JP2019204317A - Web catalog generation device, print order device including the same, printing system, and computer program for web catalog creation - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a web catalog generation device that generates a web catalog including information designating the direction of an image at the time of printing.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a web catalog generation device 50A that generates a web catalog. The web catalog generation device 50A includes: a storage unit 54C that stores a print format; a print layout generation unit 522A configured to generate a print layout including rotation information representing a relative direction of an image at the time of printing on the basis of a direction of the image included in the print format stored in the storage unit 54C; and an association unit 53A that associates the print format with the print layout.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a web catalog generating apparatus, a print ordering apparatus including the same, a printing system, and a computer program for creating a web catalog.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus that prints on a printing material using a printing apparatus and creates a desired printed material is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a jig (hereinafter referred to as a “pallet”) on which a printed material is arranged, a table on which the pallet is placed and moves in the sub-scanning direction, and moves in the main scanning direction toward the printed material. An ink head that ejects ink is disclosed.

JP 2007-136664 A

  In recent years, the printing apparatus has been rapidly spreading for use in retail stores. For example, mobile phone stores and home appliance mass retailers are expanding the value-added printing services that take advantage of the immediacy and diversity of printing. Normally, in this type of service, the store side (user side) that receives an order for printing prepares electronic version catalog data (hereinafter referred to as “web catalog”) in advance. For example, the customer designates the type of the printed material and the data of the image to be printed while referring to the web catalog at the customer terminal, and orders the original printing. The user prints a desired image on a substrate, for example, a mobile phone case, an electronic cigarette, a photo frame, or the like in accordance with an order from a customer.

  Until now, printing of images by a user has been performed with the orientation of the image created by the customer (orientation of the normal position) from the viewpoint of preventing printing failure due to, for example, misplacement of the substrate. However, for example, if an elongated image having a significantly different aspect ratio is printed in the normal position, the amount of movement (feed amount) of the table in the sub-scanning direction increases, resulting in poor printing efficiency. As a result, it takes time to complete the printing, and the waiting time until the customer obtains the printed matter becomes long. In a value-added printing service, since a customer often waits on the spot until printing is completed, it has been desired to perform printing more efficiently in a short time. For example, depending on the model of the printing apparatus and the shape of the printed material, when the printed material is arranged in the printing device in the normal position, the printable area of the printed material is limited, or the printed material is removed from the printing area of the printing device. Sometimes it protruded. Due to the circumstances as described above, there has been a request from the user to set the orientation of the image at the time of printing separately from the orientation of the image created by the customer.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above point, and an object of the present invention is to generate a web catalog including information for designating the orientation of an image at the time of printing, a print order apparatus including the web catalog generation apparatus, and a print A system and a computer program for creating a web catalog are provided.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a web catalog generation device that generates a web catalog including a print format in which image data representing an image to be printed on a printing material is set in advance. The web catalog generation device includes a storage unit that stores the print format, and a print layout that includes rotation information that represents a relative orientation of the image at the time of printing with reference to the orientation of the image included in the print format. A print layout generation unit configured to generate the data, and a link unit that links the print format to the print layout.

  In the web catalog generation device, a print layout including rotation information is associated with each print format, and a web catalog is generated. Therefore, the user can set the orientation of the image at the time of printing separately from the orientation displayed on the customer terminal, for example, at the stage of generating the web catalog. As a result, printing can be performed efficiently, and the waiting time until the customer obtains the printed matter can be shortened. In the web catalog generation device, once the printing direction is designated, it is not necessary to make settings every time printing is performed. For this reason, for example, even when a user who is not proficient in handling a printing apparatus, such as a store salesperson, is in charge of printing, printing can be performed in an appropriate direction, and printing failures can be reduced. it can.

  In addition, according to the present invention, a web catalog generation device that generates a web catalog including a print format in which image data representing an image to be printed on a printing material is set in advance, and the web catalog generation device are connected to be able to perform data communication. And a web catalog display device for displaying the image of the web catalog. The web catalog generation device includes a storage unit that stores the print format, and a print layout that includes rotation information that represents a relative orientation of the image at the time of printing with reference to the orientation of the image included in the print format. A print layout generation unit configured to generate the link; a link unit that links the print format to the print layout; and a transmission unit that transmits the print format to the web catalog display device. The web catalog display device includes: a receiving unit that receives the print format; a display unit that displays the image included in the print format; and the image included in the print format based on an operation of the customer. And an order data generation unit configured to generate order data representing an image for printing. According to the print order apparatus, the user can smoothly receive an order print from a customer. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

  The printing system according to the present invention includes the print ordering device, a print management device connected to the print ordering device so that data communication is possible, and a printing device connected to the print management device so as to allow data communication. Prepare. The print management device includes a receiving unit that receives the order data and the information of the print layout associated with the print format that is the basis of the order data from the print order device, and the print A rotation unit that rotates the image of the order data according to the rotation information included in the layout, and a transmission unit that transmits the image of the order data rotated by the rotation unit and the information of the print layout to the printing apparatus. And comprising. According to the printing system described above, the user can smoothly perform operations from receiving an order printing order to printing on the substrate. Therefore, it is possible to improve work efficiency and reduce mistakes in a series of operations.

  The computer program according to the present invention is configured to cause a computer to operate as the web catalog generation device.

  According to the web catalog generation device of the present invention, it is possible to generate a web catalog including information for designating the orientation of an image at the time of printing, and it is possible to improve customer satisfaction and user convenience. Moreover, according to the print order apparatus of the present invention, the user can smoothly receive an order print from a customer. Further, according to the printing system of the present invention, the user can smoothly perform the operations from the order printing order to the printing on the substrate.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. 1 is a front view of a printing 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 in which the several to-be-printed material was accommodated. It is an example of a screen showing a list of templates and print layouts. It is an example of the 1st production | generation screen of a printing format. It is an example of the 2nd production | generation screen of a printing format. It is an example of a print format save screen. It is an example of the 1st production | generation screen of a print layout. It is an example of the screen showing the information of the template of the 1st hierarchy. It is an example of the screen for a customer's confirmation. It is an example of a customer's editing screen. It is an example of the screen for a customer's final confirmation. It is an example of an order completion screen. It is an example of the screen displayed on the display part of a print management apparatus.

  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.

≪Print system≫
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing system 100. The printing system 100 includes a printing apparatus 10, a print order apparatus 50, and a print management apparatus 60. The printing system 100 receives an order print from a customer at the print order apparatus 50, and prints an image on one or more printed materials 70 (see FIG. 5) using the printing apparatus 10 based on the order print. Is configured to do. The printing apparatus 10 and the print management apparatus 60 are connected so that they can communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The print order apparatus 50 and the print management apparatus 60 are connected so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly.

  The type of the substrate 70 is not particularly limited. The substrate 70 may be, for example, a flat sheet such as a printing paper, a transfer paper, a card, various cases such as a mobile phone case, a small electronic device such as an electronic cigarette, a key holder, a photo frame, a welcome board, and the like. Three-dimensional objects such as small parts, daily necessities, cosmetics, and accessories may be used. The material of the substrate 70 is not only paper such as plain paper and inkjet printing paper, but also resins such as polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene (ABS) copolymer, aluminum Or metals such as stainless steel, carbon, ceramics, ceramics, glass, rubber, leather, etc.

  In the following description, left, right, top, and bottom mean left, right, top, and bottom viewed from the user in front of the printing apparatus 10, respectively. Further, the direction approaching the user from the printing apparatus 10 is defined as the front side, and the direction away from the printing 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.

<Printing device>
FIG. 2 is a front view of the printing apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the printing area 16 of the printing apparatus 10. The printing apparatus 10 is configured to receive print data from the print management apparatus 60 and print an image on the substrate 70 based on the print data. The “image” here includes letters, numbers, symbols, figures, patterns, patterns, photographs, and the like. Here, the printing apparatus 10 is a photocurable ink jet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer”). 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 a so-called flat bed type printer. 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. For this reason, 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 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).

  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 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. Each ink cartridge 22 stores spot color inks such as primer ink, white ink, and coating ink. 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.

  The primer ink is a pre-treatment ink for improving the riding of the ink on the printed material, for example, when printing on the printed material with high ink repellency. Primer ink is ink that is used in a base treatment before printing other ink on a substrate. Primer inks are typically transparent. The white ink is an ink that is used not only for image formation but also for a base treatment for improving the color developability of the process color ink. 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.

  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, for example, at least one of primer ink, white ink, and 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 number of the ultraviolet lamps 24 is two here, but may be one, or may be three or more.

  A table 25 is disposed below the carriage 19. The table 25 is a table that supports the substrate 70 (a support member for 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 unit 30 and is controlled by the control unit 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 unit 30 and is controlled by the control unit 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 aligning the substrate 70 with the printer 10. When printing a plurality of prints 70 at a time, the pallet 80 stores the prints 70 so that the positions of the prints 70 are not shifted from each other. 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 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. However, the number of the arrangement holes 80h may be one. Further, the shape of the arrangement hole 80h is not particularly limited, but here is a rectangular shape in plan view. 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 portion 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 flat pallet 80, Lines and figures drawn on the surface of the flat pallet 80 may be used.

  In the present embodiment, five printed materials 70 of the same type and size are arranged on the pallet 80. The size and shape of the printing material 70 arranged in the arrangement hole 80h are not particularly limited, but are the same as the arrangement hole 80h here. 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 unit 30 is provided in the control area 17. The control unit 30 is configured to control the operation of the printer 10 based on the print data transmitted from the print management apparatus 60. The control unit 30 is communicably connected to the carriage motor of the carriage movement mechanism, the back-and-forth movement motor of the first table movement mechanism 26, and the vertical movement motor of the second table movement mechanism 27. The relative positional relationship between 70 and the ink head 23 is controlled. The control unit 30 is communicably connected to the ink head 23 and controls the ejection of ink to the printing material 70. The control unit 30 is communicably connected to the ultraviolet lamp 24 and controls starting and stopping of the ultraviolet lamp 24.

  The control unit 30 is typically a computer. The control unit 30 includes, for example, an interface (I / F) that receives print data transmitted from the print management device 60, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a control program, and a CPU A ROM (read only memory) storing a program to be executed, a RAM (random access memory) used as a working area for developing the program, and a storage device such as a memory for storing the program and various data .

<Print order device>
The print order apparatus 50 is configured to be able to accept an order print from a customer using a web catalog prepared in advance by a user. The print ordering device 50 includes a web catalog generation device 50A, a web catalog display device 50B, and a data server 50C. The web catalog generation device 50A, the web catalog display device 50B, and the data server 50C are configured to be capable of data communication with each other via a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

  The web catalog generation device 50A is configured to be able to generate web catalog data (display information) to be displayed on the web catalog display device 50B. In this embodiment, the web catalog generation device 50A includes an input unit 51A, a main generation unit 52A, a format generation unit 521A, a print layout generation unit 522A, a linking unit 53A, a display unit 55A, and a transmission / reception unit 56A. And. The web catalog display device 50B is configured to display the web catalog generated by the web catalog generation device 50A and provide it to the customer. In the present embodiment, the web catalog display device 50B also functions as an order print acceptance device used when a customer orders printing. In the present embodiment, the web catalog display device 50B includes an input unit 51B, a display data generation unit 57B, an order data generation unit 58B, a price calculation unit 59B, a display unit 55B, and a transmission / reception unit 56B. Yes. The data server 50C includes a storage unit 54C and a transmission / reception unit 56C. In this embodiment, the web catalog generation device 50A, the web catalog display device 50B, and the data server 50C are represented as separate bodies, but these may be partly or wholly configured integrally.

  The data of the web catalog is created with source code described in a programming language such as html, CSS, javascript, for example. In this embodiment, the web catalog includes a plurality of template files in which information displayed on the display unit 55B and display positions (layouts) of the information are defined. The customer places an order for printing on the substrate 70 by selecting a template displayed in the web catalog. The information displayed on the display unit 55B includes, for example, character information and / or graphic data. The plurality of template files are given appropriate names (file names) so that the user can identify them, and are stored in the storage unit 54C of the data server 50C, for example. Hierarchies may be assigned to the plurality of templates, for example, in the order displayed on the display unit 55B. Thereby, the files of a plurality of templates have a hierarchical structure (tree shape) reflecting the order in which they are displayed on the display unit 55B, and are displayed hierarchically on the display unit 55B.

  In the present embodiment, the web catalog template includes a print format file. The print format is an order print template prepared by the user in consideration of customer convenience. In the print format, image data representing an image to be printed on the substrate 70 is set in advance. That is, the print format has image data in which a fixed part of an image to be printed on the substrate 70 is stored. The image data included in the print format can be used for printing as it is, or can be used for printing after the customer has customized it based on the image data. The image data included in the print format can also be grasped as basic image data (in other words, image data to be customized by the customer) before the customer makes a change. The print format includes, for example, character information and / or graphic data. The print format may be, for example, a template located at the lowest layer of the hierarchical structure of the web catalog. There may be one or more print format files. By having a plurality of print formats, it is possible to increase the variety of order printing by expanding the range of customer choices.

  Each of the web catalog generation device 50A and the web catalog display device 50B is typically a computer, and includes, for example, an I / F, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a memory, like the control unit 30 described above. . Each of the web catalog generation device 50A and the web catalog display device 50B may be a portable terminal such as a desktop or notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

  Web catalog generation device 50A and web catalog display device 50B may each be a computer program that causes a CPU of a computer to operate independently as web catalog generation device 50A or web catalog display device 50B. The computer program may be a computer-readable recording medium in which the operation of the web catalog generation device 50A or the web catalog display device 50B 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 a server computer via the recording medium or a network such as the Internet or an intranet. In this case, the server computer is also a form of the web catalog generation device 50A and / or the web catalog display device 50B.

  The web catalog generation device 50A is a user terminal, and is installed, for example, in a store office. Each part of the web catalog generation device 50A, that is, the input unit 51A, the main generation unit 52A, the format generation unit 521A, the print layout generation unit 522A, the linking unit 53A, the display unit 55A, and the transmission / reception unit 56A. Are configured to be able to communicate with each other. Each unit of the web catalog generation device 50A may be configured by software or may be configured by hardware. Each unit of the web catalog generation device 50A may be performed by a processor or may be incorporated in a circuit.

  The input unit 51A is an interface on the store side (user side) that receives an order print from a customer. The input unit 51A receives information necessary for creating the web catalog, such as print format information and print layout information, by the user. The input unit 51A includes, for example, a keyboard including cursor keys and numeric input keys, a pointing device such as a mouse, and an input device (not shown) such as a button. The input unit 51A may be configured such that the user can manually input information, or the user can capture necessary information from an external device such as a host computer or a wired or wireless network. It may be configured as such.

  The main generation unit 52A is configured to be able to set a print format and a print layout. The main generation unit 52A includes a format generation unit 521A and a print layout generation unit 522A. However, the format generation unit 521A is not essential and can be omitted. Here, the main generation unit 52A is configured by a web application. However, the main generation unit 52A may be configured with a native application. In that case, 50 A of web catalog production | generation apparatuses may have a memory | storage part separately from the memory | storage part 54C.

  The format generation unit 521A is configured to be able to generate a print format file included in the web catalog. When the web catalog is composed of a plurality of templates having a hierarchical structure, the format generation unit 521A may be configured to be able to generate a template (print format) at the lowest layer of the web catalog. The format generation unit 521A is configured to display a list of print formats on the display unit 55A, and to add a new print format file or delete an unnecessary print format file. Yes. A new print format may be created by the user inputting necessary information from 1 or, for example, a default print uploaded to the homepage by accessing a homepage prepared by the manufacturer of the printing apparatus 10. The format may be downloaded as appropriate. The format generation unit 521A is configured to display a print format editing screen on the display unit 55A so that the user can arbitrarily change the information stored in the print format file.

  The information stored in the print format file represents, for example, information on the size of the substrate 70, information on the print margin of the substrate 70, information on the corner shape of the substrate 70, and an image to be printed on the substrate 70. Image data, printable area setting, image editable area setting, and the like. The image data is created in, for example, a PNG (Portable Network Graphics) format, a GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) format, or a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format for handling bitmap images on the web. The image data includes, for example, information on the type of ink used for printing, information on use (ON) / non-use (OFF) of special color ink, in addition to information on the arrangement position of the image. These pieces of information are input from the input unit 51A by the user, for example. The input information is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 56A and stored in the storage unit 54C as a file of one print format. Further, the print format file stored in the storage unit 54C is updated to the latest state reflecting the input information.

  The print layout generation unit 522A is configured to be able to generate a print layout file that is sent to the print management apparatus 60 when an image is printed. The print layout generation unit 522A is configured to display a list of print layouts on the display unit 55A so that a new print layout file can be added or an unnecessary print layout file can be deleted. ing. A new print layout may be created by the user inputting necessary information from 1 or, for example, a default print uploaded to the homepage by accessing a homepage prepared by the manufacturer of the printing apparatus 10. The layout may be downloaded as appropriate. The print layout generation unit 522A is configured to display a print layout editing screen on the display unit 55A so that the user can arbitrarily change the information stored in the print layout file.

  In the present embodiment, the print layout file includes at least information defining the orientation of the image included in the print format at the time of printing. More specifically, it includes rotation information representing the relative orientation of the image at the time of printing with reference to the orientation of the image included in the print format (in the normal position) stored in the storage unit 54C. . In addition to the rotation information, the print layout file includes, for example, information on the print origin that is predetermined as a point that defines the print position coordinates, information on the print start point that is defined based on the print origin, Information on the pallet 80 on which the printed material 70 is arranged may be included. The rotation information may be linked to information on the pallet 80. The information on the pallet 80 includes, for example, the number, position, shape, and size (for example, the length in the left-right direction X, the length in the front-rear direction Y, and the length in the up-down direction Z) of the arrangement holes 80h in which the substrate 70 is arranged. Etc. Such information may be input from the input unit 51A by the user, or may be acquired from an electronic drawing of the pallet 80, for example. The input information is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 56A and stored in the storage unit 54C as one print layout file. Also, the print layout file stored in the storage unit 54C is updated to the latest state reflecting the input information.

  In one embodiment, the rotation information is selected by a user from options registered in advance in a menu. As an example of the rotation information, for example, there is one that rotates the print format in the normal position by a predetermined angle with the print origin as a reference. For example, the rotation information includes a first rotation condition for rotating the print format by 0 ° with the print origin as a reference (the same orientation as that stored in the storage unit 54C), and a first rotation condition for rotating the print format by 90 °. The second rotation condition, the third rotation condition for rotating the print format by 180 °, and the fourth rotation condition for rotating the print format by 270 ° may be selected by the user. In another embodiment, the rotation information may be configured so that the user can arbitrarily input a numerical value from 0 to 360 °.

  As an example, when the table 25 and the pallet 80 are both rectangular, the user may set the rotation information so that the long side of the table 25 and the long side of the pallet 80 coincide. As another example, when the table 25 and the substrate 70 are both rectangular, the user sets the rotation information so that the long side of the table 25 matches the long side of the substrate 70. May be. As another example, the user may set the rotation information such that the length of the printed material 70 in the front-rear direction Y is shortest when the printed material 70 is placed on the table 25. As another example, the user may set the rotation information so that the front cover 13 is appropriately closed when the substrate 70 is placed on the table 25.

  In this embodiment, the print layout includes rotation information that defines the orientation of the image at the time of printing and information on the palette 80. For example, when the palette 80 is not used, information on the palette 80 is used. May not be included. The rotation information may be set not only in the print layout file but also in the print format file. In that case, the priority order of the rotation information may be determined in advance.

  The associating unit 53A is configured to be able to create associating information in which a print format (for example, a template at the bottom layer of a web catalog) and a print layout are associated with each other. The association unit 53A displays, for example, a print format file and a print layout file together on the display unit 55A, and the user arbitrarily associates one or more print layouts with each print format. It is configured as possible. Since the print format and the print layout are linked at the time of creating the web catalog, it is possible to prevent an inappropriate print layout from being selected at the time of printing. For this reason, for example, even when a printing operator who is not familiar with the handling of the printing apparatus is in charge of printing, the risk of adopting an incorrect printing layout is reduced. The association information that associates the print format with the print layout is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 56A and stored in the storage unit 54C of the data server 50C. Here, the associating unit 53A is configured by a web application. However, the associating unit 53A may be configured with a native application. In that case, 50 A of web catalog production | generation apparatuses may have a memory | storage part separately from the memory | storage part 54C.

  The display unit 55A displays the information stored in the storage unit 54C of the data server 50C so that the user can visually recognize the information. The display unit 55A displays a screen of a web application for creating a web catalog, for example. The display unit 55A can also function as a preview screen for confirming the screen displayed on the display unit 55B. The display unit 55A is, for example, one or a plurality of displays. The display unit 55A may also serve as the input device of the input unit 51A. Display unit 55A may be a touch panel that can be operated by a user directly touching a display screen.

  Here, the transmitting / receiving unit 56A is an interface to the data server 50C. The transmission / reception unit 56A transmits / receives, for example, a template file including a print format, a print layout file, and association information between a print format and a print layout to / from the data server 50C. Here, the transmitting / receiving unit 56A is always connected to the data server 50C via a network. However, when using a native application, the transmission / reception unit 56A may be constantly connected to the data server 50C via a network, or may be intermittently connected as necessary.

  The web catalog display device 50B is a customer terminal and is installed, for example, at a retail store. The web catalog display device 50B is configured to display a web catalog on the display unit 55B and to navigate customer order printing. In one embodiment, a plurality of templates including at least a print format are displayed hierarchically on the display unit 55B. The customer selects a plurality of hierarchically displayed templates from the upper hierarchy toward the lower hierarchy according to the display on the display unit 55B. Then, a desired print format can be selected from the templates in the lowest hierarchy, and a desired print can be ordered by appropriately editing the print format. As a result, printing orders can be made smoothly and the convenience of the customer can be improved. In addition, by automatically accepting orders, it is possible to suppress mistakes in order contents input by the user, and to improve user convenience.

  Each part of the web catalog display device 50B, that is, the input unit 51B, the display data generation unit 57B, the order data generation unit 58B, the price calculation unit 59B, the display unit 55B, and the transmission / reception unit 56B can communicate with each other. It is configured. Each unit of the web catalog display device 50B may be configured by software or may be configured by hardware. Each unit of the web catalog display device 50B may be performed by a processor or may be incorporated in a circuit.

  The input unit 51B is an interface for a customer who orders printing. Information necessary for order printing is input to the input unit 51B by the customer. Similarly to the input unit 51A, the input unit 51B includes an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a button, and is configured to allow a customer to input information manually. The input unit 51B may be configured so that a customer can capture necessary information from an external device such as a host computer or a wired or wireless network.

  The display data generation unit 57B is configured to generate display data of the web catalog and display it on the display unit 55B. The display data generation unit 57B determines in advance the information included in the template by referring to the template file stored in the storage unit 54C of the data server 50C when an intention to order printing is given from the customer. The display data arranged at the displayed position is generated. For example, display data is generated for each hierarchy. For example, display data in which information included in a plurality of templates is displayed side by side is generated. In one specific example, first, the display unit 55B is divided into a plurality of partial areas, and display data in which information of templates (print formats) positioned at the lowest layer of the hierarchical structure is arranged and arranged for each partial area is generated. It is configured as follows. Here, the display data generation unit 57B is configured by a web application. However, the display data generation unit 57B may be configured with a native application. In that case, the web catalog display device 50B may have a storage unit separately from the storage unit 54C.

  The order data generation unit 58B is configured to display a predetermined screen on the display unit 55B and allow the customer to freely edit (customize) the design of the image based on, for example, a print format prepared in advance in the web catalog. Has been. When the web catalog is composed of a plurality of templates having a hierarchical structure, the order data generation unit 58B may be based on a template (print format) located at the lowest layer of the web catalog. The order data generation unit 58B includes, for example, drawing software. When a customer inputs a character or draws a graphic using the input unit 51B, the order data generation unit 58B generates original data corresponding to the character or the graphic. It is configured. The original data generated by the order data generation unit 58B is added to the image data in the print format, and is generated as image data for order printing from the final customer (hereinafter referred to as “order data”). The order data is created, for example, in PNG format, GIF format, JPEG format, or the like. The order data includes, for example, information on the type of ink used for printing, information on use (ON) / non-use (OFF) of special color ink, in addition to information on the arrangement position of the image. The generated order data is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 56B and stored in the storage unit 54C of the data server 50C. Here, the order data generation unit 58B is configured by a web application here. However, the order data generation unit 58B may be configured with a native application. In that case, the web catalog display device 50B may have a storage unit separately from the storage unit 54C.

  The price calculation unit 59B is configured to calculate the estimated price and the final price of the customer's order printing and display them on the display unit 55B. The price calculation unit 59B calculates the estimated amount based on, for example, the type of template whose hierarchy is the lowest layer, that is, the print format selected by the customer. The fee for each print format is set in advance by the user, for example. The price calculation unit 59B displays, for example, a fixed fee according to the print format on the display unit 55B as an estimated amount.

  In one embodiment, the price calculation unit 59B sets the final price by the product of the estimated amount per unit order print and the number of prints designated by the customer. In another embodiment, the price calculation unit 59B adds, for example, the charge (basic charge) of the print format and the charge (optional charge) of the original data added by the order data generation unit 58B, and then prints. Calculate the product with the quantity and set the final price. The amount of original data is determined from a predetermined database based on, for example, information on the type of ink used for printing, the printing area, and the like. In one example, the amount of original data is determined based on the amount and unit price of the special color ink used for printing. For example, when using special color ink, it is calculated as an amount obtained by adding an amount corresponding to the unit price of the special color ink to an amount when the special color ink is not used. As another example, when a predetermined print area threshold is exceeded, an amount corresponding to the area exceeding the threshold is calculated.

  The display unit 55B displays information on the web catalog when the customer orders printing. The display unit 55B can also function as an order screen for a customer to order printing. The display unit 55B displays information on one or more templates stored in the storage unit 54C in units of layers such as a first layer and a second layer, for example. The display unit 55B displays, for example, an image included in one or a plurality of print formats on a template display screen in which the hierarchical structure of the web catalog is the lowest layer. The image included in the print format is typically displayed on the display unit 55B in the same orientation stored in the storage unit 54C (without being provided with rotation information). Further, the display unit 55B displays an editing screen on which the customer customizes the image design. The display unit 55B displays a confirmation screen for order printing. The display unit 55B is, for example, one or a plurality of displays, similarly to the display unit 55A. The display unit 55B may also serve as an input device for the input unit 51B. Display unit 55B may be a touch panel that can be operated by a customer directly touching the display screen.

  Here, the transmission / reception unit 56B is an interface to the data server 50C and the print management apparatus 60. For example, the transmission / reception unit 56B receives a template file having a plurality of hierarchical structures including a print format, link information between the print format and the print layout, and information necessary for calculating the price of the order print. Receive from. The transmission / reception unit 56B transmits, for example, the customer order data obtained by adding the original data to the image data in the print format and the price information of the order print to the data server 50C. The transmission / reception unit 56B transmits, for example, order data and information of the print layout associated with the print format that is the basis of the order data to the print management apparatus 60. The web catalog display device 50B, the data server 50C, and the print management device 60 may be constantly connected via a network, or may be intermittently connected as necessary.

  The data server 50C includes a storage unit 54C. The storage unit 54C includes, for example, a template file having a plurality of hierarchical structures including a print format, link information between the print format and the print layout, information necessary for calculating the price for order printing, and an image of the print format The customer's order data obtained by adding the original data to the data and the order printing price information are stored. These pieces of information are appropriately transmitted / received to / from the web catalog generation device 50A and / or the web catalog display device 50B via the transmission / reception unit 56C. For example, a plurality of template files and information necessary for calculating the order printing price are appropriately transmitted to the web catalog display device 50B and used when displaying the web catalog information on the display unit 55B. Here, the data server 50C is an external device connected to the web catalog generation device 50A and the web catalog display device 50B. However, for example, when the web catalog generation device 50A and / or the web catalog display device 50B has a storage unit, the data server 50C may be incorporated in at least one of the storage units.

<Print management device>
The print management device 60 transmits print data to the printer 10. The print management apparatus 60 includes a storage unit 61, a rotation unit 62, a display unit 63, a conversion unit 64, and a transmission / reception unit 65. The print management apparatus 60 is typically a computer, and includes, for example, an I / F, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The print management apparatus 60 receives an order print file including customer order data and print layout information via the transmission / reception unit 65. The storage unit 61 stores order data and print layout information. The rotation unit 62 is configured to rotate the image of the order data according to the rotation information included in the print layout and display the image on the display unit 63. For example, according to the rotation information determined based on the normal position, the image of the order data is rotated in units of 90 ° based on the information of the printing origin, for example, and displayed on the display unit 63.

  For example, the display unit 63 displays an order list in which customer order data is listed. In one embodiment, the display unit 63 displays at least one of the order data image rotated by the rotation unit 62 and the print layout palette 80. Alternatively, the order data image and the pallet 80 may be combined and displayed as a preview screen for order printing. The display unit 63 may display an order data image and a preview screen, for example, on the top and bottom or the left and right of one display. By displaying the preview screen on the display unit 63, the user can easily grasp the pallet 80 and the substrate to be used for order printing, and the preparation work can be advanced smoothly. In addition, by placing the pallet 80 and the substrate 70 on the table 25 while referring to the preview screen, it is difficult for misplacement to occur and printing failures can be reduced.

  The conversion unit 64 generates print data in which a plurality of pieces of information necessary for printing are collected in one file, and transmits the print data to the control unit 30 of the printer 10. For example, the conversion unit 64 first generates a print pattern based on information included in the order data, specifically, information on the type of ink used for printing and information on use / non-use of spot color ink. To do. The printing pattern is a pattern in which one or two or more printing processes including repetition of ejection of ink from the ink head 23 and relative movement in the scanning direction of the table 25 with respect to the ink head 23 are arranged in the order of execution. The print pattern is automatically generated according to a predetermined procedure. The print data includes, for example, order data (information of image data representing an image to be printed on the substrate 70), information included in the order data (for example, information regarding the substrate 70), and information included in the print layout (for example, , Information on the pallet 80 used for printing the substrate 70, rotation information, information on the printing origin, information on the printing start point), and information on the printing pattern. Next, the conversion unit 64 converts (rasterizes) the print data into raster data that can be read by the control unit 30 of the printer 10. Then, the raster data is transmitted to the control unit 30 via the transmission / reception unit 65.

<Web catalog generation method>
Hereinafter, a procedure in which a user generates a web catalog with reference to a screen displayed on the display unit 55A will be described. In this embodiment, as a default, a plurality of print format files and a plurality of print layout files are stored in the storage unit 54C of the data server 50C. In this embodiment, first, as Step 1, the user connects to a predetermined web address. In response to the instruction from the user, the main generation unit 52A displays a list of templates and a list of print layouts on the display unit 55A.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a screen representing a template list and a print layout list. On the left side of the screen in FIG. 6, a list (Template List) in which template files having a plurality of hierarchical structures including a print format are listed in the order of predetermined file names is displayed. The print format file includes information on the display position on the display unit 55B. The right side of the screen of FIG. 6 displays a list (Print Layout List) in which a plurality of print layout files are listed in the order of predetermined file names. This screen is a web application that runs on a server on the Internet or an intranet. That is, input / output of information is performed on a browser via a network.

  On the left side of the screen of FIG. 6, the user clicks the buttons (1) to (5) arranged side by side above the Template List, and (1) adds a new print format file to the Template List. (2) Select an arbitrary print format file from the Template List, change the information included in the print format or the print format file name, (3) Download the print format file, (4) A file with an arbitrary print format can be searched from the Template List, and (5) a file with an arbitrary print format can be deleted from the Template List. When the user clicks the button (1) on the screen of FIG. 6, the format generation unit 521A switches the display on the display unit 55A to the first creation screen for the print format.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a first creation screen for a print format. This screen is a screen for setting an area (printable area: PRINTABLE AREA) in which the user can print with the printing apparatus 10. Each setting item is illustrated on the left side of the screen of FIG. 7 so that the user can easily understand visually. The user inputs each setting item on the right side of the screen in FIG. 7 while referring to this illustration. In the present embodiment, for example, information on the size of the substrate 70 (Length: length, Width: width), information on the printing margin of the substrate 70 (Top: upper margin in the length direction, Bottom: in the length direction) Lower margin, Left: margin on the left side in the width direction, Right: margin on the right side in the width direction, and corner shape information (Radius: corner roundness) of the substrate 70 are input. When the input is completed, the user clicks the [NEXT] button displayed at the bottom of the screen of FIG. Thereby, the format generation unit 521A switches the display of the display unit 55A from the first creation screen to the second creation screen.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a second creation screen for the print format. This screen is a screen on which the user edits (customizes) an image to be printed on the substrate. Drawing tool icons and the like are arranged on the left and right edges of the screen of FIG. The center of the screen in FIG. 8 is a setting area for the user to freely draw characters and figures to customize the print image. In the screen of FIG. 8, the user selects [IMAGE] or [CLIPART] to update desired graphic data such as a photo or a picture, selects [TEXT], inputs text information, Select [SPOT COLOR], specify color information, select [EDIT AREA], select the editable area of the image, select [FOIL COLOR], and enter the information of the foil stamping finish You can do it. For example, when the printed material 70 is cut using a cutting device after order printing, a cut line may be added to the outer periphery of the image displayed on the display unit 55B. In addition, for example, when printing using the printer 10 and then performing foil stamping using a printing apparatus for foil stamping or engraving using a stamping machine and / or engraving machine, the guideline is as follows. May be marked. When the input is completed, the user clicks the [SAVE] button displayed at the bottom of the screen of FIG. Thereby, the setting of the print image customized by the user is confirmed. Also, the format generation unit 521A switches the display on the display unit 55A from the second creation screen to the save screen.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a print format save screen. This screen is a screen for the user to set a print format file name, product information (product code, product name), and a price (fixed fee) according to the print format. When the input is completed, the user clicks the [SAVE] button displayed at the bottom of the screen of FIG. As a result, the format generation unit 521A links the information input to the first creation screen and the second creation screen of the print format with each other to create a file of one print format. The created print format file is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 56A and stored in the storage unit 54C of the data server 50C.

  Further, on the right side of the screen of FIG. 6, the user clicks the buttons (6) to (10) arranged side by side above the Print Layout List, so that (6) Print layout information is displayed in the Print Layout List. (7) Select an arbitrary print layout from the Print Layout List, change the print layout information and file name, (8) Download the print layout information, (9) An arbitrary print layout can be searched from the Print Layout List, or (10) an arbitrary print layout can be deleted from the Print Layout List. When the user clicks the button (6) on the screen of FIG. 6, the print layout generation unit 522A switches the display on the display unit 55A to the first print layout creation screen.

  FIG. 10 is an example of a first print layout creation screen. This screen is a screen on which the user sets information related to printing. The user inputs each setting item on the right side of the screen of FIG. In the present embodiment, for example, in a predetermined normal position, the size information (Slot Size) of the arrangement hole 80h, the rotation information (Rotate Template) of the image included in the printing format, and the printing origin information ( Origin Position), printing start point information (Printing Start Position), the number of arrangement holes 80h (Matrix), and the interval (Spacing) of arrangement holes 80h are input.

  The rotation information is information that determines the arrangement of images during printing. The rotation information is determined based on the orientation of the image included in the print format (normal position state). In the present embodiment, the first to fourth rotation conditions for rotating the orientation of the image included in the print format in units of 90 ° from the normal position can be selected. The user can specify the orientation of the image at the time of printing by selecting one of these. Here, the 90 ° rotation condition is selected. A preview screen of the palette 80 is displayed on the left side of the screen of FIG. 10 so that the user can easily understand the orientation of the image that fits in the palette 80 at the time of printing. When the input is completed, the user clicks the [NEXT] button displayed at the bottom of the screen of FIG. As a result, a save screen (not shown) is displayed.

  The user clicks the [SAVE] button after inputting the print layout file name on a save screen (not shown). As a result, the print layout generation unit 522A associates the information input to the print layout with each other, and creates one print layout file. The created print layout file is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 56A and stored in the storage unit 54C of the data server 50C.

  In this embodiment, next, as step 2, the print layout is linked to the print format file to create the linkage information. When creating the association information, the user first clicks one or more arbitrary print formats from the print formats displayed on the left side of the screen in FIG. 6 to select them. Here, the Phone Case file is selected. Next, the user clicks one print layout to be linked from the print layouts displayed on the right side of the screen in FIG. Here, the Phone Case file is selected. Then check the [CONNECT] item displayed in the Print Layout List. When the print layout linking is completed, the user clicks the [SAVE] button displayed at the bottom of the screen of FIG. As a result, the pallet linking unit 53A creates linking information in which a print format file including rotation information in units of 90 ° is linked to the print format file. The created linking information is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 56A and stored in the storage unit 54C of the data server 50C.

  As described above, in addition to the template file, a web catalog including association information between the template and the palette 80 can be generated.

<How to order original printing>
Hereinafter, a procedure in which a customer orders original printing with reference to a web catalog displayed on the display unit 55B will be described. In the present embodiment, a predetermined top screen (not shown) is displayed in the standby state of the web catalog display device 50B. Note that the standby state is a state in which the power supply of the web catalog display device 50B is ON and an order for printing from a customer has not started. On the top screen, a [START] button for a customer to start a print order and move to a web catalog is displayed. In the present embodiment, when the customer clicks the [START] button, a signal is transmitted to the display data generation unit 57B. The display data generation unit 57B receives the signal and refers to the template file stored in the storage unit 54C to create a web catalog. The display data generation unit 57B automatically displays information included in each template in a predetermined display position of the display unit 55B, for example, in a predetermined hierarchical structure.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a screen representing template information. In this example, a total of six template files are included in one layer. Each template file includes character information representing a title and graphic data. For this reason, the screen of FIG. 11 displays a picture of the image representing them together with the titles Phone Case, Photo Book, Photo Frame, Photo Plate, Cosme, Accessory. On the upper right end of the screen of FIG. 9, a [LANGUAGE] button is displayed so that the customer can change the display language as appropriate. In addition, [ITEM LIST], [CHECK] (confirmation), [EDIT] (edit), [ORDER] so that the customer can easily understand the process up to completion of order printing in the upper center portion of the screen of FIG. (Order) checklist is displayed. In addition, the actions to be taken by the customer are specified. Here, for example, when the customer clicks the [Phone Case] pattern (see the arrow in FIG. 11), the display data generation unit 57B switches the display unit 55B to the confirmation screen.

  FIG. 12 is an example of a customer confirmation screen. In the screen of FIG. 12, a product description column is displayed together with titles of images, categories, subcategories, and product names preset in the print format. The customer can confirm the details of the print format selected on this screen. In addition, it is possible to check the item description column to determine whether or not it matches the wish. Here, when the customer clicks [BACK] displayed at the bottom of the screen of FIG. 12, the display unit 55B returns to the previous screen. On the other hand, when the customer clicks [NEXT] (see the arrow in FIG. 12), the display data generation unit 57B switches the display unit 55B to the editing screen.

  FIG. 13 is an example of a customer editing screen. Drawing tool icons and the like are arranged on the left and right edges of the screen of FIG. The center of the screen in FIG. 13 is a drawing area where a customer can create and add characters, graphics, and the like to an image preset in the print format. In the screen shown in FIG. 13, the customer may select [IMAGE] or [CLIPART] to update desired graphic data such as a photo or a picture, or may select [TEXT] to input character information. it can. Further, when the printing system 100 includes a plurality of printing apparatuses, for example, when a printing apparatus for foil stamping finish is connected in addition to the printer 10, the customer can use the printing apparatus for foil stamping finish for specific original data. You can specify a foil stamping finish to use. For example, in the screen of FIG. 13, [FOIL COLOR] is selected, and the character “2018.5.1” entered in the upper center of the Phone Case is designated for foil stamping. As a result, the flower design and the characters “ABC” that do not designate the foil stamping finish are designated for printing by the printer 10. On the other hand, the characters “2018.5.1” are not designated for printing by the printer 10 and are printed by a printing apparatus for foil stamping. When the customer edits the image in the print format on the editing screen, the order data generation unit 58B creates original data corresponding to it and generates the order data. Here, when the customer clicks [BACK] displayed at the bottom of the screen of FIG. 13, the display unit 55B returns to the previous screen. On the other hand, when the customer clicks [NEXT] (see the arrow in FIG. 13), the display data generation unit 57B switches the display unit 55B to the final confirmation screen.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a final confirmation screen for the customer. The final order printing output image, that is, an image of order data obtained by adding original data to image data in a print format, and a final price of order printing are displayed on the screen of FIG. The customer can input the print quantity (QUANTITY) by using the input unit 51B on this screen. You can also check the price (PRICE) of order printing. Here, when the customer clicks [BACK] displayed at the bottom of the screen of FIG. 14, the display unit 55B returns to the previous screen. On the other hand, when the customer clicks [ORDER], the display data generation unit 57B switches the display unit 55B to the order completion screen. In accordance with this, image data for order printing is created as order data and stored in the storage unit 54C of the data server 50C via the transmission / reception unit 56B.

  FIG. 15 is an example of an order completion screen. The screen in FIG. 15 indicates that the order print has been successfully received by the print order apparatus 50. In the screen of FIG. 15, order numbers assigned according to rules set in advance for each order print are displayed. As described above, the customer can order the original print by referring to the web catalog.

<Printing order data>
Hereinafter, a procedure in which a user (for example, a print operator) prints customer order data will be described. In this embodiment, when an order print is received from a customer by the print order apparatus 50, the order data and the print layout information linked to the print format that is the basis of the order data are collected together. A print file is transmitted from the print order apparatus 50 to the print management apparatus 60. In one embodiment, the print management apparatus 60 creates an order list in which order prints from customers are arranged in a predetermined order and is displayed on the display unit 63. In one example, a preview screen is displayed on the display unit 63 together with the order list.

  FIG. 16 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 63 of the print management apparatus 60. In this example, one screen is divided vertically. The order list is displayed at the top of the screen in FIG. 16, and the contents of each order print, specifically [No.], [Skip], [Paid], [ID], [Goods Name], [Goods Code] ], [Quantity], [Status], [Placement], [Print Layout], [Template], [Layer], and [Order Date] are displayed side by side. [No.] is a serial number indicating the order of acceptance of order printing. [Skip] and [Paid] are user-specified information set by the user, [Skip] is skip information, and [Paid] is payment information. For example, when the user includes a plurality of order prints in the order list and wants to intentionally skip (omit) any order, the user sets the item [Skip] to “ON”. For example, when it is desired to determine whether or not the customer has paid the order printing fee for each order, the item [Paid] is set to “ON” for the order for which the fee has been paid.

  [ID] is the name of the order print file. [Goods Name] and [Goods Code] are product information of the substrate 70. [Quantity] is the quantity of order printing. [Status] displays “Skip” when the item of [Skip] is “ON”, and displays “Preview” when the order print order data is displayed on the display unit 63. [Placement] and [Print Layout] are displays relating to the print layout. [Placement] is a display related to the palette 80 included in the print layout. When two or more print layouts are linked to one print format, a pull-down menu is displayed when the downward arrow (（) of [Placement] is clicked. 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. When “Auto” is displayed in the [Placement] field, it indicates that the default palette 80 is automatically selected. [Print Layout] is a file name of the print layout. [Template] is the file name of the print format. [Layer] is print pattern information. In [Layer], when two or more print processes are included in one print pattern, they are separated by “->” and are represented in the execution order. [Order Date] is information on the reception date and time of order printing.

  A preview screen is displayed at the bottom of the screen in FIG. 16, and an image of the palette 80 included in the order print is displayed. The image of the palette 80 is the same as the state stored in the storage unit 54C (see, for example, FIG. 10). In the arrangement hole 80h of the pallet 80, an image of order data included in the order printing is displayed. Here, the order data image is associated with the rotation information. In this embodiment, it is associated with a 90 ° rotation condition. For this reason, on the preview screen of FIG. 16, the image of the order data is displayed in the arrangement hole 80h in a state of being rotated by 90 ° with reference to the state stored in the storage unit 54C (see, for example, FIG. 14). . Here, since [Quantity] is 3, images of the same order data are respectively displayed in the three arrangement holes 80h. The order data images are arranged in order from the arrangement hole 80h having a predetermined priority.

  In actually printing the order data, the user first prepares the pallet 80 and the substrate 70 in accordance with, for example, information displayed in the order list. Then, the pallet 80 is placed at a predetermined position on the table 25 in the same direction as the preview screen of FIG. Further, the substrate 70 is arranged in the arrangement hole 80h of the pallet 80 while confirming the orientation of the image in FIG. Next, when the user clicks on the image of the printer (see the arrow in FIG. 16) displayed at the lower right end of the screen in FIG. 16, print data including order data and print layout for order printing is generated. And transmitted to the control unit 30 of the printer 10.

  Based on the received print data, the control unit 30 controls the ink head 23, the table 25, and the like based on the print origin, and prints on the substrate 70. At this time, for example, when it is determined that the white ink is used in the image data (use of the white ink is ON), the white ink is ejected behind the image and the background processing is performed. For example, a character “ABC” represented by white in FIG. 16 is output as white by using white ink because white ink is ejected behind the character.

  Also, for example, when it is determined that white ink is used in the image data, and the image data has transparency information in the PNG format, the portion behind the image (the portion that ejects process color ink) White ink is ejected only on the surface, and no white ink is ejected on the periphery of the image or on the white portions surrounded by the image. For example, in the flower pattern image shown in white in FIG. 16, white ink is ejected only behind the flower pattern color part (hatched part) and is positioned around the flower pattern or in the center of the flower pattern. White ink is not ejected to the non-colored part. On the other hand, when the image data is not in the PNG format and the transmission information is not set, white ink is ejected to the entire flower pattern image. For this reason, the non-colored portion located around or in the center of the flower pattern is output as “white” using white ink.

  For example, when it is determined that white ink is not used in image data (use of white ink is OFF), white ink is not ejected behind the image. Therefore, for example, the letters “ABC” represented in white in FIG. 16 become “blank letters” in which no ink is ejected to the white portions. The above-described white ink ejection behavior is the same for other special color inks such as primer ink and clear ink.

  As described above, in the web catalog generation device 50A, a print layout including rotation information is associated with each print format, and a web catalog is generated. Therefore, the user can set the orientation of the image at the time of printing separately from the orientation displayed on the customer terminal, for example, at the stage of generating the web catalog. Accordingly, for example, the amount of movement (feed amount) of the table 25 in the front-rear direction Y can be reduced, and printing can be performed efficiently. As a result, the waiting time until the customer picks up the printed material can be shortened, and customer satisfaction can be improved. For example, even if the printing area 17 is a small printer, the printing material 70 can be efficiently accommodated in the printing area 17. In addition, for example, a wider printable area in the substrate 70 can be secured. In addition, in the web catalog generation device 50A, once the printing direction is designated, there is no need to make a setting for each printing. For this reason, for example, even when a printing operator who is not familiar with the handling of the printing apparatus is in charge of printing, printing can be performed in an appropriate direction, and printing failures can be reduced. Further, according to the print order apparatus 50, the user can smoothly receive an order print from a customer. Further, according to the printing system 100, the user can smoothly perform the work from the order printing order to the printing on the substrate 70.

  The print ordering apparatus 50 and the printing system 100 can be preferably used when a person who is unfamiliar with the handling of the printer 10 such as a printing operator receives an order print from a customer. The print ordering apparatus 50 is preferably combined with a stand-alone KIOSK type printer installed in a retail store such as a mobile phone store, a home appliance mass retailer, a photo store, a general merchandise store, or a shopping center. Can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the print layout generation unit 522A is configured to generate a print layout that further includes information on the pallet 80 on which the substrate 70 is arranged during printing. By using the pallet 80 during printing, the user can efficiently process, for example, a plurality of order prints. Therefore, user convenience can be improved. In addition, by including information on the pallet 80 in the print layout, the user can prepare the necessary pallet 80 before receiving an order print from the customer.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation information is linked to information on the pallet 80. Thereby, the user can set the rotation condition of the image based on the relationship with the palette 80. Therefore, the user's selection can be facilitated and the user's convenience can be improved. In addition, it is difficult for the pallet 80 to be mistaken during printing, and printing failures can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 55B of the web catalog display device 50B displays the images included in the print format in the orientation (normal position orientation) stored in the storage unit 54C. This makes it easier for the customer to select a desired print format and makes it easier to imagine the final order print finish.

  In the present embodiment, the print management apparatus 60 further includes a display unit 63 that displays the image of the order data rotated by the rotation unit 62. Accordingly, the user can easily grasp the pallet 80 and the substrate 70 used for order printing, and can smoothly perform the preparation work. Further, by arranging the pallet 80 and the substrate to be printed on the table 25 while referring to the preview screen, it is difficult for the pallet 80 to be mistaken or misplaced, and the printing failure can be reduced.

  Heretofore, the web catalog generation device 50A according to the present embodiment, the print order device 50 including the web catalog generation device 50A, and the printing system 100 have been described. However, the web catalog generation device according to the present invention, the print order device including the web catalog generation device, and the printing system are not limited thereto.

  For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the web catalog generation device 50 </ b> A and the web catalog display device 50 </ b> B are external devices connected to the print management device 60, but are not limited thereto. The web catalog generation device 50A and the web catalog display device 50B may be incorporated in the print management device 60 independently of each other. The print management device 60 may be incorporated in the control unit 30 of the printer 10, for example.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 10 is an inkjet printer, but is not limited thereto. The printing apparatus 10 may employ a printing method other than the inkjet method. The printing apparatus 10 may be, for example, a thermal transfer printer (including a sublimation printer), a laser printer, a dot impact printer, a thermal printer, a discharge destruction printer, or the like. The printing apparatus 10 may be, for example, a printing apparatus for foil press finishing that performs foil press finishing by pressing a foil sheet such as a metallic foil or a pigment foil against a printing material. Moreover, the number of the printing apparatuses 10 may be one, for example, it can also be used combining two or more from said. For example, an inkjet printer and a printing apparatus for foil stamping can be connected to the print management apparatus 60 and used.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the web catalog display device 50 </ b> B is an order print accepting device that directly accepts customer order prints, but is not limited thereto. The web catalog display device 50B may be any device that allows the customer to refer to the web catalog. In that case, the web catalog display device 50B may not include the input unit 51B.

  Further, the configuration of the printer 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the printer 10 has at least one of the following configurations: a cutting head for cutting the printed material 70; a foil pressing tool for transferring a foil sheet (transfer foil) such as a metallic foil or a pigment foil to the printed material 70; A decoration tool for applying at least one of engraving and engraving to the substrate 70.

  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 similarly applied to a so-called line type printer that includes a line head 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.

10, 10A printing device (printer)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Print order apparatus 50A Web catalog production | generation apparatus 50B Web catalog display apparatus 50C Data server 60 Print management apparatus 100, 100A Printing system

The present invention, viewed including the print format image data representing an image to be printed on a substrate which is transported in the longitudinal direction in the printing apparatus is set in advance, generates a web catalog to be used when at least a customer order printed An apparatus for generating a web catalog is provided. The vertical and horizontal directions of the image included in the print format correspond to the front and rear direction and the horizontal direction of the image at the time of printing, respectively, and the web catalog generation device includes a storage unit that stores the print format, and the print format. A print layout including rotation information indicating the orientation of the image at the time of printing and information on a pallet on which the printed material is arranged at the time of printing. A print layout generation unit, and a link unit that links the print format to the print layout.

In addition, according to the present invention, a web catalog generation device that generates a web catalog including a print format in which image data representing an image to be printed on a printing material conveyed in the front-rear direction in the printing device is set, and the web catalog There is provided a print ordering device including a web catalog display device connected to a generation device so as to be capable of data communication and displaying at least the image of the web catalog when a customer orders printing . The vertical and horizontal directions of the image included in the print format correspond to the front and rear direction and the horizontal direction of the image at the time of printing, respectively, and the web catalog generation device includes a storage unit that stores the print format, and the print format. A print layout including rotation information indicating the orientation of the image at the time of printing and information on a pallet on which the printed material is arranged at the time of printing. A print layout generation unit, a link unit that links the print format to the print layout, and a transmission unit that transmits the print format to the web catalog display device. The web catalog display device includes: a receiving unit that receives the print format; a display unit that displays the image included in the print format; and the image included in the print format based on an operation of the customer. And an order data generation unit configured to generate order data representing an image for printing. According to the print order apparatus, the user can smoothly receive an order print from a customer. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

According to the present invention, the printing apparatus includes a printing format in which image data in which the image to be printed on the substrate conveyed in the front-rear direction is represented in a predetermined normal direction is set in advance, and at least printed by the customer There is provided a web catalog generation device for generating a web catalog to be used when ordering. The up-down direction and the left-right direction of the image included in the print format correspond to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the image during printing, respectively. The web catalog generation device includes a storage unit that stores the print format , information on a pallet having an arrangement hole in which the printed material is arranged at the time of printing, and the image data based on the orientation of the normal position. is set to fall in a predetermined orientation within a rotation information, and print layout generation unit configured to generate a print layout containing, said print formatting said representative of the orientation of the image in printing A linking unit for linking with the print layout.

Further, according to the present invention, a web catalog including a printing format in which image data in which an image to be printed on a printing material conveyed in the front-rear direction in the printing apparatus is represented in a predetermined normal position is set in advance. A web catalog generation device for generating
There is provided a print ordering device including a web catalog display device connected to the web catalog generation device so as to be able to perform data communication and displaying the image of the web catalog at least when a customer orders printing. The up-down direction and the left-right direction of the image included in the print format correspond to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the image at the time of printing, respectively. The web catalog generation device includes a storage unit for storing the print format , information on a pallet having an arrangement hole in which the printed material is arranged at the time of printing, and the image data on the basis of the orientation of the normal position. is set to fall in a predetermined orientation within a rotation information, and print layout generation unit configured to generate a print layout containing, said print formatting said representative of the orientation of the image in printing A linking unit for linking with a print layout, and a transmission unit for transmitting the print format to the web catalog display device. The web catalog display device includes a receiving unit that receives the print format, a display unit that displays the image included in the print format, and the image included in the print format based on a customer operation. An order data generation unit configured to generate order data representing an image for printing. According to the print order apparatus, the user can smoothly receive an order print from a customer. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

Claims (10)

A web catalog generation device that generates a web catalog including a print format in which image data representing an image to be printed on a substrate is set in advance,
A storage unit for storing the print format;
A print layout generation unit configured to generate a print layout including rotation information representing a relative direction of the image at the time of printing with reference to the direction of the image included in the print format;
A linking unit for linking the print format with the print layout;
A web catalog generation device comprising: The print layout generation unit is configured to generate a print layout further including information on a pallet on which the substrate is arranged at the time of printing.
The web catalog generation device according to claim 1. The rotation information is linked to the information of the pallet;
The web catalog generation device according to claim 2. A web catalog generating device for generating a web catalog including a print format in which image data representing an image to be printed on a printing material is set in advance; and connected to the web catalog generating device in data communication, A print ordering device comprising a web catalog display device for displaying images,
The web catalog generation device includes:
A storage unit for storing the print format;
A print layout generation unit configured to generate a print layout including rotation information indicating a relative direction of the image at the time of printing with reference to the direction of the image included in the print format;
A linking unit for linking the print format with the print layout;
A transmission unit for transmitting the print format to the web catalog display device;
With
The web catalog display device
A receiving unit for receiving the print format;
A display unit for displaying the image included in the print format;
An order data generation unit configured to generate order data representing an image for printing based on the image included in the print format in accordance with a customer operation;
Comprising
Print order device. The print layout generation unit is configured to generate a print layout further including information on a pallet on which the substrate is arranged at the time of printing.
The print order apparatus according to claim 4. The rotation information is linked to the information of the pallet;
The print order apparatus according to claim 5. The display unit displays the image included in the print format in an orientation stored in the storage unit;
The print order apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6. A print order apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7,
A print management apparatus connected to the print order apparatus so that data communication is possible;
A printing apparatus connected to the print management apparatus so as to allow data communication;
A printing system comprising:
The print management apparatus includes:
A receiving unit that receives the order data and the information of the print layout associated with the print format that is the base of the order data from the print order device;
A rotation unit that rotates the image of the order data according to the rotation information included in the print layout;
A transmission unit for transmitting the image of the order data rotated by the rotation unit and the information of the print layout to the printing apparatus;
Comprising
Printing system. The print management apparatus further includes a display unit that displays the image of the order data rotated by the rotation unit.
The printing system according to claim 8.   A computer program configured to cause a computer to operate as the web catalog generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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