to the back surface drawing information generated by the instruction line drawing unit 25. Further, with reference to the surface drawing information generated by the wrapping paper surface drawing unit 26, control is performed to print an image on the packaging material.

  In this embodiment, “drawing” means generating drawing information (front drawing information and backside drawing information) necessary for printing on paper, and “printing” means drawing information thereof. The IOT 3 actually prints on the paper.

  The packaging support control unit 28 operates in cooperation with the above-described components and performs overall control of processing for printing a crease or the like on the wrapping paper. The information storage unit 29 stores various data necessary for printing on the wrapping paper in advance. Further, data generated in the process of printing on the wrapping paper is held.

  Each component 21-28 in a packaging assistance apparatus is implement | achieved by cooperation operation | movement of the computer which forms a packaging assistance apparatus, and the packaging assistance program which operate | moves by CPU11 mounted in the computer. The information storage unit 29 is realized by the ROM 9 and the RAM 10. Alternatively, it may be realized by the HDD 4 or may be realized by a storage means accessible via the network 14.

  Further, the program used in this embodiment can be provided not only by communication means but also by storing it in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. The program provided from the communication means or the recording medium is installed in the computer, and various processes are realized by the CPU of the computer sequentially executing the installation program.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described. First, from the viewpoint of user action, the overall processing flow will be described using the screen display examples shown in FIGS. 3A to 3H.

  A user who wants to obtain a wrapping paper for wrapping an item operates the operation panel 1 of the image forming apparatus on which the characteristic packaging support application of the present embodiment is mounted. In response to this operation, the UI controller 6 causes the operation panel 1 to display the application selection screen shown in FIG. When the user selects a packaging support application from this screen, activation of the packaging support application is instructed.

  When the application is activated, the shape selection screen shown in FIG. On the shape selection screen, an image that can identify the shape of the product to be packaged in the present embodiment is displayed. The user selects from among these images by pressing an image of the shape of the product or a shape close to the shape. Here, it is assumed that a rectangular parallelepiped is selected.

  When the user specifies the shape of the item by the above selection operation, the shape reading screen 1 for supporting the operation of reading the shape shown in FIG. In accordance with the instructions displayed on this screen, the user places the item on the IIT 2 reading unit, specifically, the document reading table of the scanner, so that the front of the item is directed toward the user, and reads the reading button ( Press (not shown). The packaging support application acquires the vertical and horizontal (width and depth) of the product by analyzing the image obtained by this operation.

  When the reading button is pressed, the shape reading screen 2 shown in FIG. In accordance with the instruction displayed on this screen, the user places the item on the document reading table of the scanner so that the bottom surface of the item faces toward him and presses the reading button of the image forming apparatus. The packaging support application acquires the width (or depth) and height of the product by analyzing the image obtained by this operation, and thereby the dimensions (width, height and depth) of the rectangular parallelepiped product. Will get.

  Here, since a rectangular parallelepiped is selected as the shape of the item, the shape reading screen 1 and the shape reading screen 2 are displayed on the operation panel 1 to measure the item. If the user has selected another shape, one or a plurality of shape reading screens for measuring an item of that shape will be displayed on the operation panel 1.

  When the measurement of the product is completed as described above, the packaging method selection screen shown in FIG. On the packaging method selection screen, an image capable of specifying a packaging method suitable for the shape of the selected item is displayed. The user selects from these images by pressing an image corresponding to the desired packaging method. Here, it is assumed that the caramel packet is selected.

  When the user specifies the packaging method for the item by the above selection operation, the wrapping paper selection screen shown in FIG. On the wrapping paper selection screen, an image capable of specifying the wrapping paper used for wrapping the selected item is displayed. In this example, an image that can image the state in which a rectangular parallelepiped item is wrapped with each wrapping paper is displayed. Here, a so-called wrapping paper design is selected. The user selects from among the displayed images by pressing an image corresponding to the desired wrapping paper.

  As described above, when the user inputs the shape and size of an item, and further selects an item wrapping method and wrapping paper, a process for printing the wrapping paper is started by the wrapping support application. While the packaging support application is executing the process, the operation panel 1 displays the print screen shown in FIG. The user waits while the print screen is displayed, that is, until the wrapping paper is printed. When the wrapping paper is printed, the end screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the instruction line printed on the back surface of the wrapping paper by the above processing. The instruction line includes a break instruction line and a cut line. The folding instruction line is a line indicating the fold of the wrapping paper and the folding direction (mountain fold or valley fold) at each fold. In terms of showing folds, mountain folds and valley folds are not necessarily different line types, but in this embodiment, mountain folds and valley folds are represented by different line types so that the folding direction can be understood. . In the present embodiment, the folding direction is distinguished by the attribute of line type. However, for example, the folding direction may be distinguished by different attributes such as line color and thickness. Or you may make it distinguishable by attaching | subjecting a character with "mountain fold" and "valley fold".

  In addition, multiple sizes of paper are prepared in advance, and the optimal size of paper is selected as the wrapping paper. To wrap the goods to be packaged using the specified packaging method. The wrapping paper may be large, or unnecessary parts may appear in the packaging of the goods. In such a case, it is desirable to cut off that portion, but the cut-off line is a line indicating the cut-out position of the wrapping paper. In this example, caramel wrapping was selected as the packaging method. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the instruction line is printed so that an article having a width (W), a height (H), and a depth (D) can be wrapped in caramel wrapping. Note that FIG. 4 shows a wrapping paper in which the upper side and the right side of the drawing have already been cut along the cut line.

  Note that the display screens illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3H are examples of display contents and are not limited thereto. For example, in FIG. 3b, FIG. 3e, and FIG. 3f, an image is displayed so as to make it easy for the user to image, but the shape or the like may be presented as text information. In addition, the size of the item is measured using IIT2, but the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, the user may be allowed to input the size numerically.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, a wrapping paper suitable for wrapping the user's goods with the packaging method and wrapping paper desired by the user is printed. Here, various data tables stored in the information storage unit 29 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the dimension list set in the dimension list table in the present embodiment. Information related to the shape of the item is set in the dimension list table, and information specifying the size of the item obtained by the measurement is written. In the shape ID, an identifier for identifying the shape is set, and each shape ID is associated with the shape name, the number of measurements, the dimensions 1 to n, the number of packaging methods, the packaging method options 1 to 3 and the shape image ID. It has been. In the shape name, a name that can identify the shape of an item that can be handled in the present embodiment is set as character information. And the number (measurement number) which should be measured in order to recognize the magnitude | size of each shape is shown. In the dimensions 1 to n, symbols indicating locations to be measured are set. For example, in the case of a rectangular parallelepiped, it is understood that there are three places where the item is measured, which are the width (w), the height (h), and the depth (d). In addition, among the items of the dimensions 1 to n, “na”, which means that the data is not used, is set for an item for which data is not set. The same applies to a data table described later. Subsequently, the number of packaging methods (number of packaging methods) that can be selected as the packaging method of the shape and the packaging method ID for specifying the selectable packaging method are set. For example, as a method for packaging a rectangular parallelepiped product, it can be seen that three patterns having a packaging method ID of 2, 1, 0 are prepared. In the shape image ID, an identifier for identifying an image representing the shape is set.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the packaging method list set in the packaging method list table in the present embodiment. In the packaging method list table, information related to the packaging method of the goods handled in the present embodiment is set in advance. An identifier for identifying the packaging method is set in the packaging method ID, and each packaging method ID is associated with a packaging method name, a coordinate conversion list, an instruction line list, a polygon list, and a packaging method image ID. . In the packaging method name, a name capable of identifying a method capable of packaging an item in the present embodiment is set as character information. In the present embodiment, a coordinate conversion list, an instruction line list, and a polygon list are set in advance for each packaging method, but the coordinate conversion list, the instruction line list, and the polygon list include a coordinate conversion list corresponding to the packaging method. Each identifier of the instruction line list and the polygon list is set. Each table of the coordinate conversion list, the instruction line list, and the polygon list will be described later. An identifier for identifying an image representing the packaging method is set in the packaging method image ID.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the shape image data set in the shape image data table in the present embodiment. In the shape image data table, image information for specifying the shape of the item handled in the present embodiment is set in advance. In the shape image ID, an identifier for identifying image data representing each shape is set, and a shape name and an image are associated with each shape image ID. In the shape name, a name capable of identifying the shape of the item in the present embodiment is set as character information. In the image, image data for visually recognizing the shape of the item is set. The image may be set with information for specifying a storage location where the image data is stored instead of the image data.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the coordinate conversion list set in the coordinate conversion list table in the present embodiment. In the coordinate conversion list table, coefficients used for coordinate conversion of reference points represented by coordinate values are preset for each packaging method. In each coordinate conversion list, a reference point ID for identifying a reference point is set, and one or a plurality of coefficients used for coordinate conversion are set in each reference point ID. Details of the reference point and the coefficient will be described later. Further, the record with ID −1 set in the last record in the coordinate conversion list table is a terminator record indicating that valid record data is set between the head and the immediately preceding record. The same applies to the other data tables.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the instruction line list set in the instruction line list table in the present embodiment. In the instruction line list table, information about instruction lines printed on the back surface of the wrapping paper is set in advance for each packaging method. In the instruction line ID, an identifier for identifying each instruction line is set, and each instruction line ID is associated with a type, a start point vertex ID, and an end point vertex ID. In the type, one of a mountain fold (m), a valley fold (v), and a cut line (c) is set as the type of the instruction line. In the start point vertex ID and the end point vertex ID, vertex IDs for identifying the positions of both ends of the instruction line are set. Either vertex at both ends may be used as the start point or the end point. In FIG. 4, a symbol p00 starting with “p” corresponds to the vertex ID.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the polygon list set in the polygon list table in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, when an instruction line is drawn on the wrapping paper, for example, a polygon surrounded by p00, p01, p11, and p10 is formed, but the polygon list table is thus formed on the wrapping paper. Information for specifying the shape, size, and arrangement of each polygon is set for each packaging method. In the polygon ID, an identifier for identifying each polygon is set. The number of vertices and vertex coordinates ID1 to vertex coordinate IDq are associated with each polygon ID. The number of vertices is set to the number of vertices that the polygon has. In vertex coordinates ID1 to vertex coordinates IDq, vertex IDs for identifying the positions of the vertices of the polygon are set. Although details will be described later, a polygon list table to be used is determined from among a plurality of polygon list tables by determining the packaging method, and thereby the number of polygons formed on the wrapping paper is also determined. The coordinate value for specifying the size of each polygon is determined only after the size of the product is specified.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the packaging method image data set in the packaging method image data table in the present embodiment. In the packaging method image data table, image information for specifying the packaging method handled in the present embodiment is set in advance. An identifier for identifying image data representing each packaging method is set in the packaging method image ID, and a packaging method name and an image are associated with each packaging method image ID. In the packaging method name, a name that can identify the packaging method of the item in the present embodiment is set as character information. In the image, image data for visually recognizing the packaging method of the item is set. The image may be set with information for specifying a storage location where the image data is stored instead of the image data.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the paper list set in the paper list table in the present embodiment. In the paper list table, information about the wrapping paper is set in advance for each packaging method. Each paper list has a paper ID for identifying each paper, and each paper ID is associated with a packaging method ID, a drawing type, a number of dimensions, dimensions 1 to n, a completed image ID, and a paper image ID. It has been. The packaging method ID of a packaging method that can be packaged using the paper is set in the packaging method ID.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, one or a plurality of articles to be packaged (hereinafter also referred to as “reference objects”) having one or a plurality of sizes serving as a reference are assumed, and are optimal when packaging each reference object. A sheet having a large size is required in advance. The size of each sheet can be specified by the coordinate values in the sheet coordinate list table shown in FIG. Note that, as described above, the optimally sized sheets are stored in the tray of the image forming apparatus as blank sheets on both sides having a predetermined size. In the present embodiment, rectangular paper is assumed, but the present invention is not limited to this. As the number of dimensions, the number of dimensions necessary for specifying the size when the reference object is packaged is set. The dimension value is set for each of the dimensions 1 to n. For example, a paper with a paper ID of 0 is a paper with a packaging method ID of 1, that is, a paper used for caramel wrapping. When the paper is wrapped using this paper, the packaged product (hereinafter also referred to as “finished product”). In order to specify the size, it can be specified if the dimensions of three locations are known. The three locations can be identified by referring to the dimensions 1 to 3 in terms of width (w), height (h) and depth (d). I know that there is. Note that specific numerical values are set for w, h, and d. In the completed image ID, image data that is managed in the completed image data table shown in FIG. 13 and that can visually identify the product packaged with the wrapping paper on which the design image is printed, that is, the image of the completed product. A completed image ID for identifying is set. In the paper image ID, a paper image ID that is managed in the paper image data table shown in FIG. 14 and identifies image data that can visually identify the design image printed on the paper is set. The paper image corresponds to the image data in a state where the wrapping paper for wrapping the product is developed, and the completed image can be said to be the image data in the state wrapped with the wrapping paper. The drawing type does not depend on the size of the item when drawing the design image on the paper, and is “fixed” in which printing is performed with the paper image specified by the paper image ID, or the size of the item. In response to this, either “variable” for moving the design image layout or scaling is set.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of completed image data set in the completed image data table in the present embodiment. In the completed image data table, image information for specifying a product packaged with wrapping paper obtained by executing the processing in the present embodiment, that is, a completed product is set in advance. In the completed image ID, an identifier for identifying image data representing each completed product is set, and a completed product name and an image are associated with each completed image ID. In the completed product name, a name that can identify the completed product in the present embodiment is set as character information. The image is set with image data for visually recognizing the state in which the product is packaged, that is, the state of the finished product. The image may be set with information for specifying a storage location where the image data is stored instead of the image data.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the paper image data set in the paper image data table in the present embodiment. Image information for specifying a design image drawn on the surface of the wrapping paper is set in advance in the paper image data table. In the sheet image ID, an identifier for identifying image data representing each sheet image is set, and an image name and an image are associated with each sheet image ID. In the image name, a name capable of identifying the design image drawn on the paper in the present embodiment is set as character information. In the image, image data for visually recognizing an image drawn on the paper is set. The image may be set with information for specifying a storage location where the image data is stored instead of the image data.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the paper coordinate list set in the paper coordinate list table in the present embodiment. When a reference material managed in the paper list table is wrapped with wrapping paper, a crease is naturally formed in the wrapping paper, but the reference material managed in the paper list table is included in the paper coordinate list table. Information for specifying each end point of the fold formed when packaging (referred to as “vertex” in the present embodiment) is preset for each sheet-by-sheet packaging method. In the vertex ID, an identifier for identifying the vertex when the product is packaged by the packaging method using the wrapping paper is set, and coordinate information for specifying the coordinate position of the vertex corresponds to each vertex ID. It is attached. That is, in this paper coordinate list table, coordinate information of each vertex formed when the reference object is wrapped with wrapping paper is set, while in the output coordinate list table, the product requested by the user is packaged. The coordinate information of each vertex that is sometimes formed is set.

  4 will be described as an example. In the present embodiment, a two-dimensional coordinate system having an origin at an arbitrary point on the wrapping paper, for example, the lower left apex p00 of the paper is formed. Thereby, the position of each vertex formed on the wrapping paper can be specified by the coordinate value.

  The various data described above are prepared in advance by being stored in the information storage unit 29, and data is registered in the dimension list table in the course of processing. Further, an output coordinate list is generated and stored in the information storage unit 29 in the course of processing.

  Next, processing for printing wrapping paper in the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 from the viewpoint of an image forming apparatus, particularly a wrapping support application.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the user selects from the application selection screen illustrated in FIG. 3A, the packaging support application is activated and the process is started. The application selection screen illustrated in FIG. 3A is stored in the ROM 9 as display screen data prepared by the image forming apparatus. The image data of each screen shown in FIGS. 3b to 3h displayed on the operation panel 1 after the packaging support application is activated is stored in advance in the ROM 9 as display screen data prepared by the packaging support application.

  When the packaging support application is activated, the packaging support control unit 28 calls the measuring processing unit 21. The measurement processing unit 21 acquires product specifying information for specifying the shape and size of the product according to the following procedure (step 110). That is, the measurement processing unit 21 extracts the shape selection screen illustrated in FIG. 3B from the information storage unit 29 and displays it on the operation panel 1. Alternatively, it may be generated each time the shape selection screen is displayed. That is, by reading the shape name of each shape registered in the dimension list shown in FIG. 5 and further searching the shape image data shown in FIG. 7 based on the shape image ID associated with the shape. Read the corresponding shape image. Then, screen image data serving as a model of a shape selection screen is read from the information storage unit 29, and the shape selection screen shown in FIG. 3b is generated by incorporating the read shape name and shape image data into the screen image data. Display on panel 1.

  When one of the shapes is selected by the user from the shape selection screen displayed on the operation panel 1, the measurement processing unit 21 receives the selected shape. For example, since the measurement processing unit 21 knows the position of the set of shape image data and shape name incorporated in the shape selection screen, it detects the user's selection operation from the shape selection screen displayed on the operation panel 1. Thus, it may be specified which shape is selected.

  Subsequently, the measurement processing unit 21 reads out one or more shape reading screens corresponding to the shape selected by the user from the information storage unit 29 and displays them on the operation panel 1 in order. When the shape is a rectangular parallelepiped, the shape reading screens for measuring the shape shown in FIGS. 3c and 3d are sequentially displayed. How to measure the selected item is determined in advance, and the measuring method is displayed on the shape reading screen. The user places the item on the document reading table of the IIT 2 according to the instruction.

  When the read image of the product is acquired according to the user operation, the measurement processing unit 21 performs the measurement by analyzing the acquired read image. When the shape is a rectangular parallelepiped, according to the dimension list, the number of measurements is 3, and it is necessary to measure the width (w), height (h), and depth (d) set to dimensions 1-3. Recognize. Accordingly, the measurement processing unit 21 obtains the width (w), height (h), and depth (d) set to the dimensions 1 to 3 by image analysis.

  As described above, when the measurement processing unit 21 acquires the product specification information for specifying the shape and size of the product, the measurement processing unit 21 sends the product specification information to the packaging support control unit 28. When it is detected that the processing in the measurement processing unit 21 is completed due to the acquisition of the item specifying information, the packaging support control unit 28 selects the corresponding measurement item in the dimension list, specifically, the selected measurement result. Write and save in the corresponding items of shape dimensions 1-n. Subsequently, the packaging support control unit 28 calls the packaging method selection processing unit 22 using the shape of the product as an argument. Specifically, the packaging support control unit 28 extracts the shape ID from the dimension list table as an argument based on the item specifying information, and sends it to the packaging method selection processing unit 22.

  The packaging method selection processing unit 22 acquires packaging method specifying information for specifying a packaging method according to the following procedure (step 120). That is, the packaging method selection processing unit 22 specifies the packaging method associated with the shape by referring to the dimension list table based on the sent shape ID. For example, when the shape is a rectangular parallelepiped, by referring to the number of packaging methods associated with the shape ID received from the packaging support control unit 28, it is recognized that there are three types of packaging methods suitable for the shape. The packaging method ID for identifying the packaging method is read from the packaging method options 1 to 3. When the shape is a rectangular parallelepiped, packaging method IDs 2, 1, 0 are read out from packaging method options 1 to 3. The packaging method selection processing unit 22 reads the packaging method image ID corresponding to each of the read packaging method IDs from the packaging method list table shown in FIG. 6, and the packaging method image ID corresponding to each of the read packaging method image IDs. The name and image data of the packaging method are read from the packaging method image data shown in FIG. Then, the screen image data serving as a template for the packaging method selection screen is read from the information storage unit 29, and the packaging method name and the packaging method image data thus read are incorporated into the screen image data, and the packaging method selection screen shown in FIG. Is displayed on the operation panel 1.

  When any packaging method is selected by the user from the packaging method selection screen displayed on the operation panel 1, the packaging method selection processing unit 22 specifies the selected packaging method. This may be basically processed in the same manner as the measurement processing unit 21. That is, it may be possible to specify which packaging method is selected by detecting a user's selection operation from the packaging method selection screen displayed on the operation panel 1.

  When the packaging method specifying information for specifying the packaging method selected by the user is acquired, the packaging method selection processing unit 22 supplies the packaging method specifying information, specifically, the packaging method ID of the selected packaging method, to the packaging support control unit. Send to 28. When it is detected that the processing in the packaging method selection processing unit 22 is completed by acquiring the packaging method specifying information, the packaging support control unit 28 refers to the packaging method ID and the paper list table of the packaging method selected by the user. (Paper list storage location information) is sent to the wrapping paper selection processing unit 23.

  The wrapping paper selection processing unit 23 acquires wrapping paper specifying information for specifying the wrapping paper in the following procedure (step 130). That is, the wrapping paper selection processing unit 23 extracts the record in which the sent wrapping method ID is set from the paper list table shown in FIG. 12 specified from the storage location information of the paper list. For example, if the user has selected caramel wrapping (wrapping method ID = 1), records with paper IDs 0, 1, and 2 are extracted. The name of the corresponding completed image and the completed image are read out from the completed image data table shown in FIG. 13 with reference to the extracted completed image ID of each record. Then, the screen image data serving as a template for the wrapping paper selection screen is read from the information storage unit 29, and the name of the wrapping paper and the wrapping paper image data are incorporated into this screen image data, and the wrapping paper selection screen shown in FIG. Is displayed on the operation panel 1.

  When any wrapping paper is selected by the user from the wrapping paper selection screen displayed on the operation panel 1, the wrapping paper selection processing unit 23 specifies the selected wrapping paper. This may be basically processed in the same manner as the measurement processing unit 21. That is, by detecting a user's selection operation from the wrapping paper selection screen displayed on the operation panel 1, it may be specified which wrapping paper has been selected.

  When the paper ID is acquired as the wrapping paper specifying information for specifying the wrapping paper by the selection operation by the user, the wrapping paper selection processing unit 23 sends the paper ID to the packaging support control unit 28. When it is detected that the processing in the wrapping paper selection processing unit 23 is completed by acquiring the paper ID, the wrapping support control unit 28 displays the print screen shown in FIG. The user waits until printing is completed.

  The shape ID, the packaging method ID, and the paper ID are specified by the above selection operation by the user, but in parallel with the display of the print screen on the operation panel 1, the record specified from the shape ID included in the dimension list Reference (storage location information of the record in the dimension list), reference to the coordinate conversion list (storage location information of the coordinate conversion list) included in the record specified from the packaging method ID, and the paper list The reference of the record specified from the sheet ID (the storage location information of the record in the sheet list) is sent to the vertex coordinate calculation unit 24.

  In this embodiment, an article having a shape designated by the user is packaged by a packaging method selected by the user with a wrapping paper selected by the user. One of the features is printing on the back side of paper. The vertex coordinate calculation unit 24 specifies the drawing position of the instruction line to be printed on the back surface of the wrapping paper by generating the output coordinate list as one of the instruction information (step 140). This is performed according to the following procedure, but before that, the coordinate conversion list shown in FIG. 8 will be described in detail.

  As described above, the coordinate conversion list is set for each packaging method. FIG. 8 shows an example of the coordinate conversion list, but FIG. 17 shows an example of the coordinate conversion list table particularly when the packaging method shown in FIG. 4 is caramel. Here, apexes such as p11 located at the intersections of a plurality of folding instruction lines and end points such as p02 located at the intersections of the paper peripheral edge or the cut line and the folding instruction lines are the end points of the folds. Are collectively referred to as “vertex” in the present embodiment. This vertex is represented by coordinate values. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a coordinate system having the origin at the lower left vertex p00 of the paper is formed.

  Once the shape of the item and the packaging method are specified, the number of vertices can be specified regardless of the size of the item. For example, whether the product is a rectangular parallelepiped with widths, heights and depths of 30, 40, 50 or 15, 52, 33, the number of vertices is the same if the packaging method is the same. It should be. In other words, the coordinate values of some vertices may differ depending on the size of the product, but the number of vertices will be the same if they have the same shape and the same packaging method.

  That is, when the shape and packaging method are determined, the number of vertices is also determined to be n, and the coordinate values of the respective vertices may be determined according to the size of the product. Therefore, a reference size, for example, a reference width, height, and depth is determined in advance in the coordinate conversion list. For example, the width, height, and depth are all set to 50. The item having the reference size is referred to as a “reference item” as described above. The apex of the reference object is particularly referred to as a “reference point”. In the present embodiment, the coordinate value of the reference point in this reference object is subjected to coordinate conversion in accordance with the size of the item to be packaged, thereby obtaining the vertex coordinates of the item to be packaged. For this reason, the coefficient for calculating the coordinate value of each vertex of an article by performing coordinate conversion is set in the coordinate conversion list. And the calculation formula using this coefficient is shown in FIG. In Furoshiki, the coefficient (coordinate transformation matrix), product identification information (width (W), height (H), depth (D)) and output coordinates (X , Y) is shown in FIG. Wx is a coefficient for converting the X coordinate value of the width, wy is a coefficient for converting the Y coordinate value of the width, hx is a coefficient for converting the X coordinate value of the height, and hy is the height A coefficient for converting the Y coordinate value, dx is a coefficient for converting the X coordinate value of the depth, and dy is a coefficient for converting the Y coordinate value of the depth.

  For example, as a result of measuring the item to be packaged, it is assumed that the width, height, and depth of the item are 40, 55, and 50, respectively. Then, each vertex of the product is 0.8 times wider, 1.1 times higher, and 1.0 times deeper than the reference product. That is, the calculation formula shown in FIG. 18 can be obtained by multiplying the coordinate value of each reference point of the reference object by 0.8 times for the width, 1.1 times for the height, and 1.0 times for the depth. Each vertex coordinate of the item to be packaged is determined. As described above, the coefficients (wx, hx, dx, wy, hy, dy) used when converting the reference point coordinates of the reference object into the respective vertex coordinates of the item to be packaged using the calculation example illustrated in FIG. Is set in the coordinate conversion list.

  Therefore, the vertex coordinate calculation unit 24 calculates each coefficient from 1 to n as the reference point ID obtained from the number of measurement values specified by the number of measurements out of the dimensions 1 to n in the dimension list and the coordinate conversion list. By substituting into the calculation formula shown in FIG. 18, the coordinate values of the vertices 1 to n of the items to be packaged are calculated, and an output coordinate list is generated by collecting the coordinate values. An example of the data structure of the output coordinate list registered in the output coordinate list table is shown in FIG. Note that the paper coordinate list shown in FIG. 15 is the vertex coordinate values of the reference product, whereas the output coordinate list shown in FIG. 20 is the vertex coordinate values of the product to be packaged.

  As described above, the vertex coordinates of the item to be packaged are calculated to generate the output coordinate list. FIG. 21 shows an output coordinate list generated in the case of the caramel wrap shown in FIG. 4 when the width is 100 mm, the height is 50 mm, and the depth is 80 mm. Thus, the coordinate values of the vertices (vertex ID = p00, p01, p02,...) Corresponding to the reference points (reference point ID = 0, 1, 2,...) Are determined by calculation. .

  When the coordinate value of each vertex is obtained, the shape and size of each polygon managed by the polygon list table shown in FIG. 10 are determined. FIG. 22 shows an example of a polygon list table generated corresponding to the wrapping paper in the case of the caramel wrap shown in FIG.

  The packaging support control unit 28 is notified of the above processing by sending an output coordinate list or the like. When the processing in the vertex coordinate calculation unit 24 is finished, the packaging support control unit 28 sends a storage destination of information necessary for processing such as reference (storage destination information) of the output coordinate list table, polygon list table, and instruction line list table. Then, the instruction line drawing unit 25 is called.

  Subsequently, the instruction line drawing unit 25 draws an instruction line with reference to the output coordinate list (step 150). Since the coordinate value of each vertex can be recognized from the output coordinate list, the start point vertex ID and the end point vertex ID of each instruction line ID set in the instruction line list table shown in FIG. Just go. Further, by referring to the type of the instruction line list table, each fold may be drawn so that the type of whether the fold is a mountain fold, a valley fold, or a cut line is known. For example, according to the example of the instruction line list shown in FIG. 9, in the record of the instruction line ID = 0 in the instruction line list, a fold is made between the vertex having the vertex ID 0 and the vertex having the vertex ID 1 (m). Since it is supposed to be drawn, it is drawn with a dashed line indicating a mountain fold (m). In the example of the instruction line list illustrated in FIG. 9, the instruction line drawing unit 25 indicates that m instruction lines are to be drawn. In this way, the instruction line drawing unit 25 refers to the output coordinate list and the instruction line list as instruction information, and generates back side drawing information to be printed on the back side of the sheet as illustrated in FIG. An example of the instruction line list table corresponding to the wrapping paper in the case of the caramel wrap shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG.

  When the above process ends, the instruction line drawing unit 25 notifies the packaging support control unit 28 of the end of the process by sending back surface drawing information or the like. When the process in the instruction line drawing unit 25 is finished, the packaging support control unit 28 sends a storage destination of information necessary for processing such as reference (storage destination information) of the output coordinate list table and the polygon list table, thereby drawing on the wrapping paper surface. Call unit 26.

  The wrapping paper surface drawing unit 26 determines and draws the size and arrangement of the design image to be printed on the surface of the paper as follows (step 160).

  In the paper list table, information related to the optimal paper for packaging the reference material whose size is specified by the dimensions 1 to n is registered, and the design image specified by the paper image ID is printed on this paper. Thus, packaging such as a completed product specified by the completed image ID is realized. The optimum paper size managed by this paper list and packaging the reference material will be referred to as “reference size”.

On the other hand, the size of the sheet necessary for packaging the item to be packaged is specified by obtaining the output coordinate list in step 140. That is, since the peripheral edge of the paper can be specified from the coordinate values of each vertex included in the output coordinate list, the necessary paper size is recognized. The size of the paper necessary for packaging the product to be packaged is referred to as “necessary size”.
The print control unit 27 selects a sheet having a size closest to the required size from among sheets that can be output from the IOT 3 as a sheet used for packaging the item.
The wrapping paper surface drawing unit 26 refers to the information regarding the paper in the paper list selected by the user in step 130 at the time of wrapping paper surface drawing.

  By the way, the vertex coordinates when packaging the item are registered in the output coordinate list. On the other hand, the vertex coordinates when the reference object is packaged with the selected paper are registered in the paper coordinate list. Since the packaging method is the same, the number of vertices set in each of the output coordinate list and the paper coordinate list should match. The paper image specified from the paper image ID included in the selected record is generated in a size that is drawn on a reference-size paper that wraps the reference object. Accordingly, the wrapping paper surface drawing unit 26 associates corresponding vertices in the paper coordinate list and the output coordinate list, and draws a paper image on the paper accordingly. If the required size matches the reference size, the paper image can be drawn as it is on the paper. However, if the required size is smaller than the reference size, such as when a cut line is drawn, the paper image The image is reduced and mapped onto the paper. For example, if an image for wrapping a reference object having a width, height, and depth of 50 cm is 50, 50, and 45 cm in width, height, and depth, respectively, the image is reduced by 10% in the depth direction on the paper. Is mapped. Since the most recent paper is selected from the paper list, the reduction ratio should not be a large value.

  By the way, there is no problem if the vertical and horizontal scaling ratios are the same, but the vertical and horizontal ratios may be greatly different due to the large vertical and horizontal scaling ratios. That is, the circular design image is greatly reduced in only one direction to become an ellipse. If you have a geometric pattern, you may not be bothered by much, but if you are a famous character's face image, the face will be crushed, so you might want to avoid this kind of image printing. In this way, in order to prevent the design image from being reduced, such as when there is a difference between the vertical and horizontal reduction ratios equal to or greater than the threshold, the drawing type of the paper list may be set to “fixed”.

  Moreover, even if the required size and the reference size are approximately the same size, the ratio of width, height, and depth may differ greatly. In this case, for example, there is a possibility that the face image shown in FIG. 14 that should be printed only on the upper surface of the package (FIG. 24a) may overlap with the crease (FIG. 24b). In other words, there is a possibility that printing is performed across two sides.

  Since the design image is printed on the front surface of the wrapping paper and the instruction line such as a fold is printed on the back surface of the wrapping paper, strictly speaking, the design image and the instruction line are not overlapped. The term “overlap” here means that the coordinates overlap. When the design image is drawn at the position where the folding instruction line is drawn, the design image will come to a position across two sides when actually wrapped.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a polygon list is generated and a design image is mapped for each polygon. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 24C, the image is not printed across a plurality of surfaces. That is, it can be said that the image printed on the front surface of the wrapping paper is printed at a position that does not overlap with the instruction line printed on the back surface of the packaging material.

  For example, when packaging the “train” illustrated in FIG. 13, when packaging an item of a standard size of 10 × 10 × 30, the image of the front of the train is the front of the item, and the images of the doors and windows are the items. A paper image is positioned to be printed on the side. If this is mapped for each polygon as described above, the door image does not wrap around and is printed on the front of the train.

  In addition, the design image may not be printed across two sides by simply reducing the design image. As described above, the wrapping paper surface drawing unit 26 according to the present embodiment allows the image printed on the front surface of the wrapping paper to be printed at a position that does not overlap the instruction line printed on the back surface of the packaging material. A design image is drawn by adjusting at least one of the printing position and size.

  When the drawing position of the design image to be printed on the surface of the paper by the packaging paper drawing unit 26 is specified, the packaging support control unit 28 specifies the drawing position of the instruction line specified by the instruction line drawing unit 25 and the packaging paper drawing unit 26. A print instruction is issued by sending the drawing position of the design image to the print control unit 27. In response to this, the print control unit 27 prints the design image on the front surface of the designated paper and prints the instruction line on the back surface of the paper (step 170).

  According to the present embodiment, as described above, the wrapping paper for wrapping the item is printed by the packaging method selected by the user. The back surface of the wrapping paper is generated based on the output coordinate list calculated by the vertex coordinate calculation unit 24 based on the shape and size of the packaged object to be packaged and the packaging method of the selected packaged object. An instruction line indicating a crease position is printed based on the backside drawing information. Therefore, if a cut line is printed on the instruction line, the user cuts the wrapping paper according to the cut line, and wraps the product by the direction indicated according to the crease, that is, the mountain fold or the valley fold.

  1 Operation panel, 2 IIT, 3 IOT, 4 HDD, 5 Network controller, 6 UI controller, 7 IIT controller, 8 IOT controller, 9 ROM, 10 RAM, 11 CPU, 12 Address data bus, 13 Computer, 14 Network, 21 Measuring processing unit, 22 Packaging method selection processing unit, 23 Wrapping paper selection processing unit, 24 Vertex coordinate calculation unit, 25 Instruction line drawing unit, 26 Wrapping paper surface drawing unit, 27 Print control unit, 28 Packaging support control unit, 29 Information storage Department.

Claims (5)

Packaged object specifying information acquisition means for acquiring packaged object specifying information for specifying the shape and size of the packaged object to be packaged;
Packaging method acquisition means for acquiring packaging method specifying information for specifying a packaging method;
An instruction information generating means for generating instruction information for instructing at least a fold when packaging an article to be packaged with a packaging material in accordance with the packaging method specified from the packaging method specifying information with reference to the package specifying information;
With reference to the instruction information generated by the instruction information generating means, back surface drawing information generating means for generating back surface drawing information for drawing an instruction line printed on the back surface of the packaging material;
Print control means for performing control to print the instruction line on the packaging material with reference to the back face drawing information generated by the back face drawing information generating means;
A packaging support device comprising: Packaging material specifying information acquiring means for acquiring packaging material specifying information for specifying a packaging material generated by printing an image on the surface;
With reference to the instruction information generated by the generating means, the image printed on the front surface of the packaging material is printed at a position that does not overlap in coordinates with the instruction line printed on the back surface of the packaging material. Determining means for determining at least one of the printing position or size;
Surface drawing information generating means for generating surface drawing information for drawing the image printed on the surface of the packaging material at the position or size determined by the determining means;
Have
The packaging support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing control unit performs control to print the image on a packaging material with reference to the surface drawing information generated by the surface drawing information generation unit. The instruction information generating means generates, as instruction information, cut information indicating a position where a portion unnecessary for packaging of a packaged item is cut off,
The back surface drawing information generating means generates back surface drawing information for drawing a cut line printed on the back surface of the packaging material,
The packaging support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing control unit performs a control of printing a cut line on a packaging material with reference to the back surface drawing information generated by the back surface drawing information generation unit. Computer
To-be-packaged object information acquisition means for acquiring to-be-packaged object information for specifying the shape and size of the object to be packaged,
Packaging method acquisition means for acquiring packaging method specifying information for specifying a packaging method,
Instruction information generating means for generating instruction information that at least indicates a fold when packaging an article to be packaged with a packaging material in accordance with the packaging method specified from the packaging method specifying information with reference to the package specifying information;
Backside drawing information generating means for generating backside drawing information for drawing an instruction line printed on the backside of the packaging material with reference to the instruction information generated by the instruction information generating means;
Print control means for performing control to print the instruction line on the packaging material with reference to the back face drawing information generated by the back face drawing information generating means;
Packing support program to function as.   Instruction information generated based on the shape and size of the packaged object to be packaged and the packaging method of the packaged object, and at least the position to crease when packaging the packaged object according to the packaging method A packaging material, wherein an instruction line indicating a position to crease is printed based on the instruction information to be printed.

Images