JP2024131035A - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] When printing print data obtained from a server, an appropriate paper feed tray is selected. [Solution] Connected to an image distribution server 100, attribute information of frame image data 500 managed by the image distribution server 100 is registered for each paper feed unit. Print target data including frame image data 500 and variable data 510 to be combined with the frame image data 500 is received from the image distribution server 100, and the received print target data is printed. When printing the print target data, a paper feed unit registered in association with information on the frame image data 500 included in the print target data is used. [Selected Figure] Fig. 10

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method.

In stores, product explanation notices such as POP (Point of Purchase) are used as a way to inform customers of product descriptions and prices. In cases where a chain operates with multiple stores, a system exists in which the headquarters of the chain creates POP data for all stores at once and distributes it to each store. In such a POP distribution system, a server at the headquarters manages the POP data, and information devices such as PCs installed in each store access the headquarters server to obtain the necessary POP data. A printer installed in each store then prints the data on paper, and the finished printed matter (POP) is displayed in the store by the store staff.

When printing POP data, not only white paper but also special paper such as colored paper with colors such as yellow or pink may be used to enhance the appearance and effect. When using such special paper, the headquarters creates a design for the POP data according to the characteristics of the special paper and registers it in the server. Then, when printing the POP data, the user at the store confirms which paper to print the POP data of each design on according to the information notified from the headquarters server, and prints the POP data using the paper feed tray in which the corresponding paper is set. When a printing device has multiple paper feed trays and selects a paper feed tray in which a special paper such as colored paper is set for printing, it is common to directly specify the paper feed tray name when issuing a print command, or to specify the paper size or paper type name. As a method for selecting a paper feed tray, Patent Document 1 describes a method for selecting a paper feed tray based on the paper type set in multiple paper feed trays depending on whether the page to be printed is black and white or color.

JP 2006-110942 A

In the above-mentioned POP distribution system, when printing POP data with various designs on the printing device of each store, the user had to determine which paper to use for each POP data design and select the paper feed tray, which was time-consuming.

The present invention aims to select an appropriate paper feed tray when printing print data obtained from a server.

The image forming device of the present invention is an image forming device connected to a server, and includes a registration means for registering attribute information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit, and a printing means for receiving print target data including a template image and text data to be combined with the template image from the server and printing the received print target data, and is characterized in that the printing means uses a paper feed unit that is registered in association with the attribute information of the template image included in the print target data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to select an appropriate paper feed tray when printing print data obtained from a server.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image distribution system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an image distribution server. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image distribution server. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing data constituting print data. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of design information of frame image data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the printing device. 13 is a flowchart showing a registration process. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of paper feed stage information. 10 is a flowchart showing a POP printing process. 10 is a flowchart showing details of a paper feed stage selection process.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that identical components will be denoted with the same reference numerals. In the following embodiment, a method will be described in which, when a printing device prints data to be printed received from an image distribution server, a paper feed tray is selected based on design information of a template image included in the data to be printed and the data is printed.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image distribution system according to this embodiment. The image distribution server 100 is a server device that has the function of managing print data and distributing the print data to printing devices 110, 111, and 112 via a network 120. In this embodiment, the print data is composed of frame image data and variable data. Details of the print data will be described later using Figure 5. In this embodiment, the image distribution server 100 also functions as a data server that stores the frame image data and variable data, but may be connected to a separate data server.

The printing devices 110, 111, and 112 are printing devices that have the function of receiving print data from the image distribution server 100 via the network 120 and printing it. Each of the printing devices 110, 111, and 112 checks with the image distribution server 100 whether there is print data to be printed by the printing device itself, and if there is data to be printed, obtains frame image data and variable data that constitute the data to be printed from the image distribution server 100. Each of the printing devices 110, 111, and 112 then generates a print image based on the received frame image data and variable data, and prints the generated print image on paper. The printed matter is displayed in each store as a POP (Point Of Purchase). The image distribution system is an example of an image forming system.

The image distribution server 100 and the printing devices 110, 111, and 112 are connected via a network 120. Here, it is assumed that the image distribution server 100 is installed at the headquarters of a chain store or the like. It is assumed that the printing devices 110, 111, and 112 are each installed in a different store, and that each store obtains and prints the necessary print data. The printing devices 110, 111, and 112 are examples of image forming devices. Hereinafter, the printing devices 110, 111, and 112 will be collectively referred to as the printing device 400.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server device indicated as the image distribution server 100 in FIG.
The image distribution server 100 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a network I/F 204, and an external storage device 205, all of which are connected to a system bus 206. The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the image distribution server 100. The RAM 202 is a volatile memory that is used as a temporary storage area for data and an area for developing programs. The ROM 203 is a non-volatile memory that stores data and programs. The CPU 201 executes the programs stored in the ROM 203 to realize various functions of the image distribution server 100 shown in FIG. 3 and various processes shown in the flowcharts described below.

The network I/F 204 is an interface for connecting the image distribution server 100 to other devices on the network 120. The CPU 201 exchanges information with other devices on the network 120 via the network I/F 204. The external storage device 205 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The external storage device 205 may be replaced with an external storage accessible to the image distribution server 100. The external storage device 205 stores frame image data and variable data. In addition, a display unit 207 such as a display and an operation unit 208 such as a keyboard and a mouse are connected to the image distribution server 100, and the image distribution server 100 can be operated using these. The display unit 207 and the operation unit 208 may be built into the image distribution server 100 and connected to the system bus 206. Furthermore, the display unit 207 and the operation unit 208 may be realized by the display unit and operation unit of an externally connected PC (personal computer).

FIG. 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the server device indicated as the image distribution server 100 in FIG.
The image distribution server 100 functions as a frame image data registration unit 301 , a variable data registration unit 302 , a sending data generation unit 303 , a transmission unit 304 , and a reception unit 305 by the CPU 201 executing the programs stored in the ROM 203 .

The frame image data registration unit 301 registers frame image data (FIG. 5) which is a template image for POP. The variable data registration unit 302 registers variable data (FIG. 5) of product data. Product data is information about each product, such as product name, price, and comments. The information registered by the frame image data registration unit 301 and the variable data registration unit 302 is saved in the external storage device 205. The receiving unit 305 receives a request signal for print data from the printing device 400 installed in each store. When the receiving unit 305 receives a print request, the sending data generation unit 303 generates a list that links frame image data and variable data as print data in response to the received print request. In this embodiment, the sending unit 304 transmits the print data generated by the sending data generation unit 303 to each printing device 400 installed in each store as print target data required by each printing device 400.

Fig. 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the printing devices 110, 111, and 112 according to this embodiment. The printing device 400 in Fig. 4 corresponds to one of the printing devices 110, 111, and 112 in Fig. 1. The printing device 400 includes a network I/F 401, a CPU 402, an eMMC 403, a RAM 404, a storage device 405, an image processing unit 406, an operation unit 407, a paper feed stage I/F 408, and a printing unit 410, all of which are connected to a data bus 411.

The network I/F 401 is an interface for connecting the printing device 400 to other devices on the network 120. The CPU 402 exchanges information with other devices on the network 120 via the network I/F 401. The CPU 402 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the printing device 400. The eMMC 403 is configured with a flash memory and stores programs that the CPU 402 can execute. In this embodiment, an application for printing POP (hereinafter referred to as a POP printing application) is stored in the eMMC 403. The RAM 404 is a volatile memory that can temporarily store various data such as image data processed by the CPU 402. The storage device 405 is a storage device such as an HDD, and is a non-volatile memory that stores paper feed stage information and various data described later.

The image processing unit 406 synthesizes and draws image data, and performs encoding and decoding of the binary image data. Specifically, it performs drawing with color adjustment of the image by a color profile, imposition of the print image on the paper, etc. The operation unit 407 has an input unit such as a key or a touch panel through which the user inputs various operations, and a display unit such as a display that displays various screens. The paper feed stage I/F 408 is an interface for connecting the paper feed stage 409. The CPU 402 exchanges information with the paper feed stage 409 via the paper feed stage I/F 408. The paper feed stage 409 is a general term for a device for feeding paper. The paper feed stage 409 includes multiple paper feed units such as a cassette and a manual feed tray. The printing unit 410 is a device that prints image data on recording paper. In this embodiment, the printing unit 410 places toner on the recording paper fed from the paper feed stage 409, and fixes the toner to the recording paper by applying pressure with a heated fixing device. The printing method of the printing unit 410 may be an inkjet method.

5 is an explanatory diagram of data constituting the print data managed by the image distribution server 100. The print data is composed of frame image data 500 and variable data 510.
The frame image data 500 is image data used as a template for a POP. In this embodiment, the frame image data 500 is an image that represents the background design of the POP. Frame image data 501, 502, and 503 shown in Fig. 5 are examples of the frame image data 500. The frame image data 500 is created by adjusting the colors, characters, figures, patterns, and other image designs at the headquarters, on the assumption that it will be printed on various types of paper, including not only white paper but also colored paper.
The variable data 510 holds a plurality of different product data. In the example of Fig. 5, each record of the variable data 510 corresponds to one product data. The product data includes text data for each item used in the POP, such as the product name, price, and comments. The variable data 510 in Fig. 5 holds product data for vegetables. The variable data 510 is an example of text data to be combined with a POP template image.

In each frame image data 500, information on the variable area 504 is set as position information indicating where to place the text of each item of the variable data 510, such as the product name and price. The text of each item is placed in the variable area 504 of the frame image data 500 for each item of product data of the variable data 510, and a print image is generated by combining the frame image data 500 and the variable data 510. In this embodiment, when the printing device 400 receives data to be printed from the image distribution server 100, it generates a print image by combining the frame image data 500 and the variable data 510 contained in the data to be printed. The print image 520 is an example generated by combining the frame image data 503 and the product data 511. In this embodiment, the printing device 400 is the subject of the process of combining the frame image data 500 and the variable data 510, but it may be the image distribution server 100.

The image distribution server 100 also manages default frame image data 500 by linking it to the variable data 510. When generating print data, if frame image data 500 is not specified, the image distribution server 100 uses the default frame image data 500 linked to the variable data 510. On the other hand, if frame image data 500 and variable data 510 are specified, the image distribution server 100 generates print data by combining the specified data.

Next, the design information of the frame image data 500 will be described with reference to FIG.
The frame image data 500 is created according to a combination of a POP size 601 and a design name 602. The image distribution server 100 registers and stores frame image data 500 of one or more POP sizes 601 for each design name 602. The POP size 601 is the paper size of the POP, and is a parameter set for printing the POP at a specified size such as B6, B6H, or B8. Even if the design name 602 is the same, frame image data 500 in which the arrangement of the variable area 504 has been changed so that the customer can easily view the text is stored for each set POP size 601. To correctly print at the set POP size 601, the printing device 400 performs image processing (S1004) such as enlarging/reducing the print image and imposing the image.

The design name 602 is the name of the design of the frame image data 500 that represents the background design of the POP. The design name 602 is set for each background design. The headquarters creates frame image data 500 with the design name 602 according to various projects such as "sale items" and "advertising items," and the image distribution server 100 registers and stores the created frame image data 500. The image distribution server 100 also classifies the design names 602 by design classification 603 and manages them in a hierarchical structure. The design classification 603 is information for managing the design names 602 by group according to the purpose, category, paper type 901 (FIG. 9), etc. The design classification 603 is an example of group information that represents a group to which one or more design names belong. It is also possible to assign the same group information to frame image data 500 of the same purpose or category, and manage the frame image data 500 by group.

In this embodiment, the printing device 400 links design information such as the design name 602 and design classification 603 of the frame image data 500 managed by the image distribution server 100 to each paper feed tray of the printing device 400 and registers it as paper feed tray information for POP printing. Then, when printing the print target data received from the image distribution server 100, a paper feed tray is selected and printed based on the registered paper feed tray information for POP printing and the design information of the received print target data. This makes it possible for the printing device 400 to select the paper feed tray in which the appropriate paper is set according to the design information of the print target data and print for template images of various designs, without the user having to select a paper feed tray each time a print command is issued. The design name 602 and design classification 603 are examples of attribute information of the frame image data 500.

Next, we will explain how the printing device 400 registers the design information, such as the design name 602 and design classification 603, of the frame image data 500 by linking it to the paper feed tray 409.

7 is a diagram showing screen transitions when registering design information. Each screen shown in FIG.
A screen 700 is a home screen of the printing apparatus 400 , and when a POP printing application 701 in the screen 700 is selected, the CPU 402 starts up the POP printing application and causes a screen 710 to be displayed.
Screen 710 is a start-up screen of the POP printing application, and when start POP printing 711 in screen 710 is selected, CPU 402 inquires of image distribution server 100 whether there is print data to be printed by the own device. If there is print data, CPU 402 receives the print data from image distribution server 100 and prints it. Details of the printing flow will be described with reference to FIG. 10. When paper feed stage setting 712 in screen 710 is selected, CPU 402 displays screen 720.

A screen 720 is a setting screen for a paper feed tray. When a default paper feed tray setting 721 in the screen 720 is selected, the CPU 402 causes a screen 730 to be displayed.
Screen 730 is a setting screen for a default paper feed tray. The default paper feed tray is a paper feed tray that is selected when design information of received print data has not been registered for each paper feed tray. Screen 730 is provided with a selection area 731 for selecting a paper feed tray from among multiple paper feed trays included in printing device 400. When a paper feed tray to be set as the default paper feed tray is selected in selection area 731 and a registration button 732 is pressed, CPU 402 stores the selected paper feed tray in storage device 405 as the default paper feed tray.

When design information registration 722 in screen 720 is selected, CPU 402 causes screen 740 to be displayed.
Screen 740 is a design information registration screen. Screen 740 has a selection area 741 for selecting a paper feed tray included in printing device 400. When a paper feed tray for which design information is to be registered is selected in selection area 741, CPU 402 displays screen 750 for registering design information for the selected paper feed tray. Screen 750 in FIG. 7 shows an example in which cassette 2 is selected in selection area 741.

When the design category 751 in the screen 750 is selected, the CPU 402 causes a screen 760 to be displayed.
Screen 760 is a screen for registering a design category to the target paper feed tray selected on screen 740. Screen 760 has a selection area 761 in which a list of design categories registered in the image distribution server 100 is displayed. When a design category is selected in selection area 761 and a completion button 762 is pressed, CPU 402 links the selected design category to the target paper feed tray. Thereafter, CPU 402 displays screen 750, and when registration button 753 in screen 750 is pressed, linking information between the target paper feed tray and the design category is stored in storage device 405 as paper feed tray information for POP printing, and registration is completed.

When the design name 752 in the screen 750 is selected, the CPU 402 causes a screen 770 to be displayed.
Screen 770 is a screen for registering a design name for the target paper feed tray selected on screen 740. Screen 770 has a selection area 771 in which a list of design names registered in the image distribution server 100 is displayed. When a design name is selected in selection area 771 and a completion button 772 is pressed, CPU 402 links the selected design name to the target paper feed tray. Thereafter, CPU 402 displays screen 750, and when registration button 753 in screen 750 is pressed, information linking the target paper feed tray and the design name is stored in storage device 405 as paper feed tray information for POP printing, and registration is completed.

In this embodiment, in order to uniquely select a paper feed tray based only on the design name and design classification information, it is assumed that the design name and design classification information are each registered for only one paper feed tray. Therefore, a design name and design classification that have already been registered for a paper feed tray cannot be registered for another paper feed tray. On the other hand, when selecting a paper feed tray using other information such as paper size and paper type (FIG. 9) along with the design name and design classification information, the design name and design classification may be registered for each paper feed tray. Also, multiple design names and design classifications may be registered for a paper feed tray. In screens 760 and 770, multiple design names and design classifications can be registered for one paper feed tray. Screens 750, 760, and 770 show an example of registering design information with a design classification of "sale POP" and design names of "sale items" and "advertising items" for the paper feed tray of cassette 2.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the registration process of design information for frame image data 500. At the start of the flowchart in Fig. 8, it is assumed that a POP printing application 701 has been selected on a screen 700 on the operation unit 407, and a startup screen 710 of the POP printing application is being displayed.
In S800, when the user selects the paper feed tray setting 712 on the screen 710, the CPU 402 communicates with the image distribution server 100 and transmits a list acquisition request to the image distribution server 100 with the design information to be acquired as a parameter. The image distribution server 100 that receives the acquisition request generates a list of design information such as the design classification 603 and the design name 602 registered in the image distribution server 100, and transmits it to the printing device 400 as attribute information of the registered frame image data 500. In the example of Fig. 6, when the image distribution server 100 receives the list acquisition request for the design name 602, it lists information such as "Fall flavors,""Saleitems,""Advertisementitems," etc. registered as the design name 602 of the frame image data 500, and transmits it to the printing device 400. The printing device 400 acquires the list of design information from the image distribution server 100 and saves it. The timing of obtaining the list may be any timing up until the information on the design classification 603 and the design name 602 is displayed in a list on the screens 760 and 770 .

In S801, the CPU 402 determines whether or not this registration is the first registration. For example, a flag indicating that the first registration has been completed is prepared, and the CPU 402 determines whether or not this registration is the first registration based on whether or not the flag is in the first registration state. After the first registration, the flag is switched from the unregistered state to the first registration state. If the CPU 402 determines that this is the first registration, the process proceeds to S802, and if the CPU 402 determines that this is the second or subsequent registration, the process proceeds to S803.
In S802, the CPU 402 displays the screen 730 and sets the default paper feed tray according to the user's operation. The process then proceeds to S803. Note that the default paper feed tray is not limited to being set at the time of initial registration, and may be set when the setting 721 of the default paper feed tray in the screen 720 is selected.
In S803, the CPU 402 displays screen 740, and registers the design classification 603 and design name 602 for each paper feed stage through user operations on screens 750, 760, and 770. When screens 760 and 770 are displayed in this step, the list of design information acquired and saved in S800 is referenced. Note that in this step, either the design classification 603 or the design name 602 may be registered.
When the user presses the registration button 753 on the screen 750, in step S804, the CPU 402 stores the registered information in the storage device 405 as paper feed stage information for POP printing, and ends the series of registration processes.

Next, a registration example of registering design information of the frame image data 500 will be described with reference to FIG.
9A shows an example of design information for frame image data 500 registered in the image distribution server 100. A design category 603 is located above the design name 602.
9B shows an example of paper feed stage information registered in the paper feed stage setting. In normal paper feed stage settings, the printing device 400 registers the paper size 900 and paper type 901 of the paper stored in each paper feed stage as paper feed stage information. When printing using PC printing or copying, the printing device 400 references the paper size 900 and paper type 901 in the paper feed stage information and selects a paper feed stage based on the paper size and paper type specified in the print instruction of the print data.

Figure 9(c) shows an example of paper feed stage information for POP printing registered in the paper feed stage settings in the POP printing app. In this embodiment, the registration flow in Figure 8 allows design information such as the design classification 603 and design name 602 of the frame image data 500 to be registered for each paper feed stage. When performing POP printing with the POP printing app, the printing device 400 selects a paper feed stage by preferentially referring to the paper feed stage information for POP printing in Figure 9(c) over the paper feed stage information in Figure 9(b). In the printing flow when paper feed stage information for POP printing is registered as in the example of Figure 9(c), cassette 2 is selected when the design name is "Sale Items", and cassette 1 is selected when the design name is "Special Offer Items".

The printing device 400 may also manage the paper feed stage information in POP printing in association with the paper type 901 of the paper feed stage information. Specifically, the printing device 400 registers the type information (color paper) of the paper type 901 of the first paper feed stage (cassette 1) in the paper feed stage information as the paper type 901 of the second paper feed stage (cassette 2) in the paper feed stage information. In this case, the printing device 400 may re-register the design information registered for the first paper feed stage (cassette 1) in the paper feed stage information in POP printing to the second paper feed stage (cassette 2). The printing device 400 may also change the type information (color paper) of the paper type 901 of the first paper feed stage (cassette 1) to another type information (plain paper) in the paper feed stage information. In this case, the printing device 400 may invalidate the design information registered for the first paper feed tray (cassette 1) in the paper feed tray information for POP printing, for example by deleting it.

Next, a method in which the printing device 400 receives POP print target data from the image distribution server 100 and prints the received print target data will be described.
10 is a flowchart showing a POP print process in which the printing apparatus 400 prints POP print target data. It is assumed that a start screen 710 of a POP print application is displayed on the operation unit 407 at the start of the flowchart in FIG.
In S1000, when the user selects POP print start 711 on screen 710, the CPU 402 communicates with the image distribution server 100 and checks with the image distribution server 100 whether there is print data (print target data) to be printed by the image distribution server 100. The image distribution server 100 manages whether print target data that needs to be printed has been printed for each store. The printing device 400 transmits a confirmation request for the presence or absence of print target data to the image distribution server 100. When the image distribution server 100 receives the confirmation request from the printing device 400, it determines whether there is any unprinted print target data among the print target data that needs to be printed in the store to which the printing device 400 that sent the confirmation request belongs. Then, it returns the presence or absence of unprinted print target data to the printing device 400 as a response result.

In S1001, the CPU 402 determines whether or not there is data to be printed based on the response result from the image distribution server 100. If the CPU 402 determines that there is data to be printed, the process proceeds to a loop process shown in S1002 to S1005, and if it determines that there is no data to be printed, the process ends the series of processes in this flowchart.
Next, the loop process shown in S1002 to S1005 will be described. This loop process is repeated the same number of times as the number of pieces of print target data.
In S1002, the CPU 402 acquires frame image data 500 and variable data 510 constituting one piece of unprinted print target data from the image distribution server 100. A design classification 603, a design name 602, and a POP size 601 are assigned to this frame image data 500. For example, if the image distribution server 100 manages the frame image data 500 in a hierarchical structure as shown in Fig. 6, the file path information of the frame image data 500 is used.

In S1003, the CPU 402 selects the paper feed tray to be used for printing based on the paper feed tray information for POP printing stored in the storage device 405 and the design information of the frame image data 500 acquired in S1002. A detailed flow of the paper feed tray selection process executed in this step will be described with reference to FIG.
In S1004, the CPU 402 performs image processing such as a compositing process in order to print the frame image data 500 and the variable data 510 acquired in S1002. In addition to the compositing process of the frame image data 500 and the variable data 510, processing such as enlarging and reducing the print image is performed so that the print image is printed at the POP size 601 of the frame image data 500.

In S1005, the CPU 402 prints the print image that has been subjected to image processing in S1004 on paper in the paper feed tray selected in the paper feed tray selection process in S1003. If there is no paper in the paper feed tray, the CPU 402 suspends the print process and notifies the user via the operation unit 407 of the printing device 400 that there is no paper. When the user then loads paper in the paper feed tray, the CPU 402 resolves the no-paper state and resumes printing. In this manner, printing of one piece of print target data is completed.
The CPU 402 prints all of the print target data that needs to be printed by the printing device 400 by repeating the loop process shown in S1002 to S1005 for the number of print target data. In addition to the operation flow described here, in order to reduce waste of printing paper, the CPU 402 may obtain all of the print target data at once in S1001 and execute the processes of S1003 to S1005 as a loop process. In this case, in S1004, the CPU 402 may perform image processing such as imposing multiple data items together so that they are printed on one sheet of paper for the print target data for which the same paper feed tray was selected in S1003, and perform printing processing (S1005).

After the print process (S1005) is completed for all the data to be printed, in S1006, the CPU 402 determines whether or not there is data to be printed that includes design information that is not registered in the paper feed stage information for POP printing. If the CPU 402 determines that there is data for which the design name 602 and design class 603 of the data to be printed are not registered as paper feed stage information for POP printing, the process proceeds to S1007 with the design information of the data to be printed as the design information to be registered. If the CPU 402 determines that the design names 602 and design class 603 of all the data to be printed have been registered, the process ends the series of processes in this flowchart.
In S1007, the CPU 402 performs processing to prompt the user to perform an operation to additionally register the design name 602 and design classification 603 of the design information to be registered as paper feed tray information for POP printing. For example, the CPU 402 displays a screen 740 to prompt the user to select a paper feed tray to be associated with the design information to be registered. After that, the series of processing in this flowchart ends.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the detailed flow of the paper feed stage selection process (S1003) in FIG.
First, in S1100, the CPU 402 determines whether or not paper feed stage information for POP printing has been registered. Specifically, it determines whether or not paper feed stage information for POP printing has been stored in the storage device 405. If paper feed stage information for POP printing has been registered, that is, if the registration flow in Fig. 8 has been executed and initial registration of paper feed stage information for POP printing has been completed, the process proceeds to S1101. On the other hand, if paper feed stage information for POP printing has not been registered, the process proceeds to S1106.

In S1101, the CPU 402 refers to the paper feed tray information for POP printing and determines whether or not there is a paper feed tray in which the design name 602 of the data to be printed is registered. If there is a paper feed tray in which the design name 602 of the data to be printed is registered, the process proceeds to S1102, and if the design name 602 of the data to be printed is not registered in any paper feed tray, the process proceeds to S1103.
In step S1102, the CPU 402 selects the paper feed tray in which the design name 602 of the data to be printed is registered. After that, the process proceeds to step S1004.

In S1103, the CPU 402 refers to the paper feed tray information for POP printing and determines whether or not there is a paper feed tray in which the design class 603 of the data to be printed is registered. If there is a paper feed tray in which the design class 603 of the data to be printed is registered, processing proceeds to S1104, and if the design class 603 of the data to be printed is not registered in any paper feed tray, processing proceeds to S1105. In other words, if the design name 602 of the data to be printed is not registered, the CPU 402 selects a paper feed tray based on the design class 603 of the data to be printed.
In step S1104, the CPU 402 selects the paper feed tray in which the design class 603 of the data to be printed is registered. After that, the process proceeds to step S1004.

In S1105, the CPU 402 selects the default paper feed tray set on the screen 730. Processing then proceeds to S1004.

On the other hand, if the initial registration of paper feed stage information for POP printing has not been completed, in S1106, the CPU 402 executes a registration flow for registering paper feed stage information for POP printing. For example, the CPU 402 displays screen 720 and prompts the user to operate the registration flow in FIG. 8. Then, when the paper feed stage information for POP printing has been registered, the CPU 402 selects a paper feed stage based on the design information of the data to be printed, according to the operational flow from S1101 to S1105. Processing then proceeds to S1004.

As described above, according to the image distribution system of this embodiment, the user operating the printing device 400 can select a paper feed tray corresponding to the template image used for the data to be printed, without having to select a paper feed tray to be used for each piece of data to be printed. This can reduce the user's mistakes in selecting a paper feed tray and the hassle involved in the user selecting a paper feed tray.

In addition, by using not only the design name 602 but also the design classification 603 for paper feed stage selection, the effort required for the store to register the design name 602 each time new frame image data 500 is added to the headquarters' image distribution server 100 can be reduced. For example, consider an operation case in which design names 602 to be printed on special paper such as colored paper are collectively managed under the design classification 603 "yellow paper POP". When frame image data 500 with a new design name 602 is added to "yellow paper POP" on the headquarters' image distribution server 100, the store needs to register the newly added design name 602 in the paper feed stage information for POP printing. If the newly added design name 602 is not registered in the paper feed stage information for POP printing, the printing device 400 cannot select a paper feed stage from the design name 602 in S1101. Even in such a case, if the design classification 603 "yellow paper POP" has already been registered in the paper feed tray information for POP printing, the printing device 400 can select the appropriate paper feed tray by referring to the design classification 603.

Other Embodiments
The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

In this embodiment, the case where frame image data 500 and variable data 510 are combined to print for product POP has been described, but the present invention is not limited to printing for product POP. It is possible to apply the present invention to printing (so-called variable printing) in which variable data is combined with template images of various designs, such as promotional items, direct mail, and various tickets.

In addition, in this embodiment, the design name 602 is used as part of the file name of the frame image data 500 (for example, "Taste of Autumn B6.fsh" in FIG. 6), but the file name or part of the file name of the frame image data 500 may be used to select a paper feed tray. Specifically, in S1101 of FIG. 11, the printing device 400 determines whether the file name or part of the file name of the frame image data 500 of the data to be printed is registered in each paper feed tray. If there is a paper feed tray in which the file name or part of the file name is registered, in S1102, the printing device 400 selects that paper feed tray. As described above, the information registered in the paper feed tray is not limited to the design name 602 or design classification 603, and may be the image file name. The image file name is an example of attribute information of the frame image data 500. Information indicating the content or use of the frame image data 500 may also be used as the attribute information of the frame image data 500.

The disclosure of each of the above-described embodiments includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.
(Configuration 1)
An image forming apparatus connected to a server,
a registration means for registering attribute information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit;
a printing means for receiving print target data including a template image and text data to be combined with the template image from the server and printing the received print target data;
having
The image forming apparatus, wherein the printing means uses a paper feed unit that is registered in association with attribute information of a template image included in the data to be printed.
(Configuration 2)
The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the registration unit receives attribute information of a template image managed by the server from the server, and registers the received attribute information of the template image in each paper feed unit.
(Configuration 3)
The template image is provided with design information that represents a design on the image,
The registration means registers design information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing means selects a paper feed unit based on the information registered in the registration means and design information of a template image included in the data to be printed.
(Configuration 4)
The template images are divided into groups and managed by the server,
The registration means registers group information of the template images managed by the server for each paper feed unit,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the printing means selects a paper feed unit based on the information registered in the registration means and group information to which a template image included in the data to be printed belongs.
(Configuration 5)
The registration means registers, for each paper feed unit, an image file name or a part of an image file name of a template image managed by the server,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the printing means selects a paper feed unit based on the information registered in the registration means and the image file name of a template image included in the data to be printed.
(Configuration 6)
The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the printing means uses a predetermined paper feed unit when attribute information of a template image included in the data to be printed is not registered for each paper feed unit.
(Configuration 7)
The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the printing means performs a process of prompting a user to perform an operation to register attribute information of a template image included in the data to be printed if attribute information of a template image included in the data to be printed has not been registered for each paper feed unit.
(Configuration 8)
The template image is provided with design information representing a design on the image;
Group information is assigned to each of the one or more pieces of design information,
The registration means registers design information and group information of template images managed by the server for each paper feed unit,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the printing means selects a paper feed unit based on the information registered in the registration means and the design information and group information included in the data to be printed.
(Configuration 9)
The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the printing means uses a paper feed unit registered in association with group information included in the data to be printed when design information included in the data to be printed is not registered.
(Configuration 10)
An image forming apparatus as described in any of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that when the paper type of the first paper feed unit is set to that of the second paper feed unit, the registration means registers attribute information registered for the first paper feed unit for the second paper feed unit.
(Configuration 11)
The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the registration means invalidates the attribute information registered for the first paper feed unit when the paper type setting for the first paper feed unit is deleted.
(Configuration 12)
12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the printing means generates a print image by synthesizing a template image and text data included in the received print target data.
(Configuration 13)
13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the text data is product data, and the template image is an image representing a background design of a POP on which the product data is placed.
(Configuration 14)
An image forming system including a server and an image forming apparatus connected to the server,
The server,
a management means for managing the template images for each attribute information of the template images;
a transmitting means for transmitting print target data including a template image and text data to be combined with the template image to the image forming device;
having
The image forming apparatus includes:
a registration means for registering attribute information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit;
a printing means for receiving the print target data from the server and printing the received print target data;
having
The image forming system is characterized in that the printing means uses a paper feed unit that is registered in association with attribute information of a template image included in the print target data.
(method)
An image forming method of an image forming apparatus connected to a server, comprising:
a registration step of registering attribute information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit;
a printing step of receiving print target data including a template image and text data to be combined with the template image from the server and printing the received print target data;
Including,
The image forming method is characterized in that, in the printing step, a paper feed tray that is registered in association with attribute information of a template image included in the data to be printed is used.
(program)
The computer of the image forming apparatus connected to the server is
a registration means for registering attribute information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit;
a printing means for receiving print target data including a template image and text data to be combined with the template image from the server, and printing the received print target data;
A program that operates as
The printing means is a program that uses a paper feed unit that is registered in association with attribute information of a template image included in the data to be printed.

100: Image distribution server, 110, 111, 112: Printing device (corresponding to image forming device)

Claims (16)

An image forming apparatus connected to a server,
a registration means for registering attribute information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit;
a printing means for receiving print target data including a template image and text data to be combined with the template image from the server and printing the received print target data;
having
The image forming apparatus, wherein the printing means uses a paper feed unit that is registered in association with attribute information of a template image included in the data to be printed. The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the registration means receives attribute information of the template image managed by the server from the server, and registers the received attribute information of the template image for each paper feed unit. The template image is provided with design information that represents a design on the image,
The registration means registers design information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit selects a paper feed unit based on the information registered by the registration unit and design information of a template image included in the data to be printed. The template images are divided into groups and managed by the server,
The registration means registers group information of the template images managed by the server for each paper feed unit,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit selects a paper feed unit based on the information registered by the registration unit and group information to which a template image included in the data to be printed belongs. The registration means registers, for each paper feed unit, an image file name or a part of an image file name of a template image managed by the server,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit selects a paper feed unit based on the information registered by the registration unit and an image file name of a template image included in the data to be printed. The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing means uses a specified paper feed unit when attribute information of a template image included in the data to be printed is not registered for each paper feed unit. The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the attribute information of the template image included in the data to be printed is not registered for each paper feed unit, the printing means performs a process of prompting the user to perform an operation to register the attribute information of the template image included in the data to be printed. The template image is provided with design information representing a design on the image;
Group information is assigned to each of the one or more pieces of design information,
The registration means registers design information and group information of template images managed by the server for each paper feed unit,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit selects a paper feed unit based on the information registered by the registration unit and on design information and group information included in the data to be printed. The image forming device according to claim 8, characterized in that, when the design information included in the data to be printed is not registered, the printing means uses a paper feed unit that is registered in association with the group information included in the data to be printed. The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the paper type of the first paper feed unit is set to the second paper feed unit, the registration means registers the attribute information registered for the first paper feed unit to the second paper feed unit. The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the registration means invalidates the attribute information registered for the first paper feed unit when the paper type setting for the first paper feed unit is deleted. The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing means generates a print image by synthesizing a template image and text data contained in the received data to be printed. The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the text data is product data, and the template image is an image representing the background design of a POP in which the product data is placed. An image forming system including a server and an image forming apparatus connected to the server,
The server,
a management means for managing the template images for each attribute information of the template images;
a transmitting means for transmitting print target data including a template image and text data to be combined with the template image to the image forming device;
having
The image forming apparatus includes:
a registration means for registering attribute information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit;
a printing means for receiving the print target data from the server and printing the received print target data;
having
The image forming system is characterized in that the printing means uses a paper feed unit that is registered in association with attribute information of a template image included in the print target data. An image forming method for an image forming apparatus connected to a server, comprising:
a registration step of registering attribute information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit;
a printing step of receiving print target data including a template image and text data to be combined with the template image from the server and printing the received print target data;
Including,
The image forming method is characterized in that, in the printing step, a paper feed tray that is registered in association with attribute information of a template image included in the data to be printed is used. The computer of the image forming apparatus connected to the server is
a registration means for registering attribute information of a template image managed by the server for each paper feed unit;
a printing means for receiving print target data including a template image and text data to be combined with the template image from the server, and printing the received print target data;
A program that operates as
The printing means is a program that uses a paper feed unit that is registered in association with attribute information of a template image included in the data to be printed.

Images