JP2019012512A - Printing data generator, printing system having the same, and computer program for generating printing data - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printing data generator that can generate printing data including information on printing which is possible at one time.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a printing data generator 60, which includes: a pallet matching unit 66d for matching the respective pallet information of a first order and a second order and determining whether the pallet information includes the common pallet information; and a surface matching unit 66e for matching the respective information of the printing surface of first order and the second order and determining whether the printing surfaces are the same printing surface; and a main generation unit 66 for generating one piece of printing data from the first order and the second order if the pallet matching unit 66d determined that the common pallet information is included and the surface matching unit 66e determined that the printing surfaces are the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to a print data generation apparatus, a printing system including the same, and a computer program for generating print data.

  Conventionally, a so-called flat bed type recording apparatus is known as a recording apparatus that performs printing on a three-dimensionally shaped printed material. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mounting jig (hereinafter referred to as “pallet”) including a plurality of arrangement holes on which a three-dimensional printed material is mounted, and a table on which the pallet is mounted and moves in the sub-scanning direction. And an ink head that moves in the main scanning direction and ejects ink toward the printing material. By using a pallet at the time of printing, it becomes difficult for the positions of a plurality of printing objects to shift, and it is possible to perform printing efficiently by combining them.

JP 2007-136664 A

  In recent years, the recording apparatus has been rapidly spread, for example, for installation in retail stores. Along with this, for example, mobile phone retailers and consumer electronics mass retailers are expanding the value-added printing services that take advantage of the immediacy and diversity of printing. In such a service, for example, a customer first orders printing by specifying data to be printed or an image to be printed. A store operator (hereinafter referred to as “user”) prints a desired image on the surface of the substrate, for example, a surface of a mobile phone case, an electronic cigarette, a photo frame, or the like.

  Here, in order to process a plurality of order prints from customers in a short time, it is preferable to print as many orders as possible at once. However, the contents of order printing vary depending on the customer. For example, since the type of printing material and the type of ink used for printing are different, it may not be possible to print all at once. Therefore, when a plurality of orders are entered, the user has to compare the contents one by one and determine whether or not they can be printed together. As a result, the time required to actually start printing has increased, and the work efficiency has been reduced. Accordingly, there has been a demand from the user to centrally manage the contents of customer order prints and easily create print data that summarizes a plurality of order prints that can be printed at once.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that a print data generation apparatus that generates print data including print information that can be printed at once, a print system including the print data generation apparatus, and a print are provided. It is to provide a computer program for data generation.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a pallet having an arrangement hole on which a substrate having a front surface and a back surface is disposed, a support member on which the pallet is placed, and an ink head that ejects ink toward the support member. Print data used in the recording apparatus, and the following information: usable pallet information; printed surface information on whether the printed surface of the printed material is the front surface or the back surface; and the printed material There is provided a print data generation device for generating the print data from an order having information on an image to be printed on; print setting information for controlling the recording device. The print data generation apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of the orders including a first order and a second order, a main generation unit that generates the print data from the order information, and the generated An output unit configured to output the image information and the print setting information included in the print data to the recording apparatus; The main generation unit is configured to collate the pallet information with respect to the first order and the second order, and determine whether or not the common pallet information is included. A pallet collation unit, and a surface collation unit configured to collate information on the print surface with each other and determine whether the print surfaces are the same for the first order and the second order. And the pallet collation unit determines that the pallet collation unit includes the common pallet information, and the surface collation unit determines that the print surface is the same, and the first order and the second order Are determined to be printable at one time, and the first order and the second order are combined to generate one piece of print data.

  In the print data generating apparatus, when printing a plurality of order prints, one or two or more print data in which the contents of the order prints that can be printed at once are automatically created. Therefore, the user does not have the trouble of determining which order and which order can be printed together by comparing the contents of the order printing when receiving orders for a plurality of order printings. Therefore, even when a large number of order printing requests are received, actual printing can be started quickly, and the work efficiency can be improved. In addition, the burden on the user can be reduced.

  A printing system according to the present invention includes the print data generation device and the recording device. According to this printing system, business efficiency can be improved.

  A computer program according to the present invention is configured to cause a computer to operate as the print data generation apparatus.

  According to the present invention, one or two or more pieces of print data including printing information that can be printed at a time can be generated, and the print setting of the recording apparatus can be easily performed.

1 is a perspective view of a printing system according to an embodiment. 1 is a front view of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a top view of the printing area which concerns on one Embodiment. It is the elements on larger scale of the carriage concerning one embodiment. It is a top view which shows the pallet which was mounted on the table and accommodated several to-be-printed material. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print data generation apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is an example of the flowchart which showed the first half of the procedure which sets a printing pattern. It is an example of the flowchart which showed the second half of the procedure which sets a printing pattern. It is an example of the flowchart which showed the procedure which produces | generates the print data which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an example of an order list. In the examples, no. It is image data included in each order of 1-9. It is an order list and preview screen of Example 1. It is an order list and preview screen of Example 2. It is an order list and preview screen of Example 3. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the print data generation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of a product model. It is the elements on larger scale of the to-be-printed material accommodated in the pallet. It is an example of the flowchart which showed the procedure which produces | generates the print data which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a preview screen of Example 11. It is a preview screen of Example 12.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, members / parts having the same action are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printing system 100. The printing system 100 includes a recording device 10 and a print data generation device 50 (see FIG. 6 for details). The recording apparatus 10 and the print data generation apparatus 50 are connected so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly. The print data generation device 50 is configured to generate print data used in the recording device 10. The printing system 100 uses the recording device 10 and, according to the print data sent from the print data generation device 50, one or more printed materials 70 (see FIG. 5) housed in a pallet 80 (see FIG. 5). (See FIG. 4).

  In the following description, left, right, top, and bottom mean left, right, top, and bottom viewed from a user in front of the recording apparatus 10, respectively. Further, the direction approaching the user from the recording apparatus 10 is defined as the front side, and the direction away from the recording apparatus 10 is defined as the rear side. Reference numerals F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower, respectively. In the drawings, symbols X, Y, and Z represent the left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction, respectively. However, this is only a direction for convenience of explanation, and does not limit the installation form of the printer 10 at all.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the recording apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the print area 16 of the recording apparatus 10. The recording apparatus 10 is an ink jet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer”) that performs printing on the substrate 70. In this specification, “inkjet printer” refers to a printing method using a conventionally known inkjet technique, for example, a continuous method such as a binary deflection method or a continuous deflection method, a thermal method, or a piezoelectric element method. This refers to all printers that use the demand method.

  The printer 10 is formed in a box shape. The printer 10 includes a casing 12 having an opening 11 and a front cover 13 that covers the opening 11 so as to be freely opened and closed. The front cover 13 is supported by the casing 12 so as to be rotatable about the rear end. By opening the front cover 13 upward with the rear end of the front cover 13 as an axis, the internal space and the external space of the casing 12 are communicated. The front cover 13 is provided with a window portion 14. The window portion 14 is made of a transparent material. The user can check the internal space of the casing 12 through the window portion 14 even when the front cover 13 is closed.

  The internal space of the casing 12 is divided into a printing area 16 and a control area 17 by a partition member 15. The print area 16 is a space located on the left side of the partition member 15. The control area 17 is a space located on the right side of the partition member 15. A control device 30 is provided in the control area 17.

  A guide rail 18 is disposed above the printing area 16. The guide rail 18 is fixed to the casing 12 and extends in the left-right direction X. A carriage 19 is slidably provided on the guide rail 18. The carriage 19 reciprocates in the left-right direction X along the guide rail 18 by a carriage moving mechanism (not shown). The carriage moving mechanism (not shown) includes a pair of pulleys (not shown) disposed at the right end and the left end of the guide rail 18, an endless belt (not shown), and a carriage motor (not shown). It has. The carriage 19 is fixed to a belt wound around a pair of pulleys. A carriage motor is connected to one pulley. The carriage motor is electrically connected to the control device 30 and is controlled by the control device 30. When the carriage motor is driven, the pulley rotates and the belt runs. As a result, the carriage 19 moves in the left-right direction X along the guide rail 18.

  FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the carriage 19. The carriage 19 includes seven ink heads 23 and two ultraviolet lamps 24. The ink head 23 is for ejecting a plurality of types of ink onto the substrate 70. The ink heads 23 are arranged in the left-right direction X and are arranged in an in-line arrangement. The ink head 23 is communicated with the ink cartridges 21 and 22 through flexible ink tubes (not shown).

  Each of the ink cartridges 21 and 22 stores ultraviolet curable ink. The ultraviolet curable ink typically contains a polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator. The ink cartridge 21 stores process color inks (CMYK) of cyan ink (C), magenta ink (M), yellow ink (Y), and black ink (K), respectively. Process color ink is ink used for image formation. The ink cartridges 22 store spot inks such as primer ink (Pr), white ink (Wh), and coating ink (coat), respectively. The ink stored in the ink cartridge 22 differs from the process color ink stored in the ink cartridge 21 in color, usage, and the like. In the present specification, “spot color ink” refers to all inks having different colors and / or characteristics from process color inks. In this specification, “plural types of ink” means at least two types of ink selected from among a plurality of process color inks (CMYK) and a plurality of special color inks (Pr, Wh, coat, etc.) having different colors. General. In particular, the ink generally includes a plurality of process color inks (CMYK) having different colors and at least one special color ink.

  For example, the primer ink (Pr) is pre-treatment ink for improving the ink placement on the printing material 70 when printing on the printing material 70 having high ink repellency. The primer ink is an ink used for forming a base before printing the process color ink or the special color ink other than the primer ink on the substrate 70. Primer inks are typically transparent. In addition to image formation, the white ink (Wh) is an ink used for forming a base layer for improving the color developability of the process color ink, for example, when the printing material 70 is transparent or black. The coating ink is an ink for surface processing. The coating ink is an ink used for surface finishing after printing an image using, for example, process color ink or white ink. The coating ink is typically transparent. The coating ink can have a glossy glossy surface finish (Gcoat) and a non-glossy matte surface finish (Mcoat) depending on, for example, the number of ink ejections and the irradiation timing of the ultraviolet lamp 24. .

  In the present embodiment, the printer 10 includes the four ink cartridges 21 and the three ink cartridges 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The printer 10 may not include the ink cartridge 22. In addition, the number of ink cartridges 21 and 22 may be independently one, two, two, three, or four, There may be five or more. For example, the ink cartridge 22 may not include white ink and / or primer ink and / or coating ink.

  The ultraviolet lamp 24 is for irradiating the printing material 70 with ultraviolet rays for curing the ink. One ultraviolet lamp 24 is arranged at each of the left and right ends of the ink head 23. The ultraviolet lamp 24 is aligned with the ink head 23 in the left-right direction X. The ultraviolet lamp 24 has an ultraviolet wavelength capable of curing the ink. The ultraviolet lamp 24 may be, for example, an LED, a fluorescent lamp (low pressure mercury lamp), or a high pressure mercury lamp. The number of the ultraviolet lamps 24 is two here, but may be one, or may be three or more. The ultraviolet lamp 24 may be mounted on, for example, a carriage different from the ink head 23 or may be provided on the wall surface of the casing 12.

  The printer 10 is a so-called flat bed type printer. A table 25 is disposed below the carriage 19. The table 25 is an example of a support member. The table 25 is a table that supports the substrate 70.

  The table 25 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction Y by the first table moving mechanism 26. The table 25 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction Z by the second table moving mechanism 27. The first table moving mechanism 26 is an example of a moving device that moves the table 25 relative to the ink head 23 in the scanning direction.

  The first table moving mechanism 26 includes slide rails 26a and 26b, a conveying member 26c, and a motor for moving back and forth (not shown). The slide rails 26a and 26b extend in the front-rear direction Y. The slide rails 26a and 26b are arranged in parallel. The conveying member 26c is provided to be slidable with respect to the slide rails 26a and 26b. A table 25 is supported above the transport member 26c via another member. The forward / backward movement motor is electrically connected to the control device 30 and is controlled by the control device 30. When the forward / backward movement motor is driven, the transport member 26c moves along the slide rails 26a and 26b. Thereby, the table 25 moves in the front-rear direction Y. In the present embodiment, one direction in the front-rear direction Y, that is, the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in the direction in which the table 25 is conveyed is the scanning direction.

  The second table moving mechanism 27 includes a height adjusting member 27a and a vertical movement motor (not shown). The height adjusting member 27 a is provided on the lower surface of the table 25. The height adjusting member 27a is connected to a vertical movement motor. The vertical movement motor is electrically connected to the control device 30 and is controlled by the control device 30. When the vertical movement motor is driven, the height of the height adjusting member 27a changes, and the height of the table 25 is adjusted.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the pallet 80 placed on the table 25. A plurality of printed materials 70 are arranged on the pallet 80. The pallet 80 is a jig for specifying the position of the substrate 70. The pallet 80 stores a plurality of printed materials 70 so that the positions of the plurality of printed materials 70 do not shift when printing a plurality of printed materials 70 at a time. The pallet 80 is a plate-like member. The shape of the outer shape of the pallet 80 is not particularly limited, but here is the same shape as the table 25 and is rectangular in plan view.

  In the pallet 80, a plurality of arrangement holes 80h having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the substrate 70 are formed. Here, the plurality of arrangement holes 80h have the same shape and the same size (processing errors are acceptable). The plurality of arrangement holes 80h are formed side by side in the left-right direction X and the front-rear direction Y. The number of the arrangement holes 80h is not particularly limited, but here, six arrangement holes 80h are arranged in the left-right direction X and two in the front-rear direction Y of the pallet 80, and a total of twelve arrangement holes 80h are formed. The shape of the arrangement hole 80h is not particularly limited, but is a rectangular shape in plan view here. However, the shape of the arrangement hole 80h may be, for example, a polygon such as a triangle or a square, a circle, or a star. In addition, the arrangement hole 80h is a through hole that penetrates the pallet 80 in the height direction Z here. However, the arrangement hole 80h may be, for example, a hole in which the upper part of the pallet 80 is cut into a concave shape, or may be formed with a frame protruding in a convex shape with respect to the pallet 80. It may be a line or a figure drawn on the surface.

  In the present embodiment, five printed materials 70 of the same type and size are arranged on the pallet 80. The printed material 70 may be, for example, a flat sheet such as printing paper, transfer paper, or a card, various cases such as a mobile phone case, small electronic devices such as an electronic cigarette, small parts such as a key holder or a photo frame, It may be a three-dimensional object such as daily necessities or accessories. The material of the printing material 70 is not only paper such as plain paper and inkjet printing paper, but also resins such as polyvinyl chloride, acrylic resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene (ABS) copolymer, Metals such as aluminum and stainless steel, carbon, ceramics, ceramics, glass, rubber, leather, and the like may be used. Here, the size and shape of the substrate 70 arranged in the arrangement hole 80h are the same as those of the arrangement hole 80h. However, the size of the printing material 70 arranged in the arrangement hole 80h may be smaller than the arrangement hole 80h. Further, the shape of the substrate 70 arranged in the arrangement hole 80h may be different from that of the arrangement hole 80h.

  A control device 30 provided in the control area 17 controls the operation of each unit of the printer 10. The control device 30 is typically a computer. The control device 30 is executed by, for example, an interface (I / F) that receives print data from the print data generation device 50, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes an instruction of a control program, and a CPU. A ROM (read only memory) storing a program, a random access memory (RAM) used as a working area for developing the program, and a storage device such as a memory for storing the program and various data are provided.

  The control device 30 is communicably connected to the carriage motor of the carriage movement mechanism, the front / rear movement motor of the first table movement mechanism 26, and the vertical movement motor of the second table movement mechanism 27, and is to be printed. The relative positional relationship between the ink 70 and the ink head 23 is controlled. The control device 30 is communicably connected to the ink head 23 and controls the ejection of ink to the printing material 70. The control device 30 is communicably connected to the ultraviolet lamp 24 and controls starting and stopping of the ultraviolet lamp 24. When one print process is completed, the control device 30 determines whether or not the next print process is included. When the next printing process is included, the front / rear moving motor of the first table moving mechanism 26 is driven to move the table 25 in one direction Y in the front / rear direction Y to the position where printing of the previous printing process is started. It is configured to pull back.

  The print data generation device 50 is for generating print data used in the printer 10. The print data generation apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment first determines a reference order having a high print priority from a plurality of orders, and then selects an order that can be printed together with the reference order. And it is comprised so that the printing data containing the printing information of the order which can be printed together with a reference | standard order and a reference | standard order will be produced | generated. In this specification, “print data” refers to data in which a plurality of pieces of information necessary for printing are collected in one file and output to the printer 10 with a single output instruction. Typically, it refers to data that is output to the printer 10 by a single output instruction in which a plurality of pieces of order print information requested by a customer are collected in one file. When there are a plurality of print data, each print data is output to the printer 10 by one output instruction. The print data includes information on the substrate 70, information on image data 71 (see FIG. 11) printed on the substrate 70, information on the pallet 80 used for printing the substrate 70, and control of the printer 10. It includes at least necessary print setting information (for example, a print pattern). The “image” referred to here is a general term for data including letters, numbers, symbols, pictures, patterns, photographs, and the like.

  The print data generation device 50 is typically a computer and includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The print data generation device 50 may be, for example, a portable terminal such as a notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. Here, the print data generation device 50 is an external device connected to the printer 10. However, the print data generation device 50 may be built in the control device 30 of the printer 10.

  The print data generation device 50 may be a computer program that causes a CPU of a computer to operate as the print data generation device 50. Such a computer program may be a computer-readable recording medium in which the operation of the print data generation device 50 is written. Examples of the recording medium include a semiconductor recording medium (for example, ROM, nonvolatile memory card), an optical recording medium (for example, DVD, MO, MD, CD, BD), and a magnetic recording medium (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk). Etc. are exemplified. The computer program can be transmitted to the server computer via the recording medium or a network such as the Internet. In this case, the server computer is also a form of the invention disclosed herein.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the print data generation apparatus 50. The print data generation device 50 includes, for example, a first input unit 51, an order creation unit 52, a storage unit 53, a display unit 54, a second input unit 55, a main generation unit 56, and an output unit 57. I have. Each unit of the print data generation device 50 is configured to be able to communicate with each other. Each unit of the print data generation device 50 may be configured by software or hardware. In addition, each unit of the print data generation device 50 may be performed by a processor or may be incorporated in a circuit.

  For example, when a new order printing request is received from a customer, the contents of the order printing are input to the first input unit 51 by the user. The information input to the first input unit 51 includes, for example, information on the substrate 70, information on the image data 71 printed on the substrate 70, information on the pallet 80 that can be used for printing the substrate 70, and information on the printer 10. Print setting information necessary for control.

  Examples of the information about the substrate 70 input to the first input unit 51 include information about the type, name, size, and appearance of the substrate 70, such as information about color, material, and glossiness of the surface. However, the information on the printing object 70 varies depending on the type of the printing object 70 and the like, and thus is not limited to the above example. Further, as information on the pallet 80 input to the first input unit 51, for example, the number, position, and size of the arrangement holes 80h (for example, the length in the left-right direction, the length in the front-rear direction, and the depth in the up-down direction) Etc. The print setting information input to the first input unit 51 includes, for example, information on the type of ink used for printing, information on the surface of the substrate 70 to be printed, size information on the print area, and print position coordinates. Examples of the defining point include information on a printing origin that is determined in advance, position information (offset information) about a printing start point that is defined based on the printing origin. However, the print setting information may be different depending on, for example, the type or model of the printer 10, and is not limited to the above example.

  The first input unit 51 typically includes an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a button, and is configured so that the user can manually input the above information. However, the first input unit 51 may be configured so as to be able to acquire the above information from an external device such as a host computer or a wired or wirelessly connected network. The first input unit 51 can also acquire information about the arrangement hole 80h of the pallet 80 from an electronic drawing of the pallet 80, for example. The information input to the first input unit 51 is sent to the order creation unit 52. Information input to the first input unit 51 is associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 53 as a temporary file for one order print.

  The order creation unit 52 is configured to create an “order” file that includes the printing information for each order print based on the information input to the first input unit 51. The order file includes, for each order print, information about the printed material 70, information about the image data 71 printed on the printed material 70, information about the pallet 80 used for printing the printed material 70, and print setting information. The file is a file in which these pieces of information are combined into one. The print setting information included in the order includes print pattern information for controlling the control device 30 of the printer 10 in addition to information input to the first input unit 51 by the user. In the present specification, the “print pattern” refers to execution of one or more print processes including repetition of ejection of ink from the ink head 23 and relative movement of the table 25 with respect to the ink head 23 in the scanning direction. They are arranged in order. In the present embodiment, the “print pattern” is a repetition of reciprocating movement along the guide rail 18 of the carriage 19, ejection of ink from the ink head 23, and relative movement of the table 25 with respect to the ink head 23 in the scanning direction. One or two or more printing processes consisting of are arranged in the execution order.

  The order creation unit 52 includes a print pattern setting unit 52a. The print pattern setting unit 52a is configured to be able to set a print pattern. In one embodiment, first, information on the type of ink used for printing input to the first input unit 51 and information on the surface of the substrate 70 to be printed are sent to the print pattern setting unit 52a. The print pattern setting unit 52a sets a print pattern according to the following procedure based on these pieces of information.

  7 and 8 are examples of flowcharts showing a procedure for setting a print pattern. In this embodiment, first, in step S31, it is determined whether or not both white ink and process color ink are used for printing. If white ink and / or process color ink is not used (No in step S31), the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, when both white ink and process color ink are used (step S31 is Yes), the process proceeds to step S32.

  Next, in step S32, it is determined whether or not the surface to be printed is a front (front) surface. If the surface to be printed is the front surface (when step S32 is Yes), in step S33, white ink and process color ink are ejected in this order in one print process. The printing mode (Wh-CMYK) to be selected is selected, and the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, when the surface to be printed is not the front surface (when Step S32 is No), in other words, when it is the back surface, in Step S34, process color ink and white are included in one printing process. A printing mode (CMYK-Wh) for ejecting ink in this order is selected, and the process proceeds to step S35.

  Next, in step S35, it is determined whether or not primer ink is used for printing. If no primer ink is used (No in step S35), the process proceeds to step S37. On the other hand, when the primer ink is used (when Step S35 is Yes), a printing mode (Pr) in which only the primer ink is ejected alone in one printing process is selected in Step S36. The printing process for discharging the primer ink is executed first among all the printing processes. Then, the process proceeds to step S37.

  Next, in step S37, it is determined whether or not glossy surface finishing is to be performed. And when glossy surface finishing is not performed (when step S37 is No), it progresses to step S39. On the other hand, when glossy surface finishing is performed (when step S37 is Yes), in step S38, only the coating ink is ejected alone in one printing process to perform glossy surface finishing. Select (Gcoat). In addition, the printing process for discharging the coating ink is executed last among all the printing processes. Then, the process proceeds to step S39.

  Next, in step S39, it is determined whether or not to perform matte surface finishing. If mat-like surface finishing is not performed (step S39 is No), the process proceeds to step S47. On the other hand, when mat-like surface finishing is performed (when Step S39 is Yes), in Step S40, it is determined again whether or not both white ink and process color ink are used for printing. When both the white ink and the process color ink are used (when Step S40 is Yes), in Step S41, only the coating ink is ejected alone in one printing process to finish the matte surface. The print mode (Mcoat) for performing is selected. In addition, the printing process for discharging the coating ink is executed last among all the printing processes. Then, the process proceeds to step S47. On the other hand, when at least one of the white ink and the process color ink is not used (when Step S40 is No), the process proceeds to Step S42.

  Next, in step S42, it is determined whether or not process color ink is used for printing. When process color ink is used (when step S42 is Yes), in step S43, a print mode (CMYK-Mcoat) that discharges process color ink and coating ink in this order in one printing process. Select. In addition, the printing process for discharging the coating ink is executed last among all the printing processes. Then, the process proceeds to step S47. On the other hand, when the process color ink is not used (when Step S42 is No), the process proceeds to Step S44.

  Next, in step S44, it is determined whether or not white ink is used for printing. When white ink is used (when Step S44 is Yes), in Step S45, a printing mode (Wh-Mcoat) that discharges white ink and coating ink in this order in one printing process is selected. To do. In addition, the printing process for discharging the coating ink is executed last among all the printing processes. Then, the process proceeds to step S47. On the other hand, when white ink is not used (No in step S44), in step S46, a printing mode (Mcoat) that performs matte surface finishing by ejecting only the coating ink alone in one printing process. ) Is selected. In addition, the printing process for discharging the coating ink is executed last among all the printing processes. Then, the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S47, a print pattern is set based on steps S31 to S46 described above. Specifically, first, information on the type of ink used for printing is compared with the type of ink included in the print mode selected in steps S31 to S46. If there is ink that is not included in the print mode selected in steps S31 to S46, a print mode is generated in which it is ejected independently. Next, the print modes selected and generated are arranged in the execution order to create one print pattern. As described above, according to the procedure of this embodiment, the print mode to be executed as one print process and the execution order of one or more print processes are determined, and a print pattern is created.

  The print pattern set by the print pattern setting unit 52 a is added by being linked to the temporary file stored in the storage unit 53. The temporary file to which the print pattern is added is given an appropriate name (file name) so that the user can identify it, and is stored in the storage unit 53 as one order file. The user can also create a new order by changing some of the items using an order created in the past.

  The storage unit 53 includes a first storage unit 53a and a second storage unit 53b. The first storage unit 53a stores, for example, information on the printing material 70 input to the first input unit 51, an order created by the order creation unit 52, and the like. In the second storage unit 53b, for example, temporary print data temporarily stored by the main generation unit 56, determined print data, and the like are stored. The first storage unit 53a and the second storage unit 53b may be integrated or separate. Further, the storage unit 53 may be provided in a data server or the like placed on a network capable of data communication, for example.

  The storage unit 53 may store in advance information about the printed material 70, information about the image data 71, information about the pallet 80, and the like when the print data generation device 50 is shipped. For example, the first storage unit 53a stores information on a plurality of printed materials 70. When the user specifies the type and name of the printed material 70, the first storage unit 53a relates to the size and appearance of the linked printed materials 70. The information may be configured to be callable. Further, for example, as shown in a second embodiment to be described later, in the first storage unit 53a, information on the printed material 70 and information on the pallet 80 are associated with each other, and the user specifies the type and name of the printed material 70. If specified, the information of the associated palette 80 that can be linked may be called up. For example, the information on a plurality of pallets 80 having different numbers and / or arrangements of the arrangement holes 80h may be called for one printed material 70.

  The display unit 54 displays the information stored in the storage unit 53 so that the user can visually recognize the information. The display unit 54 includes a first display unit 54a and a second display unit 54b. The first display unit 54a displays, for example, an order list that lists main information of orders stored in the first storage unit 53a. The second display unit 54b displays, for example, image data 71 printed on the substrate 70, palette data 81 (see FIG. 12) representing the palette 80, and the like. The second display unit 54b is a so-called preview screen. The first display unit 54a and the second display unit 54b may be integrated or separate. The display unit 54 is, for example, one or a plurality of displays. For example, the first display unit 54a and the second display unit 54b may be divided on the top and bottom or the left and right of one display. The display unit 54 may also serve as an input device for the second input unit 55. The display unit 54 may be a touch panel that can be operated by a user directly touching a display screen.

  Information used for generating print data is input to the second input unit 55 by the user. Here, the information input by the user is different from, for example, the information on the substrate 70, the information on the pallet 80, and the print setting information described above, and the information that the user voluntarily specifies the order of print priority (user specified information). It is. The user-specified information is, for example, skip information for intentionally skipping a predetermined order so as not to be included in the print data, payment information indicating whether or not the customer has paid the order printing fee, etc. . However, the user designation information can be arbitrarily set by the user, and is not limited to the above example. Similar to the first input unit 51, the second input unit 55 typically includes an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a button, and the user can manually input such information. It is configured as follows. The information input to the second input unit 55 is associated with the order file stored in the first storage unit 53a and added.

  The main generation unit 56 is configured to generate print data. For example, when the user operates a button of the second input unit 55, a print data generation signal is transmitted to the main generation unit 56. The main generation unit 56 receives the signal and generates one print data. The print data generated by the main generation unit 56 is sent to the output unit 57. The main generation unit 56 of the present embodiment includes an order list creation unit 56a, a reference order determination unit 56b, an Nth order search unit 56c, a user designation information determination unit 56d, a pallet determination unit 56e, and a print pattern determination unit. 56f, an image data update unit 56g, a print pattern update unit 56h, and a print data determination unit 56i. The user designation information determination unit 56d includes a skip determination unit 56d1 and a payment determination unit 56d2. The function of each unit will be described in detail later along the print data generation procedure.

  The output unit 57 converts (rasterizes) the information of the image data 71 and the print setting information included in the print data generated by the main generation unit 56 into raster data that can be read by the control device 30 of the printer 10. The output unit 57 transmits the raster data to the control device 30 of the printer 10 by one output instruction. The control device 30 of the printer 10 controls the ink head 23, the table 25, and the like based on the received print data, and performs printing on a plurality of print objects 70.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for generating print data. In this embodiment, first, in step S1, the order list creation unit 56a automatically creates an order list in which a plurality of orders are arranged in a predetermined order. In one embodiment, a plurality of orders are arranged in order of date and time when the order is received from the customer. In another embodiment, a plurality of orders are arranged in order of the creation date and time when the order creation unit 52 created the order. However, the ordering method for a plurality of orders is not particularly limited, and can be arbitrarily set by the user. The created order list is stored in the first storage unit 53a. The created order list is displayed on the first display unit 54a.

  In one embodiment, the user inputs user designation information for designating the order of printing priority from the second input unit 55. For example, to intentionally skip (omit) a predetermined order so as not to be included in the print data, a [Skip] item is provided and the [Skip] item is set to “ON” for the predetermined order. . For example, if the customer wants to determine whether the order printing fee has been paid for each order, set the [Paid] item and set the [Paid] item to "ON" for the paid order. " The input user designation information is added to each order file stored in the first storage unit 53a. In addition, the order list displayed on the first display unit 54a is updated.

  FIG. 10 is an example of an order list displayed on the first display unit 54a. In this example, for each order, [No.], [Skip], [Paid], [ID], [Goods Name], [Goods Code], [Quantity], [Status], [Placement], [Model Layout] ], [Product Model], and [Layer] information are displayed side by side. [No.] is a serial number indicating the order of the order. [Skip] and [Paid] are user-specified information set by the user, [Skip] is skip information, and [Paid] is payment information. [ID] is the name of the order file. [Goods Name] and [Goods Code] are information about the substrate 70. [Quantity] is the print quantity. [Status] displays “Skip” when the item of [Skip] is “ON”, and displays “Preview” when the image data 71 of the order is displayed on the second display unit 54b.

  [Placement] and [Model Layout] are displays related to the palette 80. [Placement] is a name of the palette 80 that can be used. Click the [Placement] down arrow (▽) to display a pull-down menu. One or a plurality of usable palettes 80 are displayed in the pull-down menu. [Placement] is configured so that the user can select a desired palette 80 from a pull-down menu. If “Auto” is displayed in the [Placement] column of the order list, it means that the default palette 80 with the highest priority among the plurality of palettes 80 is automatically selected. . [Model Layout] is the name of the palette 80 used for printing.

  [Product Model] is the name of a file containing print setting information. [Layer] is printing pattern information. In [Layer], when two or more print processes are included in one print pattern, they are separated by “comma (,)” and expressed in the execution order. Also, when two types of ink are ejected in this order in one printing process, the two types of ink are represented by “hyphen (−)”.

  Next, in step S2, the reference order determining unit 56b automatically determines the reference order with the highest printing priority based on a predetermined reference from the order list. In the present embodiment, the reference order is determined in consideration of user designation information designated by the user. Specifically, in order from the top of the order list, it searches for orders where the item of [Skip] is “OFF” and the item of [Paid] is “ON”, and the first order extracted is the standard order. To be determined. However, when no user-specified information is input, for example, the order with the smallest serial number, that is, the order of “1” in the [No.] field can be used as the reference order.

  Next, in step S3, the information included in the reference order, that is, the information on the substrate 70, the information on the image data 71, the information on the palette 80, and the print setting information are converted into temporary print data (temporary print data). ) Is stored in the second storage unit 53b.

  Next, in step S4, [Model Layout] of the temporary print data, typically the palette data 81 of the palette 80 selected in the reference order, is automatically displayed on the preview screen of the second display unit 54b. Further, the image data 71 included in the reference order is displayed at the position of the arrangement hole 81h on the preview screen together with the ID and the like. In one embodiment, first, on the outer circumference of the arrangement hole 81h of the pallet data 81, the point closest to the Base Position serving as a reference for the position coordinates of the pallet 80 (the lower right end point of the arrangement hole 81h in FIG. 12) Set as one reference point. Next, when the printing origin of the image data 71, that is, the printable area is represented in the XY plane, the point (x0, x) composed of the smallest X coordinate “x0” and the smallest Y coordinate “y0”. y0) is set as the second reference point. Then, the image data 71 is automatically arranged at the position of the arrangement hole 81h on the preview screen so that the second reference point is superimposed on the first reference point. Priorities are assigned in advance to the arrangement holes 81h of the pallet data 81, and the image data 71 included in the reference order is arranged in the arrangement holes 81h having the highest priority. The image data 71 included in the reference order is typically arranged in the arrangement hole 81h closest to the base position of the pallet 80. In addition, when [Quantity] is two or more, the same number of image data 71 is arranged in the arrangement hole 81h.

  Next, in step S5, the Nth order search unit 56c adds 1 to the serial number (No.) of the reference order. Next, in step S6, the Nth order search unit 56c automatically searches for whether or not there is an order of the serial number N of the reference order serial number + 1 (Nth order, where N is a natural number). If there is no N-th order, in other words, if the previous order is the last in the order list (step S6 is No), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when there is an Nth order (when Step S6 is Yes), the Nth order is automatically extracted. In subsequent steps S7 to S11, it is automatically determined whether or not the Nth order can be printed collectively.

  That is, in steps S7 and S8, the user designation information determination unit 56d determines whether or not the Nth order can be collectively printed based on the user designation information input by the user. In this embodiment, first, in step S7, the skip determination unit 56d1 automatically determines whether or not the item of [Skip] is “OFF”. If the item [Skip] is “ON” (No in step S7), 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S15, and the process returns to step S6 again. On the other hand, when the item of [Skip] is “OFF” (when Step S7 is Yes), the process proceeds to Step S8. Next, in step S8, the payment determination unit 56d2 automatically determines whether or not the item [Paid] is “ON”. When the item [Paid] is “OFF” (when Step S8 is No), 1 is added to the serial number of the order at Step S15, and the process returns to Step S6 again. On the other hand, when the item [Paid] is “ON” (when Step S8 is Yes), the process proceeds to Step S9.

  Next, in step S9, the pallet determination unit 56e determines whether or not the Nth order can be printed collectively based on the information of the pallet 80. In the present embodiment, it is automatically determined whether or not the [Model Layout] of the temporary print data is the same as the [Model Layout] of the Nth order. If [Model Layout] is different (No in step S9), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when [Model Layout] is the same (when Step S9 is Yes), the process proceeds to Step S10.

  In this embodiment, when [Model Layout] is the same, it is determined that printing can be performed collectively. However, instead of this, it may be determined whether printing is possible based on [Placement]. it can. That is, first, [Placement] of the reference order is compared with [Placement] of the Nth order. Next, it is automatically determined whether or not it includes [Model Layout] with the same name. If the same name [Model Layout] is not included, the process proceeds to step S14. If the same name [Model Layout] is included, the [Model Layout] is selected, and the process proceeds to step S10. You may make it go.

  Next, in step S10, can the Nth order be printed collectively by the print pattern determination unit 56f based on the print pattern information, that is, the type of ink used for printing and the order of printing the inks? It is determined whether or not. In the present embodiment, whether or not the print pattern of the temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 53b and the print pattern of the Nth order can be printed at a time is automatically determined based on a predetermined criterion. Determined.

  In this embodiment, first, the [Layer] of the temporary print data is compared with the [Layer] of the Nth order. The first includes a printing mode (Wh-CMYK) for ejecting white ink and process color ink in this order, and the other includes a printing mode (CMYK-Wh) for ejecting process color ink and white ink in this order. When one condition is met, it is determined that the print pattern of the temporary print data and the print pattern of the Nth order cannot be printed at once. In addition, one includes a printing mode (Gcoat) in which a coating ink is discharged to perform a glossy surface finish, and the other includes a printing mode in which a matte surface finish is performed by discharging a coating ink (specifically, Mcoat, When the second condition including any one of CMYK-Mcoat and Wh-Mcoat) is satisfied, it is determined that the print pattern of the temporary print data and the print pattern of the Nth order cannot be printed at once.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the [Layer] of the temporary print data is compared with the [Layer] of the Nth order to determine whether or not the first condition and the second condition are met. To do. If at least one of the first condition and the second condition is satisfied, it is determined that the Nth order cannot be printed at one time (No in step S10), and the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if neither the first condition nor the second condition is satisfied, the Nth order can be printed at a time (Yes in step S10), and the process proceeds to step S11.

  In this embodiment, it is determined whether printing is possible at one time based on the first condition and the second condition described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, it is automatically determined whether the [Layer] of the temporary print data and the [Layer] of the Nth order are the same. Then, when [Layer] is different (when Step S10 is No), the process may proceed to Step S14, and when [Layer] is the same (when Step S10 is Yes), the process may proceed to Step S11.

  Next, in step S11, the temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 53b is updated. In the present embodiment, the image data update unit 56g adds image data 72 (see FIG. 12) included in the Nth order to the temporary print data. Further, the print pattern update unit 56h newly creates one composite print pattern that can be executed by one printing based on the print pattern included in the temporary print data and the Nth order print pattern. The For example, first, a union of the types of inks included in the print pattern included in the latest temporary print data and the Nth order print pattern is obtained. The type of ink can be ascertained from the [Layer] item. Next, a composite print pattern is created in accordance with the print pattern settings shown in FIGS. The created composite print pattern is added to the temporary print data and replaced with the print pattern included earlier. If there is no change in the union of the ink types even if the Nth order print pattern is taken into consideration, the previous one may be held as it is without updating the print pattern.

  Next, in step S12, the image data 72 included in the Nth order is displayed at the position of the arrangement hole 81h on the preview screen of the second display unit 54b together with the ID and the like. The image data 72 included in the Nth order is automatically arranged in the arrangement hole 81h of the preview screen, for example, in the same manner as the image data 71 included in the reference order. The image data 72 included in the Nth order is arranged in order from the arrangement hole 81h having a predetermined high priority.

  Next, in step S13, it is automatically determined whether or not the arrangement hole 81h of the pallet data 81 is empty. Specifically, the number Nh of arrangement holes 81h included in [Model Layout] of the temporary print data is compared with the number Np of image data 71 and 72 already arranged in the arrangement holes 81h. If the number Nh of the arrangement holes 81h> the number Np of the image data 71 and 72 (No in step S13), it is determined that the arrangement holes 81h are empty, and the serial number of the order is 1 in step S15. Are added, and the process returns to step S6 again. On the other hand, when the number Nh of the arrangement holes 81h = the number Np of the image data 71 and 72 (Yes in Step S13), it is determined that there is no space in the arrangement holes 81h, and the process proceeds to Step S14.

  Next, in step S14, the print data determination unit 56i determines the print data. Specifically, the newest temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 53b is determined as print data. As described above, according to the procedure of the present embodiment, print data including a plurality of orders that can be printed together at once is automatically generated. According to this print data, the printer 10 executes print processing once or twice or more, and efficient printing is performed on the plurality of printed materials 70. The following are some specific examples.

  In the following examples, no. Assume that each of the orders 1 to 8 includes image data as shown in FIG.

(Embodiment 1) In Embodiment 1, it is assumed that an order list as shown in FIG. 12 is created in Step S1. Then, in step S2, orders in which the [Skip] item is “OFF” and the [Paid] item is “ON” are searched in order from the top of the order list. As a result, since the “No. 1” order satisfies this condition, the “No. 1” order is determined as the reference order. Next, in step S3, the order of “No. 1” is stored in the second storage unit 53b as temporary print data. Next, in step S4, [Model Layout] of the order of “No. 1” is displayed on the preview screen. [Model Layout] in the order of “No. 1” is pallet data 81 representing a pallet 80 having a total of eight arrangement holes 81h (in other words, the number Nh of the arrangement holes 81h is 8). is there. Further, the image data (Heart A) 71 included in the order of “No. 1” is displayed at the position of the (first) placement hole 81h having the highest priority together with the ID and the like. In addition, the characters “Preview” are displayed in the [Status] column of the “No. 1” order.

  Next, in step S5, 1 is added to the serial number (No.) of the reference order. Next, in step S6, the order next to the reference order ("No. 1" order) is searched in the order list, and the "No. 2" order is extracted. Next, in steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether or not the “No. 2” order can be printed together with the “No. 1” order. As a result, the “No.2” order has the [Skip] item “OFF”, the [Paid] item “ON”, and the [Model Layout] the same as the standard order. Can be printed simultaneously with the print pattern of the temporary print data. Accordingly, in step S11, the image data included in the “No. 2” order is added to the temporary print data. Further, a union of the types of inks included in the print pattern of the order “No. 1” and the print pattern of the order “No. 2” is obtained. As a result, the union of ink types is CMYK, Gcoat, and Wh. Therefore, a combined print pattern of “Wh-CMYK, Gcoat” is created and added to the temporary print data in accordance with the flowcharts of FIGS. Next, in step S12, the image data (Heart B) 72 included in the order of “No. 2” is displayed at the position of the second highest (second) arrangement hole 81h together with the ID and the like. Is done. In addition, the characters “Preview” are displayed in the [Status] column of the “No. 2” order.

  Next, in step S13, the number Nh of arrangement holes 81h included in [Model Layout] is compared with the number Np of image data 71 and 72 already arranged. Here, since Nh = 8 and Np = 2, Nh> Np. Accordingly, 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S15, and the process returns to step S6. Next, in step S6, the order of “No. 3”, which is next to the order of “No. 2”, is extracted. Next, in steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether or not the order of “No. 3” can be printed together with the order of “No. 1, 2”. As a result, the order of “No. 3” is determined not to be collectively printed (skip) since the [Skip] item is “ON”. In step S15, 1 is added to the serial number of the order, and the process returns to step S6.

  Next, in step S6, an order corresponding to the next order of “No. 3” is searched, and an order of “No. 4” is extracted. Next, in steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether the order of “No. 4” can be printed together with the order of “No. 1, 2”. As a result, the order of “No. 4” can be printed together with the order of “No. 1, 2”. In step S11, the image data included in the order of “No. 4” is temporarily printed. Added to the data. Further, the union of the types of inks included in the latest composite print pattern of the temporary print data and the print pattern of the order of “No. 4” is obtained. As a result, the union of ink types is CMYK, Gcoat, and Wh. This is the same as the type of ink included in the previous composite print pattern. Therefore, the composite print pattern of the temporary print data is held without being updated. Next, in step S12, the image data (Heart D) 72 included in the order of “No. 4” is displayed at the position of the third highest (third) placement hole 81h together with the ID and the like. Is done. In addition, the characters “Preview” are displayed in the [Status] column of the “No. 4” order.

  Next, in step S13, the number Nh of arrangement holes 81h included in [Model Layout] is compared with the number Np of image data already arranged. Here, since Nh = 8 and Np = 3, Nh> Np. Accordingly, 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S15, and the process returns to step S6. Next, in step S6, an order that is next to the order of “No. 4” is searched, and the order of “No. 5” is extracted. Next, in steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether or not the order of “No. 5” can be printed together with the orders of “No. 1, 2, 4”. As a result, the order of “No. 5” can be printed together with the orders of “No. 1, 2, 4”, so in step S11, the image data included in the order of “No. 5” Added to temporary print data. Also, the union of the ink types included in the latest composite print pattern of the temporary print data and the print pattern of the order of “No. 5” is required, but it is the same as the ink type included in the previous composite print pattern Therefore, the composite print pattern is held without being updated. Next, in step S12, the image data (heart and cup E) 72 included in the order of “No. 5” 72 is the position of the fourth highest (fourth) placement hole 81h together with the ID and the like. Is displayed. In addition, the characters “Preview” are displayed in the [Status] column of the “No. 5” order.

  Next, in step S13, the number Nh of arrangement holes 81h included in [Model Layout] is compared with the number Np of image data 71 and 72 already arranged. Here, since Nh = 8 and Np = 4, Nh> Np. Accordingly, 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S15, and the process returns to step S6. Next, in step S6, an order that is next to the order of “No. 5” is searched, and the order of “No. 6” is extracted. Next, in steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether or not the order of “No. 6” can be printed together with the orders of “No. 1, 2, 4, 5”. As a result, the “No.6” order has the [Skip] item “OFF” and the [Paid] item “ON”, but the [Model Layout] is different from the temporary print data. Proceeding to S14, the print data is determined. Specifically, the latest temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 53b, that is, the image data 71 and 72 in the order of “No. 1, 2, 4, 5” and the latest composite print pattern are included. The temporary print data is determined as print data. Then, the generation of print data ends.

(Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 2, it is assumed that an order list as shown in FIG. 13 is created in Step S1. Then, in step S2, orders in which the [Skip] item is “OFF” and the [Paid] item is “ON” are searched in order from the top of the order list. As a result, the “No.1, 2” order is passed through because the “Paid” item is “OFF”, and the “No.3” order satisfies this condition. The order is determined as the reference order. Next, in step S3, the order of “No. 3” is stored in the second storage unit 53b as temporary print data. Next, in step S4, [Model Layout] of the order of “No. 3” is displayed on the preview screen. Also, the image data (Heart C) included in the order of “No. 3” is displayed at the position of the first (first) placement hole 81h together with the ID and the like. In addition, the characters “Preview” are displayed in the [Status] column of the “No. 3” order.

  Next, in step S5, 1 is added to the serial number (No.) of the reference order. Next, in step S6, the order next to the reference order ("No. 3" order) is searched in the order list, and the "No. 4" order is extracted. In steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether or not the order of “No. 4” can be printed together with the order of “No. 3”. As a result, the order of “No. 4” is determined not to be collectively printed because the [Paid] item is “OFF”. In step S15, 1 is added to the serial number of the order, and the process returns to step S6.

  Next, in step S6, an order that is next to the order of “No. 4” is searched, and the order of “No. 5” is extracted. Next, in steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether the order of “No. 5” can be printed together with the order of “No. 3”. As a result, the order of “No. 5” can be printed together with the order of “No. 3”. Therefore, in step S11, the image data included in the order of “No. 5” is converted into temporary print data. Added. Further, a union of the types of inks included in the print pattern of the order of “No. 3” and the print pattern of the order of “No. 5” is obtained. As a result, the union of ink types is CMYK, Gcoat, and Wh. This is the same as the type of ink included in the “No. 3” print pattern. Therefore, the print pattern of the temporary print data is held without being updated. Next, in step S12, the image data (heart and cup E) included in the order of “No. 5” is placed at the position of the second highest (second) placement hole 81h together with the ID and the like. Is displayed. In addition, the characters “Preview” are displayed in the [Status] column of the “No. 5” order.

  Next, in step S13, the number Nh of arrangement holes 81h included in [Model Layout] is compared with the number Np of image data already arranged. Here, since Nh = 8 and Np = 2, Nh> Np. Accordingly, 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S15, and the process returns to step S6. Next, in step S6, an order that is next to the order of “No. 5” is searched, and the order of “No. 6” is extracted. Next, in steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether the order of “No. 6” can be printed together with the orders of “No. 3, 5”. As a result, the “No.6” order has the [Skip] item “OFF” and the [Paid] item “ON”, but the [Model Layout] is different from the temporary print data. Proceeding to S14, the print data is determined. Specifically, the latest temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 53b, that is, the temporary print data including the image data of the order of “No. 3, 5” and the print pattern of “No. 3”. Are determined as print data. Then, the generation of print data ends.

(Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 3, it is assumed that an order list as shown in FIG. 14 is created in Step S1. Then, in step S2, orders in which the [Skip] item is “OFF” and the [Paid] item is “ON” are searched in order from the top of the order list. As a result, the “No. 1” order is determined as the reference order. Next, in step S3, the order of “No. 1” is stored in the second storage unit 53b as temporary print data. Next, in step S4, [Model Layout] of the order of “No. 1” is displayed on the preview screen. In addition, the image data (Heart A) included in the order of “No. 1” is displayed at the position of the first (first) placement hole 81h together with the ID and the like. In addition, the characters “Preview” are displayed in the [Status] column of the “No. 1” order.

  Next, in step S5, 1 is added to the serial number (No.) of the reference order. Next, in step S6, the order next to the reference order ("No. 1" order) is searched in the order list, and the "No. 2" order is extracted. Next, in steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether or not the “No. 2” order can be printed together with the “No. 1” order. As a result, since the order of “No. 2” can be printed together with the order of “No. 1”, in step S11, the image data included in the order of “No. 2” is converted into temporary print data. Added. Further, a union of the types of inks included in the print pattern of the order “No. 1” and the print pattern of the order “No. 2” is obtained. As a result, the union of ink types is CMYK, Gcoat, and Wh. Accordingly, the “Wh-CMYK, Gcoat” composite print pattern is created and added to the temporary print data in accordance with the flowcharts of FIGS. Next, in step S12, the image data (Heart B) included in the “No. 2” order is displayed at the position of the second highest (second) placement hole 81h together with the ID and the like. The In addition, the characters “Preview” are displayed in the [Status] column of the “No. 2” order.

  Next, in step S13, the number Nh of arrangement holes 81h included in [Model Layout] is compared with the number Np of image data already arranged. Here, since Nh = 8 and Np = 2, Nh> Np. Accordingly, 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S15, and the process returns to step S6. Next, in step S6, the order of “No. 3” is extracted. Next, in steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether or not the order of “No. 3” can be printed together with the order of “No. 1, 2”. As a result, the order of “No. 3” can be printed together with the order of “No. 1, 2”. In step S11, the image data included in the order of “No. 3” is temporarily printed. Added to the data. Further, a union of the types of inks included in the combined print pattern of the temporary print data and the print pattern of the order of “No. 3” is obtained. As a result, the union of ink types is CMYK, Gcoat, and Wh. This is the same as the previous composite print pattern. Therefore, the composite print pattern of the temporary print data is held without being updated. Next, in step S12, the image data (Heart C) included in the order of “No. 3” is displayed at the position of the third highest placement hole 81h with the ID and the like (third). The In addition, the characters “Preview” are displayed in the [Status] column of the “No. 3” order.

  Next, in step S13, the number Nh of arrangement holes 81h included in [Model Layout] is compared with the number Np of image data already arranged. Here, since Nh = 8 and Np = 3, Nh> Np. Accordingly, 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S15, and the process returns to step S6. Next, in step S6, the order of “No. 4” is extracted. Next, in steps S7 to S10, it is determined whether or not the order of “No. 4” can be printed together with the orders of “No. 1, 2, 3”. As a result, the “No.4” order has the [Skip] item “OFF”, the [Paid] item “ON”, and the [Model Layout] the same as the standard order. The pattern cannot be printed at once with the combined print pattern of the temporary print data. That is, the combined print pattern of the temporary print data is “Wh-CMYK, Gcoat”, whereas the print pattern of the order of “No. 4” is “Pr, CMYK-Mcoat”. For this reason, it is determined that one order includes a print mode in which a glossy surface finish is performed and the other includes a print mode in which a matte surface finish is performed. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S14 to determine print data. Specifically, the latest temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 53b, that is, the temporary print data including the image data of the order of “No. 1, 2, 3” and the latest composite print pattern is stored. And finalized as print data. Then, the generation of print data ends.

  As described above, the print data generation apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment automatically generates print data in which orders that can be printed at one time are combined into one. Therefore, the user does not need to compare the contents of the order and determine which and which are to be printed together. Therefore, business efficiency can be improved and the burden on the user can be reduced. Moreover, even a user with little knowledge or experience with respect to printing can perform printing easily and quickly.

  The print data generation apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment can be preferably used when a user who is unfamiliar with the handling of the printer 10 performs printing. For example, a stand-alone KIOSK printer installed in a retail store such as a mobile phone store, a consumer electronics store, a photo store, a general merchandise store, or a shopping center can be operated by a customer. It is assumed that a store clerk (store operator) of a retail store who does not specialize in printing receives and operates an order from a customer. Therefore, the print data generation apparatus 50 can be preferably used in combination with such a KIOSK type printer. Further, the print data generation device 50 can be preferably used in applications that require rapid processing of a wide variety of order prints. For example, applications that increase the added value of products by printing on mobile phone cases at mobile phone stores, printing on electronic cigarettes at home appliance mass retailers, or printing on small parts at general merchandise stores Can be preferably used.

  In the present embodiment, the ink ejected from the ink head 23 includes process color ink and white ink. The print pattern determination unit 56f is configured to perform a printing process in which one of the print pattern of the reference order and the print pattern of the second order ejects the process color ink after ejecting the white ink from the ink head 23. Wh-CMYK) and the other includes a printing process (CMYK-Wh) for discharging the white ink after discharging the process color ink from the ink head 23, and the printing pattern of the reference order, The second order print pattern is determined to be unprintable at a time.

  In the present embodiment, the ink ejected from the ink head 23 includes a coating ink. The print pattern determination unit 56f performs glossy surface finishing (Gcoat) by ejecting the coating ink from the ink head 23 in one of the print pattern of the reference order and the print pattern of the second order. Including the printing process, and the other includes a printing process in which the coating ink is ejected to perform a matte surface finish (Mcoat), and the printing pattern of the reference order and the printing pattern of the second order Are determined to be unprintable at a time.

  In the present embodiment, the pallet determination unit 56e determines that the reference order and the second order include the same pallet 80 information, and the print pattern determination unit 56f determines the print pattern of the reference order and the second order. The type of ink included in the print pattern of the temporary print data and the type of ink included in the print pattern of the second order when it is determined that the print pattern of the order can be printed at once. A print pattern update unit 56h that creates a composite print pattern in which the print pattern of the temporary print data and the print pattern of the second order are integrated, and adds the print pattern to the temporary print data. Prepare. As a result, it is possible to generate print data capable of printing orders of different print patterns together at once.

  In the present embodiment, the order includes information on whether or not to skip the determination by the pallet determination unit 56e and the print pattern determination unit 56f. The print data generation device 50 includes a skip determination unit 56d1 configured to determine whether to skip the determination by the pallet determination unit 56e and the print pattern determination unit 56f for the second order. As a result, it is possible to generate print data that does not intentionally include a predetermined order, reflecting the user's intention.

  In the present embodiment, the order includes payment information indicating whether or not the fee has been paid. The print data generation device 50 includes a payment determination unit 56d2 configured to determine whether or not the second order has been paid. As a result, it is possible to generate print data that preferentially includes charges paid orders reflecting the user's intention.

  In the present embodiment, the first input unit 51 to which information on the type of ink used for printing the substrate and information on the surface on which the substrate is printed is input, and the order is created. And an order creation unit 52 configured. The order creation unit includes a print pattern setting unit 52a configured to set the print pattern based on information input to the input unit. This eliminates the need for the user to specify the discharge order of a plurality of types of ink. Therefore, even a user with little knowledge or experience with respect to printing can easily create an order.

  The present embodiment includes an order list creation unit 56a that creates an order list that is a list of a plurality of orders, and a first display unit 54a that displays the order list. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the number and contents of a plurality of orders.

  In the present embodiment, a second display unit 54 b that displays the image data 71 and 72 included in the print data and the palette data 81 representing the palette 80 is provided. As a result, the user can arrange the pallet 80 and the substrate 70 used for printing on the table 25 of the printer 10 in the same manner as the screen of the second display unit 54b. Accordingly, it is difficult to make a misplacement when the substrate 70 is placed on the printer 10, and printing failures can be further reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the printer 10 is a KIOSK type printer. In a stand-alone KIOSK type printer installed in a store such as a retail store, it is assumed that a user unaccustomed to handling the printer 10 performs print settings. In addition, since customers often wait on the spot until printing is completed, it is required to quickly process a wide variety of order printing. Therefore, it is preferable to use the print data generation apparatus 50 disclosed here together. Thereby, the waiting time until the customer picks up the printed matter is shortened, and the customer satisfaction can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
The printing system 101 (see FIG. 15) of this embodiment includes a printer 10 and a print data generation device 60. For example, the printing system 101 includes a print data generation device 60 instead of the print data generation device 50 of the first embodiment. However, the printing system 101 may include a print data generation device 60 in addition to a part or all of the configuration of the print data generation device 50.

  The print data generation device 60 is configured to generate one or a plurality of print data used in the printer 10. The print data generation device 60 of the present embodiment is configured to collect a plurality of orders for each order that can be printed at once, divide the order into one or a plurality of groups, and generate print data for each group. Yes. Unlike the print data generation device 50 of the first embodiment, the print data generation device 60 can classify all of the plurality of orders into any group. In the print data generation device 60, the same number of print data as the number of groups into which a plurality of orders are divided is generated.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the print data generation device 60. The print data generation device 60 includes, for example, an input unit 61, an order creation unit 62, a storage unit 63, a display unit 64, a main generation unit 66, and an output unit 67. Each unit of the print data generation device 60 is configured to be able to communicate with each other. The configuration and functions of the respective units of the print data generation device 60 may be the same as those of the print data generation device 50 except for matters specifically mentioned below.

  In the present embodiment, one or more product models are stored in the storage unit 63. The product model includes, for example, information on the substrate 70, information on the pallet 80 that can be used for printing the substrate 70, and print setting information necessary for controlling the printer 10. For example, the information included in the order created by the order creation unit 52 of the first embodiment includes information excluding the information of the image data 73a (see FIG. 19) printed on the substrate 70. However, the product model may further include information on the image data 73a to be printed. In the product model, these pieces of information are linked to each other and collected as one set (group) of information. An appropriate name (file name) is assigned to the product model so that the user can identify it. The product model is stored in the storage unit 63 as one file. The print data generation device 60 can easily create an order and generate print data using the product model.

  FIG. 16 is an example of a product model stored in the storage unit 63. Here, a total of eight product models of files 1 to 8 are shown. In the present embodiment, information included in the product model is represented in a tabular form so that it can be easily understood visually. The actual product model is created with, for example, source code written in a program language. In this case, the product model created with the source code is a text data file. Each of the product models in FIG. 16 includes (1) information on the printing material 70, (2) print setting information, (3) information on the printing cost, and (4) information on the pallet 80. These pieces of information are collected in one file.

  The information on the substrate 70 is information unique to the substrate 70. Typically, the information represents the identification, property, and size of the substrate 70. In the present embodiment, the information of the substrate 70 includes the product name (code, type), appearance (material, hardness, glossiness of the surface, color), front and back identity, size (maximum height, base size, Round size) information. Note that “the sameness of the back and front surfaces” means that the front (front) surface of the substrate 70, that is, the front side printing surface, and the back side, that is, the back side printing surface, have substantially the same height. (Manufacturing errors are acceptable.) In other words, when the substrate 70 is placed on the table 25 of the printer 10, the distance from the ink head 23 to the printing surface is substantially the same even if the front and back are reversed. Further, as shown in the partially enlarged view of the substrate 70 in FIG. 17, “Base Size” is the size of the outer shape of the substrate 70, and “Round Size” is The corners of the substrate 70 are rounded.

  The print setting information is information required by the control device 30 of the printer 10 when printing with the printer 10. In other words, it is information for controlling the printer 10. The “print setting information” of this embodiment includes information on the type of special color ink used for printing, the surface to be printed (print surface), the print area (print size and offset), the print pattern, and the print time. As shown in the partially enlarged view of the substrate 70 in FIG. 17, “Print Size” is the size of the area where the substrate 70 is printed, and “Offset” is The distance from the printing origin to the printing start point (typically the point closest to the printing origin in the print size). In the “print pattern”, when two types of ink are sequentially ejected in one printing process, the two types of ink are connected by “hyphen (−)”.

  The information on the pallet 80 is information indicating the type of the pallet 80 that can be used when printing on the substrate 70. In other words, the information represents the type of the pallet 80 having the arrangement holes 80h of a size capable of arranging the printing material 70. The information on the pallet 80 includes information on one or more pallets 80. Files 1 to 6 each include information on a plurality of palettes 80 for one product model. The plurality of pallets 80 are different from each other in the number and / or arrangement of the arrangement holes 80h. One of the plurality of palettes 80 is set as a default palette 80 having the highest priority.

  For example, when a new order print request is received from a customer, the input unit 61 inputs the contents of the order print, selects a product model from the storage unit 63, and instructs generation of print data. It is used to When the size of the printing material 70 to be printed is sufficiently smaller than the table 25 of the printer 10, normally, printing is performed simultaneously on a plurality of printing materials 70 using the pallet 80 from the viewpoint of printing efficiency and low cost. I do. Therefore, the user inputs the contents of a plurality of order prints at once. The configuration of the input unit 61 may be the same as the first input unit 51 of the first embodiment. For example, the user may manually input the contents of order printing into the input unit 61 from the beginning, similarly to the first input unit 51 of the first embodiment.

  The order creation unit 62 is configured to create an “order” file including information on order printing for each order printing. The configuration of the order creation unit 62 may be the same as the order creation unit 52 of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the product model is stored in the storage unit 63. For this reason, when the user inputs the type and name of the printing material 70 to the input unit 61, the storage unit 63 searches the product model having the type and name of the printing material 70 and calls the product model including this information. It is. The product model is associated with information about the substrate 70, information about the pallet 80 that can be used, print setting information, and the like. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user can select an appropriate product model by operating the input unit 61 while confirming the display unit 64, for example, and can arrange information necessary for generating print data. The user can create an order file simply by selecting a product model to be used and adding image data 73a to be printed on the substrate 70, for example. As described above, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to input information on the pallet 80, print setting information, and the like into the input unit 61 from scratch, which is convenient. The order file includes the product model and the information of the image data 73a, and is stored in the storage unit 63.

  The storage unit 63 includes a first storage unit 63a and a second storage unit 63b. The configurations and functions of the storage unit 63, the first storage unit 63a, and the second storage unit 63b may be the same as the storage unit 53, the first storage unit 53a, and the second storage unit 53b of the first embodiment, respectively. . For example, the product model described above is stored in the first storage unit 63a. The product model may be stored in advance when the print data generation device 60 is shipped, or may be configured to be available from a data server or the like placed on a network capable of data communication, for example. In addition, the order created by the order creation unit 62 and the like are stored in the first storage unit 63a. The second storage unit 63b stores, for example, temporary print data temporarily stored by the main generation unit 66, finalized print data, and the like.

  The display unit 64 displays information stored in the storage unit 63 so that the user can visually recognize the information. The display unit 64 includes a first display unit 64a and a second display unit 64b. The configurations and functions of the display unit 64, the first display unit 64a, and the second display unit 64b may be the same as the display unit 54, the first display unit 54a, and the second display unit 64b of the first embodiment, respectively. . The first display unit 64a displays character information mainly in a tabular format. The first display unit 64a displays, for example, a product model stored in the first storage unit 53a, an order created by the order creation unit 62, and the like. The second display unit 64b mainly displays a preview screen. The second display unit 64b displays, for example, palette data 83 (see FIG. 19) representing the palette 80, image data 73a printed on the substrate 70, and the like.

  The main generation unit 66 is configured to generate print data with reference to the print setting information included in the order and the information on the palette 80. For example, when the user operates a button on the input unit 61, a print data generation signal is transmitted to the main generation unit 66. The main generation unit 66 receives the signal and generates one or a plurality of print data so that all orders can be printed. More preferably, one or a plurality of print data is generated so that the number of print data is minimized. The print data generated by the main generation unit 66 is sent to the output unit 67. The main generation unit 66 of the present embodiment includes an order list creation unit 66a, a reference order determination unit 66b, an Nth order search unit 66c, a palette collation unit 66d, a surface collation unit 66e, and a temporary print data update unit 66f. And a print data determination unit 66g. The function of each unit will be described in detail later along the print data generation procedure.

  The output unit 67 converts (rasterizes) the information of the image data 73a and the print setting information included in the print data into raster data that can be read by the control device 30 of the printer 10. The output unit 67 transmits the raster data to the control device 30 of the printer 10. The configuration and function of the output unit 67 may be the same as the output unit 57 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 18 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for generating print data. In the present embodiment, when the user selects a plurality of orders to be printed, in step S1, the order list creating unit 66a automatically arranges the plurality of orders in a predetermined order and creates an order list. The ordering method for a plurality of orders is not particularly limited, and can be arbitrarily set by the user. For example, the order in which a plurality of orders are arranged may be set similarly to the order list creation unit 56a of the first embodiment. The created order list is stored in the first storage unit 63a. The created order list is displayed on the first display unit 64a. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the number and contents of the orders.

  Next, in step S2, the reference order is automatically determined by the reference order determination unit 66b. Here, the reference order has the smallest serial number among the orders included in the order list. Next, in step S3, the information included in the reference order, that is, the product model including the information on the substrate 70, the default pallet 80, and the print setting information, and the information on the image data 73a are 1 One temporary print data (temporary print data) is stored in the second storage unit 63b. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, pallet data 83 representing the pallet 80 of the reference order is automatically displayed on the preview screen of the second display unit 64b, and image data 73a included in the reference order is displayed. This is automatically displayed in the arrangement hole 83h of the pallet data 83 on the preview screen.

  Next, in step S4, the Nth order search unit 66c adds 1 to the serial number of the reference order. Next, in step S5, the N-th order search unit 66c automatically determines whether there is an order of serial number N (the N-th order, N is a natural number satisfying 2 ≦ N) with the serial number +1 of the reference order. Search. If the Nth order does not exist, in other words, if the previous order is the last in the order list (No in step S5), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the Nth order exists (when Step S5 is Yes), the Nth order is extracted. In subsequent steps S6 to S8, it is automatically determined based on a predetermined standard whether or not the Nth order can be printed together with the standard order.

  That is, in step S6, the information on the pallet 80 included in the Nth order is collated by the pallet collating unit 66d. In the present embodiment, it is automatically determined whether or not the pallet 80 of temporary print data is included in the “list of corresponding pallets” of the Nth order. If the pallet 80 of temporary print data is not included in the “corresponding pallet list” of the Nth order (step S6 is No), 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S11. The process returns to step S5 again. On the other hand, when the print data palette 80 is included in the “corresponding palette list” of the Nth order (when step S6 is Yes), the process proceeds to step S7.

  Next, in step S7, the surface collation unit 66e collates the information on the printing surface included in the Nth order and the Nth order, and automatically determines whether the printing surface of the Nth order is the same as the reference order. Is done. In this embodiment, when the printing surface of the reference order is different from the printing surface of the Nth order, that is, when one is the front (front) surface and the other is the back surface (when step S7 is No), Proceed to step S8. On the other hand, if the printing surface of the standard order is the same as the printing surface of the Nth order, that is, if both are front (front) surfaces or back surfaces (when step S7 is Yes), the Nth order. Together with the reference order, it is determined that printing is possible at one time, and the process proceeds to step S9.

  Next, in step S8, the face collation unit 66e collates the information on the presence / absence of back and front identity included in the reference order and the Nth order. In the present embodiment, when both the reference order and the Nth order have the same front and back sides (when Step S8 is Yes), it is determined that the Nth order can be printed together with the reference order and printed at one time. Proceed to S9. On the other hand, if at least one of the reference order and the Nth order has no back-and-front identity (when step S8 is No), the Nth order cannot be printed together with the reference order, that is, the collective printing is not possible. judge. In step S11, 1 is added to the serial number of the order, and the process returns to step S5 again.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the Nth order can be printed together in S6 to S8 described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when each order includes user designation information and the main generation unit 66 has the user designation information determination unit 56d as described in the first embodiment, in addition to steps S6 to S8, user designation You may further have the step which determines information. When the main generation unit 66 includes the print pattern determination unit 56f as described in the first embodiment, in addition to steps S6 to S8, the reference order print pattern and the Nth order print pattern are displayed. You may further have the step which determines whether printing is possible at once.

  Next, in step S9, the temporary print data update unit 66f automatically updates the temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 63b. In this embodiment, according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8, based on the print pattern included in the temporary print data and the Nth order print pattern, these are combined and executed in one printing. A new printing pattern is created. The created composite print pattern is added to the temporary print data and replaced with the print pattern included earlier. Further, the image data 73b included in the Nth order is added to the temporary print data. In a preferred aspect, the image data 73b included in the Nth order is further displayed at the position of the arrangement hole 83h of the palette data 83 on the preview screen. The image data 73b included in the Nth order is arranged in order from the arrangement hole 83h having a predetermined high priority.

  Next, in step S10, it is automatically determined whether or not there is an empty pallet 80. Specifically, the number of orders included in the temporary print data is compared with the number of arrangement holes 83 h in the pallet data 83. Here, when the number of arrangement holes 83h> the number of orders (when Step S10 is No), it is determined that the arrangement holes 83h are empty. In step S11, 1 is added to the serial number of the order, and the process returns to step S5 again. On the other hand, when the number of arrangement holes 83h = the number of orders (when Step S10 is Yes), it is determined that there is no space in the arrangement holes 83h and the process proceeds to Step S12.

  Next, in step S12, the print data determination unit 66g determines the print data. Specifically, the newest temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 63b is determined as print data. In this way, one print data including at least the reference order is generated.

  Next, in step S13, it is automatically determined whether or not all orders in the order list are included in the print data determined by the print data determination unit 66g. Specifically, the number of orders included in the order list is compared with the number of orders included in the confirmed print data. When the number of orders included in the order list> the number of orders included in the confirmed print data (when Step S13 is No), the process returns to Step S2 again, and a new reference order is automatically generated. It is determined. For example, the new reference order has the smallest serial number in the order list except for the order included in the confirmed print data. In other words, the serial number is the youngest among orders not included in the confirmed print data. On the other hand, when the number of orders included in the order list = the number of orders included in the confirmed print data (when Step S13 is Yes), the generation of the print data ends. By repeating such a procedure, one or a plurality of print data is automatically generated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of orders can be grouped for each order that can be printed at one time, divided into one or a plurality of groups, and print data can be generated for each group. Further, according to this print data, the printer 10 executes one or more print processes based on one or a plurality of print data, and an efficient printing is performed on the plurality of printed materials 70. The Preferably, all orders included in the order list can be processed with the minimum number of times of printing. For this reason, even if a large number of requests for order printing with different types, printing surfaces, etc. of the substrate 70 are received, it is possible to process quickly. The following are some specific examples.

  (Embodiment 11) In Embodiment 11, in step S1, no. It is assumed that an order list including orders 1 to 6 is created and stored in the first storage unit 63a. No. Each of the orders 1 to 6 includes a product model including print setting information and pallet information as extracted from Table 1 below. In Example 11, no. None of the orders 1 to 6 have back-and-front identity.

  In this case, in step S2, the order of “No. 1” having the smallest serial number in the order list is determined as the reference order. Next, in step S3, the order of “No. 1” is stored in the second storage unit 63b as temporary print data. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the palette data 83 of the palette I included in the “No. 1” order is displayed on the preview screen of the second display section 64b, and the images included in the “No. 1” order. The data 73a is displayed at the position of the arrangement hole 83h having the highest priority in the pallet data 83.

  Next, in step S4, 1 is added to the serial number (No.) of the reference order. Next, in step S5, the next order of the reference order ("No. 1" order) is searched in the order list, and the "No. 2" order is extracted. Next, in steps S6 to S8, it is determined whether or not the “No. 2” order can be printed together with the reference order (“No. 1” order). As a result, the “No.2” order includes the same pallet (pallet I) as the standard order, and the printed surface is the same table (front) surface as the standard order. It is determined that printing is possible. Therefore, in step S9, a composite print pattern including the print pattern of the order of “No. 2” is created along the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8, and the temporary print data is updated. Further, the image data 73b included in the “No. 2” order is added to the temporary print data. Further, the image data 73 b included in the “No. 2” order is displayed at the position of the arrangement hole 83 h having the second highest priority in the pallet data 83.

  Next, in step S10, the number of orders included in the temporary print data is compared with the number of arrangement holes 83h in the pallet data 83. Here, since the number of orders included in the temporary print data = 2 and the number of arrangement holes 83h = 6, there is still a space in the arrangement holes 83h. Accordingly, 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S11, and the process returns to step S5. Next, in step S5, the next order of the “No. 2” order is searched, and the “No. 3” order is extracted. Next, in steps S6 to S8, it is determined whether the order of “No. 3” can be printed together with the order of “No. 1, 2”. As a result, the “No. 3” order is different from the “No. 1 and 2” order in the product model (in this case, the type of special color ink used is different), but the same pallet (pallet I) ) And the printing surface is the same surface as the reference order, it is determined that printing is possible together with the reference order. Therefore, in step S9, a composite print pattern including the print pattern of the order of “No. 3” is created along the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8, and the temporary print data is updated. Further, the image data 73b included in the order of “No. 3” is added to the temporary print data. Further, the image data 73 b included in the order of “No. 3” is displayed at the position of the arrangement hole 83 h having the third highest priority in the pallet data 83.

  Next, in step S10, the number of orders included in the temporary print data is compared with the number of arrangement holes 83h in the pallet data 83. Here, since the number of orders included in the temporary print data = 3, there is still a space in the arrangement hole 83h. Accordingly, 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S11, and the process returns to step S5. Next, in step S5, the next order of the “No. 3” order is searched, and the “No. 4” order is extracted. Next, in steps S6 to S8, it is determined whether or not the order of “No. 4” can be printed together with the order of “No. 1-3”. As a result, since the order of “No. 4” does not include a pallet common to the reference order, it is determined that printing cannot be performed collectively. In step S11, 1 is added to the serial number of the order, and the process returns to step S5.

  Next, in step S5, the next order of the “No. 4” order is searched, and the “No. 5” order is extracted. Next, in steps S6 to S8, it is determined whether or not the “No. 5” order can be printed together with the “No. 1-3” order. As a result, since the order of “No. 5” does not include a pallet common to the reference order, it is determined that printing cannot be performed collectively. In step S11, 1 is added to the serial number of the order, and the process returns to step S5.

  Next, in step S5, the next order of the “No. 5” order is searched, and the “No. 6” order is extracted. Next, in steps S6 to S8, it is determined whether or not the order of “No. 6” can be printed together with the order of “No. 1-3”. As a result, the order of “No. 6” includes the same pallet (pallet I) as the standard order, but the printed surface is different from the standard order and there is no back-to-back identity. It is determined to be impossible. In step S11, 1 is added to the serial number of the order, and the process returns to step S5.

  Next, in step S5, the next order of the order of “No. 6” is searched, but the order of “No. 7” is not included in the order list. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S12, and the first print data is determined. Specifically, the latest temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 63b, that is, the temporary print data including the image data 73a and 73b of the order of “No. 1-3” and the latest composite print pattern. Is determined as the first print data.

  Next, in step S13, the number of orders included in the order list is compared with the number of orders included in the confirmed print data. Here, since the number of orders included in the order list = 6 and the number of orders included in the first print data = 3, orders that are not included in the print data remain. Therefore, returning to step S2, a new reference order (second reference order) is searched. The order of “No. 4” having the smallest serial number among the orders not included in the confirmed print data is determined as the second reference order. Next, in step S3, the order of “No. 4” is stored in the second storage unit 63b as second temporary print data. Further, the palette data 84 of the palette II included in the order of “No. 4” is displayed on the preview screen of the second display section 64b, and the image data 74a included in the order of “No. 4” is displayed as the palette data 84. Is displayed at the position of the placement hole 84h having the highest priority.

  Next, in step S4, 1 is added to the serial number (No.) of the reference order. Next, in step S5, the next order of the second reference order is searched in the order list, and the order of “No. 5” is extracted. Next, in steps S6 to S8, it is determined whether or not the “No. 5” order can be printed together with the second reference order (“No. 4” order). As a result, the order of “No. 5” includes the same pallet (pallet II) as the second reference order and the printing surface is the same surface as the second reference order. It is determined that printing is possible. Accordingly, in step S9, a composite print pattern including a print pattern of the order of “No. 5” is created along the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8, and the second temporary print data is updated. Also, the image data 74b included in the “No. 5” order is added to the second temporary print data. Further, the image data 74 b included in the order of “No. 5” is displayed at the position of the placement hole 84 h having the second highest priority in the pallet data 84.

  Next, in step S10, the number of orders included in the second temporary print data is compared with the number of arrangement holes 84h in the pallet data 84. Here, since the number of orders included in the second provisional print data = 2, there is still a space in the arrangement hole 84h. Accordingly, 1 is added to the serial number of the order in step S11, and the process returns to step S5. Next, in step S5, the next order of the “No. 5” order is searched, and the “No. 6” order is extracted. Next, in steps S6 to S8, it is determined whether or not the order of “No. 6” can be printed together with the order of “No. 4, 5”. As a result, since the order of “No. 6” does not include the same pallet as the reference order, it is determined that printing cannot be performed collectively. In step S11, 1 is added to the serial number of the order, and the process returns to step S5.

  Next, in step S5, the next order of the order of “No. 6” is searched, but the order of “No. 7” is not included in the order list. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S12, and the second print data is determined. Specifically, the temporary storage including the newest second temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 63b, that is, the image data 74a and 74b of the order of “No. 4, 5” and the latest composite print pattern. The print data is determined as the second print data.

  Next, in step S13, the number of orders included in the order list is compared with the number of orders included in the confirmed first and second print data. Here, since the number of orders included in the order list = 6 and the number of orders included in the confirmed print data = 5 (3 + 2), orders not included in the print data remain. Therefore, returning to step S2, a new reference order (third reference order) is searched. Then, the order of “No. 6” having the smallest serial number among the orders not included in the print data is determined as the third reference order. Next, in step S3, the order of “No. 6” is stored in the second storage unit 63b as the third temporary print data. Further, the palette data 85 of the palette I included in the order of “No. 6” is displayed on the preview screen of the second display section 64b, and the image data 75 included in the order of “No. 6” is displayed as the palette data 85. Is displayed at the position of the placement hole 85h having the highest priority.

  Next, in step S4, 1 is added to the serial number (No.) of the reference order. Next, in step S5, the next order of the order of “No. 6” is searched, but the order of “No. 7” is not included in the order list. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S12, and the third print data is determined. Specifically, the latest third temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 63b, that is, the temporary print data including the image data 75 of the order of “No. 6” and the print pattern is the third temporary print data. Confirmed as print data.

  Next, in step S13, the number of orders included in the order list is compared with the number of orders included in the confirmed print data. Then, since the number of orders included in the first to third print data = 6 (3 + 2 + 1), the number is equal to the number of orders included in the order list. Therefore, the generation of print data is terminated. As described above, in Example 11, six orders are divided into three groups, and a total of three print data are generated.

(Embodiment 12) In Embodiment 12, in step S1, no. Assume that an order list including orders 11 to 16 is created. No. Each of the orders 11 to 16 includes a product model including print setting information and pallet information as shown in Table 2 below. In Example 12, no. Each order of 11 to 16 has back-and-front identity.

  In this case, according to the eleventh embodiment, the order of “No. 11” is first determined as the reference order, and the order of “No. 11” is stored in the second storage unit 63b as temporary print data. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the palette data 86 of the palette I included in the order of “No. 11” is displayed on the preview screen of the second display section 64b, and the image included in the order of “No. 11”. Data 76a is displayed at the position of the placement hole 86h having the highest priority in the pallet data 86. Next, in accordance with Example 11, it is determined in steps S6 to S8 that the orders of “No. 12” and “No. 13” can be printed together with the reference order. Accordingly, the image data 76b included in the orders “No. 12” and “No. 13” is sequentially added to the temporary print data, and the image data 76b included in the orders “No. 12” and “No. 13” The pallet data 86 are sequentially displayed at the positions of the second and third highest arrangement holes 86h. Further, according to the eleventh embodiment, it is determined in steps S4 to S9 that the orders of “No. 14” and “No. 15” cannot be printed together. In step S11, 1 is added to the serial number of the order, and the process returns to step S5.

  Next, in step S5, the next order of the “No. 15” order is searched, and the “No. 16” order is extracted. Next, in steps S6 to S8, it is determined whether the order of “No. 16” can be printed together with the order of “No. 11-13”. As a result, the order of “No.16” is different from the standard order (the back side), but the order of “No.11-13” and the order of “No.16” are both identical. Therefore, unlike the embodiment 11, it is determined that printing is possible together with the order of “No. 11-13”. Therefore, the image data 76 b included in the “No. 16” order is added to the temporary print data, and the image data 76 b included in the “No. 16” order is the fourth highest priority order of the pallet data 86. It is displayed at the position of the hole 86h. In step S11, 1 is added to the serial number of the order, and the process returns to step S5.

  Next, in step S5, the next order of the order of “No. 16” is searched, but the order of “No. 17” is not included in the order list. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S12, and the first print data is determined. Specifically, the latest temporary print data stored in the second storage unit 63b, that is, temporary data including the image data 76a and 76b of the order of “No. 11-13, 16” and the latest composite print pattern. The print data is determined as the first print data.

  Next, in step S13, the number of orders included in the order list is compared with the number of orders included in the confirmed print data. Here, since the number of orders included in the order list = 6 and the number of orders included in the first print data = 4, orders that are not included in the confirmed print data remain. Therefore, returning to step S2, a new reference order (second reference order) is searched. As in the eleventh embodiment, the order of “No. 14” is determined as the second reference order, and the order of “No. 14” is stored in the second storage unit 63b as the second temporary print data. Further, the palette data 87 of the palette II included in the order of “No. 14” is displayed on the preview screen of the second display section 64b, and the image data 77a included in the order of “No. 14” is displayed as the palette data 87. Is displayed at the position of the arrangement hole 87h having the highest priority. Next, in steps S4 to S8, it is determined that the order of “No. 15” can be printed together with the second reference order. Then, temporary print data including the image data 77a and 77b in the order of “No. 14, 15” and the latest composite print pattern is determined as the second print data.

  Next, in step S13, the number of orders included in the order list is compared with the number of orders included in the confirmed print data. Then, since the number of orders included in the order list = 6 and the number of orders included in the confirmed first and second print data = 6 (4 + 2), the number is equal to the number of orders included in the print data. Therefore, the generation of print data is terminated. As described above, in the twelfth embodiment, six orders are divided into two groups, and a total of two pieces of print data are generated.

  As described above, the print data generation device 60 according to the present embodiment automatically creates one or a plurality of print data in which all orders included in the order list are collected. For example, when an order print is received from a customer via the Internet, a printed matter is created at the store side, and mailed to the user for delivery, all orders are ordered from the viewpoint of reducing costs and improving production efficiency. Is preferably processed with the minimum number of printings. In such a case, the print data generation device 60 can be used particularly preferably. Thereby, the price of order printing can be lowered and customer satisfaction can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, when each print is placed on the pallet 80, each order is printed from the table 25 when the front surface is opposed to the ink head 23 and when the back surface is opposed to the ink head 23. 70 has information on the presence / absence of back-to-back identity whether the heights of 70 are the same. The surface collating unit 66e is configured to collate information on the presence / absence of front / back identity in addition to the above-described collation of the printed surface. The main generation unit 66 determines that the reference order and the Nth order are different from each other when the printing surface of the reference order is different from the printing surface of the Nth order and both the reference order and the Nth order have the same front and back sides. The N order is determined to be printable at a time, and the reference order and the Nth order are combined to generate one print data. In other words, the main generation unit 66 is either one of the following (1) and (2): (1) The printing surface of the reference order and the printing surface of the Nth order are both front or back. (2) When the printing surface of the reference order is different from the printing surface of the Nth order, and both the reference order and the Nth order have the same front and back, The reference order and the Nth order are determined to be printable at a time. That is, the main generation unit 66 determines that the reference order and the Nth order are different when the printing surface of the reference order is different from the printing surface of the Nth order and at least one of the reference order and the Nth order has no back-and-front identity. Are determined to be unprintable at a time.

  In the present embodiment, the main generation unit 66 temporarily prints information included in the reference order, and a reference order determination unit 66b that determines, as a reference order, an order having a highest printing order determined in advance from a plurality of orders. When it is determined that the second storage unit 63b that stores data and the reference order and the Nth order can be printed at once, the Nth order is integrated into the temporary print data, and the temporary print data is updated. It further includes a temporary print data update unit 66f and a print data determination unit 66g that determines the latest temporary print data as print data.

  In the present embodiment, the main generation unit 66 generates one or a plurality of print data so that a plurality of orders included in the order list are all included in the print data. As a result, the user can print the print order without fail and can prevent forgetting to print.

  In the present embodiment, in the first storage unit 63a, at least the information on the pallet 80, the information on the printing surface, and the print setting information are associated with the product name of the substrate 70 in one file. Stored product model is stored. And the order preparation part 62 comprised so that the said order may be produced from the said product model is further provided. The user does not need to create an order from scratch by using the product model. For this reason, a user's burden can be reduced. Further, even a user with little knowledge or experience with respect to printing can easily create an order.

  In the present embodiment, a second display unit 64b that further displays image data 73a and 73b representing an image included in the print data and palette data 83 representing the palette 80 is further provided. Thus, using the screen of the second display unit 64b as a sample, the palette 83 and the printing material 70 used for printing can be arranged on the table 25 of the printer 10 in the same manner as this. Accordingly, it is difficult to make a misplacement when the substrate 70 is placed on the printer 10, and printing failures can be further reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the printer 10 is a KIOSK type printer. In the KIOSK type printer, it is assumed that a user unaccustomed to handling the printer 10 performs print settings. In addition, it is required to efficiently process a wide variety of order printing. Accordingly, it is preferable to use the print data generation device 60 disclosed herein together.

  The print data generation apparatuses 50 and 60 according to the present embodiment and the print system 100 including the print data generation apparatuses have been described above. However, the print data generation apparatus and the printing system including the same according to the present invention are not limited to this.

  For example, in the first embodiment in FIG. 6 and the second embodiment in FIG. 15, the print data generation devices 50 and 60 include the order creation units 52 and 62, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. The order creation units 52 and 62 may be external devices connected to the print data generation devices 50 and 60. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the print data generation device 50 includes the second input unit 55, and the main generation unit 56 of the print data generation device 50 includes the user-specified information determination unit 56d. Is not limited. For example, when the user designation information is not input by the user, the second input unit 55 and the user designation information determination unit 56d are not essential and may be omitted as in the second embodiment. Further, similarly to the first storage unit 63a of the second embodiment, the first storage unit 53a stores a product model in which pieces of information shown in FIG. 16, for example, are linked to each other and combined into one file. It may be.

  For example, in the first embodiment of FIG. 9, step S4 is performed after step S3, and step S12 is performed after step S11. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, step S3 may be performed after step S4, or step S11 may be performed after step S12. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9, step S8 is performed after step S7, and step S10 is performed after step S9. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, step S7 may be performed after step S8, or step S9 may be performed after step S10.

  In the first embodiment of FIG. 9, when [Model Layout] is different in step S9 (when step S9 is No), or when the Nth order cannot be printed at one time in step S10 (step S10). Is No), the process proceeds to step S14 to determine the print data, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when an order print is received from a customer via the Internet, a printed matter is created at the store side, and mailed to a user for delivery, there may be a relatively long delivery time. In such a case, if step S9 is No or step S10 is No, the process may not proceed to step S14, but 1 may be added to the serial number of the order in step S15.

  Further, the configuration of the printer 10 is not particularly limited. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the so-called shuttle type (serial type) printer 10 in which the ink head 23 is mounted on the carriage 19 and printing is performed while reciprocating in the left-right direction X (shuttle movement) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The technology disclosed herein can be applied to a so-called line type printer that includes a line head having the same width as the recording medium 5 and performs printing in a state where the line head is fixed. In the above-described embodiment, the carriage 19 of the printer 10 is configured to move in the left-right direction X and the table 25 is moved in the front-rear direction Y. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The movement of the carriage 19 and the table 25 is relative, and either of them may move in the left-right direction X or the front-rear direction Y. Further, for example, the carriage 19 may be arranged so as not to move, and the table 25 may be configured to be movable in both the left-right direction X and the front-rear direction Y.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printer 10 includes the ultraviolet lamp 24. However, the ultraviolet lamp 24 is not essential and may be omitted. In that case, the ink cartridges 21 and 22 may each store ink other than the ultraviolet curable type. The printer 10 may include a cutting head that cuts the substrate 70.

10 Recording device (printer)
50, 60 Print data generation device 51, 55, 61 Input unit 52, 62 Order creation unit 53, 63 Storage unit 54, 64 Display unit 56, 66 Main generation unit 57, 67 Output unit 100, 101 Printing system

Claims (9)

A recording apparatus comprising: a pallet having an arrangement hole on which a substrate having a front surface and a back surface is disposed; a support member on which the pallet is placed; and an ink head that ejects ink toward the support member. Print data to be used, and the following information: information on the palette that can be used; information on a print surface of the printed material whether it is the front surface or the back surface; printed on the printed material A print data generation device for generating the print data from an order having image information; print setting information for controlling the recording device;
A storage unit for storing a plurality of the orders including a first order and a second order;
A main generation unit for generating the print data from the order information;
An output unit for outputting the image information and the print setting information included in the generated print data to the recording device;
With
The main generation unit
For the first order and the second order, the pallet collation unit configured to collate the pallet information with each other and determine whether to include the common pallet information;
For the first order and the second order, the information on the printing surface is mutually verified, and a surface matching unit configured to determine whether the printing surface is the same,
With
When it is determined that the palette collation unit includes the common pallet information and the surface collation unit determines that the print surface is the same, the first order and the second order are once set. The first order and the second order are combined to generate one piece of the print data.
Print data generation device. In the order, when the printed material is placed on the pallet, the printed material from the support member is used when the front surface is opposed to the ink head and the back surface is opposed to the ink head. It also has information on the presence or absence of back-to-back identity whether or not the height of
The surface collating unit is configured to collate information on the presence / absence of the back and front identity with each other in addition to the collation of the printed surface,
The main generation unit is configured such that the printing surface of the first order is different from the printing surface of the second order, and the first order and the second order are both identical to each other. The first order and the second order are determined to be printable at a time, and the first order and the second order are combined into one print data. Configured to generate,
The print data generation apparatus according to claim 1. The main generation unit
A reference order determining unit that determines, as the first order, an order having the highest printing order among the plurality of orders;
A second storage unit that stores information included in the first order as temporary print data;
Temporary print data update that integrates the second order into the temporary print data and updates the temporary print data when it is determined that the first order and the second order can be printed at once. And
A print data determination unit that determines the latest provisional print data as the print data;
Further comprising
The print data generation apparatus according to claim 1. The main generation unit is configured to generate one or a plurality of the print data so that a plurality of the orders are all included in the print data.
The print data generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The storage unit stores a product model stored in a single file by associating at least the pallet information, the printing surface information, and the print setting information with the product name of the substrate. Has been
Further comprising an order creation unit configured to create the order from the product model;
The print data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A display unit for displaying the image data representing the image included in the print data and the palette data representing the palette;
The print data generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   A printing system comprising: the print data generation device according to claim 1; and the recording device.   The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the recording device is a KIOSK type printer.   A computer program configured to cause a computer to operate as the print data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images