Abstract:
An apparatus includes a cartridge holder configured to receive a pen or a cutter, a platen configured to receive an object, a moving mechanism configured to move the cartridge holder in a direction that the cartridge holder comes close to the platen, a read unit configured to read image data from the object, a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction to set a first mode or a second mode, and a processor configured to instruct the apparatus to generate processing data to move the moving mechanism based on the image data, to store the processing data in a storage device of the apparatus in response to receiving the instruction to set the first mode, and to instruct the moving mechanism to move the cartridge holder close to the platen, based on the processing data, in response to receiving the instruction to set the second mode.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-056421 filed on Mar. 19, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to an apparatus provided with a cartridge holder receiving a pen or a cutter and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing data of instructions for the apparatus. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Cutting plotters have been conventionally known as an apparatus automatically executing a cutting process. An object to be cut is a sheet-shaped object (paper sheet, for example). The sheet is held on a base material having an adhesive layer on a surface thereof. The sheet is applied to the adhesive layer. The cutting plotter moves the base material holding the sheet, in a first direction while holding both ends of the base material vertically between a driving roller and a pinch roller. The cutting plotter further moves a carriage with a cutting blade in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A desired pattern is cut out of the sheet by the above-described operation. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The cutting plotter has been proposed to be equipped with an image reading device provided with a scanner. In this case, a user sets a sheet printed with a pattern on the cutting plotter. An image of the sheet surface is then read by the scanner, so that cutting data of the pattern can be generated on the basis of the image data. The cutting plotter then executes a cutting process based on the generated cutting data, with the result that a pattern which is the same as printed on the sheet can be cut out of the sheet. 
         [0007]    The users are sometimes desirous to cut the same configuration as the pattern printed on the sheet out of another sheet, instead of cutting the pattern out of the sheet. However, when this demand is met, there arises a problem that the operation by the user becomes complicate. 
         [0008]    Therefore, an object of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus which can apply appropriate processing based on image data read by the read unit and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing data of instructions for the apparatus. 
         [0009]    The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a cartridge holder configured to receive a pen or a cutter, a platen configured to receive an object, a moving mechanism configured to move the cartridge holder in a direction that the cartridge holder comes close to the platen, a read unit configured to read image data from the object, a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction to set a first mode or a second mode, and a processor configured to instruct the apparatus to generate processing data to move the moving mechanism based on the image data, store the processing data in a storage device of the apparatus in response to receiving the instruction to set the first mode, and instruct the moving mechanism to move the cartridge holder close to the platen, based on the processing data, in response to receiving the instruction to set the second mode. 
         [0010]    The disclosure further provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium for an apparatus comprising a cartridge holder configured to receive a pen or a cutter, a platen configured to receive an object, a moving mechanism configured to move the cartridge holder in a direction that the cartridge holder comes close to the platen, a read unit configured to read image data from the object, and a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction to set a first mode or a second mode. The computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions, when executed by a processor of the apparatus, cause the apparatus to generate processing data to move the moving mechanism based on the image data, store the processing data in a storage device of the apparatus in response to receiving the instruction to set the first mode, and instruct the moving mechanism to move the cartridge holder close to the platen so that the object is processed, based on the processing data, when the receiving unit receives the instruction to set the second mode. 
         [0011]    The disclosure still further provides an apparatus comprising a pen or a cutter, a platen configured to receive an object, a moving mechanism configured to move the cartridge holder in a direction that the pen or the cutter comes close to the platen, a read unit configured to read image data from the object, a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction to set a first mode or a second mode, and a processor configured to instruct the apparatus to generate processing data to move the moving mechanism based on the image data, store the processing data in a storage device of the apparatus in response to receiving the instruction to set the first mode, and instruct the moving mechanism to move the pen or the cutter close to the platen so that the object is processed, based on the processing data, in response to receiving the instruction to set the second mode. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    In the accompanying drawings: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is an example of a perspective view of a processing apparatus, showing an inner structure thereof and a body cover; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an example of a plan view of the processing apparatus, showing the inner structure thereof; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is art example of a front view of a processing head and its periphery; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are examples of front views of examples of a cutter cartridge and a pen cartridge respectively; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an example of a right side view of a cartridge holder and its vicinity with a cover member being partially broken in the state where the cartridge is attached; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an example of a schematic block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the apparatus; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a structure of processing data; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example of a pattern to which processing is applied based on processing data; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example of a mode switching screen; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a read screen in a first mode; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  illustrates an example of a read screen in a second mode; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is an example of a processing start screen; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of the read screen, explaining designation of a region in the read screen; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  illustrates an example of a flowchart showing an entire processing flow including the first and second modes; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is an example of a flowchart showing a flow of processing data generating process; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is similar to  FIG. 13 , showing a second example. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    A first example of an apparatus will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 15 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , a processing apparatus  1  is shown and includes a body cover  2  serving as a housing, a platen  3  provided in the body cover  2 , a processing head  5  on which a cartridge  4  is to be mounted and a scanner  6  (see  FIGS. 2 and 6 ) serving as an image reading unit. The processing apparatus  1  further includes a holding sheet  10  for holding an object S. The object S is to be processed by the processing apparatus  1  and to be read by the image reading unit. 
         [0030]    In the processing apparatus  1 , a plurality of cutter cartridges  4   c  of a cutter C and a plurality of pen cartridges  4   p  are prepared as the cartridge  4 . One of the cartridges  4   c  and  4   p  is selectively attached to a cartridge holder  32  of a processing head  5  as will be described later. All the cartridges  4   c  and  4   p  include respective cases having substantially the same shape (see cases  50  in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). All the cartridges  4   c  and  4   p  will be hereinafter referred to as “cartridge  4 ” for the sake of simplicity. 
         [0031]    The body cover  2  is formed into the shape of a horizontally long rectangular box. The body cover  2  has a front formed with an opening  2   a . A front cover  2   b  is mounted on the front of the body cover  2  to open and close the opening  2   a . The holding sheet holding the object S is set onto the platen  3  while the opening  2   a  is open. The cartridge  4  is also attached to and detached from a cartridge holder  32  while the opening  2   a  is open. 
         [0032]    The processing apparatus  1  includes a transfer mechanism  7  which transfers the holding sheet  10  set on the platen  3  in a predetermined transfer direction. The processing apparatus  1  also includes a head moving mechanism  8  which moves a processing head  5  in a direction intersecting with the transfer direction of the holding sheet  10  (for example, a direction perpendicular to the transfer direction). In the following description, the direction in which the holding sheet  10  is transferred by the transfer mechanism  7  will be referred to as “front-rear direction”. That is, the side of the opening  2   a  of the processing apparatus  1  will be referred to as “front” and the opposite side will be referred to as “rear.” 
         [0033]    A display  9   a  and an operation switch device  9   b  including various operation switches are mounted on a right upper surface of the body cover  2 . The display  9   a  is comprised of a full-color liquid display device and configured as a display unit which displays various patterns, images obtained by the scanner  6 , necessary messages to the user, and the like. The operation device  9   b  is operated by the user when various input contents are entered. A touch panel  9   c  is placed on a display surface side of the display  9   a . The touch panel  9   c  has a transparent matrix touch switch for coordinate input. The touch switch employs a resistance detection system. More specifically, the touch switch is configured of resistors arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals. When the user touches any position on the touch switch with his/her finger, a point of intersection of the resistors corresponding to the touched position is scanned, whereby the touch position is detected. When operating the operation switches of the operation switch device  9   b  or the touch panel  9   c , the user can designate an object to be displayed on a screen of the display  9   a , select various patterns, switch various operation modes and set various parameters. 
         [0034]    The platen  3  receives the underside of the holding sheet  10  when the object S is processed. The platen  3  includes a front platen  3   a  and a rear platen  3   b  and has a horizontal upper surface as shown in  FIG. 2 . The holding sheet  10  holding the object S is transferred while being placed on the platen  3 . The holding sheet  10  is made of a synthetic resin material and formed into a rectangular sheet shape. The holding member  10  has an upper surface including peripheral edges  10   a  to  10   d  and an inner region to which an adhesive agent is applied thereby to be formed into an adhesive layer  10   v  (see  FIG. 1 ). The user affixes the object S to the adhesive layer  10   v  with the result that the object S is held by the holding sheet  10 . The adhesive layer  10   v  has an adhesive force which is set so that the object S is immovably held reliably in the cutting by the cutter C or the printing by the pen P and so that the object S can be easily removed after the processing. The transfer mechanism  7  and the head moving mechanism  8  are constructed into a relative movement unit which moves the holding sheet  10  holding the object S in the X direction and the processing head  5  in the Y direction relative to each other. 
         [0035]    Firstly, the transfer mechanism  7  transfers the holding sheet  10  on the upper surface side of the platen  3  freely in the Y direction. A frame  11  is enclosed in the body cover  2  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The frame  11  includes right and left sidewalls  11   b  and  11   a  which are located at right and left sides of the platen  3  so as to face each other, respectively. A driving roller  12  and a pinch roller  13  are mounted on both sidewalls  11   a  and  11   b  so as to be located in a space between the front and rear platens  3   a  and  3   b . The driving roller  12  and the pinch roller  13  extend in the right-left direction and lined in the up-down direction. The pinch roller  13  is located above the driving roller  12 . 
         [0036]    The driving roller  12  has an upper end which is substantially level with the upper surface of the platen  3  and right and left ends mounted on the right and left sidewalls  11   b  and  11   a  respectively so that the driving roller  12  is rotatable. The right end of the driving roller  12  extends rightward through the right sidewall  11   b  as shown in  FIG. 2 . A driven gear  17  having a large diameter is secured to a right distal end of the driving roller  12 . A mounting frame  14  is fixed to an outer surface of the right sidewall  11   b . A Y-axis motor  15  comprised of a stepping motor, for example is mounted on the mounting frame  14 . The Y-axis motor  15  has an output shaft to which is fixed a driving gear  16  which has a small diameter and is to be brought into mesh engagement with the driven gear  17 . 
         [0037]    The pinch roller  13  has right and left ends mounted on the right and left sidewalls  11   b  and  11   a  respectively so that the pinch roller  13  is rotatable and slightly displaceable in the up-down direction. Two springs (not shown) are mounted on the outer surfaces of the right and left sidewalls  11   b  and  11   a  to normally bias the pinch roller  13  downward. Accordingly, the pinch roller  13  is normally biased downward (to the driving roller  12  side) by the springs. Two rollers  13   a  having a slightly large diameter are mounted on the pinch roller  13  so as to be located near both ends thereof respectively. Only the right roller  13   a  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0038]    The right and left ends  10   b  and  10   a  of the holding sheet  10  are thus held between the driving roller  12  and the rollers  13   a  of the pinch roller  13 . Upon drive of the Y-axis motor  15 , normal or reverse rotation of the Y-axis motor  15  is transmitted via the gears  16  and  17  to the driving roller  12 , whereby the holding sheet  10  is transferred rearward or forward together with the object S. The transfer mechanism  7  is thus constituted by the driving roller  12 , the pinch roller  13 , the Y-axis motor  15  and the gears  16  and  17  serving as a reduction mechanism. 
         [0039]    The head moving mechanism  8  serves to move the carriage  19  of the processing head  5  freely in the X direction. More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a pair of guide rails  21  and  22  are fixed to the right and left sidewalls  11   b  and  11   a  so as to be located slightly rear above the pinch roller  13 . The guide rails  21  and  22  extend in the right-left direction substantially in parallel to the pinch roller  13 . Guide grooves are formed in an upper surface of the guide rail  21  and an underside of the guide rail  22  so as to extend between the right and left ends although only the guide groove  21   a  of the upper surface is shown. 
         [0040]    Furthermore, the carriage  19  has a pair of protrusions engaging the guide grooves  21   a  and  21   b  respectively although the grooves are not shown. The protrusions are formed on the upper and lower sides so as to hold the guide grooves  21   a  therebetween in the up-down direction. Thus, the carriage  19  is supported by the engagement of the protrusions and the guide grooves  21   a  so as to be slidable on the guide rails  21  and  22  in the right-left direction. 
         [0041]    A horizontal mounting frame  24  is fixed to the outer surface of the left sidewall  11   a  so as to be located near the rear of the left sidewall  11   a  at the outer surface side, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . An X-axis motor  25  is mounted on a rear part of the left mounting frame  24  to a downward direction. Furthermore, a vertically extending pulley shaft  26  (see  FIG. 2 ) is mounted on the mounting frame  24 . The X-axis motor  25  is comprised of a stepping motor, for example and has an output shaft to which a driving gear  27  having a small diameter is fixed. A timing pulley  28  and a driven gear  29  having a large diameter are rotatably mounted on the pulley shaft  26 . The timing pulley  28  and the driven gear  29  are configured to be rotated together. 
         [0042]    On the other hand, a timing pulley  30  is mounted on the right mounting frame  14  so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the up-down direction. An endless timing belt  31  horizontally extends between the timing pulleys  30  and  28  in the right-left direction. The timing belt  31  has a midway part joined to a mounting part (not shown) of the processing head  5 . 
         [0043]    Upon drive of the X-axis motor  25 , normal or reverse rotation of the X-axis motor  25  is transmitted via the gears  27  and  29  and the timing pulley  28  to the timing belt  31 , whereby the processing head  5  is moved leftward or rightward together with the carriage  19 . Thus, the carriage  19  is moved freely in the right-left direction perpendicular to the direction in which the object S is conveyed. The head moving mechanism  8  is thus constituted by the guide rails  21  and  22 , the X-axis motor  25 , the gears  27  and  29  serving as a reduction mechanism, the timing pulleys  28  and  30 , the timing belt  31  and the like. 
         [0044]    The processing head  5  includes an up-down drive mechanism  33  and a cartridge holder  32  disposed in the rear and in front of the carriage  19  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The up-down drive mechanism  33  is configured to drive the cartridge holder  32  in the up-down direction (the Z direction) together with the cartridge  4 . The carriage  19  includes front and rear walls  19   a  and  19   b  and upper and lower arms  19   c  and  19   d  connecting the walls  19   a  and  19   b , as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5 . Thus, the carriage  19  is shaped so as to surround the front and rear sides and upper and lower sides of the guide rails  21  and  22 . A Z-axis motor  34  (see  FIG. 2 ) is mounted so that an axis thereof is directed frontward. The Z-axis motor  34  is comprised of a stepping motor, for example. A transmission mechanism (not shown) is provided between the Z-axis motor  34  and the cartridge holder  32 . The transmission mechanism reduces a rotational speed of the Z-axis motor  34  and converts rotation of the Z-axis motor  34  to up-down movement of the cartridge holder  32 , transmitting the up-down movement. The transmitting mechanism and the Z-axis motor  34  constitute an up-down drive mechanism  33 . 
         [0045]    Upon drive of the Z-axis motor  34 , normal or reverse rotation of the Z-axis motor  34  is converted via the transmission mechanism to the up-down movement, whereby the cartridge holder  32  is moved upward or downward together with the cartridge  4 . As a result, the cartridge holder  32  is moved together with the cartridge  4  between a lowered position and a raised position. When located at the lowered position, the cartridge  4  of the cartridge holder  32  carries out cutting by a cutter C or printing by a pen P as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . When the cartridge  4  of the cartridge holder  32  is located at the raised position, the blade edge C1 or the pen tip P1 is spaced away from the object S by a predetermined distance (see two-dot chain line in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0046]    When the cartridge  4   c  of the cutter C is attached to the cartridge holder  32  and is located at the lowered position, the blade edge C1 penetrates the object S. Pressure of the blade edge C1 for the cutting in this case will be referred to as “cutter pressure.” On the other hand, when the cartridge  4   p  of the pen P is attached to the cartridge holder  32  and is located at the lowered position, the pen tip P1 abuts on the object S. Pressure of the pen tip P1 for the cutting in this case will be referred to as “pen pressure.” The cutter pressure and the pen pressure are set to pressure values suitable for the cutting and the printing by a control circuit  71  based on an amount of rotation of the Z-axis motor  34 , respectively. 
         [0047]    The cartridge holder  32  includes a holder frame  35  and upper and lower holders  36  and  37  as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5 . The holder frame  35  is driven upward and downward by the up-down drive mechanism  33 . The upper and the lower holders  36  and  37  are fixed to the holder frame  35 . More specifically, a cover member  38  is provided on the front wall  19   a  of the carriage  19  so as to cover right and left sides of the front wall  19   a  from front. The holder frame  35  serving as movable part is disposed between a left projection part  38   a  and a right projection  38   b  of the cover member  38 . The holder frame  35  is formed into a C-shape (see  FIG. 2 ) and has a top, underside and front all of which are open. The upper and lower holders  36  and  37  are attached so that the cartridge  4  is inserted through the both holders from above. The upper and lower holders  36  and  37  are each formed into a frame shape housed in the holder frame  35 . 
         [0048]    The holder frame  35  is provided with a lever member  40  located between the upper and the lower holders  36  and  37  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . The lever member  40  has a pair of right and left arms  41  and  42  and an operating portion  43  which is provided so as to connect between distal end sides of the arms  41  and  42 . Furthermore, the lever member  60  has a proximal end formed with pivot portions  40   a  and  40   b  located at outer surface sides of the arms  41  and  42  respectively. Only the right pivot portion  40   a  is shown in  FIG. 5 . The holder frame  35  has right and left sidewalls formed with circular holes respectively. Only right circular hole  35   a  is shown. The pivot portions  40   a  and  40   b  are inserted through circular holes  35   a  respectively. The arms  41  and  42  include respective inner surface sides provided with small columnar engagement portions  41   a  and  42   a  (see  FIGS. 3 and 5 ). The engagement portions  41   a  and  42   a  are formed so as to be engageable with engaged portions  54   a  of the cartridge  4  respectively. 
         [0049]    As a result, the lever member  40  is swung about the pivot portions  40   a  serving as a center of swinging motion so as to be switchable between an open position shown by alternate long and two short dashes line in  FIG. 5  and a fixed position show by solid line in  FIG. 5 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the engagement portions  41   a  and  42   a  engage the engaged portions  54   a  respectively when the lever member  40  is located at the fixed position. As the result of the engagement, the cartridge  4  is fixed to the lower holder  37  (the cartridge holder  32 ). On the other hand, when operated so as to be pulled frontward, the lever member  40  is swung from the fixed position to the open position. With this swing, the engagement portions  41   a  and  42   a  depart from the respective engaged portions  54   a , whereby the lever member  40  is released from the fixed state. 
         [0050]    The cartridge  4  which is detachably attached to the cartridge holder  32  will now be described.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  exemplify cartridges  4   c  and  4   p  of the cutter C and the pen P respectively. As shown, the cartridge  4   c  of the cutter C and the cartridge  4   p  of the pen P include the same case  50  and are selectively attached to the cartridge holder  32 . More specifically, the case  50  includes a case body  51 , the cap  52  and a knob  53 . The cap  52  and the knob  53  are provided on one end and the other end of the body  51  respectively. The case body  51  is formed into a cylindrical shape and extends in the up-down direction. 
         [0051]    The cap  52  includes a larger-diameter portion  54  and a smaller-diameter portion  55  and is accordingly formed into the shape of a stepped bottomed cylindrical container. The larger-diameter portion  54  is fitted with a lower end of the case body  51 . The larger-diameter portion  54  has an upper end serving as an engaged portion  54   a  which abuts on the engagement portions  41   a  and  42   a  of the lever member  40 . The larger-diameter portion  54  has a lower end which is fitted with the lower holder  37  of the cartridge holder  32 . The cap  52  has an underside  50   a  formed into a flat shape. The underside  50   a  has a through hole (not shown) through which the blade edge C1 of the cutter C or the pen tip P1 is inserted. The knob  53  has a cover plate  56 , a knob plate  57  and a rear plate  58  both provided on an upper part of the cover plate  56 . The cover plate  56  is fixed to an upper end of the case body  51 . The knob plate  57  is mounted on a central part of the cover plate  56  in the right-left direction so as to be directed vertically. 
         [0052]    The cartridge  4   c  shown in  FIG. 4A  includes the cutter C serving as a cutting unit. The cutter C has a proximal end or a cutter shaft C2 and a distal end (a lower end) or the blade edge C1, both of which are formed integrally with the cutter C. The cutter shaft C2 is formed into a round bar shape and is housed in the case  50 . The blade of the cutter C is formed into a substantially triangular shape tilted relative to the object S although not shown in detail in the drawings. Furthermore, bearings are provided in the case body  51  to support the cutter shaft C2 so that the cutter shaft C2 is rotatable about a central axis  50   c  thereof. The blade edge C1 protrudes from the underside  50   a  of the cap  52 . The cartridge  4   c  is constructed so that a central axis  50   c  of the cutter shaft C2 corresponds with a central axis of the cap  52 . 
         [0053]    The cartridge  4   p  shown in  FIG. 4B  is a printing instrument formed into the pen P and has a distal end or the pen tip P1 from which ink is caused to seep. An ink tank (not shown) is provided in the case body  51  to supply ink to a pen tip member  49 . The pen tip P1 protrudes from the underside  50   a  of the cap  52 . The cartridge  4   p  is constructed so that a central axis  50   p  of the pen tip P1 corresponds with a central axis of the cap  52 . 
         [0054]    Any one of three grooves  60 A to  60 C is formed in the rear plate  58  of the knob  53  so that the rear plate  58  is a concavo-convex portion, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . The grooves  60 A to  60 C have different concavo-convex patterns according to types of the cartridges  4 . More specifically, for example, the cutting cartridge  4   c  or the printing cartridge  4   p  can be discriminated based on presence or absence of the groove  60 C at the right end of the rear plate  58 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In other words, for example, the cartridges  4   c  and  4   p  as shown in respective  FIGS. 4A and 4B  differ from each other in the presence or absence of the groove  60 C at the right end of the rear plate  58 . The groove  60 C can discriminate between the cutting cartridge  4   c  and the printing cartridge  4   p . Furthermore, for example, the color type of the pen P can be discriminated based on presence or absence of the grooves  60 A and  60 B of the cartridge  4   p.    
         [0055]    The carriage  19  is provided with a detection unit which is located at an upper side facing the rear plate  58  of the cartridge  4 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The detection unit may include, for example, three contacts  62 A to  62 C and three type detection sensors  63 A to  63 C all provided on a substrate holder  61 . 
         [0056]    The type detection sensors  63 A to  63 B mounted on a substrate of the substrate holder  61  so as to be arranged from side to side. The type detection sensors  63 A to  63 C are comprised of optical sensors (photointerrupters). The contacts  62 A to  62 C are formed into the shape of a plate extending over the side of the type detection sensors  63 A to  63 C. The contacts  62 A to  62 C have lengthwise middle portions formed with shafts  64  respectively. The substrate holder  61  is provided with bearings (not shown) swingably supporting the shafts  64  respectively. The contacts  62 A to  62 C are supported by the respective bearings so as to be lined in the direction of plate thickness. Three extension coil springs (not shown) extend between upper portions of the contacts  62 A to  62 C and the substrate holder  61  respectively. The contacts  62 A to  62 C are biased by the extension coil springs in a direction such that the upper portions of contacts  62 A to  62 C are tilted toward the type detection sensors  63 A to  63 C respectively. In other words, the biasing forces of the extension coil springs act in a direction such that lower ends of the contacts  62 A to  62 C come into contact with the rear plate  58  of the knob  53 . 
         [0057]    For example, when the cartridge  4   c  of the cutter C is attached to the cartridge holder  32 , the lower ends of the contacts  62 A and  62 B come into contact with the rear plate  58 , thereby swinging. With the swinging, the upper ends of the contacts  62 A and  62 B are departed from the type detection sensors  63 A and  63 B respectively (see two-dot chain line in  FIG. 5 ). On the other hand, the lower end of the other contact  62 C remains tilted toward the groove  60 C of the rear plate  58 . Accordingly, the upper end of the contact  62 C is fitted at the type detection sensor  63 C side. 
         [0058]    The cartridge  4   c  of the cutter C is attached to the cartridge holder  32  in cutting the object S. In this case, the control circuit  71  identifies the type of the cartridge  4   c , based on detection signals of the contacts  62 A to  62 C generated by the type detection sensors  63 A to  63 C respectively. The control circuit  71  then controls the up-down drive mechanism  33  to move the cartridge  4   c  to the lowered position and sets the blade edge C1 to the above-mentioned cutter pressure. In this case, the blade edge C1 penetrates the object S on the holding sheet  10  to be put slightly into the holding sheet  10 . In this state, the holding sheet  10  and the cartridge  4   c  (the cutter C) are moved in the X and Y directions relative to each other by the transfer mechanism  7  and the head moving mechanism  8 , respectively. The cutting of the object S is executed by this relative movement. 
         [0059]    On the other hand, the cartridge  4   p  of the pen P is attached to the cartridge holder  32  in printing the object S. In this case, the control circuit  71  identifies the type of the cartridge  4   p , based on detection signals of the contacts  62 A to  62 C generated by the type detection sensors  63 A to  63 C respectively. The control circuit  71  then controls the up-down drive mechanism  33  to move the cartridge  4   p  to the lowered position and sets the pen tip P1 to the above-mentioned pen pressure. In this case, the pen tip P1 penetrates the object S. In this state, the holding sheet  10  and the cartridge  4   p  (the pen P) are moved in the X and Y directions relative to each other by the transfer mechanism  7  and the head moving mechanism  8 , respectively. The printing of the object S is executed by this relative movement. An XY coordinate system with a left corner of the adhesive layer  10   v  serving as an origin O is set in the processing apparatus  1 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The above-described relative movement of the holding sheet  10  (the object S) and the processing head  5  (the cutter C or the pen P) is carried out on the basis of the XY coordinate system. 
         [0060]    The processing apparatus  1  according to the example is provided with a scanner  6  serving as an image obtaining unit shown in  FIG. 2 . The scanner  6  is comprised of a contact image sensor (CIS), for example. The scanner  6  includes a line sensor including a plurality of image pickup devices lined in the right-left direction, a light source (a lamp) and lens, all of which are composed integrally. The scanner  6  has a length substantially the same as the width of the holding sheet  10  and extends in the right-left direction. The scanner  6  is disposed in the rear of the guide rail  22  and directed downward. The scanner  6  has an underside having a read part which reads an image on the surface of the object S while being in proximity to the upper surface of the object S. 
         [0061]    The scanner  6  is controlled by the control circuit  71 . More specifically, the control circuit  71  controls the transfer mechanism  7  to move the holding sheet  10  rearward or in the Y direction. The control circuit  71  controls the scanner  6  so that a reading operation by the scanner  6  (scanning in the X direction) is repeatedly executed in synchronization with the movement of the holding sheet  10 . The control circuit  71  obtains two-dimensional image data of the object S by the above-described control manner. The carriage  19  has an underside provided with a sheet detection sensor  76  (see  FIG. 6 ). The sheet detection sensor  76  detects a distal end position of the holding sheet  10  set on the platen  3  and accordingly a Y-directional position of the holding sheet  10 . A detection signal generated by the sheet detection sensor  76  is supplied to the control circuit  71 . 
         [0062]    Furthermore, the control circuit  71  is configured to process the image data of the object S read by the scanner  6  in a known image processing manner. In this case, the control circuit  71  extracts patterns, colors of patterns α to γ (see  FIG. 1 ) affixed to the object S, and the like. Based on data of the extracted patterns, colors and the like, the control circuit  71  controls the display  9   a  and generates cutting or printing data of the patterns. A coordinate system of the image data is specified so as to correspond to the XY coordinate system of the processing apparatus  1 . 
         [0063]    The control system of the processing apparatus  1  will be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . The control circuit  71  is a control unit controlling the entire processing apparatus  1 . The control circuit  71  is mainly configured of a computer (CPU). To the control circuit  71  are connected a ROM  72 , a RAM  73 , an EEPROM  74  and an external memory  75 . The ROM  72  stores a cutting control program, a printing control program, a display control program, a cutting data generation program, a printing data generation program, a data processing program which will be described later. The cutting control, program is provided for controlling a cutting operation. The printing control program is provided for controlling a printing operation. The display control program is provided for a displaying operation of the display  9   a . The cutting data generation program is provided for generating cutting data based on the above-mentioned image data. The printing data generation program is provided for generating printing data based on the image data. The external memory  75  stores the cutting data and the printing data. The cutting data is provided for cutting a plurality of types of patterns. The printing data is provided for printing a plurality of types of patterns. 
         [0064]    Signals are supplied to the control circuit  71  from the sheet detection sensor  76 , the type detection sensors  63 A to  63 C, the scanner  6  and the like. To the control circuit  71  are connected the display  9   a , the touch panel  9   c  and various operation switches of the operation device  9   b . While viewing a display screen of the display  9   a , the user operates various switches of the operation device  9   b  or the touch panel  9   c . As a result, the user can select a desired pattern and set various processing modes and parameters. To the control circuit  71  are further connected drive circuits  77 ,  78  and  79  driving the Y-axis motor  15 , the X-axis motor  25  and the Z-axis motor  34 , and the like. Based on the cutting or printing data, the control circuit  71  controls the Y-axis motor  15 , the X-axis motor  25 , the Z-axis motor  34  and the like so that a cutting or printing operation is automatically executed for the object S on the holding sheet  10 . 
         [0065]    The control circuit  71  of the example constitutes a processing data generation unit which generates the cutting data and the printing data based on the image data. The cutting data and the printing data will be collectively called “processing data” hereinafter. Additionally, the cutting operation and the printing operation both controlled by the control circuit  71  will be collectively called “processing operation” hereinafter. 
         [0066]    The cutting data will be described with an exemplified case where patterns printed on the object S are cut. More specifically, the object S is a piece of paper on which are printed a pattern α of “heart,” a pattern β of “circle” and a pattern γ of “square.” The paper is an object to be read and to be cut. Image data of the object S is obtained by the above-described scanner  6 . Furthermore, data indicative of outlines of the patterns α to γ is generated on the basis of the image data. 
         [0067]    More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , data of coordinate values of apexes α 0 , α 1 , α 2  and α 3  is extracted from line segments composing an outline of the pattern α. The apexes α 0  to α 3  include one in which X and Y coordinates are minimum (upper left side in  FIG. 8 ). Furthermore, the outline of the pattern α includes an arc-shaped portion, which is divided at predetermined intervals, so that coordinate values of the apexes are calculated. 
         [0068]    Thus, cutting line data is generated which is used to form a cutting line composed of line segments L1, L2, L3 and . . . connecting among the cutting start point α 0 , apex α 1 , apex α 2 , and cutting end point α N . The cutting line data of the pattern α has first coordinate data, second coordinate data, third coordinate data, . . . (N+1)-th coordinate data corresponding to the cutting start point α 0 , apex α 1 , apex α 2 , and cutting end point α N  respectively (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0069]    Regarding line segments composing an outline of pattern β, too, a cutting start point β 0  and a cutting end point β N  are set in the same manner as the pattern α. The pattern β has an outline with a circumference which is divided at predetermined intervals, and coordinate values of apexes β 0  . . . are calculated. As a result, the cutting line data is generated which forms a cutting line of the “circle” composed of line segments L1, L2, L3, . . . connecting a cutting start point β 0 , apex β 1 , apex β 2 , and cutting end point β N . The cutting line data of the pattern β has first coordinate data, second coordinate data, third coordinate data, . . . (N+1)-th coordinate data corresponding to the cutting start point β 0 , apex β 1 , apex β 2 , and cutting end point β N , respectively (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0070]    Regarding line segments composing an outline of the pattern γ, too, data of coordinate values of apex γ 0 , apex γ 1 , apex γ 3  and apex γ 4  is extracted. A left upper apex in  FIG. 8  is set as a cutting start point γ 0  and cutting end point γ N . As a result, the cutting line data is generated which forms a cutting line of the “square” composed of line segments L1, L2, L3, connecting a cutting start point γ 0 , apex γ 1 , apex γ 2 , and cutting end point γ N . The cutting line data of the pattern γ has first coordinate data, second coordinate data, third coordinate data, . . . (N+1)-th coordinate data corresponding to the cutting start point γ 0 , apex γ 1 , apex γ 2 , and cutting end point γ N , respectively (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0071]      FIG. 7  is a conceptual diagram showing cutting data (full data) of the patterns α to γ. The cutting data includes delimited data suffixed to the cutting line data of the patterns α to γ. The cutting data also includes data of number of patterns and display data. The number of patterns is a total number of patterns α to γ (three in this case). 
         [0072]    The control circuit  71  causes the apparatus to execute a cutting operation to cut the patterns α, β and γ sequentially in this order, based on the above-described cutting data. More specifically, firstly, the cutter C is relatively moved to the XY coordinates of the cutting start point α 0 , by the transfer mechanism  7  and the head moving mechanism  8 . The blade edge C1 of the cutter C is then caused to penetrate through the cutting start point α 0  part of the object S by the up-down drive mechanism  33 . In this state, the blade edge C1 is relatively moved by the transfer mechanism  7  and the head moving mechanism  8  so as to connect linearly among the apexes α 1 , α 2 , α 3  . . . sequentially. Thus, the line segments L, L2, L3 and L4 are cut sequentially continuously with the result that the outline of the pattern α of “heart” is cut out. 
         [0073]    The other patterns β and γ are also cut out based on the cutting line data in the same manner as described above. Furthermore, based on the delimited data suffixed to each cutting line data, the blade edge C1 of the cutter C is departed from the object S by the up-down drive mechanism  33  every time the cutting of cutting line is finished. 
         [0074]    The printing data will be described in the same manner as described with an exemplified case where the patterns α to γ on the object S are printed. The printing data includes data of the number of patterns, printing line data, color data, delimited data and display data. 
         [0075]    The printing line data of the patterns α to γ is generated on the basis of the same image data of the object S as in the same manner as described above cutting line data. Accordingly, coordinate data is generated which corresponds to the printing and the cutting on the basis of coordinate values of the apexes of the patterns α to γ extracted from the image data. As a result, printing line data of the pattern α has coordinate data including the start and end points of the line segments L1 to L4 shown in  FIG. 8 , which points are represented as XY coordinates. Printing line data of the patterns β and γ also has coordinate data including the start and end points of the line segments L1 . . . , which points are represented as XY coordinates. The color data includes color information (RGB values, for example) of the patterns α to γ obtained from the image data. A type of the color of the pen P is specified by the color information. The color date is set for every one of the patterns α to γ so as to correspond to the printing line data. 
         [0076]    In the printing, the cartridge  4   p  of the pen P of the relevant type is displayed on the display  9   a  on the basis of the color data. The user attaches the cartridge  4   p  to the cartridge holder  32  while viewing displayed contents on the display  9   a . The control circuit  71  executes the above-described printing operation and relatively moves the pen P based on the printing line data, whereby the line segments L1 . . . are plotted sequentially in this order. As a result, the patterns α, β and γ are printed along the outlines of the patterns α to γ of the object S respectively. Limited data is suffixed to the printing line data of the patterns α to γ respectively. The pen tip P1 is departed from the object S by the up-down drive mechanism  33  every time the plotting of the patterns α to γ is completed on the basis of the delimited data. 
         [0077]    Thus, in the processing apparatus  1 , processing data is generated from the image data of the patterns α to γ of the object S. The processing is executed on the basis of the generated processing data, with the result that the object S can be cut or printed. 
         [0078]    A second mode refers to a mode in which the above-described reading and the processing on the basis of the generated processing data are continuously executed by the control circuit  71  in the processing apparatus  1 . The object S affixed with the patterns α to γ is to be read and processed in the second mode. The processing apparatus  1  of the example is provided with a first mode as well as the second mode. In the first mode, generated processing data is stored in a storage unit such as the EEPROM  74  without execution of a processing operation after the reading by the control circuit  71 . In generating the processing data in each mode, screens displayed on the display  9   a  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 9 to 13 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 9  shows a mode switching screen  100  for the user to switch the operating mode to a desirable mode. The mode switching screen  100  is provided with soft keys including a first mode switching key  111  and a second mode switching key  112 . The user touches the touch switch corresponding to the first or second mode switching key  111  or  112  with his/her finger. The operating mode is switched to the first or second mode by the touch operation. The display  9   a , the touch panel  9   c  and the control circuit  71  constitute a mode switching unit which switches between the first and second modes. 
         [0080]      FIG. 10  shows a first read screen  101  which is displayed after a reading operation has been executed in the first mode. The first read screen  101  is provided with a preview image area  113  displaying an image of the object S read by the reading operation, a save key  114  and the like. When the save key  114  is touched, generated processing data is stored in a storage unit (the EEPROM  74 , for example). 
         [0081]    On the other hand,  FIG. 11  shows a second read screen  102  which is displayed after a reading operation has been executed in the second mode. The second read screen  102  is provided with a preview image area  113 , an OK key  115  and the like. When the OK key  115  is touched, a processing start screen  103  as shown in  FIG. 12  is displayed. The processing start screen  103  is provided with a preview image area  118 , a cut key  116 , a drawing key  117  and the like. When either key  116  or  117  is touched, a processing operation starts based on processing data. 
         [0082]    The preview image area  113  displayed on the first and second read screens  101  and  102  represents the object S on a suitable scale based on the image data. The preview image area  113  is provided with range setting parts  113   a  and  113   b  which designate a desired range (an area range  120 ) as shown in  FIG. 13 . The range setting parts  113   a  and  113   b  are located at diagonal positions (apexes  120   a  and  120   b ) of a rectangle defining a range of closed area (the area range  120 ). The range setting parts  113   a  and  113   b  are dragged with the touch operation of the range setting parts  113   a  and  113   b . The drag cart optionally set the size and location of the rectangle or the area range  120 . 
         [0083]    More specifically, when the image as shown in  FIG. 1.3  is displayed on the display  9   a , horizontal or vertical coordinate axes on the touch panel  9   c  on the screen correspond to the aforementioned X and Y directions respectively. The touch panel  9   c  supplies X-Y coordinates which are coordinate information of the touch position supplied by the touch operation. The control circuit  71  carries out an operation to obtain coordinates of the apexes  120   a  to  120   d  of the dragged range setting parts  113   a  and  113   b , based on coordinate information supplied from the touch panel  9   c . This specifies coordinates of the area range  120  on the object S corresponding to the apexes  120   a  to  120   d . The touch panel  9   c  should not be limited to the resistance detection type but may be of any type that can specify the touch position. Furthermore, the above-mentioned touch operation and drag operation may be carried out with a touch pen or the like. 
         [0084]    The control circuit  71  determines whether or not the patterns α to γ partially or wholly spread out of the area range  120 , based on the coordinates of the specified area range  120  and image data of the object S. As a result, the control circuit  71  selects, as patters effective to generate processing data, the patterns except for one or more patterns spreading out of the area range  120 , from the image of the object S. More specifically, the pattern α is within the area range  120  and the pattern β partially expands out of the area range  120 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . In this case, only the pattern α is selected as the effective pattern. Thus, the user can easily designate a desired pattern effective to generate the processing data from the patterns α to γ by optionally setting the area range  120 . The processing data of the generated pattern α is stored in the EEPROM  74  according to the mode switched by the mode switching unit or a processing operation is executed for the object S based on the processing data. The image of pattern α selected on the basis of the area range  120  is displayed in the preview image area  118  of the processing start screen  103  as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0085]    The operation of the above-described configuration will be described with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The flowcharts of  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate a sequential flow of the data processing program including a processing operation the control circuit  71  causes to execute. When desiring to carry out processing by the use of the object S affixed with the patterns α to γ, the user firstly causes the display  9   a  to display the mode switching screen  100  as shown in  FIG. 9 . The user then touches the switching key  111  or  112  to select a desired mode (step S 1 ). The user then attaches the object S (paper, for example) to the holding sheet  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 , setting the holding sheet  10  onto the platen  3  of the processing apparatus  1  (step S 2 ). 
         [0086]    When detecting a distal end of the holding sheet  10  by a sheet detection sensor  76 , the control circuit  71  sets the left corner of the adhesive layer  10   v  of the holding sheet  10  as the origin O. When start of reading is instructed by the operation of the switch of the operation switch device  9   b  (YES at step S 3 ), the scanner  6  performs a scanning operation (step S 4 ). In this case, while causing the transfer mechanism to move the holding sheet  10  in the Y direction, the control circuit  71  causes the scanner  6  to repeatedly carry out the reading operation (scanning in the X direction) in synchronization with the movement of the holding sheet  10 . Image data of the object S is generated by the reading operation, whereby the first read screen  101  as shown in  FIG. 10  or the second read screen  102  as shown in  FIG. 11  is displayed on the display  9   a  (step S 5 ). In this case, the first or second read screen  101  or  102  includes images of the patterns α to γ of the object S. The control circuit  71  subsequently proceeds to step S 6  for a processing data generating process (see  FIG. 15 ). 
         [0087]    In the processing data generation process, the size and position of the area range  120  in the preview image area  113  of the read screens  101  and  102  are set optionally. As the result of the setting, patterns can be selected regarding processing data to be generated (step S 21 ). More specifically, when the operating mode has been changed to the first mode at step S 1 , the user drags the range setting parts  113   a  and  113   b  in the preview image screen  113  of the first read screen  101 . Assume now that with the dragging operation, the whole pattern γ is located outside the area range  20 , and the pattern β partially spreads out of the area range  120 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . In this case, the control circuit  71  renders non-display the pattern γ outside the area range  120  and the partially spreading pattern β. Alternatively, these patterns α and γ may be caused to gray out. Although the patterns α and β are shown by the two-dot chain line in  FIG. 13 , the patterns α and γ may be displayed in any manner that is discriminable between the patterns α and γ, and the other pattern β. As a result, the user can confirm that the effective pattern to generate processing data is the pattern α. 
         [0088]    When the save key  114  of the first read screen  101  has been touched (YES at step S 22 ), the control circuit  71  selects the pattern α contained in the area range  120  (step  23 ). The control circuit  71  processes the image data of the object S by a known image processing manner thereby to extract data of coordinate values of apexes α 0 , α 1 , α 2 , . . . regarding line segments composing the selected pattern α (see  FIG. 8 ). As a result, cutting line data is generated regarding the pattern α. The generated cutting line data has first coordinate data, second coordinate data, third coordinate data, and (N+)-th coordinate data corresponding to cutting start point α 0 , apex α 1 , . . . cutting end point (N+1) respectively (see  FIG. 7 ). Furthermore, the control circuit  71  suffixes limiter data to the cutting line data and adds display data to the cutting line, thereby generating cutting data of the pattern α (step S 24 ). 
         [0089]    In this case, furthermore, the control circuit  71  generates coordinate data represented by X-Y coordinates of apexes α 0 , α 1 , α 2 , . . . of the extracted line segments regarding printing line data. The control circuit  71  suffixes limiter data to the printing line data and adds display data to the printing line, thereby generating printing data of the pattern α. Subsequently, the control circuit  71  returns to step S 7  in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0090]    Thus, when the operating mode has been switched to the first mode (YES at step S 7 ), the control circuit  71  stores cutting and printing data of the generated pattern α in a nonvolatile storage unit such as the EEPROM  74  (step S 8 ). When the currently set object S is not processed (NO at step S 9  and NO at step S 10 ), the holding sheet  10  is transferred forward by the transfer mechanism  7  thereby to be discharged (step S 1 ). As a result, even when processing ends, the control circuit  71  can read the processing data of the pattern α from the EEPROM  74 . Accordingly, the pattern α can be applied to another object based on the processing data of the pattern α. 
         [0091]    Furthermore, when the operating mode has been switched to the first mode (YES at step S 7 ) and the user wishes to apply the pattern α to the currently set object S (YES at step S 9 ), the control circuit  71  causes the display  9   a  to display the processing start screen (see  FIG. 12 ) and the user touches the cut key  116  or the draw key  117  on the processing start screen  103  (YES at step S 14  or YES at step S 15 ). As a result, the pattern α is cut from or printed on the object S (step S 16  or S 17 ). The procedure of the cutting or printing will be described later. 
         [0092]    Furthermore, when the operating step has been changed to the first mode (YES at step S 7 ), the processing of the pattern α can be applied to another object instead of the currently set object S (NO at step S 9  and YES at step S 10 ). In this case, the holding sheet  10  is once discharged by the transfer mechanism  7 . The object S is removed from the discharged holding sheet  10  by the user (step S 12 ). The user then affixes another object to the holding sheet  10  and sets the holding sheet  10  onto the processing apparatus  1 , causing the display  9   a  to display the processing start screen  103  (step S 13 ). As a result, when either key  116  or  117  is touched, the pattern α can be cut from or printed on the object other than the object S (steps S 14  to S 17 ). 
         [0093]    Even when the operating mode has been changed to the second mode at step S 1 , a desired pattern α can be selected from the patterns α to γ at step S 6 . More specifically, the user drags the range setting parts  113   a  and  113   b  on the second read screen  102  in  FIG. 11  to set the desired pattern α so that the pattern α is surrounded by the area range  120  (step S 21  in  FIG. 15 ). When the OK key  115  is touched on the second read screen  102  (YES at step S 22 ), the control circuit  71  selects only the pattern α in the area range  120  as described above (step S 23 ). As a result, the control circuit  71  generates cutting data and printing data regarding the selected pattern α in the same manner as in the first mode (step S 24 ). Subsequently, the control circuit  71  returns to step S 7  in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0094]    Thus, when the operating mode has been switched to the second mode (NO at step S 7 ), the control circuit  71  causes the display  9   a  to display the processing start screen  103  containing an image of the pattern α whose processing data has been generated (step S 13 ; and see  FIG. 12 ). When the cut key  116  is touched on the processing start screen  103 , the control circuit  71  determines whether or not the cartridge  4   c  of the cutter C has been attached, based on the detection signals of the type detection sensors  63 A to  63 C. When the cartridge  4   c  is attached and start of the processing is instructed by the operation of the switch of the operation switch device  9   b  (YES at step S 14 ), the cutting operation is executed based on the cutting data of the generated cutting data of the pattern α (step S 16 ). As a result, the pattern α attached to the object S is cut, whereby the pattern α is cut out of the object S by the cutter C. 
         [0095]    On the other hand, when the draw key  117  is touched on the processing start screen  103 , the control circuit  71  determines whether or not the cartridge  4   p  of the pan P has been attached, based on the detection signals of the type detection sensors  63 A to  63 C. When the cartridge  4   p  is attached and start of the processing is instructed by the operation of the switch of the operation switch device  9   b  (YES at step S 15 ), the printing operation is executed based on the generated printing data of the pattern α (step S 17 ). As a result, drawing is carried out along the pattern α on the object S by the pen P. 
         [0096]    Thus, upon end of processing of the pattern α attached to the object S, the control circuit  71  causes the transfer mechanism  7  to transfer the holding sheet  10  forward to discharge the holding sheet  10  (step S 11 ), whereby the sequence of processing is completed (END). 
         [0097]    As described above, the processing apparatus  1  includes the processing data generation unit which generates the processing data to process the object S based on the image data obtained by the image obtaining unit. The processing apparatus  1  further includes the mode switching unit which switches between the first mode in which the processing data generated by the processing data generation unit is stored in the storage unit provided in the processing apparatus  1  without execution of the processing operation by the control unit and the second mode in which the control unit executes the processing operation based on the processing data. Storage of the processing data in the storage unit or processing of the object S on the basis of the processing data is selectively executed according to the mode switched by the mode switching unit. 
         [0098]    According to the above-described configuration, the processing data is generated by the processing data generation unit based on the image data of the object S obtained by the image obtaining unit. In this case, when the operating mode is switched to the first mode by the mode switching unit, the generated processing data can be stored in the storage unit and can be used for the processing of another object. On the other hand, when the operating mode is switched to the second mode, the object S can be promptly processed based on the generated processing data. Accordingly, the operating mode can be switched to a desired mode by the mode switching unit, whereby the object can be processed easily. 
         [0099]    When the operating mode has been changed to the first mode by the mode switching unit, the control unit is configured to read the processing data stored in the storage unit to thereby be capable of executing the processing operation based on the processing data (see steps S 9 , S 10  and S 12 ). According to this configuration, the object S can also be processed in the first mode, so that the usability of the processing apparatus can be improved. 
         [0100]    The control circuit  71 , the display  9   a  and the touch panel  9   c  constitute the area designating unit which designates a desired area (the area range  120 , for example) in the image of object S represented by the image data obtained by the image obtaining unit. Furthermore, the processing data generation unit generates the processing data based on the image data of the area designated by the area designating unit. According to this configuration, when a desired area in the image of the object S is designated by the area designating unit, the processing data is generated based on the image data of the designated area. Accordingly, since the processing data can be prevented from being generated uneconomically, a troublesome work such as confirmation, deletion or saving of the processing data can be eliminated. 
         [0101]    A plurality of the area range  120  may be provided in the preview image area. Furthermore, the control circuit  71 , the display  9   a  and the touch panel  9   c  constitute the area setting unit which sets the range of one or more of the closed areas such as the area range  120 . According to the range setting unit, a desired area can be easily set in the image of the object S. 
         [0102]    The control circuit  71  constitutes a selecting unit (a determination unit) which selects, as an effective pattern, one or more of the patterns contained in the range of area of the image of the object S, set by the range setting unit, except for one or more patterns partially spreading out of the area range. The processing data generation unit generates processing data of the effective pattern selected by the selecting unit. According to the configuration, one or more patterns partially spread out of the area range in setting the range of area in the image of the object S, one or more patterns except for the patterns partially spreading out of the area range are selected as effective patterns. Conversely, the pattern even partially spreading out of the area range is not selected as the effective pattern. Accordingly, a desired pattern can be easily designated in the patterns of the object S. 
         [0103]    The processing apparatus  1  includes the display unit which displays an image of the object S represented by the image data. The area designating unit is configured to be capable of designating a desired area in the image of the object S displayed on the display unit. According to the configuration, the area to be designated in the image of the object S can be easily understood visually. 
         [0104]    The processing head  5  includes a printing unit which prints the object S. As a result, the object S can be printed by the processing apparatus  1  based on the generated processing data. 
         [0105]      FIG. 16  illustrates a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, identical or similar parts are labeled by the same reference symbols as those in the first embodiment and the description of these identical parts will be eliminated. Only the difference from the first embodiment will be described in the following. 
         [0106]    The range setting parts  113   a  and  113   b  (the area range  120 ) are eliminated in the preview image area  119  in the second embodiment. In the preview image area  119 , closed areas  121  to  123  are designated by the user. The closed areas  121  to  123  have contour lines which are outlines of the patterns α to γ respectively. More specifically, the control circuit  71  specifies position coordinates on the object S, corresponding to coordinate information supplied by the touch operation on the touch panel  9   c , at step S 21 . The control circuit  71  then determines whether or not any one of the closed area  121  of the pattern α, the closed area  122  of the pattern β and the closed area  123  of the pattern γ has been touched, based on the specified position coordinates on the object S and image data of the object S. As exemplified in  FIG. 16 , when determining that the closed area  122  of the pattern β has been touched, the control circuit  71  grays out the pattern β. The control circuit  71  further returns the pattern β to its original state when determining that the closed area  122  of the pattern β has been touched again. 
         [0107]    The control circuit  71  further selects the pattern which is not currently grayed out, as an effective pattern (step S 23 ) when the save key  114  on the read screen  101  (the OK key  115  on the read screen  102 ) has been touched (YES at step S 22 ). Thus, the control circuit  71  generates cutting data of the contour line of the selected effective pattern and printing data (step S 24 ). 
         [0108]    As described above, the area designating unit in the second example is configured to be capable of designating the closed areas  121  to  123  which have, as contour lines, the outlines of the patterns α, β and γ in the image of the object S. The processing data generation unit generates processing data of the contour line of the closed area designated by the area designating unit. According to the configuration, the closed areas  121  to  123  of the patterns α, β and γ in the image of the object S, whereby the patterns α, β and γ whose processing data is to be generated can be easily selected. 
         [0109]    The above-described examples should not be restrictive but may be modified or expanded as follows. Although the invention is applied to the processing apparatus in the foregoing examples, the invention may be applied to various apparatuses provided with a cutting unit and/or a printing unit. 
         [0110]    The image acquisition unit should not be limited to the CIS (the scanner  6 ). A charge-coupled device (CCD) may be used as the image acquisition unit. Furthermore, the area can be designated by the area designating unit in both first and second modes in the foregoing embodiments. However, the area may be designated in either first or second mode. 
         [0111]    The data processing program stored in the storage unit of the processing apparatus  1  may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including a USB flash memory, CD-ROM, flexible disc, DVD and flash memory. In this case, when the data processing program stored in the storage medium is read by computers incorporated in various processing apparatuses provided with a cutting unit and/or a printing unit thereby to be executed, the same advantageous effects as achieved by the above-described examples can be achieved by these processing apparatuses. 
         [0112]    The foregoing description and drawings are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and are not to be construed in a limiting sense. Various changes and modifications will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. All such changes and modifications are seen to fall within the scope of the appended claims.