KR102143985B1 - Images Auto Placement-Printing-Cutting Method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for automatically proceeding a large-area printing job in which a plurality of images are arranged and a cutting operation for each image, and more particularly, an efficient arrangement of multiple images and a process of forming a cutting line in a state in which the images are arranged. It relates to a method of automatically proceeding by a computer program.
The present invention is a ``a method for automating the process of combining, printing and cutting a plurality of images by a computer program, the step of (a) collecting metadata including a specified output range and a specified output size of an image file uploaded to storage ; (b) grouping image files by analyzing the metadata according to a set condition; (c) generating a combined image file in which each image extracted from the grouped image file is arranged and stored on a printing surface according to a specified output range and a specified output size; (d) generating a cutting line file in which cutting line data corresponding to each image arranged on the printing surface is derived and stored; And (e) transmitting the combined image file to a printing device, and transmitting the cutting line file to a cutter. It provides a multiple image batch-printing-cutting automation method" including a.

Description

Multiple Image Placement-Printing-Cutting Method {Images Auto Placement-Printing-Cutting Method}

The present invention relates to a method for automatically proceeding a large-area printing job in which a plurality of images are arranged and a cutting operation for each image, and more particularly, an efficient arrangement of multiple images and a process of forming a cutting line in a state in which the images are arranged. It relates to a method of automatically proceeding by a computer program.

With the development of digital technology, a photo development method has also been switched from a conventional film printing method to a digital image file printing output method, which is the same as a general picture file output method.

When printing an image file (photo or picture file), it can be printed on a print paper of a specified size for each image file, but printing various sizes other than the standardized size depending on the purpose of the photo or picture to be printed, large area printing, etc. When this is required, a method of printing and cutting multiple images at once on large-area printing paper using a plotter capable of large-area printing is applied.

If the size of the image printed on the printing paper is not constant, the printing paper may be wasted or reduced depending on how the image of the size is arranged and printed. Therefore, a large number of images are efficiently arranged prior to the printing process by the plotter. Work is required, and this work has been done by hand.

CNC (computer numerical control) cutting machine and laser cutting machine are commonly applied to the process of cutting each image on the printing paper while several images are printed on the large-area printing paper. The task of specifying which part of the printing paper should be cut is manual. Has been progressed.

The conventional method as described above will be described again with a specific example as follows.

First, an image file to be printed on a large area print paper is selected and stored in a designated folder, and the image file stored in the work queue is opened one by one by executing the image work program.

Next, the images imported from the image work program are grown to the size designated by the frame production client, and then arranged so that there are no overlapping parts between the images. In this process, when there are many margins on the printing paper, an image file that can fill the corresponding margin is additionally stored in the work queue, and the waste of printing paper can be minimized by loading it from the image job program and placing it in the margin. Conversely, if the size of the image that has not yet been placed is larger than the remaining margin, the unplaced image is deleted from the work queue and printed on another printing paper together with the other images.

After the arrangement of a plurality of images is completed, a file stored in that state is formed, a cutting line is formed for each image in a state in which the plurality of images are arranged, and only the cutting line is separately stored.

Finally, a file in which multiple images are placed is printed on a plotter to be printed on a printing paper, and a file that has a separate cut line is output by a cutter, so that the printed paper printed with a plurality of images arranged Follow-up work, such as inserting each cut image into a frame, is performed.

Conventionally, since all of the above series of processes were manually performed by an operator through a graphic editor program, a lot of work time and manpower were required.

1. Registration Patent 10-1809204 "Method of maximizing image content placement on one page in a service for publishing image content" 2. Registered Patent 10-1049813 "Method and apparatus for automatically placing images" 3. Patent Publication No. 10-2003-0042618 "A method for editing text and graphic images of a cutting plotter using a computer"

The present invention provides a method in which an operation of efficiently arranging a plurality of images on a printing surface according to a specified size, forming a cutting line for cutting the arranged image, etc. is automatically performed by a computer program. have.

The present invention is a method for automating the process of combining, printing, and cutting a plurality of images by performing the following steps by a computer program, (a) a designated output range and designated output of an image file uploaded to storage. Collecting metadata including a size and assigning a serial number to each image file; (b) Group image files by analyzing the metadata according to the set conditions, set the lower limit of the image occupancy rate to the output area or the upper limit of the margin ratio as a condition, and specify the output range for each image file according to the order uploaded to the storage By repeating the virtual image batch that reflects the designated output size for, group the image files participating in the batch that meet the set conditions, or reflect the designated output size for the designated output range for each image file within the set quantity range of the image file. Set the maximum image occupancy or minimum margin ratio as a condition to the output area when the virtual image is placed randomly, group the image files participating in the batch that meet the set conditions, and retrieve the serial number data of the grouped image files. Generating; (c) Extracting a small compressed image from the grouped image file and placing it on the printing surface according to the image arrangement state determined in step (b), and then loading the original data of each arranged image to create a combined image file. step; (d) generating a cutting line file in which cutting line data corresponding to each image arranged on the printing surface is derived and stored; And (e) transmitting the combined image file to a printing device, and transmitting the cutting line file to a cutter. It provides a multi-image batch-printing-cutting automation method.

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In the step (d), it can be configured to generate a cutting line file in which cutting line data retracted by a specified interval from the rectangular border of the image arranged on the printing surface is derived and stored, and the metadata collected in step (a) In the case of including object designation information in the image, step (d) may be configured to generate a cut line file in which cut line data formed along a designated object in the image arranged on the printing surface is derived and stored.

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In addition, in step (c) or step (d), an index file including identification information, orderer information, work order information, and thumbnail images may be generated together for each image arranged on the printing surface.

According to the multiple image batch-print-cutting automation method provided by the present invention, the following effects can be expected.

1. Away from the conventional method in which a number of images are individually enlarged according to the requested size and placed on the printing surface, a computer program analyzes the metadata of the image file and reflects the size of a number of images to efficiently cover the limited printing surface. Because it is arranged, it is possible to save working time and manpower, and increase the amount of work.

2. Breaking away from the conventional method of creating cut lines for a number of images placed on the printing surface, the computer program derives and stores the corresponding cut line data for each image, thus saving working time and manpower. You can increase the workload.

3. Grouping image files in which image data arranged on the same printing surface is stored through metadata analysis of the image file, but considering the convenience of work and reduction of printing paper, the grouping method can be selectively applied.

4. Object printing-cutting can be automated by creating cut line files for unstructured objects.

5. The computer program for implementing the present invention performs a process of extracting a small compressed image from an image file and placing a plurality of images on the printed surface, and loading the original data of each image placed in the process of creating a combined image file. You can prevent computer overload in the process and speed up your work.

6. By creating an index file together with a combined image file or cutting line file, the index file is printed on label paper, and the label paper printed with the index file is attached to the back side of the cut image to prevent confusion in subsequent work. .

[Fig. 1] is a flow diagram of a method for automating multiple image batch-printing-cutting provided by the present invention.
[Fig. 2] schematically shows a process of collecting metadata of an image file uploaded to the storage.
[Fig. 3] is an exemplary view showing grouping of image files by analyzing metadata.
[Fig. 4] is an exemplary view showing a state in which each image extracted from an image file is arranged on a printing surface according to a specified output range and a specified output size.
[Fig. 5] is a visual comparison of the computer load difference between the batch operation after loading the original data of the image file and the batch operation of the small compressed image extracted from the image file.
[FIG. 6] is an exemplary view showing a state in which a corresponding cut line is derived for each image arranged on a printing surface.
[Fig. 7] schematically shows the process of deriving a cutting line for a designated object in an image.

The present invention relates to a method for automating the process of printing and cutting by combining a plurality of images by a computer by a computer program. As shown in [Fig. 1], (a) a designated output range of an image file uploaded to the storage And collecting metadata including a designated output size (S1). (b) grouping image files by analyzing the metadata according to a set condition (S2); (c) generating a combined image file in which each image extracted from the grouped image file is arranged and stored on a printing surface according to a specified output range and a specified output size (S3); (d) generating a cutting line file in which cutting line data corresponding to each image arranged on the printing surface is derived and stored (S4) and (e) the combined image file is transmitted to a printing device, and the cutting line file is It provides a multiple image batch-printing-cutting automation method comprising the step (S5) of transmitting to the cutter.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail for each step together with the accompanying drawings. Each of the steps below is performed by a computer by a computer program.

1.Step (a)

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This step (a) is a step of collecting metadata including a designated output range and a designated output size of the image file uploaded to the storage.

The present invention relates to a method in which a process of grouping a plurality of image files stored in a storage and outputting them to a large-area printing paper is automatically performed by a computer program, and an unspecified number of people through a website or an app It can be used as a service system such as requesting output by uploading a file to the storage, or requesting production of products such as a frame after printing.

When uploading an image file to the storage through the website or app, as shown in [Fig. 2], by entering a designated output range and a designated output size, the designated output range and designated output to the metadata of the uploaded image file You can have the size included. The website or app may present a recommended resolution standard for each designated output size, and a warning message may be transmitted for image files less than the recommended resolution standard according to the designated output size.

In this step (a), the computer program collects metadata including the designated output range and designated output size of the image file uploaded to the storage.

All or part of the original image of the image file may be specified as a specified output range, and the specified output size for the specified output range may be set by a method in which the inputter inputs a desired size or selects from a list of sizes presented. .

When an arbitrary required size is input as the designated output size, only the horizontal size or the vertical size of the designated output range is specified, and the remaining sizes can be configured to be automatically set by a proportional expression.

In the case of setting the designated output size by selecting from the suggested size list, the horizontal or vertical size of the designated output range can be set to the selected size, and the remaining sizes can be configured to be automatically set by a proportional formula.

2. Step (b)

Step (b) is a step of grouping image files by analyzing the metadata according to a preset condition by a computer program as shown in [Fig. 3]. Grouping image files means storing and collecting image files to be output together on one large-area printing paper, and a folder can be created for each image file group.

It can be grouped based on the upload time of the image file, the designated output size, etc., while considering the convenience of subsequent work and the reduction of printing paper, the grouping method can be applied differently depending on the priority.

As a grouping method that prioritizes the convenience of subsequent work, the lower limit of the image occupancy relative to the output area or the upper limit of the margin ratio is set as a condition, and the designated output size for the designated output range for each image file is set according to the order of upload to the storage. It is possible to illustrate a method of grouping image files participating in the placement meeting a set condition by repeating the placement of the reflected virtual image.

Arranging images according to the order uploaded to the storage means that the images of the same client are printed and cut in groups as possible, or in a group before and after the print-cutting process, which eliminates confusion during delivery or product production after finishing the print-cutting work. To minimize it.

In this way, if the virtual image placement is repeated according to the order of uploading to the storage, and the image occupancy relative to the output area exceeds the set lower limit or the margin ratio falls below the set upper limit, the next step (c) can be proceeded immediately. In this case, in step (c), a combined image file is generated according to the image arrangement state determined in step (b).

For example, if the lower limit of the image occupancy is set to 80% (the upper limit of the margin ratio is 20%), a virtual image is placed that reflects the specified output size for the specified output range each time an image file is uploaded to the storage. When the area of the image is 80% or more of the printing surface (the area of the blank is less than 20% of the printing surface), the next step (c) is performed.

As a grouping method that prioritizes printing paper reduction, set the maximum image occupancy or minimum margin ratio as a condition to the output area when placing virtual images randomly within the set quantity range of the image file, and It can illustrate a method of grouping image files participating in a matching batch.

For example, when the set quantity is 30, 30 image files are randomly arranged according to the specified output size to group 15 images with a maximum image share of 90% (minimum margin ratio 10%), and the remaining 15 Images are randomly arranged with the next 15 images in order to repeat the process, such as grouping 20 images with a maximum image share of 95% (minimum margin ratio of 5%).

As soon as the maximum image occupancy (or minimum margin ratio) is derived by randomly arranging the images within the set quantity, the next step (c) can proceed immediately.In this case, in step (c), the determined in step (b) The combined image file is created according to the image arrangement status.

In any of the above cases, serial numbers are assigned to image files according to the order uploaded to storage, so that the serial number data is automatically generated for each image file grouping folder, so that even if the image files are mixed differently from the upload order, confusion of subsequent work Can be minimized.

3. Step (c)

In this step (c), the computer program creates a combined image file in which each image extracted from the grouped image file is arranged and stored on the printing surface as shown in [Fig. 4] according to the specified output range and specified output size. This is the step to make.

As described above, when grouping is performed through virtual image arrangement in step (b), a combined image file according to the image arrangement state derived in step (b) may be generated.

In this step (c), a small compressed image is extracted from the grouped image file, placed on the printing surface according to the specified output range and specified output size, and then the original data of each placed image is loaded to create a saved combined image file. Configurable. In a general image working program, the subsequent work is performed while the original data of the image file is loaded. In this way, the work of arranging multiple image files with different data amounts on one printing surface was inevitably delayed. Therefore, in the present invention, the operation of opening and arranging a plurality of images is performed through a small compressed image extracted from the image file, and the original data of each image is loaded only when a combined image file is created in a state where the multi-image placement operation is completed. By configuring so that it is possible to reduce the computer load due to generation of the combined image file.

[Fig. 5] is a visual comparison of the computer load difference between the batch operation after loading the original data of the image file and the batch operation of the small compressed image extracted from the image file. In the case of moving the image, when the original data is loaded, the entire data is moved along the image movement path as shown on the left side of [Fig. 5], and the computer operation speed is delayed. On the other hand, a small compressed image extracted from an image file can be moved lightly as shown on the right side of [Fig. 5].

In this step (c), the process of extracting and placing the small-capacity compressed image and the process of loading and storing the original data of each placed image may be classified so that the operator can manually change the arrangement of each image.

4. Step (d)

In this step (d), a computer program generates a cutting line file in which cutting line data corresponding to each image arranged on the printing surface is derived and stored.

In this step (d), as shown in [Fig. 6], a cutting line file in which cutting line data retracted by a specified interval from the rectangular border of the image arranged on the printing surface can be generated and stored may be generated.

Meanwhile, when an image file is uploaded to the storage through a website or an app, object designation information in the image can be input. In this case, the object designation information is included in the metadata collected in step (a). Can be included. Accordingly, in step (d), a cutting line file in which cutting line data formed along a designated object in the image arranged on the printing surface is derived and stored can be generated.

[Fig. 7] shows a process of deriving a cutting line for a designated image from an image. In [Fig. 7], the metadata of the image file is analyzed, the designated output range and the designated output size are analyzed, grouped with other image files, and the process of generating the combined image file proceeds in the same manner as the general image file output process. In the step of generating a cutting line file, a process of deriving cutting line data along a designated object by reflecting object designation information is illustrated.

5. (e) step

This step (e) is a step in which a computer program transmits the combined image file to a printing device and the cut line file to a cutter. Accordingly, the combined image file and the cutting line file are output, the combined image file is output by a printing method, and the cutting line file is output by a cutter operating according to the input data.

As the cutting machine, a device capable of performing a cutting operation according to cutting line data of the cutting line file, such as a CNC cutting machine or a laser cutting machine, may be applied. The printing device and the cutter may be physically separated, but it is easy to apply a plotter in which both are integrated.

Meanwhile, in step (c) or step (d), an index file including identification information, orderer information, work order information, and thumbnail images may be generated together for each image arranged on the printing surface.

As the identification information, a serial number assigned when an image file is uploaded to the storage or a barcode or a QR code generated together when an index file is created may be applied. When the printed barcode or QR code is recognized by the reader, index information (orderer information, work order information, etc.) can be configured to be provided to managers, workers, etc.

The orderer information and work order information may be input in a process of uploading an image file to storage.

The orderer information and work order information are inserted as metadata during the image file upload process and then collected by metadata analysis on the image file when the index file is created, or stored in a separate management server and managed when the index file is created. It can be collected from the server.

The thumbnail image may be extracted from an image file.

The index file is printed on label paper, and the label paper is attached to the back side of the image cut through the present invention, thereby preventing confusion in subsequent work.

In the above, the present invention has been described in detail together with specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, and may be modified or modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. Accordingly, the claims of the present invention include such modifications or variations.

Not applicable

Claims (7)

As a method of automating the process of printing and cutting by combining a plurality of images by performing each of the following steps by a computer by a computer program,
(a) collecting metadata including a designated output range and a designated output size of an image file uploaded to storage, and assigning a serial number to each image file;
(b) group image files by analyzing the metadata according to the set conditions,
Set the lower limit of the image occupancy relative to the output area or the upper limit of the margin ratio as a condition, and repeat the placement of virtual images reflecting the designated output size for the designated output range for each image file according to the order uploaded to the storage. Group image files participating in the deployment, or
Set the maximum image occupancy or minimum margin ratio as a condition to the output area when randomly placing a virtual image that reflects the specified output size for the specified output range for each image file within the set quantity range of the image file. Group image files participating in the matching batch,
Generating serial number data of the grouped image file;
(c) Extracting a small compressed image from the grouped image file and placing it on the printing surface according to the image arrangement state determined in step (b), and then loading the original data of each arranged image to create a combined image file. step;
(d) generating a cutting line file in which cutting line data corresponding to each image arranged on the printing surface is derived and stored; And
(e) transmitting the combined image file to a printing device and transmitting the cutting line file to a cutter; Multiple image batch-printing-cutting automation method comprising a.
delete delete In claim 1,
The step (d) comprises generating a cutting line file in which cutting line data retracted by a specified interval from a rectangular border of the image arranged on the printing surface is derived and stored.
In claim 1,
The metadata collected in step (a) includes object designation information in the image,
In the step (d), a cutting line file in which cutting line data formed along a designated object in the image arranged on the printing surface is derived and stored is generated.
delete In any one of claims 1, 4 and 5,
In step (c) or step (d), an index file including identification information, orderer information, work order information, and thumbnail images for each image arranged on the printing surface is created together. Automation method.

Images