JP2000341504A - Data generating method and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate PS data containing a high-resolution image by realizing an OPI system which puts no restriction on the editing software and any high- resolution picture data format and only by substituting the high-resolution image for the area of a low-resolution image. SOLUTION: An OPI demon 104 generates a low-resolution image 20 of the EPS format (AliasEPS), to which the information on the original high- resolution image 78 is added by calling an image transformation program prepared in an executing form correspondingly to the format of the high-resolution picture 78 and thinning the image 78. An OPI filter 106 generates PS data B by analyzing PS data A containing the low-resolution image 20, in more detail the comment of the image 20, and transforming the high-resolution image 78 corresponding to the low-resolution image 20 in the PS data A into a high- resolution image 78A of the EPS format, and then, replacing the low-resolution image 20 in the PS data A by the image 78A.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data generation method and an image processing system, and more particularly to a data generation method for performing an editing operation with low-resolution image data and performing a printing process by switching to high-resolution image data. The present invention relates to an image processing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the printing industry, DTP (DeskTop Publis), which edits and prints documents using a personal computer or the like, has conventionally been used.
hing) is widely used. In DTP, editing work is performed on an editing workstation to determine the layout of images, texts, line drawings, and the like, using editing software, and the result is generally converted to PS data (PostScript data).
Output in the page description language called ipt). Output PS
The data is transferred via RIP (Raster Image P
rocessor) sent to the workstation. In the RIP, the PS data is analyzed to generate page-based image data. By transmitting this image data to the output device, an output (printed matter) is obtained.

Usually, in order to obtain a high-quality printed matter, tens to hundreds of MB of image data (original image data) is used. When this original image data with a large amount of data is used when editing with the editing software, the burden on the editing computer is large, the processing capacity is reduced just by laying out, and the editing work cannot be performed comfortably. there were.

[0004] Also, from the editing workstation, the PS
It takes a very long time to output data, and depending on the type of workstation, there is a case where other operations cannot be performed during PS data output, resulting in poor work efficiency. Furthermore, this PS data is transferred from the editing workstation to the R
When transmitting PS data to the IP workstation, the data transmission amount (communication traffic amount) on the network may increase, and the data transmission processing efficiency of the entire network system may be reduced.

For this reason, the original image data (hereinafter, referred to as
The display image data (hereinafter, referred to as a “low-resolution image”) is generated by thinning out the “high-resolution image”, and editing is performed using the low-resolution image, and is switched to a high-resolution image at the stage of the PS data. OPI to output to RIP
(Open Prepress Interface) method has been widely introduced.

FIG. 15 shows a process according to a general OPI method (so-called “Aldus OPI”).

As shown in FIG. 15, an editing workstation (W / S) 300 has a high-resolution image 302 (TIF).
Low-resolution image 3 generated by thinning out F format)
The editing operation is performed by using editing software (so-called DTP software) using the 04 (TIFF format). When the user issues a print instruction and outputs the PS data 306, the editing workstation 30
0 is the low-resolution image 3 instead of the low-resolution image 304
Information (file name, size, etc.) relating to the high-resolution image 302 corresponding to 04 is embedded in the PS data 306 as a comment sentence 308 and output.

[0008] The outputted PS data 306 is transmitted to the OPI server 310 via a network. OPI
In the server 310, the comment sentence 3 in the PS data 306
08 is analyzed to generate PS data 312 into which the high-resolution image 302 is inserted. This PS data 312 is transferred to RIP3
By transmitting the image data to the printer 14, it is possible to output (print) a high-resolution image.

As described above, in the OPI system, the editing operation is performed using a low-resolution image having a small data amount (usually about 1 MB), so that the user can perform the editing operation comfortably and can perform the editing operation from the editing workstation. Since no image data is output when the PS data is output, the waiting time can be reduced.

[0010]

However, in the prior art, only editing software having a function of writing information relating to a high-resolution image into PS data (editing software that supports OPI) can be used for editing work. Was. Also, since only the TIFF format image is supported, when inserting the high-resolution image 302, there is a possibility that the PS data may affect the entire PS data.
An operator had to be added.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and realizes an editing software and an OPI system having no restrictions on the format of high-resolution image data. It is an object of the present invention to provide a data generation method and an image processing system that can generate PS data including a high-resolution image simply by replacing the data.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data generating method comprising the steps of:
The low-resolution image data can be handled as independent PS data in the S data, generate desired low-resolution image data in the EPS format that includes switching information for switching to the high-resolution image data, and use the low-resolution image data as an independent area. Generating first PS data that includes the first PS data, referring to the replacement information in the low-resolution image data that is included in the first PS data, and generating the first PS data that includes the first PS data; The high-resolution image data corresponding to the low-resolution image data is converted into the EPS format, and only the low-resolution image data area of the first PS data is replaced with the high-resolution image data converted into the EPS format, and the second PS data is converted into the second format. Is generated.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first P
After converting the high-resolution image data corresponding to the low-resolution image data into the EPS format with reference to the replacement information in the low-resolution image data included in the S data,
The high-resolution image data converted into the EPS format is replaced with the low-resolution image data in the first PS data (so-called replacement) to generate second PS data.
That is, both the high-resolution image data and the low-resolution image data at the time of the replacement are in the EPS format that can be handled as independent PS data in the PS data. Therefore, only the area of the low-resolution image data (EPS) in the first PS data is simply stored in the high-resolution image data (E
PS) by simply replacing the low-resolution image data in the first PS data with the high-resolution image data (PS data including high-resolution image data)
Can be generated.

Since the high-resolution image data is converted to the EPS format immediately before the switching, the second PS data (PS data including the high-resolution image data) can be generated regardless of the format of the high-resolution image data. it can.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the low-resolution image data is generated, a program in an independently executable format is started, and the program is stored in an EPS format. A process for generating low-resolution image data in the EPS format including switching information for switching from the high-resolution image data to the high-resolution image data.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, an EP including switching information for switching to high-resolution image data is provided.
The process of generating the low-resolution image data in the S format is performed by a program in a format that can be executed independently without linking to another program (hereinafter, referred to as an “executable format”). As a result, when low-resolution image data is generated, low-resolution image data can be obtained only by activating this program. In addition, since this executable form program can be executed independently of other programs, low-resolution programs can be executed even if only this program is changed and relinking or compiling with other programs is not performed. It is possible to change the contents of image processing performed when generating image data, or to add new processing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the program is prepared in advance for each format of the high-resolution image, and when the low-resolution image data is generated, And selecting and starting the program corresponding to the high-resolution image data of the generation source.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a program is prepared in advance for each high-resolution image format. When generating low-resolution image data, it is possible to generate low-resolution image data from high-resolution image data of any format simply by selecting and starting a program corresponding to the high-resolution image data from which the data is generated. it can.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system for executing predetermined image processing, comprising a terminal device and a server connected by a network, and storing high-resolution image data in various formats. High-resolution image data storage means, and the desired low-resolution image data in EPS format including replacement information for switching from the high-resolution image data stored in the high-resolution image data storage means to the high-resolution image data. A low-resolution image data generating means for generating, and an editing operation using the desired low-resolution image data generated by the low-resolution image data generating means to determine an arrangement position of the high-resolution image data; Generating first PS data including the low-resolution image data as an independent area; And PS data generating means, said first
With reference to the replacement information in the low-resolution image data included in the PS data, the first PS data is selected from the high-resolution image data stored in the high-resolution image data storage means. The high-resolution image data corresponding to the low-resolution image data included in
Converting means for converting to the format, and replacing only the low-resolution image data area of the first PS data with high-resolution image data converted to the EPS format by the converting means to generate second PS data. Second
And PS data generating means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the low-resolution image data generating means switches from high-resolution image data of various formats stored in the high-resolution image data storage means to the high-resolution image data. Format low-resolution image data including replacement information for the image. In the first PS data generating means,
Using the generated low-resolution image data instead of the high-resolution image data, an editing operation for determining the arrangement position of the high-resolution image data is performed, and the first PS data including the low-resolution image data as an independent area is generated. Generated.

The conversion unit refers to the replacement information in the low-resolution image data included in the first PS data, and selects the high-resolution image data from the high-resolution image data stored in the high-resolution image data storage unit. After the high-resolution image data corresponding to the low-resolution image data included in the first PS data is converted into the EPS format, the low-resolution image data of the first PS data is converted by the second PS data generating means. (So-called replacement), and second PS data is generated.

That is, at the time of replacement by the second PS data, both the high-resolution image data and the low-resolution image data to be replaced have an EPS format that can be handled as independent PS data in the PS data. Therefore, the low-resolution image data in the first PS data is simply replaced with the high-resolution image data (EPS) in the first PS data. The second PS data (PS data including high-resolution image data) can be generated.

Further, since the high-resolution image data is converted to the EPS format immediately before the replacement, the second PS data (PS data including the high-resolution image data) can be generated regardless of the format of the high-resolution image data. it can.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention, a separately executable program for generating the low-resolution image data is stored for each format of the high-resolution image data. The low-resolution image data generating means selects the program corresponding to the format of the high-resolution image data from the program storing means when generating the low-resolution image data. It is characterized by comprising a program selecting means, and a program starting means for reading out and starting the program selected by the selecting means.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an executable program for performing a process of generating low-resolution image data is stored in the program storage means for each format of high-resolution image data. In the low-resolution image data generating means, when generating the low-resolution image data, the program selecting means selects a program corresponding to the format of the high-resolution image data from which the program is generated from the program storage means, and selects the program by the program starting means. The read program is read and activated.

That is, the low-resolution image data generating means merely reads out and activates a program corresponding to the format of the high-resolution image data from which it is generated. Actual processing is performed by the activated program. Can be obtained. Also, since a program is prepared (stored) for each format of the high-resolution image data, low-resolution image data can be generated from high-resolution image data of any format.

Furthermore, since a program is prepared (stored) in an executable form that can be executed independently of other programs, relinking and compiling with other programs can be performed by changing only the program. Without performing the above, it is also possible to change the content of the image processing performed when the low-resolution image data is generated, or to add new processing. Further, in order to correspond to the high-resolution image data of the new format, an executable program for generating low-resolution image data from the high-resolution image data of the new format may be newly prepared (stored) (with other programs). No need to relink or compile).

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect, test image data is generated based on the first PS data to acquire a test image. Further, there is further provided a test image generating means for ignoring replacement information included in the first PS data and generating the test image using only the desired low-resolution image data.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the test image generating means omits the replacement information included in the first PS data and generates a test image using only low-resolution real image data. You. Thereby, when confirming the arrangement position of the high resolution image data,
A test image can be obtained without using high-resolution image data.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the conversion means, the second PS data generation means, and the second P
The server is provided with image data generation means for generating image data based on the second PS data generated by the S data generation means.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the server has a conversion means for converting the high-resolution image data into the EPS format, and replaces the converted high-resolution image data with the low-resolution image data. There are provided second PS data generating means for generating second PS data including resolution image data, and image data generating means for generating image data based on the second PS data. This makes it possible to generate image data using high-resolution image data without transferring the high-resolution image data via a network.

[0032]

Next, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Schematic Configuration of Entire System) FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an editing workstation 10 as a client device and a server 12 as a server device include:
They are mutually connected via a network 16 and constitute a client server system 18. Further, a printer 14 is also connected to the network 16 as an output device. The editing workstation 10, the server 1
2. The number of printers 14 is not particularly limited (in the present embodiment, three, one, and one, respectively), and may be any number.

The editing workstation 10 performs an editing operation for determining the layout of images, texts, line drawings, etc., and can transmit PS data to the server.

The server 12 automatically converts high-resolution image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “high-resolution image”) to low-resolution image data in EPS (AliasEPS) format (hereinafter simply referred to as “low-resolution image”). It can be generated. This low-resolution image (AliasEPS) can be used for editing work in the editing workstation 10.

The server 12 generates PS data including a high-resolution image based on the PS data from the editing workstation 10, and generates a P-data including the high-resolution image.
Image data in page units is generated based on the S data and transmitted to the printer 14. The printer 14 executes printing based on the image data and outputs a printed matter.

(Summary of low-resolution image in AliasEPS format) Next, a low-resolution image in EPS format generated by thinning out high-resolution images in the server 12 and used for editing will be described.

The low-resolution image 20 in this EPS format
As shown in FIG. 2, information on the high-resolution image of the source is added as a comment 24 together with low-resolution image data (hereinafter, referred to as “thinned-out image”) 22 generated by thinning out the high-resolution image. (The EPS format to which the comment 24 regarding this high-resolution image is added is defined as “AliasEPS”).

In the comment 24, specifically, the file name of the high-resolution image and the high-resolution image location path (O
The folder names of the PI directory 90 and the OPI folder 70, and the upper and lower hierarchical relations), the folder ID of the folder storing the high-resolution image (the OPI folder 70 described later), and the format of the high-resolution image (EPS, TIF
F, JPEG, GIF, PICT, etc.) are described. In addition, the comment 24 also describes the start / end position of the low-resolution image and identification information indicating that the image is data in the AliasEPS format.

The comment 24 is used in the OPI filter 106, which will be described later.
Anything other than 06 is ignored. Therefore, the low resolution image 20 in the AliasEPS format can be handled as normal EPS format data by the application software. For example, when the low-resolution image 20 is displayed by the editing software, only the thinned image 22 is visualized and displayed. Also, even if the low-resolution image 20 (or PS data including the low-resolution image 20) is converted into image data by RIP and output to the printer 14, only the thinned image is printed without printing the comment 24. You.

(Detailed Configuration of Editing Workstation)
FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the editing workstation 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the editing workstation 10 includes a CPU 30, a ROM 32, and a RAM 3.
4, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 36, I / O port 4
0. The CPU 30 and the ROM
32, RAM 34, HDD 36, and I / O port 40
They are interconnected via a system bus 42.

The ROM 32 and the HDD 36 store various programs 44 such as an OS, editing software, and image processing software. The OS includes a kernel section for executing tasks and managing resources, and a network OS for controlling systems between networks (for example, AppleShare for Macintosh and Netware386 for Windows).
Or a shell that controls the basic operation and appearance of the OS (for example, M
acintosh Finder, Windows Explorer) and GU
A user interface such as I (Graphical User Interface) is included.

That is, the editing workstation 10
For example, even if the file system differs from that of the server 12, the user can mount and use the disk (HDD or the like) of the server 12 as a remote file system without being aware of the difference by the network OS. Under the network OS, a client-server system is realized between the editing workstation 10 (client) and the server 12, so that processing requests and data transmission / reception can be performed with each other.

The file system on the server 12 side can also be displayed on the shell, and the editing workstation 10 can associate the hierarchical structure of the folders and files on the server 12, the names of the folders and files, and the folders and files. Icon, etc., which are displayed. The display 10 on which the shell is displayed
By operating the mouse or keyboard (icon click, drag, drop, etc.) in the GUI environment while referring to D (see FIG. 1), the file system on the server 12 side is operated (copying and deleting folders and files). , Move, rename, create new, etc.).

The HDD 36 also stores original image data 46 for printing (hereinafter referred to as “high-resolution image”) input by a scanner or the like (not shown) and a low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) for editing. Is available. This low-resolution image 20 is usually used for editing work in the editing workstation 10. When the user issues a print instruction for the edited page, the PS data A including the low-resolution image 20 is output (see FIG. 7).

More specifically, the editing workstation 10
The user operates the mouse or keyboard (not shown) using the editing software in the program 44 and in the GUI environment while referring to the display 10D, thereby determining the layout of images, texts, line drawings, etc. Do the work.

The user of the editing workstation 10 can use the image processing software or the like in the program 44 to edit the high-resolution image 46 if necessary.
Various types of image processing such as enhancement processing and conversion processing can also be performed. Also, as described above, the server 12 can be mounted on the disk, and the high-resolution image 46 can be copied or moved to a folder in the disk on which the server 12 is mounted.
The low-resolution image 20 can be copied from the disk on the side and stored in the HDD 36.

(Detailed Configuration of Server) FIG.
2 shows a detailed configuration.

The server 12, as shown in FIG.
PU50, ROM52, RAM54, HDD56, I /
An O port 60 is provided. In addition, these CPU5
0, ROM 52, RAM 54, HDD 56, and I / O port 60 are mutually connected via a system bus 62.

Various programs 64 are stored in the ROM 52 and the HDD 56. The program 64 includes an OS (including a network OS and a user interface in addition to the kernel, similarly to the editing workstation 10 described above), and an O described later.
A program for causing the PI 100 and the RIP 102 to function is included. Also included is an image conversion program 114 (see FIG. 8) for generating low-resolution image data 20 (AliasEPS) by thinning out high-resolution image data.
The image conversion program 114 is, for each high-resolution image data format (EPS, TIFF, JPEG, DCS, PICT, etc.), an executable format (generally “* .exe ”Indicates a file, and“ * ”indicates an arbitrary character or character string.)
It is prepared in.

The HDD 10 stores an image database 6 for organizing and storing high-resolution images and low-resolution images.
6. The OPI database 68 is stored.

(Overview of Image Database and OPI Database) The image database 66 includes, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of OPI folders 70 can be provided. Each OPI folder 70 includes a high-resolution image folder 72, a low-resolution image folder 74, and a status folder 76.

The high-resolution image folder 72 stores a high-resolution image 78 as original image data, and the low-resolution image folder 72 stores a low-resolution image 20 generated by thinning out the high-resolution image 78. It has become. In the status folder 76, a log file 80 indicating the generation status of the low resolution image 20 is stored.

More specifically, in the log file 80, messages (start, processing, success, failure, error information) issued from the system in the low-resolution image generation processing are described. . The log file 80 is generated corresponding to each of the high-resolution images 78 in the high-resolution image folder 72.

If necessary, sub-folders 82, 84,
A high resolution image 78, a low resolution image 20, and a log file 80 can be stored in these folders, respectively.

Each OPI folder also stores an ID file 110 in which a folder ID described later is described. By this folder ID, each O
The PI folder can be uniquely identified.

In the upper hierarchy of the OPI folder 70, the OP
An OPI directory 90 is provided as a folder for managing the I folder 70. The user
An arbitrary folder can be set in the OPI directory 90 by using a setting tool (prepared as a tool of the OPI 100 described later) prepared in advance on the server 12 side. OPI described later
100 operates in a file system under the OPI directory 90. In the OPI database 66, the folder set in the OPI directory 90 is created as if the OPI root directory 88
It will be treated as if it were provided below.

When the file system of the server 12 is mounted from the editing workstation 10 to use the function of the OPI 100, the root directory 88 is referred to as a top directory. The user can newly create, delete, rename, copy, move, etc. the OPI folder 70 from the editing workstation 10 side.

The OPI database 68 includes an OPI 10
The location path of the folder set in the OPI directory 90 is stored as a management target folder (OPI config folder) by 0. That is, when the OPI directory 90 is set by the user using the setting tool, the path of the folder is registered.

The OPI database 68 stores each O
OPI folder 7 provided under PI directory 90
A folder name of 0 and a folder ID are also stored. Therefore, from the OPI database 68,
The location paths, folder names, and folder IDs of all the OPI folders 70 can be checked.

The OPI database 68 stores a table that associates each image format (EPS, TIFF, JPEG, DCS, PICT, etc.) with the image conversion program 114 (executable format). Table 1 shows an example of this table.

[0063]

[Table 1]

An image conversion program for a plurality of resolutions (72 dpi, 144 dpi, etc.) is prepared so that a low-resolution image 20 of a desired resolution (decimation) can be obtained as a desired low-resolution image. The table may correspond to the image format, the resolution, and the image conversion program 114.

The OPI database 68 also stores search conditions described later (search with priority on folder ID / search with priority on folder path / search only with file name). The user can use a setting tool (OPI 10 described later) prepared in advance on the server 12 side.
0 is provided as a tool for the search).

(Server Function) As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the server 12 converts the PS data A generated by editing using the low resolution image into the PS data including the high resolution image, as shown in FIGS. OPI100 to switch to B
And RIP1 for converting PS data B into image data
02 is to function. Thus, O
By providing both the PI 100 and the RIP 102 in the server 12, the editing workstation 10
In the process of transmitting the PS data to the IP 102, there is no network transfer load due to the high-resolution image.

In the OPI 100, an OPI database 68 and an image database 66 can be operated using a GUI environment (hereinafter, simply referred to as “GUI”) 120. For example, the user of the server 12 can perform various settings of the OPI database 68 by operating a keyboard and a mouse (not shown) under the GUI 120. When the file system of the server 12 is mounted from the editing workstation 10, various settings of the OPI database 68 can be made from the editing workstation 10.

The OPI 100 is provided with an OPI daemon 104 which automatically operates in the background while the OPI is activated, and an OPI filter 106 which operates when the PS data A is received from the editing workstation 10. ing. Hereinafter, the function of the OPI daemon 104 and the OPI filter 106 will be described in detail.

(OPI Daemon) OPI Daemon 104
Are connected to an image database 66 and an OPI database 68.

The image database 66 can also be connected from the editing workstation 10 side. More specifically, for example, the high-resolution image 46 stored on the editing workstation 10 side by the user.
To the high-resolution image folder 72 in the image database 66 (a high-resolution image 78 is generated in the high-resolution image folder 72), and conversely, the low-resolution image in the low-resolution image folder 72 in the image database 66. 20 can be copied to the editing workstation 10 side.

FIG. 8 shows an outline of the processing performed by the OPI daemon 104. The OPI daemon 104 is located in the image database 66,
The inside of the I directory 90 is always monitored (hereinafter, this process is referred to as “folder & image monitoring process”).

In the folder & image monitoring process, if there is a folder requested to be managed by the OPI 100, the OPI daemon 104 registers the folder in the OPI database 68. (Hereinafter, this process is referred to as “folder monitoring process”).

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, when a user copies a predetermined file (hereinafter, referred to as an “authentication file”) 108 into a newly created folder 70A, a folder management request is issued. Is being done. In the OPI daemon 104,
Monitoring under the OPI directory 90, the authentication file 1
08 is checked to determine that the folder 70A in which the authentication file 108 is stored is a folder for which management is requested. The path of the folder 70A in which the authentication file 108 is stored and a unique folder ID for identifying the folder 70A are registered in the OPI database 68. An ID file 110 describing the folder ID is generated in the folder 70A in which the authentication file 108 is stored, and the authentication file 108 is deleted.

In the OPI 100, the folder 70A registered in the OPI database 68 and assigned with the ID file 110 is managed as the OPI folder 70. Further, the user can arbitrarily create the OPI folder 70 by creating a new folder under the OPI directory 90 and copying the authentication file.

The OPI daemon 104 generates a high-resolution image folder 72, a low-resolution image folder 74, and a status folder 76 in the OPI folder 70. In the OPI 100, only the contents in the high-resolution image folder 72, the low-resolution image folder 74, and the status folder 76 are used for processing, and the OPI folder 7
The other areas in 0 are not used. That is, other areas of the OPI folder are:
The user can use it freely. For example, the OPI folder 70
, Or under the OPI folder 70, and data (document files, etc.) used for editing work can be stored.

Thus, for example, an OPI folder 70 is created for each project and each month, and the high-resolution image 78, the low-resolution image 20, and other related files (document files, etc.) are collected together for each project and each month. Can be managed.

The OPI daemon 104 performs the OPI database 68 in the folder & image monitoring process.
If there is an unnecessary image in the OPI folder 70 registered in the
When it is necessary to generate 0, a low-resolution image generation job is created and registered in the low-resolution image generation job queue 112 (hereinafter, this processing is referred to as “image monitoring processing”). .

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
High-resolution image folder 72 in the same OPI folder 70
And the high-resolution image 78 stored in the low-resolution image folder 74 and the low-resolution image 20, respectively, and create a low-resolution image generation job for the high-resolution image 78 in which the corresponding low-resolution image 20 does not exist. It is supposed to.

Further, even when the generation date and time of the corresponding low resolution image 20 is older than the generation date and time of the high resolution image 78, a low resolution image generation job for the high resolution image 78 is created. . That is, when some change is made to the high-resolution image 78 after the low-resolution image is generated, even if the low-resolution image 20 exists, the high-resolution image 78 is thinned out again to obtain the low-resolution image 2.
A low-resolution image generation job is generated so as to generate 0.

Further, as for the low resolution image 20 in which the corresponding high resolution image 78 does not exist, the low resolution image 20 is deleted.

The OPI daemon 104 refers to the low-resolution image generation job queue 112 at predetermined time intervals (hereinafter, this process is referred to as “image conversion monitoring process”). In the image conversion monitoring process, if there is a low-resolution image generation job waiting to be executed in the low-resolution image generation job queue 112, the low-resolution image generation job is extracted from the low-resolution image generation job queue 112, and the low-resolution image generation job The image conversion process corresponding to the job is started. At this time, in order to prevent an excessive load on the server 12 and stagnation of other processes, the number of activated image conversion processes is also managed so that a predetermined number or more of image conversion processes are not activated.

In the image conversion process, the format (EPS, TIFF, JPEG, DCS, P) of the high-resolution image 78 is referred to by referring to the correspondence table (see Table 1) in the OPI database 68.
An image conversion program 114 corresponding to (ICT or the like) can be selected and activated. When the image conversion program 114 is started, the low-resolution image 20 in the AliasEPS format is generated from the high-resolution image 78.

Although the present invention does not particularly limit the file name of the generated low-resolution image 20, in the present embodiment, as an example, the generated low-resolution image 2
0 is automatically given a file name obtained by adding "s.eps" to "the file name excluding the extension part of the high-resolution image 78". For example, a high-resolution image 78
Is "imageA.eps", the generated low-resolution image 20 is given a file name of "imageAs.eps". The generated low-resolution image 20 is stored in a high-resolution image folder 72 in which a high-resolution image 78 is stored.
Low-resolution image folder 7 in the OPI folder 70
4 is stored. Note that the generation date and time of the corresponding low resolution image 20 is older than the generation date and time of the high resolution image 78, and if the low resolution image 20 is generated again, the newly generated low resolution image 20 is older. Since the same file name as that of the low resolution image 20 is given, the file is automatically updated (overwritten) with the newly generated low resolution image 20.

The OPI daemon 104 generates a log file 80 at the same time that the generation of the low-resolution image is started. Also, the OPI daemon 104
The file name of the log file 80 is changed according to the generation state of the low-resolution image 20, and a comment indicating the processing state (start, processing, successful completion, failure end, error information) is included in the log file 80. It is written.

Although the present invention does not particularly limit the file name of the log file 80, in the present embodiment, as an example, during generation of a low-resolution image (during processing), “XX” is used.
X.continue "," XXX.complete "when the generation of the low-resolution image is completed (successful termination), and" XXX.complete "when the generation of the low-resolution image fails due to some abnormality (failed termination).
"failed", the file name of the log file 80 is changed.

Note that "XXX" indicates an arbitrary character or character string, and the same character string as the character string excluding the extension in the file name of the high-resolution image 78 is automatically added. I have. For example, if the file name of the high-resolution image 78 is “imageA.eps”, the log file 80 is “imageA.continue” during low-resolution generation, “imageA.complete” when low-resolution image generation is completed, If the generation of the low-resolution image fails, the file name is "imageA.failed".

In the GUI 120, the extension of the log file 80 (“continue”, “complete”, “fail”
ed "), the icons 122 having different designs
(See icons 122A, 122B, and 122C in FIG. 11) are associated in advance. Therefore, when the log file 80 is displayed on the shell, the appearance of the icon 122 is changed according to the change in the file name, that is, according to the generation status of the low-resolution image 20 (processing / successful end / failure end). It is changing. The extension of the log file 80 (“continue”, “complete”, “faile
d)), the icon 12 which changed the color instead of the design
2 according to the state of generation of the low-resolution image 20,
The color of the icon 122 of the log file 80 may be changed.

When the file system of the server 12 is mounted from the editing workstation 10, the user displays the shell of the server 12 on the display 10D of the editing workstation 10, and displays the icon of the log file 80. 122 can also be confirmed.

The generated low-resolution image 20 is stored in the low-resolution image folder 74 under the OPI folder 70 in which the high-resolution image 78 of the generation source is stored. The log file 80 is stored in the status folder 76 under the OPI folder 70 in which the high-resolution image 78 of the generation source is stored.

For example, when performing a layout operation of a newly generated high-resolution image 78 by reading with a scanner or the like or performing image conversion processing, the user needs to input the high-resolution image 78 as shown in FIG. OPI daemon 104 is simply copied to high-resolution image folder 72.
Thus, the low-resolution image 20 can be automatically obtained. For details, see the OPI daemon 104
The high resolution image 78 without the corresponding low resolution image is recognized in the image monitoring process according to the first embodiment, a low resolution image generation job for the high resolution image 78 is generated, and the low resolution image is generated in the image conversion monitoring process. The generation job is executed, and the low-resolution image folder 7
4, a low resolution image 20 is generated. At this time, a log file corresponding to the high-resolution image is also generated, and its file name and icon 1 are set according to the generation state of the low-resolution image.
22 changes, so that the user can confirm the generation status.

(OPI Filter) On the other hand, the OPI filter 106 is connected to the image database 66 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The OPI filter 106 includes:
The PS data A from the editing workstation 10 is input.

The OPI filter 106 analyzes the PS data A from the editing workstation 10 and
When the low resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) is included in the data A, the image database 66 is searched for a high resolution image 78 corresponding to the low resolution image 20. Note that this search is selectively performed according to search conditions set by the user stored in the OPI database 68 (search with priority on folder ID / search with priority on folder path / search only with file name). The ID of the folder storing the high-resolution image 78 described in the comment 24 and the location path (OPI directory 90)
And the name of the OPI folder 70 and the relationship between the upper and lower layers) or the file name of the high-resolution image 78. Note that the search may be performed using the folder name of the OPI folder 70 instead of the location path.

The OPI filter 106 replaces the low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) in the PS data with the searched high-resolution image 78, and generates PS data B including the high-resolution image. (Hereafter, like this
The OPI method for replacing image data in the AliasEPS format is called “AliasEPS-OPI method”). At this time, if the high-resolution image 78 in the image database 66 corresponding to the low-resolution image 20 is in the EPS (DCS is acceptable) format, the low-resolution image 20 and the high-resolution image 78 in the PS data are simply replaced. It has become. The high-resolution image 78 in the image database 66 corresponding to the low-resolution image 20 has a format other than the EPS format (TIFF, JPEG, PIC
T), the high-resolution image 78 is converted into the EPS format to generate a high-resolution image 78A, and the high-resolution image 78A is replaced with the low-resolution image 20 in the PS data.

Here, since the EPS format data is self-contained PS data, the exchange of the EPS format data in the PS data can be performed without affecting other parts of the PS data. .
Therefore, switching between the low-resolution image 20 and the high-resolution image in the PS data can be performed simply by changing the low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) without changing the description of the other parts of the PS data.
And high-resolution image (EPS format high-resolution image 78
Alternatively, it can be performed simply by replacing the high-resolution image 78A).

The OPI filter 106 is not the low-resolution image 20 from the editing workstation 10,
P containing comment 308 about high resolution image
When S data is received (that is, the P in the AldusOPI system)
S data, see FIG. 15) analyzes the comment 308,
A corresponding high-resolution image is searched, and the PS data can be rewritten so as to include the high-resolution image. That is, the OPI filter 106 is an AldusO
It is compatible with both PI and AliasEPS-OPI systems. When the OPI filter 106 receives the transmitted PS data A instructed not to perform the image replacement processing, the OPI filter 106 can also output the received PS data A without performing the replacement processing. Has become.

The PS data B including the high-resolution image 78 (or 78A) generated by the OPI filter 106 is sent to the RIP 102. RI
In P102, image data in page units is generated based on the PS data B. This image data is transmitted to the printer 14 and the printer 14
Printed by. Accordingly, printing is performed with a desired layout and based on the high-resolution image 78 in the image portion.

(Operation) Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, various formats (EPS, TIFF, JPEG, DCS, PICT,
Etc.) from the high-resolution image of the AliasEPS format, and prints by performing editing work using the generated low-resolution image (that is, AliasEPS).
-OPI method) will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the user inputs an OP on the server 12 side.
In the I database, specifically, the root directory 88
The high-resolution image 78 is copied to the high-resolution image folder 72 of the OPI folder 70 in the lower hierarchy.

In the server 12, the OPI daemon 104 automatically thins out the high-resolution image 78 and
A low-resolution image 20 in the PS format is generated. The low-resolution image generation processing by the OPI daemon 104 will be described later in detail.

The user operates the editing workstation 10
On the side, the editing work is performed using the editing software. At this time, the low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) generated by the server 12 is used instead of the high-resolution image 78 to determine the layout of the image. When the editing operation is completed and the user issues a print instruction for the edited page, the editing workstation 10 displays the low-resolution image 20 (Alia).
sEPS) is output to the server 12.

In the server 12, the received PS data A is analyzed by the OPI filter 106.
The comment 24 of the low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) is analyzed, and the low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) in the PS data A is converted to a high-resolution image 78 (or 78A) in the EPS format corresponding to the low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS). To generate PS data B (so-called “image replacement processing”). The image replacement processing by the OPI filter 106 will be described later in detail.

The generated PS data B is passed to the RIP 102. In the RIP 102, the high-resolution image 78
(Or 78A), the page-based image data is generated based on the PS data B.

The server 12 transmits the image data generated by the RIP 102 to the printer 14. The printer 14 performs printing based on the received image data. As a result, a printed matter having a desired layout and an image portion printed based on the high-resolution image 78 is output.

(Low Resolution Image Generation Processing) Next, the low resolution image generation processing by the OPI daemon 104 will be described in detail. In the following, as an example, a case where the low-resolution image 20 in the AliasEPS format is generated from the high-resolution image 78 in the TIFF format will be specifically described.
The following description is based on the assumption that a high-resolution image 78 in TIFF format with a file name of “imageA.tif” has been copied to a high-resolution image folder 72 in an OPI folder 70 with a folder name of “April”. (The folder name or file name is shown in "").

The OPI daemon 104 always performs a folder image monitoring process, and manages the OPI folder 7 under management.
The image in 0 is monitored (the low-resolution image 20 and the high-resolution image 78 are compared). High resolution image 78 "imag
When “eA.tif” is copied to the high-resolution image folder 72 in the OPI folder 70 “April”, the OPI daemon 104 causes the high-resolution image 78 “imageA.tif” to be copied.
It is recognized that there is no low-resolution image corresponding to. OP
In the I daemon 104, the high-resolution image 78 "imageA.ti
A low-resolution image generation job for “f” is generated and registered in the low-resolution image generation job queue 112.

The OPI daemon 104 interrupts the image conversion process monitoring process at predetermined time intervals, and checks the low-resolution image generation job queue 112 for any low-resolution image generation job waiting to be executed. OPI daemon 1
04, the high-resolution image 78 “imag
The low-resolution image generation job for “eA.tif” is extracted from the low-resolution image generation job queue 112, and an image conversion process corresponding to the low-resolution image generation job is started. FIG. 12 shows a processing flow of this image conversion process.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the image conversion process is started, first, a log file 80 is generated.
The log file 80 is set to the “generating” state (step 200). For details, see the OPI folder 70 “April”
Log file 80 "im"
ageA.continue "is generated. At this time, the log file 8 is opened from the editing workstation by the shell.
0 When "imageA.continue" is displayed, the icon 122
A is displayed.

Next, at step 202, referring to the correspondence table (see Table 1) of the OPI database 68,
Among the executable image conversion programs 114 prepared for each high-resolution image 78 in various formats such as EPS, TIFF, JPEG, DCS, and PICT, an image conversion program 114 “imgtif.exe” corresponding to the TIFF format is provided. Called and executed. As a result, the high-resolution image 78 “imag
eA.tif ”, a thinned image is generated, and a comment on the high-resolution image 78“ imageA.tif ”is generated.
The low-resolution image 20 “imageAs.eps” in the AliasEPS format is generated by combining the thinned image and the comment. Also, the generated low-resolution image 20 “imageAs.eps” is
Low-resolution image folder 7 in I-folder 70 "April"
4 is stored.

Next, in step 204, it is determined whether or not the generation of the low-resolution image 20 has succeeded. If it is determined that the generation has succeeded (YES in step 206),
Proceed to step 208. If failed (step 206
Proceeds to step 210).

In step 208, the log file 80 is set to the “completed” state. Specifically, the OPI folder 70
The file name of the log file 80 in the status folder 76 in “April” is changed from “imageA.continue” to “ima
geA.completed ”. When the user displays the log file 80 “imageA.completed” in a shell from the editing workstation side, the icon 12
2B is displayed.

In step 210, the log file is set to the "failure" state. Specifically, the OPI folder 70 “Ap
ril), the file name of the log file 80 in the status folder 76 from “imageA.continue” to “imageA.
failed ". The log file 80 "im
When "ageA.failed" is displayed, the icon 122C is displayed.

The user operates the editing workstation 10.
When the log file 80 is displayed in a shell from the side and it is confirmed from the file name or the appearance of the icon 122 that a low-resolution image has been generated, an editing operation is performed using editing software.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the image conversion program 114 for generating a low-resolution image from a high-resolution image is different from the program for causing the OPI 100 to function. Is provided in executable form. The OPI daemon 104 only calls the executable image conversion program 114 corresponding to the format of the high-resolution image 78 to be processed when executing the low-resolution image generation process, and the actual processing is performed by the image conversion program.

Therefore, the image conversion program 114 can be modified or a new image conversion program 114 can be added independently of the program on the OPI 100 side, and the addition or change of the image conversion function of the OPI 100 is recompiled or linked. It can be done without any work.

For example, when a function of generating a low resolution image by thinning out a high resolution image in the GIF format is added, an executable image conversion program (eg, imggif.exe) for performing this processing is stored in an HDD or the like. In the correspondence table (see Table 1) stored in the OPI database, the image conversion program 114 of the executable format for the GIF format is used.
(Imggif.exe) should be added. Also already O
When changing the image conversion function that can be used in the PI, it is only necessary to modify the corresponding image conversion program based on the change.

Normally, software for image processing and image conversion is provided to the user in an executable form.
If a function other than that provided by the system developer is required, general-purpose software can be called using this function of calling an executable program. For example, an executable program for performing density gradation conversion is called to enhance the contrast of the high-resolution image 78, or an executable program for filtering (for example, a median filter) for removing noise from the image is called to obtain a high-resolution image. The image quality of the high-resolution image 78 can be improved by removing noise from the image 78 or the like.

Table 2 shows a comparison between the prior art and the present embodiment.

[0118]

[Table 2]

(Image Replacement Processing) Next, the image replacement processing by the OPI filter 106 will be described in detail. Hereinafter, specifically, a case where the PS data A obtained by performing the editing operation using the low resolution image 20 “imageAs.eps” generated by the above low resolution generation processing is input to the server 12 explain. The high-resolution image 78 “imageA.tif” corresponding to the low-resolution image 20 “imageAs.eps” is in the TIFF format,
High-resolution image folder 7 in I-folder 70 "April"
2 is stored.

FIG. 13 shows a flow of the image replacement processing by the OPI filter 106. As shown in FIG. 13, first, in step 220, the PS data A
Is read every predetermined amount (for example, one line). Next, in step 222, it is determined whether or not the description of the read PS data A includes the low-resolution image 20 in the AliasEPS format. More specifically, when the identification information indicating the AliasEPS (included in the AliasEPS comment 24, see FIG. 2) is detected in the description content of the read PS data A, the low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) is included. Judge that

If the low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) is not included (No in step 222), the process proceeds to step 224, and the description of the PS data read in step 220 is directly written into the output PS data. If the unread description contents still remain in the PS data A (No at Step 226), Step 2
Returning to step 20, the description content of the next (unread) PS data A is read by a predetermined amount.

On the other hand, if the low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) is included in the description content of the PS data A read in step 220 (Yes in step 222), the process proceeds to step 228, where the low-resolution image 20 AliasEPS)
Is analyzed. That is, the low-resolution image 2
0 “imageAs.eps” and the comment 24 are analyzed.

Next, at step 230, the comment 24
, A high-resolution image 78 corresponding to the low-resolution image 20 is searched. This search is a file name search,
A path search, an ID search, or a combination thereof is executed, but a detailed description is omitted here. High-resolution image 78 "i" corresponding to low-resolution image 20 "imageAs.eps"
When “mageA.tif” is retrieved, the process proceeds to step 232.

In step 232, the low-resolution image 20
In order to replace “imageAs.eps” with the high-resolution image 78 “imageA.tif”, a process of replacing the low-resolution image and the high-resolution image shown in FIG. 14 is performed.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the process of exchanging the low-resolution image and the high-resolution image, first, at step 240
In, it is determined whether the high resolution image 78 is in the EPS format. If the high-resolution image 78 is in the EPS format, the process proceeds to step 244; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 244 via step 242. The high-resolution image 78 “imageA.ti
Since “f” is in the TIFF format, the process proceeds to step 242 here.

In the step 242, the high-resolution image 78
(Other than the EPS format) is converted into the EPS format to generate the EPS format high resolution image 78A. That is, here, the high-resolution image 78 “imageA.tif” is converted to the high-resolution image 78A in the EPS format.

Next, in step 244, the low-resolution image 20 (AliasEPS) is replaced with the high-resolution image 78A (EPS) and written in the output PS data. That is, the low-resolution image 20 “imageAs.ep” is included in the PS data for output.
s "and replace the high-resolution image 78" imageA.tif "with E
The high-resolution image 78A converted into the PS format is written.

If the high-resolution image 78 is in the EPS format, the high-resolution image 78 is written to the output PS data without conversion in step 242.

If the process of replacing the low-resolution image and the high-resolution image has been completed and the unread content still remains in the PS data A (negative determination in step 226), the process returns to step 220 and returns to the next (unread) A) Read a predetermined amount of the description content of the PS data A).

After such processing is repeated for all the description contents of the PS data A, the output PS data is output. That is, the low-resolution image 20 of the PS data A
The PS data B in which (AliasEPS) is replaced with the high-resolution image 78A (or 78) is output to the RIP 102.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the OPI
100, EPS format (for details, AliasEPS)
A low-resolution image 20 for editing work is generated, and is replaced with a high-resolution image in EPS format at the stage of PS data A generated after the editing work. At this time, if the high-resolution image 78 is not in the EPS format, it is converted to the EPS format and then replaced.

That is, the editing software simply includes
Only a function of handling an image in the EPS format and outputting an editing result as PS data is required, and general editing software usually has this function. Therefore, the OPI can be performed without using special editing software (software supporting OPI) as in the related art.
The system can be realized. Also, as before
The OPI system can be used for not only the high-resolution image 78 in the TIFF format but also the high-resolution image 78 in various formats.

Since the data in the EPS data format is self-contained PS data, the low-resolution image 20 in the EPS format can be handled independently in the PS data A generated after the editing work. Therefore, by converting the low-resolution image 20 into the EPS data format, the low-resolution image 20 in the PS data A can be simply converted to the high-resolution image 78 (if necessary, without rewriting the entire PS data). To P) that contains the high-resolution image 78
S data B can be generated.

Further, by adopting the EPS data format as the format of the low-resolution image 20 for editing, information relating to the high-resolution image necessary for image replacement processing by the OPI filter is referred to as a comment 24 which does not affect other software. It can be inserted into the low-resolution image 20 in the form. That is, even if information on high resolution is included, except for the OPI filter,
The low-resolution image 20 can be handled simply as thinned image data in the EPS format.

Also, since the comment 24 is not printed,
In the case of performing test printing or the like, it is also possible to print PS data output from the knitting workstation (output to a printer for proofing) without changing to a high-resolution image and keeping the low-resolution image.

Table 3 shows a comparison between the prior art and the present embodiment.

[0137]

[Table 3]

In the present embodiment, the printer 14 is used as an output device of the image data generated by the server 12.
However, image data may be output to a processor that generates a printing plate.

[0139]

As described above, the present invention realizes an OPI system having no restrictions on the format of editing software and high-resolution image data, and simply replaces only low-resolution image areas with high-resolution images. Has an excellent effect that PS data including a high-resolution image can be generated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a low-resolution image in AliasEPS format.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an editing workstation.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a server.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an OPI database.

FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram for explaining functions of a server.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for describing an outline of a process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for describing an outline of processing by an OPI daemon.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a folder monitoring process.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image monitoring process.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image conversion process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an image conversion process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an image replacement process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of replacing a low-resolution image and a high-resolution image.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a conventional OPI method (Aldus-OPI).

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 editing workstation (terminal device, first PS data generating means) 12 server 14 printer 16 network 18 client server system 20 low resolution image data 22 thinned image (real image) 24 comment (replacement information) 66 image database 68 OPI Database (high-resolution image data storage means) 70 OPI folder 72 high-resolution image folder 74 low-resolution image folder 76 status folder 78 high-resolution image 80 log file 88 OPI root directory 90 OPI directory 100 OPI 102 RIP (image data generation means, test Image data generating means) 104 OPI daemon (low-resolution image data generating means, program selecting means, program starting means) 106 OPI file Filter (search means, conversion means, second PS data generation means) 108 Authentication file 110 ID file 112 Low resolution image generation job queue 114 Image conversion program (program) 122 Icon A PS data (first PS data) B PS Data (second PS data)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C087 AB06 BC05 BD01 BD24 CA02 5B021 AA01 BB09 CC07 5B057 CA16 CA18 CB18 CD05 CG10 CH11 5C076 AA21 AA22 9A001 BB04 CC02 HH23 JJ12 JJ27 JJ35 KK42 LL03

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A desired low-resolution image in an EPS format that can be treated as independent PS data in PS data from high-resolution image data of various formats and includes replacement information for switching to the high-resolution image data. Generating first PS data including the low-resolution image data as an independent area; and referencing the replacement information in the low-resolution image data included in the first PS data. Then, the first P
The high resolution image data corresponding to the low resolution image data included in the S data is converted into an EPS format, and only the low resolution image data area of the first PS data is converted into the EPS format. A data generation method, wherein the second PS data is generated in place of the resolution image data. 2. When generating the low-resolution image data, a program in an independently executable format is started, and the program includes a low-resolution EPS format including replacement information for replacing the high-resolution image data. The data generation method according to claim 1, further comprising: executing a process of generating image data. 3. The program is prepared in advance for each format of the high-resolution image, and when the low-resolution image data is generated, the program corresponding to the high-resolution image data from which the program is generated is selected. 3. The data generation method according to claim 2, wherein the method is activated. 4. An image processing system configured by a terminal device and a server connected by a network and executing predetermined image processing, wherein high-resolution image data storage means stores high-resolution image data in various formats. And generating low-resolution image data for generating desired low-resolution image data in EPS format including replacement information for switching from the high-resolution image data stored in the high-resolution image data storage unit to the high-resolution image data. Means for determining the arrangement position of the high-resolution image data,
A first PS for performing an editing operation using the desired low-resolution image data generated by the low-resolution image data generating means and generating first PS data including the low-resolution image data as an independent area; A data generation unit, and referring to the replacement information in the low-resolution image data included in the first PS data, and referring to the high-resolution image data stored in the high-resolution image data storage unit. Converting means for converting high-resolution image data corresponding to the low-resolution image data contained in the first PS data into an EPS format; and only the low-resolution image data area of the first PS data Is replaced with the high-resolution image data converted into the EPS format by the conversion means, and the second PS data is generated. The image processing system characterized by having a PS data generating means, a. 5. A low-resolution image data generating means, further comprising: a program storage means for storing a program in a format which can be independently executed to generate the low-resolution image data for each format of the high-resolution image data. However, when low-resolution image data is generated, a program selection unit that selects the program corresponding to the format of the high-resolution image data of the generation source from the program storage unit, and reads out the program selected by the selection unit. The image processing system according to claim 4, further comprising: a program activation unit that activates the program. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
When generating test image data based on the PS data, a test is performed in which the replacement information included in the first PS data is ignored and the test image is generated using only the desired low-resolution image data. The image processing system according to claim 4, further comprising an image generation unit. 7. An image data generating means for generating image data based on the second PS data generated by the converting means, the second PS data generating means, and the second PS data generating means. The image processing system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein (a) and (b) are provided in the server.