JP6699447B2 - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program.

  A specific template may be selected from a plurality of templates (templates), and an output product such as a printed product may be formed using the selected template.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that preferentially displays a template having an insertion area corresponding to the number of images to be combined with the template.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a device that stores the selection of an arbitrary template as history information and determines the display order of each template in the template list based on the history information.

  Patent Document 3 discloses an apparatus that changes the appearance of a product in a catalog according to the sales record of the product.

JP, 2003-109023, A JP, 10-232917, A JP, 2008-234538, A

  By the way, there are cases where a template having a special shape (for example, a balloon shape or a long shape), a template for which cutting or folding processing is planned after printing, or the like is used. In this case, it has a function of performing a sheet corresponding to the selected template (for example, a sheet corresponding to the shape of a balloon or a long sheet) and processing required for the template (for example, cutting or folding processing). If the device is absent (eg, not owned by the user), no output (eg, print) according to the selected template will be formed. That is, when a template is selected without considering the conditions of the output environment (for example, paper or device) for forming the output product using the template, the output product using the template is not always formed. ..

  An object of the present invention is to provide a template capable of forming an output product in an output environment designated by a user.

The invention according to claim 1 is a storage unit that stores template groups having different designs, and an output environment condition for forming an output product using the template from the template groups, which is specified by a user. by selection means for selecting a compatible templates to the condition of the output environment, have a condition of the output environment, conditions for forming a device for forming a printed material as an output product using a template, the template At least one of a condition regarding a sheet to be printed and a condition regarding a place where the forming apparatus is installed, wherein the selecting unit is a place designated by a user from the template group. An information processing apparatus that selects a template corresponding to a forming process performed by the forming apparatus installed in, and that corresponds to a type of the sheet accommodated in the forming apparatus .

  The invention according to claim 2 further comprises control means for causing the display means to display the template selected by the selection means preferentially over the template that does not match the condition of the output environment specified by the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the control means provides information indicating a template that does not match the output environment condition specified by the user and an output environment that matches the template that does not match the output environment condition specified by the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus displays the information on the display unit.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the selecting means preferentially selects, from the template group, a template which has a newer purchase date and which matches the conditions of the forming apparatus and the paper. an information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to claim 1.
The invention according to claim 5 is a storage means for storing a template group having different designs, and an output environment condition for forming an output product using the template from the template group, which is designated by a user. Selecting means for selecting a template suitable for the condition of the output environment, the output environment condition is a condition for a forming apparatus for forming a printed matter as an output product using the template, the template is At least one of a condition regarding a sheet to be printed and a condition regarding a place where the forming apparatus is installed, wherein the selecting unit selects a newer purchase date from the template group. The information processing apparatus preferentially selects a template that matches the conditions of the forming apparatus and the paper.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the computer sets the output environment condition for forming an output product using the template out of the template groups having different designs and the output environment condition specified by the user. The output environment is caused to function as a selection unit that selects a suitable template, and the output environment conditions are conditions regarding a forming apparatus for forming a printed matter as an output using the template and conditions regarding a sheet on which the template is printed. And a condition regarding a place where the forming apparatus is installed, wherein the selecting unit is installed in a place specified by a user from the template group. A program for selecting a template corresponding to a forming process by the apparatus, the template corresponding to the type of the sheet accommodated in the forming apparatus .
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the computer sets the output environment condition for forming an output product using the template, out of the template groups having different designs, and the output environment condition specified by the user. The output environment is caused to function as a selection unit that selects a suitable template, and the conditions of the output environment include conditions for a forming device for forming a printed matter as an output using the template, conditions for a sheet on which the template is printed, And at least one of the conditions regarding the place where the forming device is installed, wherein the selecting means selects the condition of the forming device and the paper whose purchase date is newer from the template group. A program that preferentially selects compatible templates.

According to the inventions of claims 1 and 6 , a template capable of forming an output product in an output environment designated by a user is provided. Also, a template that can be used at a location designated by the user is provided.

  According to the invention of claim 2, a template capable of forming an output product in an output environment designated by a user is preferentially provided.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the information indicating the output environment for forming the output product is provided for the template in which the output product cannot be formed in the output environment specified by the user.

According to the inventions according to claims 4 , 5, and 7 , a template that can be used in a forming device or a paper that is supposed to be newer is preferentially provided.

It is a block diagram showing a template management system concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the template management apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows a terminal device. It is a figure which shows an example of a template. It is a figure which shows an example of a template. It is a figure which shows an example of a template. It is a figure which shows an example of a template. It is a figure which shows an example of a template. It is a figure which shows an example of a template. It is a figure which shows an example of a purchase history management table. It is a figure which shows an example of an output environment management table. It is a figure which shows an example of a template management table. It is a flow chart which shows operation of the template management device concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for designating an output environment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for designating an output environment. It is a figure which shows an example of an extraction condition management table. It is a figure which shows an example of an output environment management table.

  A template management system as an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an example of a template management system according to this embodiment. The template management system includes a template management device 10 as an information processing device and a terminal device 12. The template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 have a function of communicating with each other via the communication path N. In the example shown in FIG. 1, one terminal device 12 is included in the template management system, but a plurality of terminal devices 12 may be included in the template management system. Of course, other devices may be included in the template management system.

  The template management device 10 is a device that stores data of a template that defines a design of an object and provides the data of the template. The template management device 10 may have a function of editing a template according to a user's instruction and outputting an output product (for example, image data or a printed product) as the edited product. The object is, for example, a business card, an advertising medium for advertising (for example, a leaflet), a direct mail (DM), a poster, a postcard, a catalog, other documents, clothes, a car, a building, a bridge, or the like. The template management device 10 also has a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The template management device 10 has, for example, a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication or a wired communication function, and has a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). I have it. Of course, the template management device 10 may have a short-range wireless communication function such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  The terminal device 12 is a device used by a user (user) of the template. The terminal device 12 is, for example, a device such as a PC (personal computer), a tablet PC, a smart phone, and a mobile phone, and has a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The terminal device 12 has, for example, a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication or a wired communication function, and has a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Of course, the terminal device 12 may have a short-range wireless communication function such as NFC or Bluetooth. The terminal device 12 is used, for example, when searching for a template or when editing a template.

  The communication path N is a communication path realized by a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Of course, the communication path N may be a communication path realized by near field communication.

  In this embodiment, a template is selected from the template group, which is an output environment condition for forming an output product (for example, a printed material) using the template and which meets the output environment condition designated by the user. The output environment conditions include, for example, a condition regarding a forming device for forming a printed matter using the template, a condition regarding a sheet on which the template is printed, and a condition regarding a place where the forming device is installed. Is at least one of The forming apparatus is, for example, an image forming apparatus (printing machine, multifunction machine, or the like) or a post-processing machine. The multi-function peripheral is a device having a plurality of image forming functions (for example, a printing function, a copying function, a scanning function, a facsimile function, etc.). The post-processing machine is, for example, a device having post-processing functions such as cutting and crease processing.

  The terminal device 12 may be incorporated in the template management device 10, and the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 may be physically integrated.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the template management device 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The communication unit 14 is a communication interface and has a function of transmitting data to another device and a function of receiving data from another device. The communication unit 14 has, for example, a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication or a wired communication function, and has a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Of course, the communication unit 14 may have a short-range wireless communication function such as NFC or Bluetooth. For example, the communication unit 14 transmits the template data to the terminal device 12, and receives various kinds of information transmitted from the terminal device 12 (for example, information indicating the output environment designated by the user).

  The UI unit 16 is a user interface unit and includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit is an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard. Of course, the UI unit 16 may be a user interface having both functions of a display unit and an operation unit (for example, a display as a touch panel or a display that electronically displays a keyboard or the like). The template management device 10 does not have to include the UI unit 16.

  The output environment management unit 18 extracts information indicating an output environment for forming an output product using a template (hereinafter referred to as “output environment information”) from the information indicating the purchase history of the product, and outputs the output environment. The information is stored in the output environment storage unit 30. The output environment information is information related to the formation of an output product, and includes, for example, information indicating a forming apparatus (printing machine, post-processing machine, etc.), information indicating a sheet, information indicating an installation location of the forming apparatus or sheet, Etc.

  The template selection unit 20 selects a template suitable for the output environment designated by the user from the template group stored in the template storage unit 24. The template selection unit 20 may set the priority order to the template. The priority is, for example, the priority when displaying the template. For example, the template selection unit 20 sets the priority order of the template compatible with the output environment specified by the user to be higher than the priority order of the template not compatible with the output environment. When a list of templates is displayed, each template is displayed according to its priority. Templates with higher priority are displayed with higher priority.

  The storage unit 22 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a memory, and stores, for example, various control data, various programs, various data, and the like. Of course, they may be stored in separate storage devices, or may be stored in the same storage device. The storage unit 22 also includes a template storage unit 24, a purchase history storage unit 26, an extraction condition storage unit 28, and an output environment storage unit 30.

  The template storage unit 24 stores in advance data of a plurality of templates having different designs. A template is a template for designing an object. Data of a plurality of templates having mutually different designs is created in advance for each object and stored in the template storage unit 24. For example, a plurality of templates with different designs are created in advance for a leaflet for advertising. The same applies to other objects. The design of the template is determined, for example, by the overall shape of the template, the size of the template, the layout of variable fields and fixed fields described later, the color tone of the entire template, the taste (impression) that the template evokes. The template storage unit 24 stores data of a plurality of templates having different shapes, sizes, layouts, colors, tastes, and the like.

  The data of each template includes template identification information for identifying the template (for example, the name of the template, template ID, etc.), a forming device corresponding to the template (for example, a printing machine capable of printing the template, Device identification information for identifying a post-processing machine or the like capable of executing post-processing requested for the template, post-processing information indicating post-processing requested for the template, and dedicated paper corresponding to the template Associated with the sheet type information for identifying the type (for example, the type of paper having a shape corresponding to the shape of the template, the type of paper having a size corresponding to the size of the template, etc.) Has been. The template is searched using this information.

  In addition, the data of each template includes information indicating the purpose of the template (object suitable for the template), character strings indicating the characteristics of the template (for example, keywords), information indicating the tint of the entire template, and the entire template. May be associated with information indicating a taste (impression) aroused by.

  The template data has one or more variable fields (object, design item, design part). The variable field corresponds to an example of an edit area in which editing by the user is permitted. In the template, one or a plurality of variable fields are arranged according to preset layout conditions. As variable fields, for example, a text field, an image field, a graphic field, etc. are preset in the template. The text field is an area where text information (character string) is input. The image field is an area into which image data having a format such as JPEG, TIFF, and bitmap is input. The graphic field is an area into which graphic data having a format such as a vector is input. In a template of an advertising medium for advertising (for example, a leaflet), for example, a text field for a title (title), a text field for body text, an image field, a graphic field, etc. are preset.

  The purchase history storage unit 26 stores purchase history information of products. For example, the purchase history of a product in a certain company is managed by a product purchase system (for example, a server) such as an in-house e-commerce system, and the purchase history information is stored in the purchase history storage unit 26. For example, the purchase history information is updated every time a product is purchased. The product purchase history for each company may be managed, and the purchase history information for each company may be stored in the purchase history storage unit 26. In the purchase history information, for example, the management ID, the information indicating the purchase date, the information indicating the name of the purchased product, the information indicating the number of purchased products, the information indicating the type of the purchased product, and the information about the purchased product. Information indicating a delivery destination (for example, installation location) and the like are associated with each other. By referring to the purchase history information, it is possible to specify what kind of product was purchased at what time and where the product was delivered.

  The extraction condition storage unit 28 is a condition for extracting information (output environment information) indicating an output environment for forming an output product using a template from the purchase history information stored in the purchase history storage unit 26. Is stored (hereinafter referred to as “extraction condition information”). That is, the extraction condition information is information indicating the conditions for extracting the information related to the formation of the output product from the purchase history information. The output environment management unit 18 extracts the output environment information from the purchase history information according to the extraction condition information.

  The output environment storage unit 30 stores the output environment information extracted by the output environment management unit 18. The template selection unit 20 refers to the output environment information and selects a template suitable for the output environment specified by the user from the template group stored in the template storage unit 24.

  The control unit 32 controls each unit of the template management device 10. The control unit 32 also controls the display of the template. The control unit 32 may display the template on the UI unit of the terminal device 12, or may display the template on the UI unit 16 of the template management apparatus 10. For example, the control unit 32 may display the template selected by the template selection unit 20 on the terminal device 12 or the UI unit 16, or may display each template in accordance with the priority order determined by the template selection unit 20. It may be displayed on the UI unit 16. When displaying the templates according to the priority order, the control unit 32 causes the terminal device 12 or the UI unit 16 to display a list of template groups stored in the template storage unit 24, and a template with a higher priority order has higher priority. Display (for example, at the top).

  The template management device 10 does not have to include the template storage unit 24. In this case, the template storage unit 24 is provided in an external device such as a template DB (database) or a server. The template selection unit 20 selects a template from the template group stored in the template storage unit 24 provided in the external device. The template management device 10 may not include the purchase history storage unit 26. In this case, the purchase history storage unit 26 is provided in an external device such as a purchase history DB or a server. The output environment management unit 18 extracts the output environment information from the purchase history information stored in the purchase history storage unit 26 provided in the external device. Of course, the extraction condition storage unit 28 and the output environment storage unit 30 may also be provided in an external device other than the template management device 10.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the terminal device 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the terminal device 12.

  The communication unit 34 is a communication interface, and has a function of transmitting data to another device and a function of receiving data from another device. The communication unit 34 has, for example, a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication or a wired communication function, and has a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Of course, the communication unit 34 may have a short-range wireless communication function. The communication unit 34 transmits, for example, various types of information (for example, information indicating the output environment designated by the user) to the template management apparatus 10 or receives template data transmitted from the template management apparatus 10. ..

  The storage unit 36 is a storage device such as a hard disk and a memory, and stores, for example, various programs and various data. Of course, they may be stored in separate storage devices, or may be stored in the same storage device.

  The UI unit 38 and the user interface unit include a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard. Of course, the UI unit 38 may be a user interface having both functions of a display unit and an operation unit (for example, a display as a touch panel or a display that electronically displays a keyboard or the like).

  The control unit 40 controls the operation of each unit of the terminal device 12. For example, the control unit 40 causes the UI unit 38 to display a screen for the user to specify the output environment, or causes the UI unit 38 to display the template selected (searched) by the template management apparatus 10.

  The template management system according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

  The template will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows an example of a template relating to an advertising medium for advertising (for example, a leaflet). The template 42 includes, for example, text fields 44, 46 and 48, image fields 50, and graphic fields 52 and 54 as variable fields (objects). The template 42 also includes a fixed field 56. Of course, the template does not have to include fixed fields (images or text). The text fields 44, 46 and 48, the image field 50, and the graphic fields 52 and 54 are fields (objects) that the user is allowed to edit. In the default state, the position and size of each field are preset, and the position and size of each field are changed by the user when the template is edited. Of course, only the editing of the information contained in each field may be permitted, and the change of the position and size of each field may be prohibited. The font type and font size are preset in the text fields 44, 46, and 48. The user may be allowed or prohibited from changing the font type and size. Preliminarily set text information is entered in the text fields 44, 46 and 48. Specifically, text information regarding a title is input in the text fields 44 and 46 in advance, and text information regarding a body is input in the text field 48 in advance. When editing the template, the user inputs arbitrary text information into the text fields 44, 46 and 48. In the image field 50, preset image data (for example, image data having a format such as JPEG, TIFF, and bitmap) is input. Preset graphic data (for example, graphic data having a format such as a vector) is input to the graphic fields 52 and 54. When editing the template, the image or figure is changed or processed by the user.

  A plurality of templates are created in advance while changing at least one condition in the overall shape and size of the template and the design (layout, tint, taste, etc.) for each field. As a result, a plurality of templates having different designs are created. For example, the overall shape of the template, the overall size, information set in each field (for example, font type, font size, image, figure, etc.), each field size, each field position, A plurality of templates having different numbers, colors, tastes and the like of each field are created. Further, a plurality of different templates are created for each object. The data of each template is created in advance and stored in the template storage unit 24.

  FIG. 5 shows another example of the template. The template 58 is a template for a balloon POP, and includes contents 60, 62, 64, 66 (variable fields) having a balloon shape. Each content is composed of, for example, an image and a character string. In the printed matter formed by printing the template 58, the portions on which the respective contents are printed (portions having a balloon shape) are scheduled to be separated from each other. Therefore, when the template 58 is used to form a printed matter having a balloon shape, for example, a sheet having a cutting line formed at a position corresponding to an edge of each content (sheet for blowing) is used as a dedicated sheet for the template 58. Be done.

  FIG. 6 shows another example of the template. The template 68 is a template for forming an end bag, and includes contents 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80 (variable fields) having the shape of the end bag. Each content is composed of, for example, an image and a character string. In the printed matter formed by printing the template 68, the portion on which each content is printed (the portion having the shape of an end bag) is to be cut and separated from each other. Therefore, when forming a printed material having the shape of an end bag using the template 68, for example, a post-processing machine having a cutting function is required. In addition, a sheet having a bag formed in a portion corresponding to each content (sheet for end bag) is used as a dedicated sheet for the template 68.

  FIG. 7 shows another example of the template. The template 82 is a template having a long shape (for example, 297×900 mm). The template 82 is composed of images and character strings as contents. When a printed matter is formed using the template 82, a sheet having a long shape (long sheet) is used as a dedicated sheet for the template 82. In addition, it is necessary to use a printing machine having a function of performing printing using long paper.

  FIG. 8 shows another example of the template. The template 84 is a template for triangular POP compatible with Lami-free paper, and includes contents 86, 88, 90 (variable fields). Each content is composed of, for example, an image and a character string. When a printed matter is formed using the template 84, a lami-free sheet is used as a dedicated sheet for the template 84.

  FIG. 9 shows another example of the template. The template 92 is a template for a triangular POP compatible with A4 paper and includes contents 94, 96, 98 (variable fields). Each content is composed of, for example, an image and a character string. When a printed material is formed using the template 92, A4 paper is used.

  Hereinafter, the purchase history information will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows a purchase history management table as an example of purchase history information. The purchase history management table is information indicating a purchase history of products in a certain company (for example, a company in which a user who uses a template works), and is created by a product purchasing system (for example, a server) such as an in-house e-commerce system. It The data of the purchase history management table is stored in the purchase history storage unit 26. In the purchase history management table, a management ID, information indicating the date of purchase, information indicating the name of the purchased product (product name), information indicating the number of purchased products, and information indicating the type of the purchased product. , And information indicating the delivery destination (for example, installation location) of the purchased product are associated with each other. For example, printing machines, post-processing machines, paper, food (eg carrots), stationery (eg erasers), etc. are purchased. The printing machine, the post-processing machine, and the paper correspond to the output environment for forming an output product using the template, and foods and stationery do not correspond to the output environment. The purchase history management table also includes the purchase history of items that are not related to the output environment. The purchase history management table is updated every time a product is purchased.

  Hereinafter, the output environment information will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows an output environment management table as an example of the output environment information. The output environment management table is information extracted from the purchase history management table according to the conditions (extraction condition information) for extracting the output environment information. The data of the output management table is stored in the output environment storage unit 30. The extraction condition information is information indicating a product type that is related to the formation of an output product. The product type is, for example, an image forming apparatus (printing machine, multi-function machine, or the like), a post-processing machine, and paper. Therefore, from the purchase history management table, information indicating the purchase history regarding the image forming apparatus (printing machine, multifunction machine, etc.), the post-processing machine, and the paper is extracted as output environment information and registered in the output environment management table. .. Since foods and stationery are not product types related to the formation of output products, information indicating purchase history regarding foods and stationery is not extracted from the purchase history management table and registered in the output environment management table.

  In the output environment management table, the management ID, the information indicating the purchase date, the information indicating the name of the purchased product (product name), the information indicating the number of purchased products, and the type of the purchased product (output product). Information indicating the type associated with the formation), information indicating the place where the purchased product is installed, information indicating the information source of the output environment information (purchase history information in the example shown in FIG. 11), and the product And the information indicating the current number (that is, inventory) of are associated with each other. The output environment management unit 18 receives the information indicating the current number of each product and registers the information in the output management table. For example, the number of installed image forming apparatuses and post-processing machines, and the number of sheets of paper installed in each place are managed by an administrator or a management system. Register the installed number of each device acquired from the device as the current number of each device in the output environment management table, and register the number of each paper acquired from the administrator or management system as the current number of each paper in the output environment management table. To do.

  The template management information will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 shows a template management table as an example of template management information. The template management table is a table for managing the template data stored in the template storage unit 24. The data of the template management table is stored in the template storage unit 24. In the template management table, the template ID, information indicating the name of the template (template name), identification information (for example, name) of the printing machine corresponding to the template (printing machine capable of printing the template), and the template Information indicating the required post-processing (for example, cutting or crease processing) and information indicating the type of dedicated paper (special paper) corresponding to the template (for example, long paper, Lami-free triangular POP, envelope, etc.) are mutually provided. It is associated. By referring to the template management table, the printing machine corresponding to the template, the type of post-processing required, and the dedicated paper are specified.

  The operation of the template management device 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart showing the operation.

  First, a product purchase system (for example, a server or the like) such as an in-house e-commerce system manages a purchase history of products in the company (S01). The product purchase system creates a purchase history management table as purchase history information, and the data of the purchase history management table is stored in the purchase history storage unit 26. Every time a product is purchased, the purchase history management table is updated. For example, the purchase history management table shown in FIG. 10 is created and stored in the purchase history storage unit 26.

  Next, the output environment management unit 18 extracts information (output environment information) indicating an output environment for forming an output product using the template from the purchase history management table, and outputs the output environment information to the output environment storage unit. It is stored in 30 (S02). For example, the output environment management unit 18 extracts information indicating the purchase history regarding the image forming apparatus (printing machine, multifunction peripheral, etc.), the post-processing machine, and the paper from the purchase history management table illustrated in FIG. 11 is registered in the output environment management table. As a result, an output environment management table is created in which information unrelated to the formation of output products is excluded.

  Next, the user uses the terminal device 12 to access the template management device 10. As a result, the information of the screen for designating the output environment is transmitted from the template management device 10 to the terminal device 12, and the screen is displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12. The user specifies the template output environment on the screen. For example, a list of information indicating the output environments registered in the output environment management table is displayed on the screen of the UI unit 38, and the user specifies the target output environment from the list. For example, on the screen of the UI unit 38, a list of installation locations where printing machines and post-processing machines are installed is displayed, and the user specifies an installation location (printing location) as an output environment from the list. The installation location (printing location) is, for example, the location where the user is currently present or the location to which the template print request is sent. For example, when there is no printing machine, post-processing machine, or paper in the place where the user is currently, it is assumed that the place to be requested is specified. As an example, it is assumed that the installation location “AA office 19F” is designated by the user as the printing location. The information indicating the output environment designated by the user is transmitted from the terminal device 12 to the template management device 10.

  Next, the output environment management unit 18 outputs, from the output environment management table, output environment information suitable for the output environment specified by the user, information indicating the suitable output environment, that is, an output environment available to the user. It is extracted as information (hereinafter referred to as "available output environment information") (S04). That is, the output environment management unit 18 can use the information indicating the products (printing machine, post-processing machine, paper, etc.) associated with the output environment (for example, the installation location) specified by the user from the output environment management table. Extract as output environment information. In the example shown in FIG. 11, since the installation location “AA office 19F” is designated as the printing location, the information indicating the product with the ID “5” (product type: printing machine, product name: 1234P) is ID. Information indicating products of "6" (product type: post-processing machine, product name: cut) and information indicating products of ID "7" (product type: paper, product name: balloon POP) are available. It is extracted as output environment information.

  Next, the template selection unit 20 selects a template suitable for the available output environment (adapted output environment) from the template group stored in the template storage unit 24 (S05). Specifically, the template selection unit 20 refers to the template management table shown in FIG. 12, and uses the template corresponding to the product (printing machine, post-processing machine, paper) indicated by the available output environment information. Select as a template that fits the possible output environment. In the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the template with the ID “100” (the template for the Italian menu) is a template corresponding to the product (printing machine) with the ID “5”, and the post-processing or special correspondence sheet ( Use of special paper is not required. Therefore, the template with ID “100” is extracted as a template that matches the available output environment. Also, the template with the ID "101" (Italian shop card) is a template corresponding to the product with ID "5" (printing machine) and the product with ID "6" (post-processing machine). Paper usage is not required. Therefore, the template with ID “101” is extracted as a template that matches the available output environment.

  The template data selected by the template selection unit 20 is transmitted from the template management device 10 to the terminal device 12 and displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12 (S06). As a result, a template suitable for the output environment designated by the user is displayed.

  In addition, the control unit 32 of the template management apparatus 10 causes the UI unit 38 to display a list of template groups stored in the template storage unit 24, and gives priority to a template matching the available output environment in the list. It may be displayed on the UI unit 38. For example, the template that matches the available output environment is displayed higher than the template that does not match the available output environment. In the above example, the template with the ID “100” and the template with the ID “101” are displayed with higher priority than the other templates.

  Further, the display priority order may be determined based on the final confirmation date of the product. For example, the template selection unit 20 sets a higher priority to a template that fits the available output environment whose final confirmation date is closer to the current date and time. The control unit 32 causes the UI unit 38 to display each template according to the priority order. As a result, the template matching the newer product is preferentially displayed. For example, paper purchased two years ago and paper recently purchased (eg, one week ago) (paper of the same type as paper purchased two years ago) are registered in the output environment management table. In this case, the template compatible with the recently purchased paper is displayed in preference to the template compatible with the paper purchased two years ago.

  In the above example, the installation location is designated by the user as the output environment, but it goes without saying that the printing machine, the post-processing machine, or the paper may be designated by the user as the output environment. For example, even if a list of printing machines and post-processing machines registered in the output environment management table is displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12, and a device as an output environment is designated by the user from the list. Good. In this case, the template selection unit 20 selects a template corresponding to the printing machine or the post-processing machine designated by the user from the template group stored in the template storage unit 24. The template selection unit 20 may set the priority order of the template corresponding to the printing machine or the post-processing machine designated by the user to be higher than the priority order of other templates.

  A list of paper types registered in the output environment management table may be displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12, and the user may specify the paper type as the output environment from the list. In this case, the template selection unit 20 selects a template corresponding to the paper type designated by the user from the template group stored in the template storage unit 24. The template selection unit 20 may set the priority order of the template corresponding to the paper type designated by the user to be higher than the priority orders of the other templates. Further, a list of paper types may be displayed, and the current number (number of sheets) of each paper may be displayed. By displaying the current number of sheets, it is possible to prevent the user from designating a sheet that has already been used up, and as a result, prevent the template corresponding to the sheet from being selected.

  Further, at least one of a list of installation locations registered in the output environment management table and a list of product types (printing machine, post-processing machine, paper, etc.) is displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12. Then, from the list, at least one of the installation location, the forming apparatus (printing machine or post-processing machine), and the type of paper may be specified by the user as the output environment. In this case, the template selection unit 20 selects a template corresponding to the output environment (including at least one of the installation location, the forming apparatus, and the type of paper) specified by the user, and sets the priority order of the template. Set it higher than the priority of other templates.

  The output environment management table itself is displayed on the screen of the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12, and the output environment may be designated by the user from the list of installation locations and product types registered in the output environment management table.

  The user specifies a target template from the list of templates displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12 and edits the template. After the editing, when the user gives a print instruction of the template, data indicating the edited template is transmitted from the terminal device 12 to the printing machine via the communication path N, for example, and the edited template is printed by the printing machine. It For example, the edited template data is transmitted to a printing machine installed at an installation location designated by the user as an output environment, and the edited template is printed by the printing machine. Further, when the template for which the post-processing is requested is selected, the post-processing is performed by the post-processing machine installed in the installation location designated by the user as the output environment.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a template that matches the output environment designated by the user is selected, or a template that matches the output environment is preferentially displayed. Thereby, a template available in the output environment designated by the user is selected or preferentially displayed. According to this embodiment, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a printed matter using the template selected by the user is not formed.

  In this embodiment, by managing the purchase history of the product, the template corresponding to the actually usable device or paper (the actually purchased device or paper) is selected, so that the actually usable template is To be selected.

  For example, a template corresponding to a printing machine or post-processing machine that can be actually used (printing machine or post-processing machine actually purchased by the user or company) is selected, so that the template matches the template selected by the user. It is avoided that the device cannot be used (the user or the company does not have the device), and as a result, the printed matter using the template cannot be formed.

  In addition, since a template corresponding to the type of paper that can be actually used (paper that the user or company actually purchases) is selected, the paper that matches the template selected by the user cannot be used (user or A company does not have the paper), and as a result, a situation in which a printed matter using the template is not formed is avoided.

  Further, when the place where the user is currently specified is designated, the template corresponding to the device or the sheet installed at that place is selected. Even if the user is not at the current location, if the location of the request for printing the template is specified, the template corresponding to the device or paper installed at the location of the request is selected. In this way, since the template that matches the specified location is selected, even if there is no device or paper that matches the template at the location where the user is currently, the device or paper that matches the template is selected. By designating the place where is installed as the request destination, a printed matter using the template is formed.

  The template selection unit 20 may select a template based on the current number of sheets installed at the installation location designated by the user. For example, the template selection unit 20 refers to the output environment management table to specify the current number of sheets of paper extracted as the available output environment, and the template group of templates that match the sheets of which the number of sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold value is set. It is not necessary to select from the template group a template that is selected from among the template groups and that is suitable for the paper whose number is less than the threshold value. The template selection unit 20 may set the priority order of the template suitable for the paper having the number of sheets equal to or larger than the threshold value to be higher than the priority order of the template suitable for the sheet having the number of sheets less than the threshold value. The threshold value is, for example, a preset value. Of course, the threshold may be changed by the user, the administrator, or the like. For example, the template selection unit 20 does not select a template that fits the current number of sheets from the template group, but selects a template that fits the current number of sheets from the template group. You may choose. The template selection unit 20 may set the priority order of the template suitable for the sheet of which the current number is 0 to be lower than the priority order of the template suitable for the sheet of one or more sheets. As a result, a template suitable for the sheet actually set is selected, or the template is preferentially displayed.

  When the number of sheets extracted as the usable output environment is less than the threshold value (for example, 0 sheets), the control unit 32 of the template management apparatus 10 displays a screen for purchasing the sheet on the UI section 38 of the terminal device 12. May be displayed on. As another example, the control unit 32 may conditionally display, on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12, a template corresponding to a sheet of which the number is less than the threshold value. For example, the control unit 32 causes the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12 to display the template corresponding to the paper whose number of sheets is less than the threshold, and the terminal device 12 displays information indicating that the number of sheets is less than the threshold. It may be displayed on the UI unit 38. As a result, the user is provided with information for making the user aware that in order to use the template, it is necessary to purchase and prepare a sheet corresponding to the template.

  The template selecting unit 20 may select a template corresponding to the printing machine extracted as the available output environment and corresponding to the type of paper stored in the printing machine. The printing machine has, for example, a function of detecting the type of paper stored in its own device and a function of accepting designation of the type of paper stored in its own device. The information indicating the type of paper detected or accepted by each printing machine is transmitted from each printing machine to the template management apparatus 10 via the communication path N, for example. In the template management apparatus 10, the output environment management unit 18 manages the type of each sheet stored in each printing machine. For example, the information indicating the type of each sheet is registered in the output environment management table. The template selection unit 20 refers to the output environment management table to specify the type of paper contained in the printing machine that is extracted as the available output environment, and selects a template suitable for the paper type from the template group. You may choose. As a result, the user is provided with a template that matches the type of paper that is actually stored in the printing machine that has been extracted as the usable output environment. The template selection unit 20 may set the priority order of the template that matches the paper type to be higher than the priority order of the template that does not match the paper type. As a result, the template that matches the type of paper actually stored in the printing machine extracted as the available output environment is preferentially displayed.

  For example, the rami-free paper dedicated to the triangular POP (for example, the paper corresponding to the template 84 shown in FIG. 8) is not stored in the tray of the printing machine registered in the output environment management table, but is a normal A4 paper. It is assumed that (for example, the paper corresponding to the template 92 shown in FIG. 9) is stored in the tray of the printing machine registered in the output environment management table. In this case, the template selection unit 20 selects the template corresponding to the normal A4 paper stored in the printing machine. As a result, the user is provided with a template corresponding to the type of paper currently stored in the printing press. For example, when the user urgently wants to use the template, the template available at that time is provided to the user.

  The template selection unit 20 may select a template based on the current number of sheets contained in the printing machine, which is extracted as the available output environment. For example, the printing machine has a function of counting the number of sheets of paper stored in its own device. The information indicating the number of sheets counted by each printing press is transmitted from each printing press to the template management apparatus 10 via the communication path N, for example. In the template management device 10, the output environment management unit 18 manages the number of sheets of each sheet accommodated in each printing machine. For example, the information indicating the number of sheets of each sheet is registered in the output environment management table. The template selection unit 20 refers to the output environment management table to identify the current number of sheets contained in the printing machine, which is extracted as the available output environment, and is adapted to the sheet whose number is equal to or more than the threshold value. It is not necessary to select a template to be used from the template group, and to select a template from the template group that fits the paper whose number of sheets is less than the threshold value. The template selection unit 20 may set the priority order of the template suitable for the paper having the number of sheets equal to or larger than the threshold higher than the priority order of the template having the number of sheets less than the threshold. For example, the template selection unit 20 does not select a template that fits 0 sheets of paper from the template group, but selects a template that fits 1 or more sheets of paper from the template group. You may. The template selection unit 20 may set the priority order of the template suitable for the sheet of which the number is 0 to be lower than the priority order of the template suitable for the sheet of which the number of sheets is 1 or more. As a result, a template suitable for the paper actually stored in the printing machine extracted as the usable output environment is selected, or the template is preferentially displayed.

  The control unit 32 of the template management device 10 may cause the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12 to display a template that does not match the available output environment and information that indicates the output environment that matches the template. That is, the control unit 32 causes the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12 to display the information indicating the forming device (printing machine or post-processing device) and the paper necessary for using the template that does not match the available output environment. This provides the user with information indicating the output environment required to use the template that does not match the available output environment. For example, when “long paper” is not registered in the output environment management table, the control unit 32 stores a “long template” corresponding to the “long paper” and information indicating “long paper”. , Are displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12. As a result, the user is provided with information indicating the type of paper required to use the “long template”. In addition, the control unit 32 may cause the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12 to display a screen for purchasing a forming device or paper required for using a template that does not match the available output environment.

  In this embodiment, the output environment information may be updated or newly registered by the user. Hereinafter, updating of the output environment information by the user and new registration will be described.

  When the user uses the terminal device 12 to access the template management device 10 and gives an instruction to update or newly register the output environment information, the information on the screen for updating or newly registering the output environment information is the template management device. 10 is transmitted to the terminal device 12, and the screen is displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the installation location designation screen 100 is displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12. The installation location designation screen 100 is a screen for designating an installation location as an output environment. The installation location designation screen 100 includes an input field 102, and information indicating the installation location to be newly registered is input to the input field 102. When newly registering the installation location, the user uses the terminal device 12 to input information (character string) indicating the installation location to be newly registered in the input field 102. Further, on the installation location designation screen 100, as indicated by reference numeral 104, information indicating an already installed installation location (for example, an installation location registered in the output environment management table) is displayed in, for example, a dropdown format. It When selecting an existing installation location, the user uses the terminal device 12 to specify the installation location to be updated from the list of installation locations displayed in the drop-down format. As an example, the installation location “CC office 1F” is newly registered. For example, a character string indicating “CC office 1F” is input by the user as information indicating a new registration place.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the product type designation screen 106 is displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12. The product type designation screen 106 is a screen for designating a product type as an output environment to be updated or newly registered. The product type designation screen 106 includes a search condition setting field 108 and a search result field 110. The search condition setting field 108 is a field for inputting a condition for searching for a product type to be updated or newly registered. The search result column 110 is a column in which the search result is displayed. When the product type of the search target is input to the search condition setting field 108, the information indicating the product type is transmitted from the terminal device 12 to the template management device 10. The control unit 32 of the template management device 10 searches for products corresponding to the product type of the search target in the extraction condition information. The information indicating the product is transmitted from the template management device 10 to the terminal device 12 and displayed on the UI unit 38 of the terminal device 12. In the example shown in FIG. 15, “long paper” is specified by the user as a search condition in the search condition setting field 108, and the product name of the long paper is displayed as the search result in the search result field 110. Is displayed. The search result field 110 includes a field for inputting the number of each product, and the user inputs the number of each product in the field.

  FIG. 16 shows an extraction condition management table as an example of the extraction condition information. In the extraction condition management table, the management ID, the information indicating the product name, and the information indicating the product type are associated with each other. The product name is the name of a product (product) as an output environment for forming an output product using a template, and the product type is the type of the product. In the extraction condition management table, as long paper, a paper having a size of (297×900 mm), a paper having a size of (297×1200 mm), a paper having a size of (330×660 mm), etc. Is registered. Therefore, when “long paper” is specified as the search condition in the search condition setting field 108 shown in FIG. 15 and a search is performed, the search result field 110 displays a plurality of long lengths having the above size. Information (for example, product name) indicating the length of paper is displayed.

  For example, the user uses the terminal device 12 to change the number of long lengths (297×900 mm) and long lengths (330×660 mm) from 0 to 20, and the purchase date to January 1, 2016. Then, when the confirmation button for the change is pressed, the information indicating the content of the change is transmitted from the terminal device 12 to the template management device 10. The output environment management unit 18 of the template management device 10 registers information indicating the changed content in the output environment management table.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of the output environment newly registered by this operation as an output environment management table. As described above, the purchase date “January 1, 2016”, the product name “long (330×900 mm)”, the product name “long (330×660 mm)”, the number “20 pieces”, and the installation location Since “CC office 1F” is designated by the user, these pieces of information are newly registered in the output environment management table. Further, since these pieces of information are registered by the user, the user registration is registered in the output environment management table as an information source. After this registration, “CC office 1F” is also selected by the user as the output environment (printing environment).

  Each of the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 described above is realized by the cooperation of hardware and software, for example. Specifically, each of the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (not shown). The functions of the respective units of the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 are realized by the one or more processors reading and executing the program stored in a storage device (not shown). The program is stored in the storage device via a recording medium such as a CD or a DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. As another example, the respective units of the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 may be realized by hardware resources such as a processor and an electronic circuit. A device such as a memory may be used in the realization thereof. As another example, each unit of the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 may be realized by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

10 template management device, 12 terminal device, 18 output environment management unit, 20 template selection unit, 24 template storage unit, 26 purchase history storage unit, 28 extraction condition storage unit, 30 output environment storage unit.

Claims (7)

Storage means for storing template groups having different designs,
From the template group, a selection unit that selects a template that is an output environment condition for forming an output product using the template and that meets an output environment condition specified by a user,
Have a,
The conditions of the output environment include conditions regarding a forming device for forming a printed matter as an output using the template, conditions regarding a sheet on which the template is printed, and a place where the forming device is installed. At least one of the conditions,
The selecting unit is a template corresponding to a forming process by the forming apparatus installed in a place designated by a user from the template group, and selects a type of the sheet stored in the forming apparatus. Select the corresponding template,
Information processing device. The method further includes a control unit that causes the display unit to preferentially display the template selected by the selection unit, over a template that does not match the output environment condition designated by the user.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit causes the display unit to display information indicating a template that does not match the output environment condition specified by the user and an output environment that matches the template that does not match the output environment condition specified by the user,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The selecting means preferentially selects a template that has a newer purchase date and that matches the conditions of the forming apparatus and the paper, from the template group.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.   Storage means for storing template groups having different designs,
  From the template group, a selection unit that selects a template that is an output environment condition for forming an output product using the template and that meets an output environment condition specified by a user,
  Have
  The conditions of the output environment include conditions regarding a forming device for forming a printed matter as an output using the template, conditions regarding a sheet on which the template is printed, and a place where the forming device is installed. At least one of the conditions,
  The selecting means preferentially selects a template that matches the conditions of the forming device and the paper having a newer purchase date from the template group.
  Information processing device. Computer,
Selecting means for selecting a template, which is a condition of an output environment for forming an output product using the template and which meets a condition of the output environment designated by the user, from a group of templates having different designs from each other;
To function as,
The conditions of the output environment include conditions regarding a forming device for forming a printed matter as an output using the template, conditions regarding a sheet on which the template is printed, and a place where the forming device is installed. At least one of the conditions,
The selecting unit is a template corresponding to a forming process by the forming apparatus installed in a place designated by a user from the template group, and is a template corresponding to the type of the sheet stored in the forming apparatus. Select the corresponding template,
program.   Computer,
  Selecting means for selecting a template, which is a condition of an output environment for forming an output product using the template and which meets a condition of the output environment designated by the user, from a group of templates having mutually different designs;
  Function as
  The conditions of the output environment include conditions regarding a forming device for forming a printed matter as an output using the template, conditions regarding a sheet on which the template is printed, and a place where the forming device is installed. At least one of the conditions,
  The selecting means preferentially selects a template that matches the conditions of the forming device and the paper having a newer purchase date from the template group.
  program.

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