JP2001353852A - Auxiliary device for printing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an auxiliary device for a printing machine which can produce a signal for controlling a proper amount of ink to be supplied even when printed matter to be a standard is not prepared in advance. SOLUTION: The printing machine produces printed matter based on image data (printed image data) supplied from an external image data preparation means. The printed matter is carried to a trial table, which is the auxiliary device for the printing machine, mounted on its mounting table, and read by an image pick-up part. The image pick-up part outputs read image data. An image processing part, by outputting the difference between the read image data and the printed image data in each split area, produces a control signal for regulating the opening value of an ink key in the printing machine.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing device auxiliary device (so-called light booth) for inspecting printed matter output from a digital printing device and creating an optimum control signal for the digital printing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a plate making apparatus for forming an image on a printing plate based on digital image data, a so-called CTP (Coating
2. Description of the Related Art A printing apparatus in which a mputer-to-plate is installed in a machine has been put to practical use, and is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-272756. Such a printing apparatus is referred to as a digital printing apparatus, and is suitable for printing various kinds of small copies in a short working time because a printed material is directly obtained from image data. In this digital printing apparatus, a plate making process and the like are automated so that even an unskilled person can easily handle it. However, further automation of ink supply control in a printing process is desired.

Conventionally, ink supply control has been performed according to a procedure as shown in FIG. In this procedure, first, a printing plate is output. (Step S10)

Next, the pattern area ratio of the printing plate is measured using a plate scanner (step S20). That is,
Since the amount of ink required by the printing device is not uniform in one image, one image is divided into multiple areas,
By measuring the picture area ratio of each area, the amount of ink required for each area is estimated. The pattern area ratio can be defined as "the ratio of the image area in the unit area". The plate cylinder surface is divided into a plurality of virtual areas for each length corresponding to the width of the ink key in the axial direction of the plate cylinder. In step S20, the pattern area ratio of each of the plurality of virtual regions is obtained by measuring the density of the surface of the printing plate.

Next, based on the picture area ratio obtained in step S20, the ink key of the printing apparatus is preset by the ink fountain presetting apparatus. (Step S30) Next, printing by the printing apparatus is started. (Step S4
0)

[0006] The density of the printed matter output from the printing apparatus is measured on a light booth (step S50), and it is confirmed whether or not the printed matter is printed at a desired density. (Step S60) That is, it is confirmed whether the printed matter is properly printed by comparing with a reference printed matter (OK sheet) prepared in advance by a proof machine or the like.

On the basis of the comparison result in step S60, fine adjustment of the ink key using the ink key control device provided in the printing apparatus is performed, and the printing apparatus is adjusted so as to output a printed matter having an appropriate density. (Step S7
0)

Thereafter, until a required number of sheets have been printed (step S90), a sample printed matter is extracted at a desired timing (step S80), and step S50 is performed.
From step S70 to step S70.

[0009]

In the above prior art, a reference printed matter must be prepared in advance.
However, in recent years, proof printing is often performed by a simple proofing device such as an ink-jet printer, and it may not be possible to prepare in advance a reference printed matter that can be used in a printing device. In addition, there is a problem that the comparison work between the reference printed matter and the sample printed matter, and the adjustment work of the printing apparatus based on the comparison result can be performed only by skilled workers, and from the viewpoint of automation of the printing work. Improvement was desired.

On the other hand, in a conventional color stand, a printed matter is placed on a table, and the printed matter is scanned and measured by a reading means such as a line sensor. In such a light booth, there is a problem that the scanning mechanism of the reading means is required, the configuration of the apparatus is complicated, and it takes a long time to scan while moving the reading means. In addition, since the reading means is provided on the table, the reading means must be evacuated when the operator spreads the printed material on the table and performs plate inspection work, thereby increasing the installation space of the light booth itself. There was also the problem of making it work.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a function of forming an image on a printing plate based on image data, a function of attaching ink to the printing plate, and a function of transferring the ink to printing paper. A printing device auxiliary device connected to a printing device comprising: a mounting portion on which a printed material output from the printing device is mounted; and a reading device configured to read and read the printed material mounted on the mounting portion. An imaging unit that outputs image data, the read image data output by the imaging unit is compared with the image data, and based on the comparison result, the amount of ink that the printing device supplies to the printing plate is determined. An image processing unit that generates a signal for control.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus calculates a difference between the read image data output by the imaging unit and the image data in a dot area ratio. It is characterized in that it is means for generating a signal for controlling the ink supply amount by outputting the signal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the imaging unit collectively images substantially the entire area of the mounting unit in three primary colors of RGB. It is characterized in that read image data corresponding to a printed matter is extracted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, at least one of an image based on the image data, an image based on the read image data, and the comparison result is displayed as an image. An image display unit; and an input unit for inputting a signal generated by the image processing unit for correcting a signal for controlling an amount of ink supplied to the printing plate by the printing apparatus. It is characterized by having.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus auxiliary apparatus connected to a printing apparatus having a function of forming an image on a printing plate based on image data, wherein a printed matter output from the printing apparatus is provided. A mounting unit on which the reading unit is mounted, an imaging unit that reads a printed matter mounted on the mounting unit and outputs read image data, and compares the read image data output by the imaging unit with the image data. And inspecting means for inspecting whether or not the printed matter contains a defective printing portion.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus auxiliary device for measuring a printed matter printed by a printing apparatus, wherein the placing table on which the printed matter is placed is separated from the placing table upward. A two-dimensional image pickup means which collectively captures substantially the entire area of the printed matter on the mounting table to obtain image data of the printed matter; and ink colors printed from the image data picked up by the two-dimensional image pickup means. Image processing means for performing color calculation by using

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the result of the calculation by the image processing means and / or substantially outside the placement table at a height position between the placement table and the two-dimensional imaging means. Alternatively, a display unit for displaying captured image data is provided.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Overall Description] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light booth 1 according to the present invention. The light booth 1 is a device that reads a printed matter output from a printing device, and is a printing device auxiliary device that performs the following operations based on read image data of the printed matter. Detect print defects. (Printing Defect Inspection Operation) The read image data is converted into image data creating means 3 (described later).
The ink supply amount data is created by comparing with the print image data supplied from the printer. (Work for Creating Ink Supply Amount Data) It is determined whether or not the printed matter is printed in a correct color tone by comparing with the print image data. (Color tone judgment work)

As shown in FIG. 1, a color stand 1 includes a mounting table 11 on which a printed material 2 serving as a sample is mounted, an illuminating means 12 for illuminating the printed material, An imaging unit 13 having a two-dimensional CCD that collectively reads the entire surface and outputs it as image information, a display 14 for displaying various images including the image of the printed matter 2 and calculation results, and an input unit 15 including a keyboard and a pointing device And a partially bent frame 16 attached to the mounting table 11 to support the illumination means 12 and the imaging section 13.

The display 14 is located at a height between the image pickup unit 13 and the mounting table 11, and is operated by an operator.
It is arranged at a position where it can be easily compared with the printed matter 2 placed on the placing table 11 by visual observation. It is preferable that the display 14 is disposed outside a substantial mounting table including an end of the mounting table 11 so that an operator can easily work on the mounting table 11, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, a position that is located on the back side of the table and does not interfere with the work of the operator is preferable.

In the light booth 1 according to this embodiment, the printed matter placed on the mounting table 11 is read by the image pickup section 13 at a time, so that scanning does not take much time unlike the conventional light booth. . Further, since the imaging unit 13 is arranged to be spaced upward from the mounting table 11, the operator will not be jammed when performing an operation on the mounting table 11, and unlike the conventional scanning type reading means. There is no need for a space to be evacuated at the end of the mounting table 11 or a evacuating operation.

First, the printing device 4 used with the color checker 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the printing apparatus 4.

[Printing Apparatus] As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 4 serves as a printing mechanism, including first and second plate cylinders 101 and 102 for holding a printing plate, and transferring an ink image from each plate cylinder. First and second blanket cylinders 1
03, 104, and an impression cylinder 105 on which ink images are transferred from both blanket cylinders 103, 104 while holding the printing paper.
A paper feed cylinder 106 and a paper discharge cylinder 107 for supplying or discharging printing paper to / from the impression cylinder 105;
Fountain solution supply means 108 and ink supply means 10 for supplying fountain solution or ink to the printing plates on the plate cylinders 1 and 2
9, a paper feeding unit 110 for sequentially supplying the stacked unprinted printing papers, and a paper discharging unit 1 for sequentially loading the printed printing papers
11 is provided.

On the other hand, this printing apparatus has a plate making mechanism,
A printing plate supply unit 112 for supplying an unexposed printing plate to the first and second plate cylinders 101 and 102; an image recording unit 113 for recording an image on the printing plate on the plate cylinder; And a printing plate discharging unit 115 that discharges the used printing plate.

[Each Unit of Printing Apparatus] Hereinafter, each unit will be described in detail.

The first plate cylinder 101 is configured to be movable between a first printing position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2 and an image recording position indicated by a two-dot chain line by a plate cylinder driving mechanism (not shown). Also, the second plate cylinder 2 is similarly configured to be movable between a second printing position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1 and an image recording position indicated by a two-dot chain line by a plate cylinder driving mechanism (not shown). ing. That is, the first and second plate cylinders 10
1 and 102 are first when performing a printing operation, respectively.
Alternatively, when the printing plate is arranged at the second printing position and the plate making operation is executed, the plate making process of the printing plate on each plate cylinder is performed while being alternately arranged at the image recording position. This first plate cylinder 1
01 and the second plate cylinder 102 each have a peripheral surface capable of holding a printing plate for two colors, and each printing plate is placed on the peripheral surface by 18 mm.
Two sets of gripping means (not shown) for fixing to the position facing 0 degrees are provided.

The first blanket cylinder 103 is provided with the first blanket cylinder 103.
The second blanket cylinder 104 is also configured to rotate in contact with the first plate cylinder 1 at the second printing position. It is configured to rotate in contact. This first and second
Blanket cylinders 103 and 104 have the same diameter as the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2, and a blanket capable of transferring ink images of two colors from each plate cylinder is mounted on the peripheral surface thereof. I have.

The impression cylinder 105 has a half diameter of the first and second plate cylinders 101 and 102, and the first and second plate cylinders 101 and 102 have the same diameter.
Is configured to rotate in contact with both of the blanket cylinders 103 and 104. The impression cylinder 105 includes a not-shown gripper capable of holding one sheet of printing paper having a size corresponding to the printing plate. The holding means can be opened and closed at a predetermined timing by an opening / closing mechanism (not shown) to hold the front end of the printing paper.

The paper feed cylinder 106 and the paper discharge cylinder 107 have the same diameter as the impression cylinder 105, and are provided with not-shown grip means similar to the grip means provided on the impression cylinder 105. The gripping means of the paper feeding cylinder 106 and the paper discharging cylinder 107 are arranged so as to be able to transfer the printing paper in synchronization with the gripping means of the impression cylinder 105.

The first and second plate cylinders 101 and 102, the first and second blanket cylinders 103 and 104, and the impression cylinder 105 are arranged at the first and second printing positions.
And a paper feed cylinder 106 and a paper discharge cylinder 107, each of which has a drive gear (not shown) having the same size as the diameter of each cylinder at the body end, and each gear between the abutting cylinders. Are engaged. Therefore, by driving this gear by a printing drive motor (not shown), the respective cylinders can be rotationally driven synchronously.

In the printing apparatus of the present embodiment, since the plate cylinders 101 and 102 and the blanket cylinders 103 and 104 have twice the circumference of the impression cylinder 105, the plate cylinder 10
The impression cylinder makes two rotations for each rotation of 1, 102 and blanket cylinders 103, 104. Therefore, when the impression cylinder 105 rotates twice while holding the printing paper, the first and second plate cylinders 101 and 102 can perform multicolor printing of a total of four colors of two colors + two colors.

The dampening solution supply means 8 is provided for each of the plate cylinders 101 and 102 at the first and second printing positions, respectively.
They are arranged in pairs and can selectively supply a dampening solution to the two printing plates on each plate cylinder 101, 102. The dampening water supply means 108 includes a watercraft storing the dampening water, and a dampening water roller group for pumping the dampening water in the watercraft and passing it to the printing plate surface. The roller that comes into contact with the plate surface is configured to come into contact with or separate from the plate drum surface by a cam mechanism (not shown). If the printing plate is of a type that does not require dampening solution, the dampening solution supply means 108 is not required.

[Ink supply means] Ink supply means 109
Are the plate cylinders 101 at the first and second printing positions,
Two sets are provided for each of the printing plates 102, and inks of different colors can be selectively supplied to the two printing plates on each plate cylinder 101, 102. For example, in this embodiment, K (black) and M (magenta) ink supply means 109 are provided for the first plate cylinder 101, and C ink is provided for the second plate cylinder 102. The color (cyan) and Y (yellow) ink supply means 109 are arranged. In the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish the ink supply means 109 for each color, the ink supply means 10
The code (CMYK) indicating the color of the ink is added to the end of 9.
That is, they are expressed as 109C, 109M, 109Y, and 109K.

Some of the dampening water supply means 108 and the ink supply means 109 are provided with the first and second plate cylinders 1.
It is configured to be able to evacuate from the movement route along with the movement of 01 and 102.

[Details of Ink Supply Means] The structure of the ink supply means 109 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of the ink supply unit 109. In FIG. 3, an ink supply unit 109 includes an ink fountain roller 120 and an ink key 1 that constitute an ink fountain device.
21, an ink transfer roller 123 provided swingably by an arm 122, a plurality of ink rollers 124,
And an ink application roller 125 for supplying ink by contacting the printing plate surface. FIG. 3 shows only one ink roller 124.

The ink fountain means is a device in which an ink key 121 made of a thin metal plate is brought into contact with a peripheral surface of an ink fountain roller 120 provided along the axis of the plate cylinder. The roller 120 is divided into a plurality of parts along the axial direction. Ink is stored in an ink groove space formed by the ink discharging roller 120, the ink key 121, and a side plate (not shown).

Each ink key 121 is independently driven by a driving screw or the like (not shown) in a direction of coming into contact with or separating from the surface of the ink fountain roller 120. Can be adjusted. Then, by rotating the ink fountain roller 120 in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing, ink is jetted onto the surface of the ink fountain roller 120 with a film thickness based on the opening.

The ink transfer roller 123 includes an arm 122
The ink reciprocates between the ink fountain roller 120 and the ink roller 124 due to the movement of the ink, and the ink on the ink fountain roller 120 is transferred to the ink roller 124 by alternately contacting the ink fountain roller 120 and the ink roller 124.

The ink rollers 124 are arranged so that a plurality of rollers made of metal or rubber are successively brought into contact with each other, and some of them swing and move in the axial direction of the rollers. An ink kneading operation is performed by the ink roller.

The inking roller 125 has at least one
In a state of contact with one of the ink rollers 124, the cam mechanism (not shown) contacts or separates from the peripheral surface of the first plate cylinder 101 or the second plate cylinder 102. This makes it possible to supply ink of a color corresponding to the corresponding printing plate on the plate cylinder.

In the ink supply means 109, the ink supply amount of each color can be controlled along the axial direction of the plate cylinder (direction perpendicular to the printing direction) by adjusting the opening of the ink key 121. Ink key 1 as described above
A plurality 21 is provided in the axial direction of the plate cylinder. In this embodiment, five ink keys 1 for one color ink are used.
21 are juxtaposed in the axial direction of the plate cylinder. In the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish the ink keys, the ink keys and Arabic numerals are added at the end.
For example, the second ink key 12 for the M color ink
When 1 is mentioned, it is expressed as 121M2.

Returning to FIG. 2, the paper feeding unit 110 takes out printing paper one by one from a pile of unused printing paper and transfers it to the paper feeding cylinder 106. In this embodiment, It operates to supply the printing paper once every two rotations of the paper feed cylinder. The paper discharge unit 111 receives printed printing paper from the paper discharge cylinder 107 and stacks it. The details of the paper discharge unit 111 will be described later.

Next, the plate making mechanism of the printing apparatus will be described. In this printing apparatus, when performing a plate making operation, the first and second plate cylinders 101 and 102 are alternately moved to an image recording position. At this image recording position, a friction roller (not shown) is configured to be in contact with the plate cylinder to rotate.

The printing plate supply unit 112 includes a cassette roll for storing the unexposed printing plate in a light-shielded state, a transport roller and a transport guide for transporting the drawn printing plate to the plate cylinders 101 and 102, and the printing plate. Cutting means for cutting the sheet into a sheet shape. In this embodiment, a silver salt sensitive material is used as a printing plate, and an image is recorded by a laser beam. The printing plate supply operation procedure is as follows. First, the leading end of the printing plate pulled out from the cassette roll is clamped by gripping means (not shown) of the plate cylinders 101 and 102, and the plate cylinders 101 and 102 are rotated in this state to perform printing. The plate is wound on plate cylinders 101 and 102, and thereafter, the printing plate is cut at a predetermined length, and the rear end of the printing plate is held by the other gripping means.

The image recording unit 113 turns on / o the laser light.
The image is recorded by exposing the printing plate by ff. In this embodiment, a laser beam emitted from a laser source (not shown) is scanned in the axial direction of the plate cylinder by a polarizer such as a polygon mirror (not shown), and the printing plate surface is scanned by rotating the plate cylinder. Configuration. The printing plate and image recording unit 11
As 3, not only a device for recording an image by exposure but also a device for recording an image by heat or electric discharge machining may be used.

The developing section 114 develops the printing plate exposed by the image recording section 113. In this embodiment, the developing unit 114 has a configuration in which the processing liquid stored in a processing tank (not shown) is pumped up by an application roller and applied to a printing plate to perform a developing process. And a lifting means (not shown) which moves to a position close to the plate cylinder. Note that if an image recording method that does not require development processing is adopted, the developing unit 114 may be omitted.

In this printing apparatus, the first and second plate cylinders 101 and 102 are moved to an image recording position, and a printing plate is supplied, and an image is recorded and developed to perform a plate making operation. When the plate making operation is completed, the first and second plate cylinders 10
1, 102 can be arranged at the first and second printing positions to perform a printing operation.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus can automatically discharge the printing plate after the printing operation is completed. In this embodiment, the printing plate discharge unit 115 includes a separating unit that separates the printing plate from the plate cylinder at the image recording position, a conveying unit that conveys the separated printing plate, and a conveyed used printing plate. And a discharge cassette for discharging the paper.

[Electrical Configuration of Light Booth 1] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the light booth 1.

As shown in this figure, the color booth 1 is connected to external image data creating means 3 and a printing device 4 via a LAN or the like. The image data creating means 3 includes, for example, a DTP device (Desk-Top-Publishing) for creating image data constituting a printed matter and a RIP device (Raster-Top-Publishing) for converting the image data into binary image data in a bitmap format. Image-Processing), and supplies the image data to the light booth 1 and the printing device 4. In this embodiment, RIP 1 and printing device 4
The processed binary image data d0 and the image data d1 for controlling the ink supply amount are supplied.

The binary image data d0 is sent from the control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 4 to the image recording unit 113, and an image is recorded on a printing plate based on the image data. That is, the laser light is turned on / o according to the binary value of the image data d0.
The image is recorded under the ff control. FIG. 5 is an example of a printed matter output from the printing device 4. The printed matter is 2
Picture part 2a created based on value image data d0
And a margin 2b not based on the image data d0. In the margin 2b, a register mark 2c created based on data unique to the printing press 4 that is not based on the image data d0, a symbol 2d indicating the source of the printed matter, an ink sample 2e for checking the coloring condition of each ink alone, etc. Is formed. In this example, only one image is printed on one printed matter, but usually, a plurality of images are printed on one printed matter.

The image data d1 for controlling the ink supply amount is as follows.
In this embodiment, CIP3 (International Cooperat
ion for Integration of Prepress, Press, and Postpr
ess) PPF (Print Production Format) in the standard
Image data for actually recording an image on the printing plate, that is, the binary image data d0
This is image data obtained by converting the image data before the P processing into a low-resolution image, and each pixel value is represented by multiple values for each of CMYK. This image data is subjected to image processing by the control unit 100 and used for controlling the ink supply amount by the ink supply unit 109.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main components of the electrical configuration of the light booth 1 are an imaging unit 13, a display 14, an input unit 15, an image processing unit 30, an image size changing unit 21, and a picture extracting unit 22. , Storage unit 23, first RGB-LAB conversion unit 2
4. Second RGB-LAB conversion unit 25, print failure inspection unit 2
6. The color tone determination unit 27.

The image pickup section 13 reads the printed matter 2 placed on the placing table 11 at a time, and outputs read image data RGB1. The read image data RGB1 is data expressed in RGB. Note that, even when the printed matter 2 includes a plurality of picture parts 2a, it is desirable that the printed matter 2 can be read at a time.

The picture extracting section 22 is a means for extracting only image data corresponding to the picture section 2a (hereinafter referred to as read image data RGB2) from the read image data RGB1 outputted from the image pickup section 13. That is, the picture extraction unit 202
Then, the image data corresponding to the margin 2b is deleted. When the printed matter 2 includes a plurality of picture parts 2a, the picture parts 2a are extracted one by one in order.

The storage unit 20 stores colorimetric values (here, CIE L * a *) of the colors of the printing paper currently used by the printing apparatus 4 and the colors when each ink is printed alone on the printing paper. b
* Value).

The first RGB-L * a * b * conversion unit 24
The image data (read image data RGB1) of the entire surface of the printed matter 2 output from the imaging unit 13 is converted into a colorimetric value (here, CIE).
L * a * b * value). 2nd RGB-L * a *
The b * conversion unit 25 converts the image data d1 supplied from the image data creation unit 3 into colorimetric values (here, CIE L * a *
b * value).

The print defect inspection unit 26 is a means for detecting a defective ink adhesion portion of the printed matter 2 read by the image pickup unit 13 and a print defect such as stain or discoloration of the printing paper. The print defect inspection unit 26 determines whether or not the color of the pattern portion 2a is included in the read image.
A printing failure of the printed matter 2 is detected based on whether a color other than a color unique to the printing paper is included.

More specifically, the image data sent from the first RGB-L * a * b * converter 24 includes the L * a * sent from the second RGB-L * a * b * converter 25. It is determined whether or not a color having a large color difference from the b * value (hereinafter, illegal color) is included. If the illegal color is included, whether the illegal color corresponds to a color unique to the printing paper is determined. If it is determined that the illegal color is not a color unique to the printing paper, it is determined that there is a defective print portion in the printed material 2 read by the imaging unit 13. If the print defect inspecting unit 26 determines that there is a defective print portion, it displays a warning on the display 14. It is desirable that the printing defect inspection unit 26 displays a warning so that the operator can specify a printing defect location on the display 14.

For example, when a stain d (see FIG. 5) in the printed matter 2 is detected, the print defect inspecting unit 26 displays the periphery of the stain d in a special color or surrounds the stain d with a special figure. The entire image of the printed matter 2 is displayed on the display 14 in such a manner that the stain d can be specified. What should be noted here is that the print defect inspecting unit 26 inspects the entire surface of the printed matter 2, so not only when the print defect is in the picture 2 a but also in a place other than the picture part 2 a of the printed matter 2. That is, it can be detected even in some cases.

The color tone judging section 27 performs the printing 2 based on the read image data RGB2 output from the picture extracting section 22.
Is a means for determining whether or not the picture portion 2a is printed in a correct color tone.

Specifically, the image data d supplied from the image data creating means 3
1 and the histogram of the read image obtained from the read image data RGB2 are calculated, and it is determined whether the obtained correlation is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold. If it is the above, the picture part 2 of the printed matter 2
It is determined that a is not colored with an appropriate color, that is, the color tone is poor.

When the color tone judging section 27 judges that the color tone is poor, a warning is displayed on the display 14.

The image processing section 30 includes the image data creating means 3
By comparing the print image data d1 sent from the printer with the read image data of the printed matter 2 read by the imaging unit 13,
This is a means for creating ink supply amount data required by the printing apparatus 4. The image processing unit 30 will be described later in detail.

[Printing Operation] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an outline of a printing operation using the image data creating device 3, the printing device 4, and the light booth 1 will be described.

First, the image data is read from the image data creating means 3 to the printing apparatus 4. (Step S10
0) Next, the printer 4 is set. (Step S110)
That is, the printing plate is mounted on the peripheral surface of the first plate cylinder 101 and the second plate cylinder 102, and then the image 2a is printed on the printing plate based on the binary image data d0 supplied from the image data creating means 3. Record. Further, the register mark 2c is image-recorded on all the printing plates based on the information held by the printing device 4. Further, the ink sample 2e is image-recorded on a printing plate of a corresponding color. Further, a symbol 2d indicating the source of the printed matter is image-recorded in the vicinity of the corresponding picture portion 2a of all the printing plates based on the tag information of the image data.

Next, from the image data creating means 3 to the control unit 1
At 00, the print image data d1 for ink amount control is read, and the control unit 100 creates an ink key opening value for the ink supply unit 109 prepared for each printing plate based on the read image data d1. (Step S130)

This operation will be described with reference to FIG. 8 taking C color as an example from CMYK. As shown in FIG. 8, the printing plate of C color has the ink key 1 in the horizontal direction (the axial direction of the plate cylinder).
5 for each width corresponding to 21 and 4 for the vertical direction (printing direction)
It is divided into a total of 20 virtual regions (hereinafter, referred to as a first divided region a to a twentieth divided region t). 5
Each of the ink keys 121C supplies ink to four divided areas. For example, the first ink key 121C1 supplies ink to the first to fourth divided areas a to d. Note that a set of divided areas associated with one ink key 121 is called an area group. That is, one region group is configured by the first divided region a to the fourth divided region e associated with the first ink key 121C1.

The control unit 100 obtains the picture area ratio of each of the 20 divided areas a to t based on the print image data d1. The pattern area ratios of the divided areas are added and averaged for each corresponding ink key, and an average pattern area ratio is obtained. Thereby, the ink key opening value of the ink key is obtained. That is, the image area ratios of the divided areas a, b, c, and d are added and averaged, and the ink key opening value of the ink key 109c1 is obtained. In a similar manner, the ink key opening values of the ink keys 121C2, 121C3, 121C4, and 121C5 are obtained. Note that these ink key opening values are stored and held by the control unit 100.

Next, the control unit 100 controls the ink supply means 109C, 109M, 109 according to the ink key opening value.
By driving a drive screw (not shown) provided in Y, 109K, the ink key 121 (FIG. 3) is driven to set so that the ink amount corresponding to the picture is supplied to each printing plate of CMYK. . (Step S140)

When the presetting of the ink key 121 is completed, printing by the printing device 4 is started. (Step S1
50) Shortly after starting printing, sufficient ink is not supplied to the first and second plate cylinders 101 and 102, and the printing paper does not have sufficient ink. Therefore, the pattern of the printed matter 2 has poor coloring. The printed matter output at this stage is
It is discarded because the worker is unaware of it only by visual inspection. (Step S160)

When the coloring condition of the printed matter 2 is improved so that the coloring defect cannot be visually recognized, the process proceeds to step S170. That is, the operator takes out the printed material 2 serving as a sample from the paper output unit 111 (FIG. 2) of the printing apparatus 4, transports it to the color check table 1, and places it on the mounting table 11.

The image pickup section 13 reads the printed matter 2 placed on the placing table 11 at a time, and outputs read image data RGB1. (Step S180) Read image data RGB
1 is data represented by RGB. The read image data RGB1 is sent to the picture extracting unit 22 and the second RGB-LAB converting unit 24.

The read image data RGB1 is converted to the first RGB-L
The reason why the printout is sent to the AB conversion unit 24 is that the printout failure inspection unit 26 detects a printout failure of the entire printed matter 2.

The print data to be sent to the picture extracting unit 22 is
This is because the color tone determining unit 27 determines whether the color tone of the upper pattern 2a is good or not, and calculates the optimum ink supply amount in the image processing unit 30.

In the next step S190, a printing failure inspection is performed by the printing failure inspection unit 26. Next step S2
At 00, the pattern extracting section 22 extracts the pattern section 2a and sends it to the image processing section 30 as read image data RGB2. The image processing unit 30 calculates an ink key opening value for the printing device 4 using the read image data RGB2.
After that, the adjustment of the printing device 4 is performed. (Step S2
10) These will be described later.

In the next step S220, the color tone judging unit 2
7, the color tone of the printed matter 2 is determined. Thereafter, until printing is completed (step S240), it is determined at an appropriate timing whether or not the printed matter 2 as a sample is necessary (step S230). If it is determined that a sample is necessary, steps S170 to S220 are performed.
The processing up to is performed sequentially.

Next, the above steps S200 and S21
0 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows an electrical configuration of the image processing unit 30.

First, CMYK as print image data d1
Halftone% data of each version is supplied to the calculation unit 33C, the calculation unit 33M, the calculation unit 33Y, and the calculation unit 33K.

Calculation units 33C, 33M, 33Y, 33K
Is to convert the C% net data into the C
The halftone dot data of the plate is converted into the pattern area ratio data of the M plate, the halftone data of the Y plate is converted into the pattern area ratio data of the Y plate, and the halftone dot data of the K plate is converted into the pattern area ratio data of the K plate. Means. Taking a printing plate of C color as an example, as shown in FIG. 8, the pattern area ratios for all of the first divided area a to the twentieth divided area t are obtained. M color other than C color, Y color,
For the K color printing plate, the pattern area ratio is obtained for each of the divided areas.

The RGB-CMYK conversion section 31 refers to a three-dimensional LUT stored in the storage means 36, and converts read image data RGB2 into halftone% data of each CMYK plane. Note that the RGB-CMYK conversion unit 31 generates halftone% data of each of the CMYK planes of the read image so as to have the same resolution as the print image data d1.

Arithmetic units 32C, 32M, 32Y, 32K
Indicates the halftone% data of the C version of the print image as the pattern area ratio data of the C version, the halftone% data of the M version as the pattern area ratio data of the M version, and the halftone% data of the Y version as the pattern area ratio of the Y version. In the data, K
This is a means for converting the halftone% data of the plate to the picture area ratio data of the K plate. Taking the printing plate of C color as an example, FIG.
As shown in (1), the pattern area ratio for all of the first to twentieth divided areas a to t is obtained. M other than C color
The pattern area ratio is obtained for each of the 20 divided regions for the printing plates of the colors Y, K, and K.

The difference calculation units 34C, 34M, 34Y, 34
K is the image area ratio of each plate of the read image calculated by the calculation units 32C, 32M, 32Y, and 32K, and the calculation unit 33
This is a means for calculating each difference (difference pattern area ratio) from the pattern area ratio of each plate of the print image calculated by C, 33M, 33Y, and 33K. The difference picture area ratio is calculated for each area group, that is, for each width of the ink key 121. The difference pattern area ratio is obtained by subtracting the pattern area ratio of the print image data from the pattern area ratio of the read image data. Therefore, when the value of the difference pattern area ratio is positive, it is a case where the ink supply amount of the ink key 121 is excessive. On the contrary, when the value of the difference pattern area ratio is negative, it means that the ink supply amount of the ink key 121 is insufficient.

The difference area ratio for each of the CMYK plates is given to the ink key opening value calculation units 35C, 35M, 35Y and 35K. The ink key opening value calculation units 35C, 35
M, 35Y, and 35K calculate the difference ink key opening value for each of the CMYK plates. For example, the ink key opening degree calculation unit 35C for the C plate sets five ink keys 1
21C1, 121C2, 121C3, 121C4, 12
For all 1C5, the excess or deficiency of the ink supply amount is calculated using the opening value of the ink key as a unit.

The difference ink key opening value for each of the CMYK plates is supplied to the control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 4 (see FIG. 4). The control unit 100 stores and holds the current ink key opening value of each ink key 121. Control unit 10
A value of 0 corrects the current ink key opening value with reference to the difference ink key opening value, and sets the corrected ink key opening value in each ink supply means 109. As a result, the ink supply amount changes, and a printed matter according to the print image data is output.

[Display Display] In the color booth 1, the operator can refer to various information displayed on the display 14. This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display 14. The display 14 is divided by the function into a first display area 14a and a second display area 14b.

In the first display area 14a, the picture 2a of the printed matter 2 read by the image pickup section 13 and the image data creation means 3
Can be displayed based on the print image data supplied by. That is, as shown in FIG.
The dot% data of each of the CMYK planes output by the K conversion unit 31 is supplied to the first display area 14a of the display 14. Similarly, the dot% of each of the CMYK plates that are print image data
Data is also supplied to the first display area 14a of the display 14. Thereby, the first display area 14a of the display 14 can selectively or parallel display the patterns of the respective CMYK plates based on the print image data or the read image data.

In the second display area 14b, the pattern area ratio is displayed for each ink key width. For example, one of the graphs S1 shown in FIG. 9 is the height, and represents a weighted average of the pattern area ratios of the divided areas a to d to which the C key is supplied by the ink key 121C1. (See Fig. 8)

As shown in FIG. 7, the second display area 14b of the display 14 is supplied with the image area ratio of the read image, the image area ratio of the print image, and the difference image area ratio for each of the CMYK plates. As a result, in the second display area,
The image area ratio of the read image, the image area ratio of the print image, and the difference image area ratio of each of the CMYK plates can be displayed selectively or in parallel.

Note that the picture displayed on the first display area 14a corresponds to the picture area ratio of the second display area 14b therebelow. For example, the width of the graph S1 in the second display area 14b representing the pattern area ratio matches the width of the ink key 121 in the pattern immediately above. By comparing the two display areas 14a and 14b, the operator can recognize which part of the picture has an insufficient or excessive ink supply.

The image size changing unit 21 (FIG. 4)
The print image data supplied from the image data creating means 3 is displayed on the display 14 in a desired size. Thus, the operator can use the print image displayed on the display 14 as an OK sheet. The operator can compare the printed matter 2 placed on the placing table 11 with the printed image displayed on the display 14 with the naked eye.

Since the image size changing section 21 can change the image size to a desired size, it can also display, for example, the original halftone dot shape of the print image on the display 14. In this case, the operator performs comparison with the displayed image while enlarging the printed matter 2 with a loupe. Since the printed matter 2 and the display 14 placed on the mounting table 11 are arranged in a positional relationship that allows the worker at the working position to visually recognize the printed matter 2, the printed matter 2 can be inspected well. it can.

[Input unit 15] In the operation of step S200 "creating ink key opening correction value", as described above, the correction value of the ink key opening value is determined based on the difference between the pattern area ratio between the print image and the read image. Is automatically calculated, but the color watch stand 1 can also calculate the correction value of the ink key opening value while reflecting the intention of the worker.

For example, since the coloring of the printed matter 2 changes with the drying of the ink, it is also conceivable to read the printed matter 2 in a state where the coloring of the printed matter 2 is not stable (in a state where the ink is not sufficiently dried). In this case, since the halftone percentage of the print image output by the imaging unit 13 is not always accurate, the ink key opening value automatically output by the image processing unit 30 must be manually increased or decreased. Similarly, it is conceivable that the characteristics of the ink supply means 109 of the printing apparatus 4 must be considered, and in this case, some manual adjustment is required.

In order to cope with the above-mentioned cases, etc., the input table 15 is provided in the color light stand 1. The operator gives an instruction on the specific ink key 121 from the input unit 15 with reference to the difference pattern area ratio for each of the CMYK plates displayed on the display 14. The ink key opening value calculators 35C, 35M, 35Y, and 35K are provided with a difference calculator 34.
Based on the difference pattern area ratio for each of the CMYK plates supplied from C, 34M, 34Y, and 34K, and the instruction given from the input unit 15, a difference ink key opening value for each of the CMYK plates is created.

Alternatively, the picture displayed on the first display area 14a of the display 14 may be confirmed with the naked eye of the operator, and the opening value of each ink key 121 may be individually input from the input unit 15. Specifically, the procedure is as follows.

For example, in FIG. 9, first display area 1
The image displayed in 4a is a read image of the C plane,
It is assumed that the graph displayed in the second display area 14b is the C-size difference pattern area ratio.

First, the operator observes the density of the read image of the C plane in the first display area 14a, and specifies the high density area R1 and the low density area R2. As described above, each graph of the pattern area ratio displayed in the second display area 14b shows the image in the ink supply area in the image displayed in the first display area 14a.
By comparing a with the image in the second display area 14b, it is possible to identify which ink key 121 has an excessive or insufficient ink supply amount.

For example, regarding the region R1, the first display region 14a and the second display region 14b are compared, and the ink key 121 used for printing this region R1 is changed to the second ink key 121C2 of the C plate. Further, it can be understood that the ink supply amount of the ink key 121 is excessive because this region has a high density.

Similarly, for the region R2, by comparing the first display region 14a and the second display region 14b, the ink key 121 used for printing this region R2 is changed to the third ink key of the C plate. It can be understood that the ink supply amount of the ink key 121C3 is insufficient because the density is low in this area. The specific amount of over / under supply of ink is 2nd.
It can be estimated from the height of each graph on the display area 14a.

The difference pattern area ratio corresponding to each ink key 121 in the second display area 14a may be displayed in a form as shown in FIG. That is, here
The pattern area ratio of the read image data (open graph) and the pattern area ratio of the print image (hatched graph) are arranged side by side, and the allowable range of the pattern area ratio is displayed.
In this way, the operator can easily determine which ink key should be adjusted for which color printing plate, and how much should be adjusted. An instruction regarding the opening can be input.

[Modification] Information on the ink supply amount is as follows.
It is not limited to the ink key opening value. Ink transfer roller 23
May be information that defines the moving speed of the ink jetting roller 20 and / or the rotation speed of the ink discharging roller 20.

Further, in the above embodiment, the image data creating means 3, the printing device 4, and the light booth 1 are connected online, but the floppy (registered trademark) disk, C
Image data may be transmitted and received using a storage medium such as a D-ROM.

Although the display 13 is provided on the back side of the mounting table 11, it may be provided on the outer side of the mounting table 11. The position of the display may be changed by an appropriate stand.

[0106]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus compares image data used when forming a printing plate with an image reading signal obtained by reading a printed matter output from the printing apparatus. Therefore, the signal for controlling the ink supply amount is generated, so that the ink supply amount can be appropriately controlled without preparing a reference print in advance.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a signal for controlling the ink supply amount is generated by outputting the difference between the image signal and the read image data in units of the dot area ratio. Therefore, the supply amount of the ink can be accurately controlled.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, substantially the entire area of the mounting portion is read, and thereafter, the read image data corresponding to the printed matter is extracted. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the reading position. Therefore, the burden on the operator can be reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the amount of ink supplied to the printing plate by the printing device and generated by the image processing unit is controlled with reference to the image displayed on the image display unit. Is provided with an input section for inputting a signal for correcting the signal for the operator, so that the skill of the worker can be reflected.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily detect a printing failure of a printed matter output from a printing apparatus.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the printed matter is read by the two-dimensional imaging means at a time, the reading time can be reduced as compared with the conventional scanning type reading. Further, since the two-dimensional imaging means is provided to be separated upward from the mounting table, the operator can widely use the mounting table without interfering with the work performed on the mounting table. In the case where the scanning reading means is retracted to the end of the table as in a conventional light booth, a space or a retracting operation is required, but is not required in the present invention.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the display means is substantially outside the table at the height between the two-dimensional imaging means and the mounting table. It does not interfere with the work of.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light booth according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the printing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing an ink supply unit of the printing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a light booth.

FIG. 5 is an example of a printed matter output from a printing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing procedure.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating details of an image processing unit.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a relationship between a printed material and an ink key.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image displayed on a display.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image displayed on a display.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a conventional procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Color stand 2 Printed matter 3 Image creation means 4 Printing device 11 Mounting table 12 Illumination means 13 Imaging part 14 Display 14a First display area 14b Second display area 15 Input part 16 Frame 21 Image size change part 22 Picture extraction part 23 Storage Unit 24 first RGB-LAB conversion unit 25 second RGB-LAB conversion unit 26 print failure inspection unit 27 color tone determination unit 30 image processing unit 31 RGB → CMYK conversion unit 32 calculation unit 33 calculation unit 34 difference calculation unit 35 ink key opening degree calculation Unit 36 storage unit 100 control unit 109 ink supply unit 112 ink key 113 image recording unit

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C034 AA14 AE22 AE27 AE42 BA02 2C250 DB04 EA02 EA03 EA12 EA23 EB32 EB36 EB40 EB43

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A printing device auxiliary device connected to a printing device having a function of forming an image on a printing plate based on image data, a function of attaching ink to the printing plate, and a function of transferring the ink to printing paper. An apparatus, comprising: a placement unit on which a printed matter output from the printing device is placed; an imaging unit that reads the printed matter placed on the placement unit and outputs read image data; and An image processing unit that compares the read image data to be output with the image data and generates a signal for controlling the amount of ink supplied to the printing plate by the printing apparatus based on the comparison result. A printing device auxiliary device, comprising: 2. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a signal for controlling an ink supply amount is output by outputting a difference between the read image data output by the imaging unit and the image data in a unit of a dot area ratio. The printing device auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a generating unit. 3. The image pickup section collectively picks up an image of substantially the entire area of the placement section with three primary colors of RGB, and thereafter extracts read image data corresponding to the printed matter. Item 2. A printing device auxiliary device according to Item 1. 4. An image display unit for displaying at least one of an image based on the image data, an image based on the read image data, and the comparison result, and the printing apparatus generated by the image processing unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an input unit for inputting a signal for correcting a signal for controlling an amount of ink supplied to the printing plate. 5. A printing device auxiliary device connected to a printing device having a function of forming an image on a printing plate based on image data, wherein a placement on which a printed matter output from the printing device is placed is mounted. Unit, an image pickup unit that reads a printed matter placed on the placement unit and outputs read image data, and compares the read image data output by the image pickup unit with the image data, and prints a defective print on the printed matter. A printing device auxiliary device comprising: an inspection unit that inspects whether a part is included. 6. A printing device auxiliary device for measuring a printed material printed by a printing device, comprising: a mounting table on which the printed material is mounted; and a mounting table that is disposed upwardly separated from the mounting table. A two-dimensional imaging unit that collectively captures substantially the entire area of the printed matter to obtain image data of the printed matter; and image processing that performs a color operation based on each ink color printed from the image data captured by the two-dimensional imaging unit. And a printing device auxiliary device comprising: 7. A calculation result and / or picked-up image data by the image processing means is displayed substantially outside the mounting table at a height position between the mounting table and the two-dimensional imaging means. 7. The printing apparatus auxiliary device according to claim 6, further comprising a display unit.