JP7702736B2 - Processing data generating device, sheet processing system, and processing data generating program - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a processing data generation device, a sheet processing system, and a processing data generation program.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet processing machine that displays processing means setting information that takes into account the processing contents and processing sequence of the sheet based on the processing conditions of the sheet.

JP 2015-48185 A

Generally, a sheet processing machine executes a processing job for a sheet on which a deliverable is printed, according to pre-created processing data. The processing data is created, for example, based on layout data including placement data regarding the placement of the deliverable on the sheet. Conventionally, the layout data on which the processing data is based is saved, and the deliverable is printed on the sheet by using the saved layout data.

It is possible that a processing job cannot be executed because the created processing data does not correspond to the specifications of the processing machine, but previously, all layout data was saved regardless of whether the processing job could be executed or not.

Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a processing data generation device that saves layout data when a sheet processing machine is capable of executing a processing job.

To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following processed data generation device.

That is, the processed data generating device according to the present invention comprises:
a processing data generating unit that generates processing data related to execution of a processing job on the sheet by at least one processing machine based on layout data including arrangement data related to the arrangement of a product on the sheet;
a data save determination unit that determines whether the layout data can be saved;
a transmitting/receiving unit for transmitting and receiving data and information between the processing data generating unit and the data storage determining unit and the at least one processing machine,
The data storage determination unit is characterized in that when it determines, based on the information received through the transmission/reception unit, that the processing job can be executed by the at least one processing machine, it instructs the layout data to be stored.

According to the above configuration, the useful layout data that is determined to be executable for a processing job is stored, so that the useful layout data can be used when a new processing process is performed on a sheet. This prevents the creation of a useless sheet by performing a print process on a sheet based on unnecessary layout data that corresponds to a processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and prevents the execution of a useless processing process on a useless sheet.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a sheet processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a processing data generating device in the sheet processing system shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating layout data. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating processing data. 2 is a diagram for explaining the exchange of data and information between a processing data generating device and a plurality of processing machines. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control according to a first example executed in the sheet processing system. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control according to a second example executed in the sheet processing system. 13 is a diagram illustrating an input screen for folding and creasing displayed on a display means of the processing data generating device. FIG.

An example of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., terms including "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front" and "rear") will be used as necessary, but the use of these terms is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, and the meanings of these terms do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the following description is essentially merely illustrative, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions, etc. do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones.

(Sheet processing system)
A sheet processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sheet processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing system 1 includes a processing data generating device 2 and a plurality of processing machines 10, 20, and 30. The processing data generating device 2 includes a control unit 3 and a transmission/reception unit 48. At least one processing machine 10; 20; 30 is directly connected to the processing data generating device 2 or indirectly connected through a network or the like, and for example, a plurality of processing machines 10, 20, and 30 are connected to the processing data generating device 2. A printing device (not shown) is connected to the processing data generating device 2, and the printing device (not shown) executes a printing process of a product on a sheet S based on the layout data.

The layout data and processing data will be described in detail later, but the layout data includes at least data regarding the arrangement of the product on the sheet S, and the processing data includes data regarding the position and type of processing on the sheet S. The product is an object that is obtained as a result of processing the sheet S by at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30, and is, for example, a pamphlet, a greeting card, a reply postcard, a ticket with a stub, or a flyer with a ticket stub.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing system 1 has, for example, a first processing machine 10, a second processing machine 20, and a third processing machine 30 as multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30. Each of the multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30 has at least one processing means (not shown) for performing a predetermined processing process on the sheet S. The processing means performs, for example, cutting, forming perforations, folds, and half cuts, folding, and the like, on the sheet S.

The first processing machine 10 has a first control unit 11, and an input unit, a display unit, and a data storage unit, none of which are shown. The second processing machine 20 has a second control unit 21, and an input unit, a display unit, and a data storage unit, none of which are shown. The third processing machine 30 has a third control unit 31, and an input unit, a display unit, and a data storage unit, none of which are shown. The first control unit 11, the second control unit 21, and the third control unit 31 each have, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory, and execute control processing, calculation processing, and judgment processing of various operations in each of the multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30. Each of the first control unit 11, the second control unit 21, and the third control unit 31 judges whether or not a processing job can be executed, and generates executable information regarding the executable state of the processing job or non-executable information regarding the non-executable state of the processing job. In addition, the data storage units, not shown, in each of the processing machines 10, 20, and 30 can store data regarding the processing job.

The processing data generating device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the processing data generating device 2 in the sheet processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1. The processing data generating device 2 includes a control unit 3, a bus 4, an input/output interface 5, an input unit 6, an output unit 7, a communication unit 8, and a data storage unit (not shown). The processing data generating device 2 is a computer having a processor and memory, such as a notebook, desktop, or tablet computer, a smartphone, or other information terminal.

The control unit 3 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 3a and a memory 3b. The CPU 3a is connected to the memory 3b via a bus 4. The CPU 3a executes control processing, calculation processing, judgment processing, input/output control processing of various data, and the like in the processing data generating device 2. The memory 3b is composed of ROM and RAM, and temporarily stores programs or data related to the generation of processing data and the judgment of whether or not layout data can be saved. Note that some of the functions of the CPU 3a can also be realized by electronic circuits.

The input unit 6, output unit 7, and communication unit 8 are connected to the bus 4 via the input/output interface 5. The input unit 6 is a means for executing input processing of the original layout data (layout data to be judged) for generating the processed data, and is, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, pointing device, scanner, etc. The output unit 7 executes output processing such as outputting the generated processed data to, for example, multiple processing machines 10, 20, 30, and outputting layout data to a printing device (not shown). The communication unit 8 executes wired or wireless transmission and reception processing of various data and information to the multiple processing machines 10, 20, 30 and the printing device (not shown). The communication unit 8 corresponds to the transmission and reception unit 48 in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, from the functional standpoint, the control unit 3 functions as a layout data reading unit 41, a processing data generating unit 42, a data storage determining unit 43, a processing job allocation unit 44, a layout data changing unit 45, and a processing data changing unit 46.

The layout data reading unit 41 executes a layout data reading process to read layout data stored in a data storage unit (not shown) as existing layout data. The layout data reading unit 41 also executes a layout data reading process to read new layout data created by a layout data creation unit (not shown) or modified layout data created by modifying existing layout data by a layout data modification unit 45 as layout data to be determined. In this way, the layout data is used for the read process as existing layout data, or used for the read process as new layout data and modified layout data that serve as layout data to be determined. The processing data generation unit 42 executes a processing data generation process to generate processing data related to the execution of a processing job on a sheet S by multiple processing machines 10, 20, 30 based on the loaded layout data to be determined.

The data storage determination unit 43 executes various determination processes in the processing data generating device 2. The data storage determination unit 43 executes a data storage determination process to determine whether or not to store the layout data to be determined as useful layout data based on executable information regarding executable information of the processing job or non-executable information regarding non-executable information of the processing job. The data storage determination unit 43 also executes a data linking process to link the useful layout data to be stored with executable information of the processing job transmitted from the multiple processing machines 10, 20, 30, or to link the useful layout data to be stored with identification data regarding a processing machine that transmitted the executable information. As a result, the useful layout data to be stored is linked with executable information or identification data, making it easy to identify a processing machine that can execute the processing job. The data storage determination unit 43 also executes a determination process to determine which of the multiple processing machines 10, 20, 30 is to execute the processing job based on the executable information.

Based on the judgment of the data storage judgment unit 43, the processing job allocation unit 44 transmits the execution instruction information of the processing job to one of the multiple processing machines 10, 20, 30 through the transmission and reception unit 48. In other words, the processing job allocation unit 44 executes an allocation process to allocate which of the multiple processing machines 10, 20, 30 will execute the processing job. This allows appropriate instruction to be given to which of the multiple processing machines 10, 20, 30 will execute the processing job. For example, the processing job allocation unit 44 executes a job execution instruction process to instruct the processing job to be executed by a processing machine that is in a standby state and does not execute any processing job other than the processing job, among the processing machines that can execute the processing job. In addition, for example, when there are multiple processing machines that can execute the processing job and are in a standby state, the processing job allocation unit 44 executes a job execution instruction process to instruct the processing job to be executed by a processing machine that can complete the processing job in the shortest time.

The layout data change unit 45 executes a layout data change process to change the existing layout data read by the layout data reading unit 41 to modified layout data. This allows for flexible response to changes in layout data. The processed data change unit 46 executes a processed data change process to change the processed data generated by the processed data generation unit 42 to modified processed data. This allows for flexible response to changes in processed data. The layout data change process and the processed data change process are executed, for example, via the input unit 6. In addition, it is also possible to cause the processed data generation unit 42 to execute a processed data generation process and/or the processed data change unit 46 to execute a processed data change process in response to a change in layout data by the layout data change unit 45. In addition, it is also possible to cause the layout data change unit 45 to execute a layout data change process in response to a change in processed data by the processed data change unit 46. The transmission/reception unit 48 executes a transmission/reception process to transmit and receive various data (e.g., processed data) and information (e.g., executable information or non-executable information) in the processed data generation process and the data storage judgment process. This allows for smooth exchange of processed data and executable information or non-executable information.

In this disclosure, the information includes the executable or non-executable information described above, as well as status information of the processing machines 10, 20, and 30 and the processing tools (e.g., perforation tool, creasing tool, folding tool, slitter tool, cutter tool) in the processing machines 10, 20, and 30.

The status information includes "tool installation information" and "machine operation status information." "Tool installation information" includes, for example, information on the type of tool installed on the machine 10, 20, 30 (e.g., perforation tool, creasing tool, folding tool, slitter tool, cutter tool). "Machine operation status information" includes, for example, information on the operation status of the machine 10, 20, 30 (e.g., operating, waiting, or paused).

Figure 3 is a diagram explaining layout data. The layout data includes data regarding the arrangement of deliverables on sheet S. For example, in Figure 3, the layout data includes data for arranging a total of 10 deliverables on sheet S by arranging the first to fifth deliverables in the first column and the sixth to tenth deliverables in the second column. The base point for the arrangement is the lower left corner edge of sheet S. For example, sheet S has a width of 595.276 points in the X direction and a length of 841.890 points in the Y direction. Note that points are a unit commonly used in the field of DTP (Desktop Publishing) when creating data for printed matter on a personal computer.

For example, the first product has a rectangular shape, starts at position X28.346 point and position Y42.520 point, extends in the X direction with a width of 255.118 points, and extends in the Y direction with a length of 141.732 points. Similarly, the tenth product has a rectangular shape, starts at position X311.811 point and position Y666.142 point, extends in the X direction with a width of 255.118 points, and extends in the Y direction with a length of 141.732 points.

The layout data includes at least "arrangement data of the deliverable." The layout data may further include, for example, "cutting data for sheets" and may further include "processing data other than cutting data for sheets." Details of the "cutting data for sheets" and the "processing data other than cutting data for sheets" will be described later.

The "arrangement data of the deliverable" includes, for example, size data of the sheet S to be processed, and position data and size data of the deliverable. The arrangement of the outline of the deliverable on the sheet S is specified based on the position data and size data of the deliverable. The layout data in FIG. 3 specifies only the arrangement of the outline of the deliverable, but the layout data modification unit 45 can execute a layout data modification process to add layout data related to perforation processing so that the deliverable includes perforations, and to modify the layout data to specify the arrangement of the outline of the deliverable and the perforations.

Figure 4 is a diagram explaining the processing data. The processing data includes data on the position and type of processing on the sheet S. For example, in Figure 4, the processing data has data for performing cutting (slit processing) in four conveying directions in the X direction as represented by two lines, and for performing cutting (cut processing) in ten conveying directions perpendicular to the conveying direction in the Y direction as represented by one line. The base point of processing is the upper right corner edge of the sheet S. For example, the sheet S has a width of 210.0 mm in the X direction and a length of 297.0 mm in the Y direction. Note that mm (millimeter) is a unit commonly used in the field of processing sheets S, and the above-mentioned 1 point corresponds to 0.3528 mm.

For example, the first slit means that cutting is performed along the Y direction (the transport direction of sheet S) at an X position of 10.0 mm, and the fourth slit means that cutting is performed along the Y direction (the transport direction of sheet S) at an X position of 200.0 mm. The first cut means that cutting is performed along the X direction (the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of sheet S) at a Y position of 12.0 mm, and the tenth cut means that cutting is performed along the X direction (the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of sheet S) at a Y position of 282.0 mm.

Processing data includes "cutting processing data for sheets" and "processing data other than cutting processing for sheets."

The "cutting data for the sheet" includes, for example, data regarding the cutting position. The cutting position matches the position of the outline of the end product, and is determined based on the "arrangement data of the end product." For example, the cutting positions of the third slit, fourth slit, ninth cut, and tenth cut are determined based on the "arrangement data of the end product" so as to match the outline of the first end product.

"Processing data for sheets other than cutting" includes, for example, data on the processing position (e.g., perforation position, crease position, fold position), data on the type of processing (e.g., perforation, scoring, folding), and data on the type (e.g., shape, thickness) and position of registration marks (not shown) provided for alignment.

In the processing data for the crease processing, the direction (convex downward or convex upward) and sequence of the creases can be determined by selecting a folding pattern and/or a crease pattern corresponding to the folding pattern.

In the processing data for folding, the folding direction (mountain fold or valley fold) and order can be determined by selecting a folding pattern (e.g., V fold, Z fold, C fold, double parallel fold, etc.).

In the processing data for perforation processing, the direction of the perforation (direction along the conveying direction and/or direction perpendicular to the conveying direction) can be determined by selecting the processing pattern of the perforation (e.g., vertical, horizontal, cross). FIG. 8 shows an input screen for folding and creasing, which is displayed on a display means (not shown) of the processing data generating device 2. In FIG. 8, a Z-fold is selected as the folding pattern, a pattern in which the creasing directions in two places are both downwardly convex is selected as the creasing pattern, and the folding direction and order are mountain fold and valley fold in that order from the front end side of the sheet S. The settings shown in FIG. 8 can be made by operating the input unit 6. In FIG. 8, the display related to the selection of the creasing pattern is always displayed, but it may be possible to switch between a display state and a non-display state by a pull-down menu.

In this way, the layout data is data regarding the arrangement of the deliverables on the sheet S, whereas the processing data is data regarding the processing of the sheet S. Therefore, the content and format of the layout data and the processing data differ. Therefore, the processing data generation unit 42 has a function of converting the layout data into processing data so that multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30 can execute processing jobs.

(Control in sheet processing system)
The control in the sheet processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the exchange of data and information between the processing data generating device 2 and the multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30. Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the control according to a first example executed in the sheet processing system 1. The control is performed by the processing data generating device 2 executing a predetermined program.

As shown in FIG. 6, in step S1, control according to the first example starts. As shown in FIG. 5, the layout data reading unit 41 reads new layout data newly created by a layout data creation unit (not shown) or layout data changed by a layout data change unit 45 as layout data to be judged. The processing data generating device 2 executes a processing data generation process to generate processing data related to the execution of processing jobs on a sheet S by multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30 based on the layout data to be judged that has been read.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the processing data generating device 2 simultaneously transmits the generated processing data to multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30 (steps S10, S20, and S30).

As shown in FIG. 6, the first control unit 11 of the first processing machine 10 judges whether the transmitted processing job can be executed (step S11). If the first control unit 11 judges that the processing job is suitable and executable on the first processing machine 10, it transmits executable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S12). If the first control unit 11 judges that the processing job is incompatible and cannot be executed on the first processing machine 10, it transmits inexecutable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S13).

At the same time, as shown in FIG. 6, the second control unit 21 of the second processing machine 20 judges whether the transmitted processing job can be executed (step S21). If the second control unit 21 judges that the processing job is suitable and executable on the second processing machine 20, it transmits executable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S22). If the second control unit 21 judges that the processing job is incompatible and cannot be executed on the second processing machine 20, it transmits inexecutable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S23).

Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the third control unit 31 of the third processing machine 30 judges whether the transmitted processing job can be executed (step S31). If the third control unit 31 judges that the processing job is suitable and executable on the third processing machine 30, it transmits executable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S32). If the third control unit 31 judges that the processing job is incompatible and cannot be executed on the third processing machine 30, it transmits inexecutable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S33).

The data storage determination unit 43 determines whether executable information has been received from any of the multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30 (step S40). When the data storage determination unit 43 receives executable information from any of the processing machines (for example, from the second processing machine 20 and the third processing machine 30 in FIG. 5), it determines which of the processing machines that transmitted the executable information (for example, the second processing machine 20 or the third processing machine 30 in FIG. 5) is to execute the processing job, and the processing job allocation unit 44 instructs the processing job to be executed as a processing job allocation process (step S41). That is, the processing job allocation unit 44 transmits execution instruction information for the processing job to the processing machine (for example, the second processing machine 20 in FIG. 5). Then, the processing machine (for example, the second processing machine 20 in FIG. 5) that received the execution instruction information for the processing job executes the processing job.

The data storage judgment unit 43 executes a storage instruction process to instruct the storage of the layout data to be judged, and executes a data storage process to store the layout data to be judged in a data storage unit (not shown) (for example, a data storage unit in the processing machine that has transmitted the executable information) as useful layout data used to execute the processing job (step S42). As a result, even when multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30 are connected to the processing data generating device 2, useful layout data is stored. In addition, the data storage judgment unit 43 executes a data linking process to link the useful layout data to be stored with the executable information of the processing job transmitted from the multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30, or to link the useful layout data to be stored with identification data related to a certain processing machine that transmitted the executable information. Then, in step S50, the control related to the first example ends.

Therefore, since the useful layout data that is judged to be executable for the processing job is judged to be saved, the useful layout data can be utilized when processing the sheet S is newly executed. This prevents the creation of a useless sheet S by executing a print process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data that corresponds to a processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and prevents the execution of a useless processing process on the useless sheet S.

The control according to the second example executed in the sheet processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control according to the second example executed in the sheet processing system 1. The control is performed by the processing data generating device 2 executing a predetermined program.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S101, control according to the second example starts. Then, the layout data reading unit 41 reads new layout data newly created by a layout data creation unit (not shown) or layout data changed by a layout data change unit 45 as layout data to be judged. The processing data generating device 2 generates processing data related to the execution of processing jobs on a sheet S by multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30 based on the layout data to be judged that has been read.

As shown in FIG. 7, the processing data generating device 2 transmits the generated processing data, for example, to the first processing machine 10 (step S110).

As shown in FIG. 7, the first control unit 11 of the first processing machine 10 judges whether the processing job can be executed based on the transmitted processing data (step S111). If the first control unit 11 judges that the processing job is suitable and executable on the first processing machine 10, it transmits executable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S112). If the first control unit 11 judges that the processing job is incompatible and cannot be executed on the first processing machine 10, it transmits inexecutable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S113).

When the processing data generating device 2 receives the non-executable information from the first processing machine 10, it transmits the generated processing data to, for example, the second processing machine 20 (step S120).

The second control unit 21 of the second processing machine 20 judges whether the processing job can be executed based on the transmitted processing data (step S121). If the second control unit 21 judges that the processing job is suitable and executable on the second processing machine 20, it transmits executable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S122). If the second control unit 21 judges that the processing job is incompatible and cannot be executed on the second processing machine 20, it transmits inexecutable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S123).

When the processing data generating device 2 receives the non-executable information from the second processing machine 20, it transmits the generated processing data to, for example, the third processing machine 30 (step S130).

The third control unit 31 of the third processing machine 30 judges whether the processing job can be executed based on the transmitted processing data (step S131). If the third control unit 31 judges that the processing job is suitable and executable on the third processing machine 30, it transmits executable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S132). If the third control unit 31 judges that the processing job is incompatible and cannot be executed on the third processing machine 30, it transmits non-executable information to the data storage judgment unit 43 (control unit 3) (step S133). Then, in step S150, the control related to the second example ends.

In the above step S112, when the executable information is transmitted, the data storage judgment unit 43 judges whether the first processing machine 10 executes the processing job, and the processing job allocation unit 44 instructs the first processing machine 10 to execute the processing job as a processing job allocation process (step S141). Then, the first processing machine 10 that has received the processing job execution instruction information executes the processing job. Also, in the above step S122, when the executable information is transmitted, the data storage judgment unit 43 judges whether the second processing machine 20 executes the processing job, and the processing job allocation unit 44 instructs the second processing machine 20 to execute the processing job as a processing job allocation process (step S141). Then, the second processing machine 20 that has received the processing job execution instruction information executes the processing job. Furthermore, when the executable information is transmitted in step S132, the data storage determination unit 43 determines whether the third processing machine 30 will execute the processing job, and the processing job allocation unit 44 instructs the third processing machine 30 to execute the processing job as a processing job allocation process (step S141). Then, the third processing machine 30 that has received the processing job execution instruction information executes the processing job.

The data storage judgment unit 43 executes a storage instruction process to instruct the storage of the layout data to be judged, and executes a data storage process to store the layout data to be judged in a data storage unit (not shown) (for example, a data storage unit in the processing machine that has transmitted the executable information) as useful layout data used to execute the processing job (step S142). As a result, even when multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30 are connected to the processing data generating device 2, useful layout data is stored. In addition, the data storage judgment unit 43 executes a data linking process to link the useful layout data to be stored with the executable information of the processing job transmitted from the multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30, or to link the useful layout data to be stored with identification data related to a certain processing machine that has transmitted the executable information. Then, in step S150, the control related to the second example ends.

Therefore, since the useful layout data that is judged to be executable for the processing job is judged to be saved, the useful layout data can be utilized when processing the sheet S is newly executed. This prevents the creation of a useless sheet S by executing a print process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data that corresponds to a processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and prevents the execution of a useless processing process on the useless sheet S.

The present invention relates to
On computer 2,
a processing data generation process for generating processing data related to execution of a processing job on the sheet S by at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30 based on layout data including arrangement data related to the arrangement of a product on the sheet S;
a data save determination process for determining whether or not the layout data can be saved;
a transmission/reception process for transmitting and receiving data and information in the processed data generation process and the data storage determination process;
When it is determined based on the received information that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30, a processing data generation program is provided which causes the program to execute a storage instruction process for instructing storage of the layout data.

Therefore, since the useful layout data that is judged to be executable for the processing job is judged to be saved, the useful layout data can be utilized when processing the sheet S is newly executed. This prevents the creation of a useless sheet S by executing a print process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data that corresponds to a processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and prevents the execution of a useless processing process on the useless sheet S.

In the processing data generation program,
The information is executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed or non-executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed,
In the storage instruction process, when it is determined that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 based on the received executable information, an instruction is given to store the layout data.

Therefore, since the decision is based on executable information, the save instruction process can be executed quickly.

The present invention also provides
a processing data generation process for generating processing data related to execution of a processing job on the sheet S by at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30 based on layout data including arrangement data related to the arrangement of a product on the sheet S;
a data save determination process for determining whether or not the layout data can be saved;
a transmission/reception process for transmitting and receiving data and information in the processed data generation process and the data storage determination process;
A computer-readable recording medium is provided that records a processing data generation program that, when it is determined based on the received information that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30, executes a save instruction process that instructs the saving of the layout data.

Therefore, since the useful layout data that is judged to be executable for the processing job is judged to be saved, the useful layout data can be utilized when processing the sheet S is newly executed. This prevents the creation of a useless sheet S by executing a print process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data that corresponds to a processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and prevents the execution of a useless processing process on the useless sheet S.

A computer-readable recording medium comprising:
The information is executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed or non-executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed,
In the storage instruction process, when it is determined that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 based on the received executable information, an instruction is given to store the layout data.

Therefore, since the decision is based on executable information, the save instruction process can be executed quickly.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, an appropriate combination of the contents described in the above embodiments may be one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific numbers shown in the above embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the save instruction process can be executed quickly by determining whether the layout data can be saved based on the executable information or the non-executable information. However, although an additional determination process is required by determining whether the layout data can be saved based on the status information, it is also possible to determine whether the layout data can be saved based on the above-mentioned status information.

The invention and its embodiments can be summarized as follows:

A processed data generating device 2 according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
a processing data generating unit (42) for generating processing data related to execution of a processing job on the sheet (S) by at least one processing machine (10; 20; 30) based on layout data including arrangement data related to the arrangement of a product on the sheet (S);
a data storage determination unit 43 for determining whether or not the layout data can be stored;
a transmitting/receiving unit 48 for transmitting and receiving data and information between the processing data generating unit 42 and the data storage determining unit 43 and the at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30;
The data storage judgment unit 43 is characterized in that when it judges, based on the information received through the transmission/reception unit 48, that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30, it instructs the saving of the layout data.

According to the above configuration, the useful layout data that is determined to be executable for a processing job is stored, so that the useful layout data can be used when processing a sheet S is newly performed. This prevents a wasteful sheet S from being created by performing a print process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data that corresponds to a processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and prevents wasteful processing from being performed on the wasteful sheet S.

In addition, in the processed data generating device 2 according to an embodiment,
The information is executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed or non-executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed,
When the data storage determination unit 43 determines that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 based on the executable information received through the transmission/reception unit 48, it instructs the layout data to be stored.

With the above configuration, the save instruction can be executed quickly because it is based on executable information.

In addition, in the processed data generating device 2 according to an embodiment,
The transmission/reception unit 48 is characterized in that it transmits the processing data from the processing data generation unit 42 to the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30, and transmits the executable information or the inexecutable information from the at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 to the data storage judgment unit 43.

The above configuration allows smooth exchange of processed data and executable or non-executable information.

In addition, in the processed data generating device 2 according to an embodiment,
The at least one of the processing machines 10, 20, 30 is connected to the processing data generating device 2,
The data storage judgment unit 43 is characterized in that when it receives the executable information from at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 through the transmission/reception unit 48, it executes a judgment process to determine which of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 is to execute the processing job.

According to the above configuration, when at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30 is connected to the processing data generating device 2, any one of the processing machines can execute a processing job.

In addition, in the processed data generating device 2 according to an embodiment,
A plurality of the processing machines 10, 20, 30 are connected to the processing data generating device 2,
The system further includes a processing job allocation unit 44 that allocates which of the plurality of processing machines 10, 20, 30 will execute the processing job based on the determination by the data storage determination unit 43.

The above configuration allows appropriate instruction as to which of the multiple processing machines 10, 20, and 30 will execute the processing job.

In addition, in the processed data generating device 2 according to an embodiment,
The stored layout data is characterized in that it is linked to the executable information of the processing job by the processing machine, or is linked to identification data regarding the processing machine that transmitted the executable information.

According to the above configuration, the saved layout data is linked to executable information or identification data, making it easy to identify the machining machines that can execute the machining job.

In addition, in the processed data generating device 2 according to an embodiment,
The image forming apparatus further comprises a layout data changing section 45 for changing the layout data.

The above configuration allows for flexible response to changes in layout data.

In addition, in the processed data generating device 2 according to an embodiment,
The image forming apparatus further includes a processing data changing unit 46 for changing the processing data.

The above configuration allows for flexible response to changes in processing data.

In a sheet processing system 1 according to another aspect,
The present invention is characterized by comprising the processing data generating device 2 described above and at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30.

According to the above configuration, the useful layout data that is determined to be executable for a processing job is stored, so that the useful layout data can be used when processing a sheet S is newly performed. This prevents a wasteful sheet S from being created by performing a print process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data that corresponds to a processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and prevents wasteful processing from being performed on the wasteful sheet S.

In another aspect, a processing data generation program includes:
On computer 2,
a processing data generation process for generating processing data related to execution of a processing job on the sheet S by at least one processing machine 10; 20; 30 based on layout data including arrangement data related to the arrangement of a product on the sheet S;
a data save determination process for determining whether or not the layout data can be saved;
a transmission/reception process for transmitting and receiving data and information in the processed data generation process and the data storage determination process;
When it is determined based on the received information that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30, a storage instruction process is executed to instruct storage of the layout data.

According to the above program, the useful layout data that is judged to be executable for a processing job is stored, and the useful layout data can be utilized when a new processing process is performed on a sheet S. This prevents a wasteful sheet S from being created by performing a print process on the sheet S based on unnecessary layout data that corresponds to a processing job even though the processing job is incompatible, and prevents wasteful processing from being performed on the wasteful sheet S.

In one embodiment, the processing data generation program includes:
The information is executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed or non-executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed,
The storage instruction process is characterized in that, when it is determined that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines 10; 20; 30 based on the received executable information, an instruction is given to store the layout data.

The above program makes the decision based on executable information, so the save instruction process can be executed quickly.

1: Sheet processing system 2: Processing data generating device (computer)
3: Control unit 3a: CPU
3b: Memory 4: Bus 5: Input/Output Interface 6: Input Unit 7: Output Unit 8: Communication Unit 10: First Processing Machine (Processing Machine)
11: First control unit 20: Second processing machine (processing machine)
21: Second control unit 30: Third processing machine (processing machine)
31: third control unit 41: layout data reading unit 42: processing data generating unit 43: data storage determining unit 44: processing job allocating unit 45: layout data changing unit 46: processing data changing unit 48: transmitting/receiving unit S: sheet

Claims (11)

a processing data generating unit that generates processing data related to execution of a processing job on the sheet by at least one processing machine based on layout data including arrangement data related to the arrangement of a product on the sheet;
a data save determination unit that determines whether the layout data can be saved;
a transmitting/receiving unit for transmitting and receiving data and information between the processing data generating unit and the data storage determining unit and the at least one processing machine,
The processing data generating device is characterized in that when the data storage determination unit determines, based on the information received through the transmission/reception unit, that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines, it instructs the saving of the layout data. The information is executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed or non-executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed,
The processing data generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the data storage determination unit determines that the processing job can be executed by the at least one processing machine based on the executable information received through the transmission/reception unit, it instructs the layout data to be stored. The processing data generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transmitting and receiving unit transmits the processing data from the processing data generating unit to the at least one processing machine, and transmits the executable information or the inexecutable information from the at least one processing machine to the data storage determining unit. The at least one processing machine is connected to the processing data generating device,
The processing data generating device according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that, when the data storage determination unit receives the executable information from at least one of the processing machines through the transmission/reception unit, it executes a determination process to determine which of the processing machines is to execute the processing job. A plurality of the processing machines are connected to the processing data generating device,
5. The processing data generating device according to claim 4, further comprising a processing job allocation unit that allocates which of the plurality of processing machines is to execute the processing job based on the determination by the data storage determination unit. The processing data generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the saved layout data is linked to the executable information of the processing job by the processing machine, or is linked to identification data relating to the processing machine that transmitted the executable information. The processing data generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a layout data changing unit that changes the layout data. The processing data generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a processing data changing unit that changes the processing data. A sheet processing system comprising the processing data generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and at least one of the processing machines. On the computer,
a processing data generation process for generating processing data related to execution of a processing job on the sheet by at least one processing machine based on layout data including arrangement data related to the arrangement of a product on the sheet;
a data save determination process for determining whether or not the layout data can be saved;
a transmission/reception process for transmitting and receiving data and information in the processed data generation process and the data storage determination process;
a processing data generation program that, when it is determined based on the received information that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines, executes a storage instruction process that instructs the saving of the layout data. The information is executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed or non-executable information regarding whether the processing job can be executed,
The processing data generation program according to claim 10, characterized in that, in the save instruction process, when it is determined that the processing job can be executed by at least one of the processing machines based on the received executable information, saving of the layout data is instructed.

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