JP2006137004A - Additional information recorder, printer, printing system, additional information recording method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To propose a structure which enables simple classification without using a device for the exclusive use. <P>SOLUTION: At the time of recording additional information to a film-like sheet which coats the surface of a substrate, the additional information recorder carries out (a) a process of reading out classification information related to a received event generated at the time of printing reception from a storage part, and (b) a process of varying energy applied to a surface of the film-like sheet between a recording region for the classification information and the other region, and recording the classification information to the surface of the film-like sheet in the form of a watermark. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

One aspect of the invention relates to an additional information recording apparatus that records additional information on a film-like sheet that covers the surface of a substrate. Another aspect of the invention relates to a printing apparatus having a function of recording additional information. Another aspect of the invention relates to a printing apparatus having a function for recording additional information or a printing system having a printing apparatus and an additional information recording apparatus.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for recording additional information on a film-like sheet covering a substrate surface. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a program for realizing a function of recording additional information by a computer.

Currently, a technique for recording information at the time of shooting (for example, shooting date and time, shooting conditions, image file name, etc.) in a watermark on a film-like sheet covering the surface of the substrate has been put into practical use by the applicant.
JP 2002-240402 A

By the way, the spread of digital cameras and other devices equipped with an imaging function is remarkable, and the demands of users for printing services are now very diverse.
Along with this, a business operator is required to have a mechanism capable of sorting a large number of print images and the same kind of print images in a short time. Currently, an apparatus dedicated to sorting is put into practical use, but not only is the apparatus large, but the economic burden is large.
In addition, there is a growing need for non-business operators to sort a large amount of print images and the same type of print images, and a mechanism that can easily sort them is required.

The inventors focus on the above problems and propose the following technical methods.
That is, when recording additional information on the film-like sheet covering the substrate surface,
(A) a process of reading out sorting information associated with a reception event generated at the time of print reception from the storage unit;
(B) a technique for performing processing for varying energy applied to the surface of the film-like sheet in a recording area for sorting information and other areas and recording the sorting information in a watermark on the surface of the film-like sheet. suggest.

  By employing the technical technique according to the invention, the sorting information can be recorded in a watermark on the surface of the film-like sheet. That is, information suitable for sorting a large number of print images and the same kind of print images can be recorded on the print surface. As a result, the sorting operation can be made simpler than before.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical technique according to the invention will be described.
In addition, the well-known or well-known technique of the said technical field is applied to the part which is not illustrated or described in particular in this specification.
The embodiment described below is one embodiment of the present invention and is not limited thereto.

(A) Configuration Example of Printing Apparatus FIG. 1 shows a circuit configuration example of a printing apparatus. FIG. 1 shows an example of application to a sublimation thermal transfer printing apparatus.
The printing apparatus 1 includes an image input interface 3, a CPU 5, a color and size conversion unit 7, a compression / decompression unit 9, an image memory 11, a YMC conversion and gamma conversion unit 13, a buffer memory 15, a sorting interface 17, font and format information. Memory 19, Lamination image memory 21, Laminating gamma conversion unit 23, Data switch 25, PWM (pulse width modulation) processing unit 27, Transfer head 29, Input / selection unit 31, Image display unit 33, Drive control unit 35 The ribbon film feeding mechanism 37 and the paper supply / discharge mechanism 39 are the main components.

The image input interface 3 is used to acquire image information and associated information. Incidentally, the attached information is information at the time of shooting (for example, shooting date and time, shooting conditions, image file name, etc.). For example, information in an Exif (Exchangeable Image Format) format, which is a standard common to each company, is given.
Such information is acquired through, for example, a recording medium or a communication line.
The recording medium here is not limited to a magnetic disk or an optical disk, but can be a semiconductor memory (regardless of shape or circuit format). Further, in order to read information from the recording medium, a playback device or a memory control circuit corresponding to the recording medium is required, and these are included in the image input interface unit 3.
The communication line may be not only a network communication line but also a non-network communication line. It does not matter whether it is a wired route or a wireless route.

The image information and the attached information taken in through the image input interface 3 are transmitted to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5, a color and size conversion unit 7, and a compression / decompression unit 9 through a predetermined signal line.
When the image information is uncompressed data, the color and size conversion unit 7 converts the image information into a print size. Each primary color data after size conversion is stored in the image memory 11 in the subsequent stage. The image memory 11 has regions 11R, 11G, and 11B corresponding to the primary color data (R (red), G (green), and B (blue)).

On the other hand, when the image information is compressed data, the compression / decompression unit 9 executes decompression processing (decompression processing) of the compressed data. For example, it is converted into Y (luminance), Cb, Cr (color difference) data. In this case, the color and size conversion unit 7 executes conversion processing of luminance data and color difference data into primary color data and size conversion processing. Of course, the converted primary color data is stored in each area of the image memory 11.
Here, the color and size conversion unit 7 and the compression / decompression unit 9 perform the above-described processing using the buffer memory 15 as a work area.
Each primary color data stored in the image memory 11 is read out when the image data is printed, and is supplied to the YMC conversion and gamma conversion unit 13. Here, the YMC conversion and gamma conversion unit 13 performs a process of converting primary color data into density data (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan)) and a gamma conversion process according to the characteristics of the output system. Execute.

The sorting interface 17 is used to acquire sorting information associated with a reception event that occurs when printing is accepted.
The sorting information is, for example, a symbol or description unique to the reception event.
The symbols and descriptions here include the reception number specific to the reception event, the number specific to the print reception terminal, the reception date and time, the user-specific identification information, the total number of copies, the number of copies for each image, and the multi-size printing Presence / absence information, different sizes for the same image in multi-size printing, sorting information in the data library, and the like are included.
As for the sorting information, it is desirable that a unique recording area is assigned to each reception event.

The sorting information fetched through the sorting interface 17 is transmitted to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5 through a predetermined signal line.
In this embodiment, the sorting information is recorded in a watermark on a film-like sheet that covers the surface of the substrate. Characters, symbols, symbols, and other bitmap data necessary for recording the sorting information are generated by the CPU 5 with reference to the font and format information memory 19.
The font and format information memory 19 stores conversion information according to font data and format. These pieces of information are also used for processing the attached information.
The sort bitmap data generated by the CPU 5 is stored in the lamination image memory 21.
The lamination image memory 21 corresponds to a sorting information storage unit in claims.

The bitmap data stored in the lamination image memory 21 is read out at the time of laminating and is subjected to gamma conversion processing by the laminating gamma conversion unit 23. In other words, in this gamma processing, laminating processing of the substrate surface on which image information is printed and conversion processing of sorting information into gradation values necessary for watermark recording are executed.
The laminating gamma conversion unit 23 corresponds to an applied energy control unit in claims.
The lamination image memory 21 and the laminating gamma conversion unit 23 correspond to the additional information storage device in the claims.

Hereinafter, the principles of laminating and watermark recording will be described. In this embodiment, the laminate film is transferred onto the surface of the photographic paper (base material) after image formation by the principle of fusion thermal transfer.
Lamination is performed using the ribbon film 41 shown in FIG. The ribbon film 41 is a set of Y (yellow) ink, M (magenta) ink, C (cyan) ink, and a laminate film, and is transported four times before one image is printed and laminated. Operation and film feeding operation are executed. The gamma conversion processing of the laminating gamma conversion unit 23 is executed during the fourth transport operation. FIG. 3 shows a processing image.

FIG. 4 shows changes in the glossiness of the laminate film surface according to the magnitude of energy applied to the transfer head 29. The change in glossiness is shown by curve g. In addition, the area | region shown with a dot pattern in the figure shows the area | region RA where transfer is unstable. Therefore, the energy range that can be used in the laminating process is a range excluding the region RA.
As shown in FIG. 4, as the applied energy increases, the glossiness of the laminated film after processing is substantially constant up to the applied energy E1, beyond which the glossiness suddenly decreases, and the applied energy E2 is further reduced. The characteristic that the change of the glossiness exceeding is not recognized so much is confirmed.

Here, the applied energy E1 is a representative value of energy capable of maintaining the gloss of the laminated film after processing. The applied energy E2 is a representative value of energy at which the surface of the laminated film after processing becomes matte (or silky) and the glossiness is impaired.
That is, the laminating gamma conversion unit 23 performs the gamma conversion process so that the applied energy E2 is applied to the sorting information recording area and the applied energy E1 is applied to the other area (simple wrapping area).
For the gamma conversion process, for example, data conversion of a data reference expression using a one-dimensional lookup table is applied. As a result, the sorting information can be recorded in the form of a watermark in the area where the applied energy E2 is applied.

Here, the numerical range of the applied energy E1 depends on the characteristics of the film to be used, the transfer head, and other conditions. In this embodiment, the applied energy E1 is set to an upper limit value of energy capable of stable transfer or a value near the upper limit value. The applied energy E2 is set to an upper limit value in the range where the glossiness changes rapidly or a value in the vicinity thereof. For example, E2 is set to about 1.2 to 2 times E1.
However, it is not preferable that the set value of the applied energy E2 is too close to the set value of the applied energy E1 applied to other regions. This is because when the two values are too close, the difference in glossiness is small, and it becomes difficult to visually check the recorded watermark. On the other hand, if the set value of the applied energy E2 is too high, the applied energy is wasted, heating more than necessary, and other adverse effects are caused.
Therefore, in practice, it is desirable to define an appropriate energy value in consideration of these factors.

The data switch 25 is a circuit for switching output of image printing data and sorting data to a subsequent circuit. Here, data for image printing is input from the YMC conversion and gamma conversion unit 13. Further, the sorting data is input from the laminating gamma conversion unit 23.
The switching operation of the data switch 25 is controlled by the CPU 5. When printing image information, the switch of the data switch 25 is connected to the YMC conversion and gamma conversion unit 13 side. On the other hand, when sorting information is recorded (at the time of laminating), the switch of the data switch 25 is connected to the laminating gamma conversion unit 23 side.

The PWM processing unit 27 is a processing device that performs pulse width modulation on the data selected by the data switch 25 and generates a driving signal for the transfer head 29. This drive signal corresponds to the individual heating elements arranged on the transfer head 29.
The length of this pulse width corresponds to the energization time of the transfer head 29. For example, when printing an image, the recording density of the ink changes according to the length of the pulse width. For example, when sorting information is recorded (at the time of laminating), the glossiness of the laminate film changes according to the length of the pulse width.

FIG. 5 shows the difference in visibility due to the difference in glossiness. FIG. 5 is a side view of the printing paper after lamination. The lower layer is a substrate 51 on which a printed image is formed, and the upper layer is a laminate film 53.
The only difference between the sorting information recording area (watermark area) and the other areas is the difference in the glossiness of the laminate film surface. Therefore, when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the printing paper (point A), the sorting information recorded on the laminate film is not confirmed, and the printed image formed on the lower substrate 51 is confirmed as it is.
On the other hand, when viewed from the angle at which ambient light is totally reflected on the surface of the laminate film (point B), the sorting information recorded on the surface of the laminate film is most clearly confirmed.

In addition, the printing apparatus includes an input / selection unit 31, an image display unit 33, a drive control unit 35, a ribbon film feed mechanism 37, and a paper supply / discharge mechanism 39.
The input / selection unit 31 is a user interface for inputting instructions and selections to the printing apparatus 1. For example, it is composed of buttons, keys, switches, and the like.
The image display unit 33 is used for setting state display, instruction input through a GUI, and the like. For example, a flat display is used. However, the image display unit 33 may be externally connected to the printing apparatus 1.

The drive control unit 35 is a control unit for the ribbon film feeding mechanism 37 and the paper supply / discharge mechanism 39. The drive control unit 35 operates under the management of the CPU 5.
Incidentally, the ribbon film feed mechanism 37 is a transport mechanism of the ribbon film 41 shown in FIG. The ribbon film feeding mechanism 37 transports the ribbon film 41 in one direction according to the progress of recording of each color and lamination processing.
The paper supply / discharge mechanism 39 is a transport mechanism for printing paper (recording medium) on which a print image is formed. The paper supply / discharge mechanism 39 conveys the printing paper in the reverse direction every time recording of each color is completed, and prepares for recording or laminating of the next color.

(B) Recording Example of Sorting Information Hereinafter, a recording example of sorting information by the printing apparatus 1 will be shown. The actual sorting information is recorded in the form of a watermark, but in the following, the recording form and the recording position of the sorting information are represented by solid lines.

(B-1) Example of Assigning Unique Symbol or Description to Reception Event FIG. 6 shows an example of assigning a different symbol or the like for each reception event. Accordingly, the same symbol or the like is recorded on the print images corresponding to the same reception event.
In the case of FIG. 6, the same symbol “◯” is attached to the three print images printed at the first reception event. In the case of FIG. 6, the same symbol “▽” is added to the four print images printed at the second reception event.
In FIG. 6, the recording position of the sorting information is the same except that the shape of the sorting symbols recorded in a watermark is different.

As described above, by changing the shape of the symbol or the like to be recorded for each reception event, it is possible to easily sort even when printed sheets are mixed. Of course, an apparatus dedicated to sorting such as a conventional apparatus is unnecessary.
Of course, the symbol is not limited to “◯” or “▽”, but “☆”, “□”, “◇”, and other shapes can be used. The sorting information may be expressed not only by symbols but also by description. The sorting information may be expressed not only by symbols but also by combining descriptions and symbols. It is desirable to use as many symbols and descriptions as the number corresponding to reception events that may be handled at the same time.

(B-2) Example of Allocating Recording Area Specific to Reception Event FIG. 7 shows an example of changing the recording area of the sorting information for each reception event. In the case of this example, the same symbol or the like is used regardless of the difference in the reception event. Of course, in the print image corresponding to the same reception event, the same recording area is used for recording symbols and the like.
In the case of FIG. 7, the symbol “◯” is attached to the lower right corner of the three print images printed at the first reception event. In the case of FIG. 7, the four print images printed at the second reception event are marked with a symbol “◯” in the upper right corner.

Note that the upper left corner, the lower left corner, the upper side center, the right side center, the left side center, the lower side center, the center, and other positions can also be used in the recording area of the symbols for sorting. If a linear symbol is used, an upper side row, a lower side row, a right side row, a left side row, a column passing through the center, a row passing through the center, a diagonal line, and other positions can also be used.
In addition, it is desirable that the number of recording areas used for recording the sorting information is selectively used according to the number of reception events that may be handled at the same time.

Further, in the case of FIG. 7, there is one recording area used for recording the sorting information, but the difference in the reception event may be expressed by a combination of a plurality of recording positions. For example, the upper right and lower right combinations, the upper left and lower left combinations, and other combinations may be used.
Note that different recording positions and symbols having different shapes may be combined.
In any case, by changing the recording area of the sorting information for each reception event, it is possible to easily sort even when printed sheets are mixed.

(B-3) Example of Assigning Unique Reception Number to Reception Event FIG. 8 shows an example of assigning a unique reception number for each reception event. Accordingly, the same reception number is recorded in print images corresponding to the same reception event.
In the case of FIG. 8, the same description “101” is attached to the three print images printed at the first reception event. In the case of FIG. 8, the same description “102” is attached to the four print images printed at the second reception event.
FIG. 8 shows a case where the reception number is given as a three-digit serial number. Of course, the format of the receipt number is not limited to this. For example, it may be given in combination with date, reception time, reception store, person in charge and others.
By using the reception number in this way, the correspondence between the print image and the reception event can be clarified even when the number of reception events handled is very large.

(B-4) User-specific identification information designated by the reception event FIG. 9 shows an example of assigning user-specific identification information designated by the reception event. Accordingly, the same identification information is recorded in the print images corresponding to the same reception event.
In the case of FIG. 9, the same initial information “KS” is attached to the three print images printed at the first reception event. In the case of FIG. 9, the same initial information “YS” is attached to the four print images printed at the second reception event.
However, if the person in charge or the customer can be distinguished, only the initial letter of the last name or the initial letter of the name may be used as the identification information. In addition, all or part of the names of the person in charge or the customer may be used as identification information.
In this way, when user information is used as identification information, sorting of print images can be facilitated.

(B-5) Identification Information Specific to Reception Device that Received Reception Event FIG. 10 shows an example of assigning identification information specific to a reception device that has received a reception event. Therefore, the same identification information is used in the same reception event.
In the case of FIG. 10, the same identification information “100-1” is attached to the three print images printed at the first reception event. In the case of FIG. 10, the same identification information “100-2” is attached to the four print images printed at the second reception event.
In FIG. 10, the identification information unique to the receiving apparatus is expressed by a combination of numbers, but may be expressed by using a port number, a media number, a manufacturing number, and the like. Further, it may be expressed using a management name or the like registered by the user.
In this way, when used for identification information unique to a reception device, sorting based on reception devices can be realized even when reception events are issued on a large number of reception devices.

(B-6) Date / Time Information When Reception Event Occurs FIG. 11 shows an example of assigning date / time information when a reception event occurs. Therefore, the same date and time information is recorded on the print images corresponding to the same reception event.
In the case of FIG. 11, the same date information “10/09 10:58” is attached to the three print images printed at the first reception event. In the case of FIG. 11, the same date information “10/09 11:25” is attached to the four print images printed at the second reception event.
In FIG. 11, the date / time information is expressed by a combination of “day” and “time”, but may be expressed using “year”, “year”, and the like.
As described above, when used for the date and time information when the reception event occurs, it is possible to realize sorting based on the date and time even when there are a large number of reception events.

(B-7) Total Number of Prints Specified at Reception Event FIG. 12 shows an example of assigning the total number of prints specified at the reception event. Accordingly, the same numerical value is recorded in the print images corresponding to the same reception event. Since the total number of prints is the number of print images printed in one reception event, the number of print images is not limited to one, and may be any number.
In the case of FIG. 12, the total number of prints “3” is attached to the three print images printed at the first reception event. In the case of FIG. 12, the total number of prints “4” is added to the four print images printed in the second reception event.
In this way, if the total number of printed sheets is recorded, it can be easily confirmed whether the sorting result is consistent with the reception event.

(B-8) Number of prints of individual print images designated by reception event FIG. 13 shows an example of assigning the number of prints of individual print images designated by the reception event. Accordingly, the number of printed sheets is recorded for each print image. In this case, different numerical values can be recorded in the same reception event.
FIG. 13 shows a case where printing of print images A and B is received at a certain reception event. In this example, the number of printed images A (number of copies) is “1”, and the number of printed images B (number of copies) is “4”. For this reason, the number of printed sheets is recorded in each print image.
In this way, if the number of printed sheets of individual print images is recorded, it is possible to easily confirm whether there is a shortage of print images at the time of sorting. For example, in the case of the print image B in FIG. 13, as a result of sorting, if there are only three print images B, it can be immediately confirmed that there is still one sort omission.

(B-9) Presence / absence of multi-size printing for individual print images and information on different sizes FIG. 14 shows an example of assigning information on the presence / absence of multi-size printing for individual print images. In this case, a symbol or description indicating the presence of different size printing is recorded only for a print image for which multi-size printing is designated.
FIG. 14 shows a case where the print images A and C are printed with a size of 4 inches × 6 inches, and the print image B is printed with a size of 5 inches × 7 inches. For this reason, only the print image B is marked with a circle in the lower right corner. The recording position of the symbol is arbitrary.
If a symbol is attached in this way, it can be seen that there are other print images with the same image content and different sizes, and attention can be given to sorting.

However, if there are other print images of different sizes, it is a little unfriendly to the sorting operator.
FIG. 15 shows an example of assigning information of other print sizes associated with individual print images. Also in this case, a symbol or description indicating another print size is recorded only for a print image for which multi-size printing is designated. Therefore, it can be seen that there are other print images of different sizes in the print image in which the symbols and the like are recorded.
FIG. 15 also shows a case where the print images A and C are printed in a size of 4 inches × 6 inches, and the print image B is printed in a size of 5 inches × 7 inches. However, in this case, “5 × 7” is recorded in the lower right corner of the print image B printed by 4 inches × 6 inches. Further, “4 × 6” is recorded in the lower right corner of the printed image B printed at 5 inches × 7 inches.

Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm not only that the print image B is a target for multi-size printing, but also what other size is printed. Therefore, even when searching for printed images printed in other sizes, it is possible to efficiently search for necessary images pinpointly.
In the case of FIG. 15, the case where one image is multi-size printed with two types of sizes has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to the case where one image is multi-size printed with three types of sizes.
In that case, the other two print sizes may be recorded on a print image of a certain size. Of course, multi-size printing is not limited to two types and three types.

(B-10) Information on Sorting Units on Data Library FIG. 16 shows an example of assigning information on sorting units on the data library. In this case, the same sorting information can be used in different reception events.
The information related to the sorting unit in the data library includes, for example, a user-specific folder name, directory information, and the like.
FIG. 16 shows an example when a date is added as the folder name. In this case, the same information “2004-04-10” is attached to the three print images printed at the first reception event. Further, the same information “2004-10-1” is attached to the four print images printed at the second reception event.
Of course, the folder name may be expressed using the name of the user, the organization / organization to which the worker belongs, the project name, and the like.
In this way, when used for information on sorting units in the data library, sorting in units that are easy for the user to manage can be realized.

(C) Other Embodiments (a) In the embodiment described above, watermark-like recording was realized by lowering the glossiness of the recording image area of the sorting information on the surface of the film-like sheet.
However, the relationship of glossiness may be reversed. That is, the applied energy E2 may be applied to the film-like sheet surface other than the sorting information recording area, and the applied energy E1 may be applied to the sorting information recording area.
In this case, the glossiness of the classification information recording area is increased, and the glossiness of the other areas is decreased. Even in this way, the sorting information can be recorded in a watermark.

(B) In the above-described embodiment, the sorting information is recorded in a watermark by changing the glossiness of the film-like sheet surface.
However, as long as the sorting information can be recorded in a watermark according to the applied energy, characteristics other than the glossiness of the film-like sheet may be changed.

(C) In the above-described embodiment, the lamination image memory 21 is mounted in the printing apparatus exclusively for recording the sorting information.
However, the lamination image memory may be realized by using a part or all of the image memory 11 mounted for storing image information.
FIG. 17 shows a circuit configuration example of a printing apparatus corresponding to this embodiment. If the data in the image memory 11 is output for image printing, it becomes unnecessary. Therefore, in this circuit configuration, the empty area is temporarily used as an image memory for laminate printing.

In this case, bitmap data necessary for recording the sorting information is stored in a predetermined area of the image memory 11 using a path indicated by a broken line in FIG. Then, a technique is adopted in which the bitmap data read from the area at a predetermined timing is sent to the laminating gamma conversion unit 23.
In addition, the buffer memory 15 may also be used as an image memory for laminate printing. Further, it is possible to adopt a form in which sorting information once written on an external recording medium is read and used at the time of laminate printing.

(D) In the above-described embodiment, the case where two types of energy applied to the film-like sheet are prepared and these two are selectively applied has been described.
However, three or more types of applied energy may be prepared and the applied energy may be selected. In this case, it is possible to control in detail the presence or absence of gloss or the difference in surface glossiness of the film-like sheet. Thereby, appropriate control according to a film-like sheet is realizable.

(E) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18A, a printing apparatus of a type that realizes printing of image information and recording of sorting information using the same transfer head 29 has been described.
However, as shown in FIG. 18B, the present invention can also be applied to a printing apparatus 61 having a separate image information recording device 63 and a sorting information recording device 65.
In this case, a recording device other than the thermal head can be applied to the image information recording device 63. For example, an inkjet print head can be applied. Further, laser type printing devices (charging drum and imaging device) can be applied.
Also in this case, a thermal head is used as the sorting information recording device 65.

(F) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the sorting information recording function 71 is installed in the printing apparatus 1 has been described as shown in FIG.
However, as shown in 19 (B), the sorting information recording device 75 may be realized as a device independent of the printing device 73. In this case, what is necessary is just to implement | achieve by the structure except the functional block relevant to the printing of image information among the circuit structures shown in FIG.

(G) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the recording information recording function is installed in one printing apparatus has been described.
However, it may be realized as a printing system that combines a plurality of printing apparatuses and print accepting apparatuses.
FIG. 20A shows an example of a printing system that includes two printing apparatuses (not equipped with a sorting information recording function) 81, one sorting information recording apparatus 83, and two printing reception apparatuses 85. Indicates.
FIG. 20B shows an example of a printing system composed of four printing apparatuses (with a sorting information recording function) 1 and one printing reception apparatus 91.

(H) In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which sorting information is recorded in a watermark at the time of laminating a substrate surface on which image information is printed.
However, the method for recording the sorting information is not limited to this.
For example, as shown in FIG. 21, after laminating a plain substrate surface, image information and sorting information may be individually recorded on the laminate surface.
For example, as shown in FIG. 22, after laminating the substrate surface on which the image information is printed, a method of recording the sorting information on the surface of the laminate film in a watermark shape may be employed.
(I) Various modifications can be considered for the above-described embodiments within the scope of the gist of the invention. Various modifications and application examples created based on the description of the present specification are also conceivable.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a ribbon film. It is a figure which shows the processing image of a lamination process and sorting information recording. It is a characteristic view which shows the relationship between the magnitude | size of applied energy, and the glossiness after a process. It is a figure explaining the difference in visibility by the difference in glossiness. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording in the case of assigning a different symbol etc. for every reception event as sorting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording in the case of assigning a recording area specific to a reception event as sorting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording in the case of assigning a specific reception number to a reception event as sorting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording in the case of assigning the user specific identification information designated by the reception event as sorting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording in the case of assigning identification information specific to the reception apparatus which received the reception event as sorting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording in the case of assigning the date information when the reception event occurred as the sorting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording in the case of assigning the total number of printed sheets designated by the reception event as sorting information. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a recording example when assigning the number of printed sheets of individual print images specified by a reception event as sorting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording in the case of assigning the presence or absence of multi-size printing with respect to each print image as sorting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording in the case of assigning the different size information of the multisize printing with respect to each print image as the sorting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording in the case of assigning the information regarding the sorting unit on a data library as sorting information. It is a figure which shows the other example of a form of a printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a form which has separately the printing device of image information, and the recording device of sorting information. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a sorting information recording device (additional information recording device). 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing system. It is a figure which shows the other recording method of sorting information. It is a figure which shows the other recording method of sorting information.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printing Device 17 Sorting Interface 21 Lamination Image Memory 23 Laminating Gamma Conversion Unit 29 Transfer Head

Claims (17)

An additional information recording device for recording additional information on a film-like sheet covering the surface of a substrate,
A storage unit for holding sorting information associated with a reception event generated at the time of print reception;
An energy control unit that varies energy applied to the surface of the film-like sheet in a sorting information recording area and other areas, and records the sorting information in a watermark on the surface of the film-like sheet. An additional information recording device characterized by the above. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The additional information recording apparatus, wherein the sorting information is a symbol or a description unique to each reception event. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The additional information recording apparatus, wherein the sorting information is a reception number unique to each reception event. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The additional information recording apparatus, wherein the sorting information is identification information unique to a user specified in each reception event. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The additional information recording device, wherein the sorting information is identification information unique to a reception device that has received a reception event. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The additional information recording device, wherein the sorting information is date information when each reception event occurs. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The additional information recording apparatus, wherein the sorting information is a total number of printed sheets received in each reception event. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The additional information recording apparatus, wherein the sorting information is the number of copies for each piece of image information designated by a reception event. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The additional information recording apparatus, wherein the sorting information is information indicating presence / absence of multi-size printing for individual image information. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The additional information recording apparatus, wherein the sorting information is information indicating a processing size different from a current processing size for each piece of image information designated as a target for multi-size printing. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The additional information recording apparatus, wherein the sorting information is information relating to a sorting unit in a data library. The additional information recording apparatus according to claim 1,
As the sorting information, a recording area unique to each reception event is allocated. A printing apparatus that records image information on a substrate surface or a film-like sheet covering the surface, and records additional information on the surface of the film-like sheet,
A storage unit for holding sorting information associated with a reception event generated at the time of print reception;
An energy control unit that varies energy applied to the surface of the film-like sheet in a sorting information recording area and other areas, and records the sorting information in a watermark on the surface of the film-like sheet. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. A printing system having one or more printing devices,
At least one of the printing devices is
A storage unit for holding sorting information associated with a reception event generated at the time of print reception;
An energy control unit that varies energy applied to the surface of the film-like sheet in a sorting information recording area and other areas, and records the sorting information in a watermark on the surface of the film-like sheet. A printing system featuring. A printing system comprising one or a plurality of printing devices and an additional information recording device for recording additional information on a film-like sheet that covers the substrate surface on which image information is recorded,
The additional information recording device includes:
A storage unit for holding sorting information associated with a reception event generated at the time of print reception;
An energy control unit that varies energy applied to the surface of the film-like sheet in a sorting information recording area and other areas, and records the sorting information in a watermark on the surface of the film-like sheet. A printing system featuring. An additional information recording method for recording additional information on a film-like sheet covering the substrate surface,
A process of reading out sorting information associated with a reception event that occurs at the time of print reception from the storage unit;
A process of varying energy applied to the surface of the film-like sheet between a sorting information recording area and other areas, and recording the sorting information on the surface of the film-like sheet in a watermark. Additional information recording method. To a computer that controls the recording of additional information on the film-like sheet covering the substrate surface,
A process of reading out sorting information associated with a reception event that occurs at the time of print reception from the storage unit;
The energy applied to the surface of the film-like sheet is varied between the sorting information recording area and other areas, and the sorting information is recorded in a watermark on the surface of the film-like sheet. Program.

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