JP2002292817A - Color proof creation system, information processing method, information processing device and information recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color proof creation system which dispenses with the designation of each of the pieces of color printing plate data each time a user creates a color proof and does not waste a color proof under process of creation when a trouble occurs in the system and requires no processing time as well as an information processing method, an information processing device and an information recording medium. SOLUTION: This color proof creation system develops and allocates at least single image data composed of a plurality of different colors to at least one set of various pieces of color printing plate data, which are, in turn, transferred to an output device in a sequence of planes and further, outputs the color proof from the output device. In addition, the system comprises a means for designating the number of the pieces of the color printing plate data for designating and entering the number of the pieces of the plate data of at least one set of the pieces of the plate data, a means for temporarily storing information for temporarily storing each of the pieces of the plate data worth at least the pieces of the plate data designated by the means for designating the number of the pieces of the plate data and a transfer means for controlling so that one set of the pieces of the plate data are transferred to the output device after each piece of the plate data equivalent to the designated number of the pieces thereof is stored in order in the means for temporarily storing the information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color proof creating system, an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and an information recording medium, and more particularly to an output device for creating a color proof used in a color proofing process in the printing and plate making industry. For controlling the

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of Desk Top Publishing and the like, the work of editing an image input from a scanner on a computer software and performing page imposition has become common, and full digital editing has become commonplace. .

In such a process, an image setter output for directly outputting image-edited page data to a film, a computer-to-plate (CTP) output for directly recording an image on a printing plate, and a Is a computer to cylinder (CTC) for directly recording an image on a printing plate wound on a cylinder of a printing press.

[0004] In this case, performing one-time film output or printing plate output only for confirmation of proofreading, and performing proofreading or proofreading with other proofing materials increases waste and unnecessary work of the film and the printing plate. There's a problem.

[0005] Therefore, in particular, in the step of creating and editing a full digital image by such a computer, the D
There is a demand for a system called DCP (Direct Digital Color Proof) for performing direct color image output.

[0006] Such a DDCP is used to record digital image data processed on a computer on a plate making film by an image setter or the like, perform a final printing operation of directly creating a printing plate by CTP, or perform CTC. Before performing image recording directly on the printing plate wound on the cylinder of the printing press with, a color proof that reproduces the output target indicated by the digital image processed on the computer is created, and its pattern, color tone, This is for checking text characters and the like.

That is, in the printing prepress process, it is common to prepare a color proof (proofing sample) for confirming a picture, a color tone, a text, and the like to be output before performing a final printing operation. is there.

In such a proof creation system, image data is processed by a halftone image in an information processing device to generate image data, and the image data is transferred to an output device and output to printing paper by the output device. Creates a color proof.

In this case, the image data is K (black), Y
The color image data (color plane data) of four colors (yellow), C (cyan) and M (magenta) are sequentially transferred to the output device, and the output device outputs the color image as a color proof.

Further, in such a proofing process in the printing process, 1) confirmation of a mistake inside the work site, that is, an inner school, 2) an outer school submitted for confirmation of a finish to an orderer and a designer, 3) A color proof is created and used mainly for three purposes, namely, a print sample provided as a sample of a final printed matter to an operator of a printing press.

In a digital color printer and proof printing or main printing, ie, offset printing or gravure printing,
The color reproduction differs depending on the hue of each color of the process colors used, the paper, the coloring mechanism, and the like. Therefore, appropriate color matching processing is performed on the original plate making data to create output data for DDCP. , Is usually used.

However, in the field of packaging printing, it has been customary to use an ink called a special color other than the process color for the purpose of stabilizing reproduced colors or for the purpose of appealing to consumers of products. is there. In general, high-brightness and high-saturation colors are often used for spot colors.
In DDCP that reproduces colors with CMYK process colors,
There was a problem that the colors could not be faithfully reproduced.

Therefore, in recent years, in order to expand the color reproduction range, a multicolor DDCP (output device) using five or more color materials using spot colors in addition to process colors has been found. .

Then, a controller (usually an information processing device such as a computer connected to the output device) for controlling the output device stores the edited image file (image data) in, for example, Y, M, C, K Separation into each color plate data is performed, and the data transfer of each color plate data is sequentially performed from the controller to the output device in the order of the color separation.

[0015]

[Problems to be solved by the invention] By the way, the features are as follows.
Since there are many types, for example, in some image data, there are five colors obtained by adding a process color and one special color, and in some other image data, there are six colors obtained by adding a process color and two special colors. The number of spot colors included in the image is indeterminate depending on the image to be drawn.

For this reason, in the conventional DDCP, each time a user creates one color proof, a set of image data (CMYK + special color plate data group) constituting DCP creation data is created on the controller. It was necessary to control the output device by specifying individually.

Further, since each color plate data is processed on the assumption that there are four colors, when a special color is added to a process color, one color proof is created.
It has been difficult for the controller to identify how many pieces of color plate data should be composed.

In addition, for example, when the color plate data is transferred to the output device for three plates, the output device side generates noise, an error such as a conveyance jam of a photosensitive material, an abnormality in the system, and color plate data. If a trouble such as a supply stop occurs, the transferred color plate data for the three plates is re-created. It was taking time.

In particular, since it takes time to transfer color plate data and output a color proof, if an error occurs, it takes more time, the efficiency of color proof creation is low, and the productivity is reduced. Was.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a user to specify each color plate data every time a color proof is created, and to provide a trouble in the system. Occurs,
An object of the present invention is to provide a color proof creation system, an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and an information recording medium which do not require processing time without wasting a color proof being created.

[0021]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one image data consisting of a plurality of colors is developed and separated into at least one set of each color plate data. A color proof creating system for transferring each color plate data to an output device in a frame-sequential manner and outputting a color proof from the output device. The color proof creating system is for inputting the number of color plate data of at least one set of each color plate data. Color plate data number specifying means, information temporary storage means for temporarily storing at least the color plate data for at least the color plate data number specified by the color plate data number specifying means, and the specified color plate Each of the color plate data corresponding to the number of data,
Transfer means for controlling the set of each color plate data to be transferred to the output device after the information is temporarily stored in the information temporary storage means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, at least one image data consisting of a plurality of colors is developed and separated to form at least one set of respective color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame sequential manner. A color proof creating system that outputs a color proof from the output device,
Color plate data number specifying means for specifying and inputting the number of color plate data of at least one set of the color plate data, and a set of color proofs based on the specified number of color plate data. And a data group generating means for generating a data group for generating as a data group for generating, wherein the data group generating means generates a data structure for giving information on the number of color plate data at the head of the data group for generating color proof. It is characterized by:

[0023] Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of image editing terminals for editing an image can be communicated from each of the terminals via a network, and each of the images edited by each of the terminals can be communicated. A server that receives each of the editing files, expands and separates each image data of a plurality of colors of each of the image editing files to form each set of each color plate data, and transmits each color plate data in a frame-sequential manner; And a plurality of output devices that are communicable via the network and that output a color proof based on the respective color plate data,
Wherein the server comprises: a color plate data number designating unit for designating and inputting each color plate data number of each of a plurality of sets of the color plate data according to each terminal; and the color plate data number designating unit. Information temporary storage means for temporarily storing each of the color plate data for the specified number of color plate data,
After each of the color plate data corresponding to the designated number of the color plate data is provided in the information temporary storage unit, each set of the color plate data is transferred to the corresponding output device. And a transfer means for performing control as described above.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, at least one image data consisting of a plurality of colors is developed and separated to form at least one set of each color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame sequential manner. An information processing method for performing a process of outputting a color proof from the output device, based on at least one set of color plate data of each of the color plate data, The method further comprises the step of transferring a set of each of the color plate data to the output device after the color plate data is prepared.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, at least one image data consisting of a plurality of colors is developed and separated into at least one set of each color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame sequential manner. An information processing device for performing a process of outputting a color proof from the output device, wherein the color plate data is temporarily stored for at least one set of color plate data of the color plate data specified in advance. After the information temporary storage unit and the color plate data corresponding to the designated color plate data number are arranged in the information temporary storage unit, a set of the color plate data is transferred to the output device. And a transfer means for performing control as described above.

According to the present invention, at least one image data consisting of a plurality of colors is developed and separated to form at least one set of respective color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to the output device in a frame sequential manner. An information processing device for performing a process of outputting a color proof from the output device, wherein a color plate data number designating means for designating and inputting a color plate data number of at least one set of the color plate data; Data group generating means for generating each of the color plate data as a set of color proof forming data groups based on the number of the color plate data thus obtained. It is characterized in that the data group is generated in a data structure in which information on the number of color plate data is added to the head of the data group.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, at least one image data consisting of a plurality of colors is developed and separated into at least one set of each color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame sequential manner. An information recording medium for performing a process of outputting a color proof from the output device, wherein information for performing a process of temporarily storing each of the color plane data for at least the specified number of the color plane data; After the respective color plate data corresponding to the number of color plate data are prepared, information for performing a process of controlling a set of each color plate data to be transferred to the output device. Is what it is.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, at least one image data composed of a plurality of colors is developed and separated to form at least one set of each color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame sequential manner. An information recording medium for performing a process of outputting a color proof from the output device, wherein each of the color plate data is generated as a set of color proof creation data groups based on the designated number of color plate data. It is characterized by including information for performing processing, and information for performing processing for generating a data structure to which information relating to the number of color plate data is added at the head of the color proof creation data group.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment (Summary) First, the feature of the present invention is to specify the number of each color plate data constituting one set of DCP creation data group, and thereby specify the specified number of colors. An object is to transfer only plate data to an output device that outputs a color proof.

Prior to the description of the configuration for designating the number of color plate data, which is a characteristic configuration of the present invention, refer to FIGS. 1 to 3 for the overall schematic configuration of a color proof creation system in the field of desktop publishing. I will explain. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a color proof creating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The color proof creating system (information processing system) 1 of the present embodiment is a system for obtaining a color proof for obtaining a proof to confirm the finish of a printed matter in advance from a digital image signal, and is shown in FIG. like,
A PC (personal computer) 2 which is a plurality of terminals from which a desired image is edited by a user, is connected to the plurality of PCs 2 via a network 3 such as a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and is connected to an information processing apparatus ( Or a server 10 functioning as a control device that is a controller for controlling the output device, and the server 10
Each of the output units 60, which are a plurality of film output machines, respectively connected to the output units 13,.
.., 60 are included.

The server 10, as shown in FIG.
The image data of the image editing file edited in step 2 is developed into raster data by a RIP (Raster image Processor) or the like through a network 3 or an external input / output device such as an FDD, and separated into color plates. Separation processing for generating data (halftone image data) is performed, a plurality of output devices 60 are selectively switched, and each color plate data is transferred to the selected output device 60 to output an image. Has become.

The output device 60 forms an image on printing paper based on the color plate data transferred from the server 10 to create a color proof. The output device 60 can be configured by an image forming apparatus such as a color proofer, an image setter, and a plate setter using an ink jet system, a laser exposure system, a thermal transfer system, or the like.

Therefore, the server 10, before performing the final printing work in the printing prepress process, outputs the picture, color tone,
A color proof creation system for creating a proof (proofreading sample) for checking text, characters, and the like can be configured, and an image can be created and output on a film or plate.

The editing PC 2 and the server 10 can adopt various hardware configurations according to the system configuration. In this embodiment, although complicated, they are not shown. A computer main body having a RAM or the like, a display such as a CRT connected thereto, a mouse, a keyboard, a digitizer, an FDD device,
And a hard disk. Although not shown in the drawings because it is complicated for understanding the present invention, the server 10 includes a color scanner for reading an image document, a mount input device for reading mount information, and a relatively low A galley printer or the like for performing galley printing of image quality may be connected.

(Regarding Server and Output Device) FIG. 3 shows an example of a specific configuration of the server 10.

The server 10, which is an information processing device, functions as a controller for controlling the output device 60. As shown in FIG. 3, an input interface, which is an input interface to which image data of an externally edited image editing file is input. A data processing unit that performs processing for developing image data input by the input unit 11 into raster image data and separating and generating each color data, and processing required for status display described later 12, a storage unit 16 such as a hard disk for storing image data, parameter setting conditions, and the like, and color plate data from the data processing unit 12 in the order of planes such as 1, 1, C, M, Y, and K. The output unit 13 which is an output interface for transferring the data to the output devices 60 and 60, and the parameters required for processing by the data Operation unit 15 for performing an operation input to and set as the setting condition for each output device 60, 60 that
A display unit 17 made up of a CRT or a liquid crystal display for displaying a setting screen for the set parameters and the number of color plate data;
And an external input / output device 18 such as a data processing unit 12, an output unit 13, an operation unit 15, a storage unit 16, a display unit 17, and a CPU 14 which is a control unit for controlling the external input / output device 18. It is comprised including.

The input unit 11 includes, for example, a page description language (P) containing color information of an image editing file from an editing PC 2 for comprehensively integrating and editing images such as characters and pictures.
DL) is input.

As the image data, for example, in addition to the data described in the page description language such as PS, EPS, and PDF, general-purpose format data such as TIFF, TIFF / IT, etc. This includes the data being handled and various other similar data.

The data processing unit 12 uses the storage unit 16 including a spool buffer to convert the input data, for example, PDL data, into a predetermined image output condition (for example, a halftone dot shape, halftone angle, screen ruling). , Raster image data, which is binary image data, according to the gamma characteristics of the photosensitive material applied to the film master, the characteristics of the developing machine, etc. Processing such as plate processing (12a) and operation transfer control processing (12b) for controlling transfer of the developed and separated image data to the output device 60 are performed. As a result, image data of Y, M, C, and K in a raster image format is generated in order (surface-sequential) for each color from the image data for electronic plate making which is the basis of the electronic plate making.

Then, reproduction is performed from the image data for electronic plate making by a set of halftone dots having the same screen ruling as the printed matter, and the pixel gain is approximated to that of the printed matter and reproduced. As a result, not only the print dot image can be faithfully reproduced, but also tone jumps, moirés, and image defects, which are common troubles in electronic plate making image data, can be accurately reproduced and proofread. Of course, the rough calibration does not require faithful reproduction up to that point, and rough calibration is possible with a halftone image.

A halftone dot is a fine dot made by screen-making for reproducing a photograph or illustration with continuous gradation as a printed matter. It was used. Halftone dots have a 50% white and black checkerboard pattern. Types of halftone dots include, for example, round dots, square dots, and chain dots.

The storage unit 16 has a file in which setting information is described in a specific directory. When the setting conditions for each output device 60 are stored and saved, the setting of the output device 60 that is switched and selected at that time is stored. The condition can be updated.

The storage unit 16 is a work memory for temporarily storing the entire control program and font data, a control program for color separation processing (special color separation), and the progress of processing, for example. P for storing graphic file data and the like including color data described in a page description language (PDL data) such as PostScript (PS)
In order to analyze the color commands of the S file memory and the PS file memory, a color command storage table memory for storing commonly used color commands and data of all colors are extracted from the files of the PS file memory. And various memory areas, such as a color table memory for storing color data and a color separation file memory for storing color separation files for each color obtained by spot color separation.

The CPU 14 stores the output device 6 from the storage unit 16.
Each parameter set and stored for 0 is read and set in the data processing unit 12, and the display unit 17
And the data processing unit 1 based on each parameter.
2 is controlled.

The operation unit 15 is also used as a display unit 17 and can be set by inputting from an input key or the like as an input means. Next, the parameters set by pressing a save button are stored in the storage unit 16. Can be stored.

The display section 17 is a display means for displaying the status of the output device 60 and various information, as well as a display operation means for inputting information for various settings and operations. Parameters set on the operation unit 15 and the display unit 17 include:
For example, resolution, number of lines, screen shape, screen angle, positive / negative, L
There are UT files, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, the output device 60 outputs, based on the color plate data transferred from the server 10 in the order of, for example, special 1 (special color 1), C, M, Y, and K, M,
Exposure unit 63 for sequentially performing laser exposure using ink plates (film original plates coated with a photosensitive material) for each color one by one in the order of Y and K, and outputting an image receiving sheet on which image formation for five colors has been completed. An output unit 64 that conveys the image receiving sheet from the exposure unit 63 to the printing paper while pressing the printing paper, and outputs the printing paper on which the color image is formed as a color proof; a data buffer 61; an exposure unit 63; and an output unit 64. And a control unit 62 for controlling the

The control section 62 of the output device 60 detects, for example, an error in the output device 60 together with the type of the error. The CPU 14 receives a signal from the control unit 62.
Detects the type of the error, and changes the transfer order of the image data from the output unit 13 based on the detection.

For printing a normal color image, four color inks of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and K (black), which are three primary colors of additive color mixture, are used. In addition, depending on the printed matter, a special color ink other than YMCK, that is, a so-called “special color” ink may be used to enhance color reproducibility. The special color ink plate is called a “special color plate”. As the special color ink, various kinds of inks such as gold, silver and other metallic colors are used in addition to green and orange inks. Furthermore, the density of the special color ink may not be uniform, and a mixture of glitter and gold powder may be used. The special color plate is often used when reproducing an image component such as a logo which is designated as a special color in advance, or when it is desired to enhance color reproducibility of a color image by printing with a special color ink.

As described above, in producing a color print, before the image data in the raster image format is created from the digital image data described in various formats and the printing plate is created, the digital image data is processed by the data processing unit 12. From the generated raster image format image data in the output device 60 using the storage unit 16.
By rearranging the image data into a format that conforms to the above, and storing the image based on the rearranged image data, the image data can be obtained by printing on a printing plate created from digital image data described in various formats. A color proof that simulates an image can be created, and the image represented by the digital image data can be inspected for errors, such as errors in layout, colors, characters, and the like, and the finish of the printed matter can be confirmed in advance.

It should be noted that PDL data including color information output from the editing PC 2 and the like are already separated on page 4 (5) consisting of C, M, Y, K and (or special 1). If the data is data (hereinafter, also referred to as separated data as necessary), the data processing unit 12 performs raster image processing as a mode in which the processing mode is not separated (non-separated mode), and performs CMYK special 1 It is also possible to output five versions of raster image data.

On the other hand, PDL data including color information output from the editing PC 2 is a description of one page.
If the data has not been separated (hereinafter also referred to as unseparated data as necessary), the data processing unit 12 performs raster image processing as a processing mode for separating (separation mode). To output raster image data.

As described above, the separation processing for separating (decomposing) the image data in which YMCK is mixed into each data is executed by the data processing unit 12 even if it is executed by the editing PC 2. You may. That is, the image data is
In general, it is a single data file in which process colors (CMYK) and special colors are mixed, but depending on the case, each color plate is passed as separate data, or only the special color data is passed as a separate data file. In some cases, when each color plate is passed as separate data, the color separation process in the data processing unit 12 is omitted.

(Function of Server) Next, details of the processing function of the server 10 in the above-described color proof creating system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the server of this embodiment for convenience.

The server 10 expands the image data transferred from the PC 2 and performs a separation process based on the image data if the image data has not been separated yet, and performs color separation on each image data. An image data expanding / separating means 20 for setting the number of data and the like;
Operation transfer control means 30 for performing a transfer control operation toward
Transfer information detecting means 40 for detecting a transfer situation in the operation transfer control means 36;
And a display operation unit 50 for inputting an operation for setting of each unit of the operation transfer control unit 40.

The image data developing / separating means 20 develops the edited image file into image data such as raster data, and also separates the image data into predetermined colors Y, M, C, K and special colors to generate image data ( Development separation means 21 for generating each separation data, and file information (file name information, file internal information, color information, and other various information) are extracted from the image data. ,
The number of data of the color plate set in advance, for example, 4
If the color is the sum of the two special colors, then 6 and so on.
DCP creation data group generation means 22 (data group generation means) for generating a DCP creation data group by forming a set of data.

Further, the image data developing / separating means 20
Color plate data number designation input control means 23 for input control of the number of designated color plate data, color plate data number information storage means 24 for storing information on the number of data of the designated and input color plate data, Based on the color plate data number information stored in the color plate data number information storage means 24 or based on the color plate data number information stored in advance, if specified, by the operation control signal, if not specified And a color plate data number extracting / generating means 25 for extracting the number of color plate data based on the information extraction operation.

Further, the image data developing / separating means 20
A display screen data information storage unit (not shown) storing information relating to the UI displayed on the display operation unit 50, and color plate data number information respectively stored in the color plate data number information storage unit 24 are displayed on the UI. And display control means 26 for performing display control.

The operation transfer control means 30 stores the data generated by the DCP creation data group generation means 22, ie,
Information temporary storage means 31 for temporarily storing a set of data groups to which the character strings are assigned;
Transfer means 32 for transferring the information stored in 1 to the output device 60, and before or before data transfer of at least one data is performed by the transfer means 32, internally to the output device 60. Inspection means 33 for inspecting whether an abnormality such as a jam has occurred (transmitting an inspection control signal to the output device), and abnormality occurrence inspection means 33
In a predetermined period after transmitting the inspection control signal in the above, if there is a response from the output device 60, it is determined that there is no abnormality,
When there is no response from the output device 60, only when it is determined that there is no abnormality based on the result of the determination that there is an abnormality, the transfer permission for permitting the start of the data transfer from the transfer unit 32 is permitted. Means for storing a predetermined number of color plate data in the means 34 and the information temporary storage means 31;
And an instruction control means 35 for controlling an instruction to start the transfer.

The transfer information detecting means 40 stores each data (for example, DATA1.DATA) stored in the information temporary storing means 31.
Y, DATA1. M, DATA1. C, DATA1.
K, DATA1. S1, DATA1. S2) a detecting means 41 for detecting the data, and a display operating means 50 for transmitting the detected data through the display control means 26 in real time.
Detection data control means 42 for controlling display
And is configured.

The display operation means 50 also functions as a display means, and displays the color plate data number information of the color plate data number information storage means 24, information such as the detection result of each data in the information temporary storage means 31, and the like. Display unit 51 for specifying the number of color plate data, and a color plate data number specifying unit 52 for specifying the number of color plate data
And instructing means 53 for instructing the start of data transfer.

The color plate data number designating means 52 is for designating and inputting the number of color plate data of at least one set of each color plate data.
The number of the color plate data of colors or more can be designated.
If an output setting screen (output setting means) for setting the output device 60 every time at least one color proof is output is formed, the color plate data number specifying means 52
Can be specified for each setting on the output setting screen.

These "each means" can be realized by a combination of various software and hardware.

In the server having such a configuration, first, the case of setting the number of color plane data will be described.

First, the user requests the server 10
Display operation means 5 using means such as a mouse and a keyboard
0, when the user specifies the number of color plate data by the color plate data number specifying means 52, the color plate data number specification input control means 23 stores the specified color plate data number information in the color plate data number information storage means. 24.

The designated and inputted color plate data number information is displayed in a predetermined area (not shown) of the display operation means 50 from the color plate data number information storage means 24 via the display control means 26. Become. At this time, the information is
The data is displayed on a predetermined UI based on the display screen data of the display screen data information storage means.

Next, with such preparation, the input unit 1
1 to start fetching the PDL data including the color information from the PC 2 and determine whether the supply of the PDL data has been completed. At this time, the end of the supply of the PDL data is determined by the EOF (end of file) inserted in the file.
) It is performed by confirming the instruction.

The image data, which is multi-valued gradation data described in various page description languages and the like, which has been edited and transmitted by the external PC 2, is transmitted to the data processing unit 12.
Is developed and separated by the developed / separating means 21 and the like, and a color separation file (color separation data) required to create one color proof is generated.

That is, since the image data is data that can be reproduced by printing, the color information is naturally described in the colors used for printing. Therefore, when the print colors are the process colors Y, M, C, and K and the special colors, special one and special two, the description of the color of the image data is described only in these six colors. Has the color information of these six colors.

In the normal RIP process, monochromatic raster format gradation data for each color plate is output for the number of colors, but data of a format in which color gradation values are arranged for each pixel may be used. In any of the formats, the color value of a certain pixel of the input raster image data is expressed as a gradation value =
It is preferable to express as (C, M, Y, K, special 1, special 2). Each vector component is set to a numerical value (halftone dot%) of 0 to 100 where solid is 100 and white is 0.

At this time, if there is no other instruction, the CPU 14 as the control unit sets the data processing unit 12 to the separation processing mode as a default.

The data processing section 12 extracts, for example, DSC (Document Structure Convention) comment data from the PDL data. At this time, the DSC comment data is “%% Title: title name”, the title name is checked, and the title name is a color plate name, for example, ABC.
C, etc., the DSC comment data is "%% PlateColor
: "Indicates color information about the printing plate,
SC comment data is "%% BeginSeparation:"
In the case of indicating the start of the separated data, etc., it is determined that the data is already separated data.

If none of the above cases applies, the PDL data including the DSC comment data is immediately subjected to the separation process by the data processing unit 12, and
Separation development processing such as raster image processing for converting the PDL data after the separation processing into binary data is performed.

On the other hand, if the transferred PDL data is separated data, the processing mode of the data processing unit 12 is set to the separated mode, so that the processing is stopped or terminated at the discrimination point, and After resetting the processing mode to the non-separation mode, processing is performed from the first part of the PDL data.

As described above, whether or not PDL data is separated data is determined based on the DSC comment data, and if the transferred PDL data including color information is separated data, , Data processing unit 12
Is set to the separation mode in advance, and raster image processing is started. If the data is not separated, the data processing unit is set to the non-separation mode and the PD including the color information is set.
The L data is subjected to raster image processing in the color separation processing by the data processing unit.

By controlling as described above, if the transferred PDL data is not separated data, the data processing unit 12 is set to the separation mode, and the process is continued as it is. As a result, , The desired four plates of raster image data are obtained.

As a result, as a result, the editing PC 2
And the separation / non-separation processing mode in the data processing unit are appropriately selected, and the separation processing is executed by either the editing PC 2 or the data processing unit 12. Is done.

A file written in a page description language (hereinafter, also referred to as a PS file) can uniformly handle data in which characters, pictures, figures, and the like are mixed, and can be said to be a common interface language with an output device. When graphic data or the like written in such a page description language is printed by multicolor printing, a separation file (including a special color separation) for each color is required.

For example, assuming a file of a page description language (PS file) in which a graphic is described, the description may include a color description (color data) of a CMYK color designation system by a postscript. That is, this is a case where a color description and graphic data formed by a combination of C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, and K: black are described together. In this case, this PS file is separated (special color separation) for every color in the PS file, and a plate of each color for printing is obtained.

More specifically, the developing / separating means 21 analyzes data of all the colors used from a PS file including graphic data written in a page description language, and converts the color data into Based on this, color separation data of each color separation file is generated.

To explain this in more detail, for example, assuming that there is a PS file, one instruction is GET (read) from a page description file (page description language file). Here, the page description language usually contains a command for specifying a color and a command for specifying a figure. For example, in the postscript language, "setcmykc
"olor 1000" is an instruction including color data (in this case, a designation command to set cyan). The commands including these generally assumed color data are registered as a color command storage table.

If the instruction data matches the one stored in the color instruction storage table, it is determined that the color data is included, and the color data is extracted. If the color data is not registered in the color table, the color data is extracted. Register in the color table.

For color data that matches the output color, the color portion of the command (for example, “1000” in cmyk) is used as one reference color (for example, black), and color data that does not match is used for another reference color (for example, white). Make the changes and output the changed instructions to a new file (separated color file). Then, such color data change processing is performed for the entire page description file, processing is performed for all color data existing in the page description file, and a separation file (color separation data) for each color is obtained.

As described above, this PS file is separated (special color separation) for every color in the PS file, and a plate of each color for printing is obtained.

Next, the color plate data number designated by the color plate data number designation unit 52 is extracted by the color plate data number extraction unit 25 from the color plate data number information storage unit 24. At the same time, the information is supplied to the DCP creation data group generation means 22.

If the designated number of color plane data is 6, for example, the DCP creation data group generation means 2
In the case of No. 2, the number of color separation data which has been expanded and separated is 6 as one set of data group.

Next, the DCP creation data group generation means 22
The data group for DCP creation generated in is stored in the information temporary storage means 31. The data group stored in the information temporary storage unit 31 is detected by the detection unit 41, and the detection data control unit 42 causes the display operation unit 50 to display the data group via the display control unit 26.

When the number of color plate data is, for example, six, the information temporary storage means 31 spools data without starting data transfer until six color plate data are accumulated.

The processing information is displayed in real time on the information display section 51 of the display operation means 50 by the detection means 41 via the display control means 39.

When data is transferred from the information temporary storage means 41 in a frame-sequential manner, before the data transfer is performed,
The abnormality occurrence inspection unit 33 transmits a signal to the output device 60 for detecting whether an abnormality such as a jam has occurred on the output device 60 side, and based on a response to the signal, there is no abnormality. If the transfer permission means 34 is confirmed,
Makes the transfer means 32 ready for transfer.

Then, when the number of each color plate data stored in the information temporary storage means 31 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 6),
When the user confirms by the display of the display operation means 50,
When the instruction means 53 is pressed, the instruction control means 35 is pressed.
Urges the transfer permitting means 34 to permit the transfer and supplies a signal to the transfer means 32 to the effect that the transfer is started.

Alternatively, when a predetermined number of color plate data are accumulated in the information temporary storage means 31 instead of being pressed by the instruction means 53, the detection means 41 notifies the instruction control means 35 of the fact, and , The instruction control means 35 is the transfer means 3
2 and the transfer permitting means 34 may be made to perform the transfer, so that when the predetermined number is reached, the transfer can be automatically performed.

In this way, the transfer means 32 transfers the data to the output device 60, and the output device 60 receives the color plate data from the server 10 in a predetermined order in a frame-sequential manner. Exposure is performed using the transferred color data.

(Processing Procedure) Next, a processing procedure in the server of the color proof system having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the user sets in advance the number of color plate data in one DCP creation data group by using the above-described color plate data number designating means 52 or the like.

The image editing file edited by the PC 2 or the like in the upstream process is transmitted from the PC 2 and received by the server 10 via the network, or
When the data of the image editing file stored in a recording medium such as D is taken in from the external input / output device 18, the image editing file is based on the file information (file name, file internal information, color information, etc.) included in the image editing file. Perform a process of acquiring file information (step, hereinafter “S” 1)
01).

Next, extraction processing is performed on the number of color plane data (S102). Here, for example, if the preset color plate data number is 6, it means that the color plate is separated into, for example, Y, M, C, K, S1, and S2. Further, a set of data is constituted by these six data, and a data group for DCP creation is generated (S10).
3).

Then, these respective color plane data are temporarily stored sequentially (S104). When stored, the number of color plane data is detected (S105).

Then, the number of color plate data is displayed on the display operation means 50.
(S106). Thereby, the user can recognize the number of color plane data stored so far.

Then, a process of accumulating and storing each color plane data in the information temporary storage means 31 until a predetermined number of data is reached (S106a).

Before the data transfer of one piece of data, an abnormality occurrence inspection process for confirming from the server 10 whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the sequential output device 60 is performed (S107). .

Next, based on the inspection result in the abnormality occurrence inspection processing, the output device determines whether or not there is an abnormality (S108). In this determination process, if it is determined that there is an abnormality, the transfer was scheduled,
Alternatively, a transfer standby state is set so that the data to be transferred is not transferred (S109). And S1
At 07, the inspection process is performed again, and the process (transfer standby state) is repeated until no abnormality is confirmed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the above determination process that there is no abnormality, a process for permitting transfer of the data to the output device 60 is performed (S11).
0).

In this way, the transfer process is performed for at least one group of each color plate data (S11).
1).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a drawing instruction is issued to the DCP creation device after the specified number of color plate data has been prepared, so that an abnormality occurs in the system. For example, when the supply of the color plate data is stopped in such a case, it is not necessary to waste the color proof being created, which is effective in terms of safety and cost.

Conventionally, for example, when color plate data is transferred to an output device, the transferred color plate data is erased from the storage unit from the viewpoint of saving storage capacity.
By the way, at the point when the color plate data is transferred for three plates, if a trouble such as a noise or an abnormality such as a conveyance jam of a photosensitive material or the like occurs on the output device 60 side, the transfer of the three plates is performed from the beginning. It was necessary to restart the creation of the color plate data, and the efficiency was low.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, the color plate data of five colors is spooled, and when all the specified number of sheets have been prepared, an output instruction is issued and the data transfer is started collectively. I have. As a result, the process of recreating the color plate data can be omitted, and the process can be performed efficiently,
As a result, the processing speed can be improved by shortening the processing time of the entire processing.

Note that, since spooling and batch output are performed before transfer, spooling is not required after transfer. However, after transfer, the color plate data in the information temporary storage means is normally output to the output device. After confirming the output, it is preferable to delete the spooled color plane data. Conversely, the color plane data remains stored in the information temporary storage unit at least until all the color proof creation processing by the output device is completed.

Further, since it is checked whether an error or the like has occurred in the output device before data transfer, there is no problem even if noise or the like occurs.

Further, if the number of color plate data can be designated in units of output setting (setup), it is possible to automatically create a color proof only by selecting a predetermined output setting from the upstream process side. Therefore, it is effective for labor saving of the process.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, description of substantially the same configuration of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different portions will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the color proof creation system of the present example.

In this example, an example of a display layout of a setting screen for setting the number of color plane data is disclosed.

On the color plate data number setting screen 100 of this example,
As shown in FIG. 7, a set data item display unit 102 displaying a list of a plurality of sets of data groups for DCP creation (for example, DATA1, DATA2,...), And designated color plane data of each of these data groups The designated color plate data number display section 104 displaying the number, the stored color plate data number display section 106 displaying the number of color plate data stored up to now in the information temporary storage means, and information regarding the presence or absence of a transfer start instruction. The displayed instruction information display unit 108, a transfer start check box 109 for checking which data group (set) to start transferring when starting the transfer, and the data checked in the transfer start check box 109 An instruction button 110 for instructing start of transfer for the group, a cancel button 112 for canceling, and the like are formed.

Such a structure is also used for the color plate data number setting screen 1
In 00, for example, in DATA1, the number of data of the designated color plate data is 5, and the number of data accumulated so far is also 5, and it has been instructed. It has been forwarded to 60.

On the other hand, for DATA2, the designated color plate data is 4, and the color plate data 1 is still stored in the information temporary storage means.
Only one is accumulated.

In this case, when the accumulated data of DATA2 reaches 4, the transfer can be started by pressing the instruction button 110 while checking the check box 109.

Here, since the number of color plate data can be specified by specifying an arbitrary number of data, for example, five or more (five colors), an output device (DCP creation device) 6 capable of outputting a special color is provided.
Control of 0 is also possible. For example, if the number of color plate data in the designated color plate data number display section 104 is designated as 6, for example, the process waits until six color plate data are accumulated, and when the six color plate data are completed, only the six are sequentially output. This is used as one proof data group.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transfer start instruction is issued while referring to the accumulation state of each set of data while exhibiting the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, if one set of color plate data is not ready, an instruction is given to another set of already prepared color plate data, thereby efficiently instructing a transfer start. be able to. In particular, when image data is continuously supplied via a network, it is effective from the viewpoint of processing speed.

Further, at the beginning of the data of one set of DCP creation data group, information on the number of color plate data of the data group (for example, five color plate data), information corresponding to the color configuration, etc. are added. Is preferred. In this case, while spooling in the information temporary storage means, the data processing unit of the server may be provided with a number information providing means for designating the addition of the number information to the data group. Alternatively, a dedicated number information providing means (processing program) may be provided, or a DCP (color proof) creating data group generating means may be configured to share this function. As a result, each color plate data of one plate and one plate may be exchanged, so that, for example, if there is information on the number of sheets of five sheets, one set of unit units can be identified.

Although the apparatus and method according to the present invention have been described according to some specific embodiments thereof,
Those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the embodiments described in the text of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the color proof creation system of each of the above-described embodiments, the processing program executed by the server, the PC, and the output device used therein, the described processing, and the data (for example, edited image file, raster data, halftone image data, The configuration may be such that the entirety or each part of the separated data, various tables, etc.) is recorded on the information recording medium. Further, the above processing program is
It also includes an electronic mail software that can be operated on a general personal computer or a portable terminal, or an information recording medium on which the embedded electronic mail software is recorded.

As the information recording medium, for example, RO
M, RAM, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an integrated circuit, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic recording medium, etc. may be used. Further, a CD-ROM, hard disk, CD-R, CD-RW, FD, DVDRAM, DV
The information may be recorded on a DROM, MO, ZIP, magnetic card, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, IC card, or the like for use.

Still further, examples of the medium include a wireless or infrared transmission channel between a computer and another device, a computer-readable card such as a PCMC.
An IA card, a network connection to another computer or device on a network, and the Internet or an intranet that includes e-mail transmission and information recorded on a website or other.

The information recording medium is used in a system or apparatus other than the system according to each of the above-described embodiments, and the system or computer reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium to execute the above-described method. A function equivalent to that of the embodiment can be realized, and an equivalent effect can be obtained.

In addition, the O operating on the computer
S, when the RTOS or the like on the image forming apparatus or the output device performs part or all of the processing, or when the program code read from the storage medium is inserted into the computer, the image forming apparatus, the output device, or the information processing device. After writing to the memory provided in the extended function unit connected to the extended function board or computer, image forming device, output device,
Even when the CPU or the like provided in the above-mentioned extended function board or extended function unit performs a part or all of the processing based on the instruction of the program code, the same functions as those of the above embodiments can be realized and the same functions can be realized. The effect can be obtained.

More specifically, the information recording medium develops and separates at least one image data of a plurality of colors into at least one set of each color plate data, and transfers each color plate data to the output device in a frame sequential manner. And a process for outputting a color proof from the output device.

This information recording medium is provided with information for performing a process for designating and inputting the number of color plate data of at least one set of the color plate data, and each of the color plate data for at least the specified number of color plate data. After the information for performing the process of temporarily storing data in the information temporary storage means and each of the color plate data corresponding to the designated number of color plate data are arranged in the information temporary storage means, one set of each color plate And information for performing control processing to transfer data to the output device.

Further, the information recording medium includes information for processing the number of color plate data of at least five or more colors including a special color out of a plurality of colors, and setting of the output device by using at least one of the colors. Information for performing a process each time a proof is output, information for performing a process that can be specified for each setting by the output setting unit, and a color plate stored in each of the color plate data of the information temporary storage unit At least one set of information for performing a process of detecting whether or not one set of each of the color plate data has been prepared in the information temporary storage unit based on the number of data, and a detection result detected by the detection unit. And information for performing a process of transferring each of the color plate data.

Further, in the information recording medium, the information for performing the process of displaying the number of color plate data and the number of color plate data displayed by the display unit are set in advance based on the detection result of the detection unit. When the number of the color plate data reaches the number of pieces of color plate data, information for performing a process of starting the transfer to the transfer unit or a process of prompting a start instruction, and determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the output device. The information includes information for performing an inspection process and information for performing a process of permitting transfer of a set of each color plane data when it is determined that there is no abnormality based on the inspection result.

Further, the information recording medium is configured to execute processing for designating and inputting the number of color plate data of at least one set of each color plate data, and to set each color plate data based on the specified number of color plate data. Information for performing processing for generating plate data as a set of color proof creation data group, and processing for generating a data structure for adding information on the number of color plate data to the head of the color proof creation data group And information.

Further, the information recording medium includes information for prompting the user to specify the number of each color plate data of a plurality of sets of the color plate data in accordance with each set of terminals; The information for temporarily storing the respective color plate data for the number of the plate data and the respective color plate data corresponding to the specified number of the color plate data are respectively stored in the information temporary storage means. And information for performing control processing to transfer each set of the color plate data to the corresponding output device after the collection.

The server, which is an information processing device, separates the image data development / separation means and the operation transfer control means from separate first data transfer means.
And the second information processing device. That is, the above-described processing in the server may be performed in a distributed manner by a plurality of servers.

Further, a processing program for displaying various display screens disclosed in each of the above embodiments or a processing program constituting application software may be provided in one or more terminals. May be configured so that various display screens can be displayed on the server and one or more terminals.

A plurality of output devices may be provided for at least one server, and these may be selectively or simultaneously switched and output. In this case, a plurality of servers connected to a plurality of output devices are provided, and one or a plurality of terminals are connected to each of these servers via a network. Or, conversely, a configuration in which a plurality of servers each connected to one output device by one server may be provided. In this case, a center server that manages these servers may be provided, and the center server may be configured with a UI of the above-described processing program. Needless to say, the above-described processing program is deployed on each server.

In a system requiring a plurality of terminals and a plurality of output devices, the color plate data number designating means of the server determines the number of color plate data of a plurality of sets of the color plate data in accordance with each set of terminals. Each of them can be specified and input. The information temporary storage means temporarily stores each of the color plate data for each of the color plate data. Further, the transfer means, after each of the color plate data corresponding to the designated number of the color plate data is provided in the information temporary storage means, respectively, and then outputs each set of the color plate data corresponding to each output. Control is performed so that the data is transferred to the device.

Further, the output device is of an ink sheet type, for example, the output device has a data buffer for temporarily storing image data of four colors from the server,
A method of exposing to color paper may be used.

Further, the output device may be a device capable of simultaneously exposing all colors. In this case, the image data of each color (Y, M, C, K) from the server is temporarily stored in, for example, a data buffer. Data is read simultaneously for all colors by the dot clock generated by the generation unit, and simultaneous exposure for all colors is performed.

The page description language is not limited to the PostScript type, but can be applied to a page description language such as Interpress. In addition, the present invention can be applied to an apparatus that creates a color-separated sheet for printing as a unit with an output device such as a printer.

Further, it goes without saying that the above-described embodiments include examples obtained by combining any of the above-described embodiments and any of the modified examples. In this case, even if not explicitly described in the present embodiment, the obvious operational effects that can be produced by the combination of the respective configurations disclosed in the respective embodiments and the modified examples are, of course, not explicitly described in the present embodiment, unless explicitly stated. The same effect can be obtained also in the above.

[0142]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is not necessary for the user to designate a set of each color plate data constituting the color proof every time the color proof is created, and automatic output becomes possible. In this way, it can greatly contribute to labor saving of processes and improvement of productivity. Further, by enabling designation of five or more colors, it is possible to control an output device capable of outputting a special color. Furthermore, since the drawing instruction is issued to the output device after the specified number of color plate data has been prepared, the color proof that is being created in the event of an abnormality in the system or when the supply of color plate data is stopped. Since there is no need to waste the data, it is effective in terms of safety and cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overall schematic configuration of a color proof creation system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a part of the color proof creating system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server in the color proof creating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an output device in the color proof creating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of a server in the color proof creating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure in a server in the color proof system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen for setting a designated color plane data number.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 color proof creation system 2 PC (terminal) 10 server (information processing device) 20 image data development / separation means 30 operation transfer control means 41 detection means 50 display operation means 52 color data number designation means 53 instruction means 60 output device ( DCP creation device)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Sugita F-term (reference) 2K084 AA40 AE06 AE07 AE10 CC12 CC18 2H113 AA04 BA17 FA21 FA24 FA51 5B021 AA01 BB01 LG07 LG08 5C073 AA03 AB07 CD13 CE08 CE10 5C074 AA12 DD24 DD30 FF15 FF20 HH04

Claims (21)

[Claims] At least one set of each color plate data is developed and separated from at least one image data of a plurality of colors, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame sequential manner, and a color proof is output from the output device. A color proof creation system for outputting, comprising: a color plate data number designating unit for designating and inputting a color plate data number of at least one set of the color plate data; Information temporary storage means for temporarily storing at least the color plate data for the number of color plate data, and after each of the color plate data corresponding to the specified number of color plate data is aligned in the information temporary storage means Transfer means for controlling a set of each of the color plate data to be transferred to the output device. 2. The color plane data number specifying means is configured to be able to specify the number of the color plane data of at least five or more colors including a special color among a plurality of colors.
The color proof creation system described in 1. 3. An output setting unit for setting the output device each time at least one of the color proofs is output, wherein the color plate data number designating unit is provided for each setting in the output setting unit. The color proof creation system according to claim 1, wherein the color proof creation system can be designated. And detecting whether or not one set of each of the color plate data is prepared in the information temporary storage unit, based on the number of color plate data stored in each of the color plate data of the information temporary storage unit. 4. The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer device transfers at least one set of the color plate data based on a detection result detected by the detection device. 5. A color proof creation system according to any one of the preceding claims. 5. A display means for displaying the number of color plate data based on a detection result of the detection means, wherein the number of color plate data displayed on the display means is a predetermined number of the color plate data. 5. The color proof creating system according to claim 4, further comprising: an instruction unit that instructs the transfer unit to start the transfer when the transfer has been reached. 6. An abnormality occurrence inspection means for inspecting whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the output device, and a set of abnormality detection means based on a result of the inspection by the abnormality occurrence inspection means, when it is diagnosed that there is no abnormality. The color proof creating system according to claim 1, further comprising: a transfer permission unit that permits transfer of each color plane data. 7. At least one image data of a plurality of colors is developed and separated into at least one set of respective color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame sequential manner, and a color proof is output from the output device. A color proof creating system for outputting, wherein at least one set of color plate data number specifying means for specifying and inputting the number of color plate data of each of the color plate data; Data group generating means for generating the color plane data as a set of color proof generation data groups, wherein the data group generation means includes the color plane data number at the head of the color proof generation data group. A color proof creation system, wherein the color proof creation system generates the information in a data structure that gives information about the color proof. 8. A plurality of image editing terminals for editing an image, each of the terminals being capable of communicating via a network,
Each of the image editing files edited by each of the terminals is received, and each image data composed of a plurality of colors of each of the image editing files is developed and separated into respective color plate data of each set. A server that transmits in a frame-sequential manner, and a plurality of output devices that are communicable with the server via the network and that output a color proof based on each of the color plate data. Color plate data number designating means for designating and inputting each color plate data number of each of the plurality of sets of color plate data in accordance with the number of color plate data numbers designated by the color plate data number designating means And information temporary storage means for temporarily storing each of the color plate data of each of the minutes, and each of the color plate data corresponding to the designated number of each of the color plate data is provided in the information temporary storage means. Later, a color proof producing system characterized in that it comprises a transfer means for controlling so as to transfer each set of the respective color plane data with respect to each corresponding output device. 9. At least one image data of a plurality of colors is developed and separated into at least one set of respective color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame-sequential manner, and a color proof is output from the output device. An information processing method for performing a process of outputting, based on the number of color plate data of at least one set of each color plate data specified in advance, after each of the color plate data for the number of color plate data, An information processing method, comprising the step of transferring a set of the color plate data to the output device. 10. A step of detecting whether or not one set of the color plate data is prepared based on the designated number of color plate data; and at least one set of each of the color plate data based on the detected detection result. The information processing method according to claim 9, further comprising: transferring color plane data collectively. 11. A step of prompting the display of the number of color plate data based on the detected detection result; and when the displayed number of color plate data reaches the preset number of color plate data, The method according to claim 9, further comprising: starting a transfer. 12. A step of inspecting whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the output device, and a step of permitting transfer of one set of each color plane data when it is diagnosed that there is no abnormality based on the inspection result. The information processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising: 13. At least one image data of a plurality of colors is developed and separated to form at least one set of respective color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame-sequential manner, and a color proof is output from the output device. An information processing apparatus for performing a process of outputting, wherein information temporary storage means for temporarily storing at least one set of color plate data corresponding to the number of color plate data of each of the color plate data specified in advance; Transfer means for controlling the transfer of one set of the color plate data to the output device after each color plate data corresponding to the number of color plate data is stored in the information temporary storage means; An information processing apparatus characterized by including. 14. A color plate data number designating unit for designating the number of color plate data of at least one set of the color plate data, wherein the color plate data number designating unit includes at least a special color among a plurality of colors. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the number of the color plate data of five or more colors can be designated. 15. An output setting means for setting the output device each time at least one of the color proofs is output, wherein the color plate data number designating means is provided for each setting in the output setting means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the information processing apparatus can be designated. 16. At least one image data of a plurality of colors is developed and separated to form at least one set of respective color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame-sequential manner, and a color proof is output from the output device. An information processing apparatus for performing a process of outputting, comprising: a color plate data number designating unit for designating and inputting a color plate data number of at least one set of the color plate data; Data group generating means for generating each of the color plate data as a set of color proof generating data group, wherein the data group generating means includes a color plate at the head of the color proof generating data group. An information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus generates the information in a data structure to which information on the number of data is added. 17. At least one image data composed of a plurality of colors is developed and separated to form at least one set of color plate data, and each color plate data is transferred to an output device in a frame-sequential manner, and a color proof is output from the output device. An information recording medium for performing a process of outputting, wherein information for performing a process of temporarily storing each of the color plate data for at least the specified number of color plate data; An information recording medium, comprising: information for performing control processing to transfer a set of each of the color plate data to the output device after the color plate data is prepared. 18. Information for performing a process of detecting whether or not a set of each of the color plate data is completed based on the number of the color plate data, and at least one set of each of the respective color plate data based on the detected detection result. The information recording medium according to claim 17, further comprising: information for performing a process of transferring color plane data. 19. The information for performing a process of displaying the number of color plate data based on the detection result of the detected detection means, and the number of color plate data to be displayed is set to a predetermined number of the color plate data. 19. The information recording medium according to claim 17, further comprising: information for performing a process of prompting the transfer means to start a transfer in a case where the number of times has reached. 20. information for performing a process of inspecting whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the output device; and 1 when the abnormality is diagnosed based on the inspection result.
20. The information recording medium according to claim 17, further comprising: information for performing a process of permitting transfer of each set of color plate data. 21. At least one set of respective color plate data obtained by developing and separating at least one image data of a plurality of colors, transferring each color plate data to an output device in a frame-sequential manner, and outputting a color proof from the output device. An information recording medium for performing a process of outputting, wherein information for performing a process of generating each color plane data as a set of color proof creation data groups based on the designated number of color plane data; An information recording medium, comprising: at the beginning of a creation data group, information for performing a process of generating a data structure for providing information on the number of color plate data.