EP3465625A1 - Procédé et système de traitement d'image - Google Patents

Procédé et système de traitement d'image

Info

Publication number
EP3465625A1
EP3465625A1 EP17729393.3A EP17729393A EP3465625A1 EP 3465625 A1 EP3465625 A1 EP 3465625A1 EP 17729393 A EP17729393 A EP 17729393A EP 3465625 A1 EP3465625 A1 EP 3465625A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
image
image processing
printed
images
bitmaps
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP17729393.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jeroen Lucia Jan Maria Van Bauwel
Johan Constance PEETERS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Xeikon Manufacturing NV
Original Assignee
Xeikon Manufacturing NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Xeikon Manufacturing NV filed Critical Xeikon Manufacturing NV
Publication of EP3465625A1 publication Critical patent/EP3465625A1/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T11/00—2D [Two Dimensional] image generation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an image processing system and to a method for generating control signals for printing means, from source image data from an image source.
  • a ready-to-print file is generated for the full width of the printing apparatus or for a lane of a plurality of lanes covering the full width.
  • Such a ready-to-print file is sent to a streaming processor in order to generate control signals for the printing means based on the ready-to-print file.
  • various different labels may be needed for the same product. More in particular, brand packaging is getting more personal and the use of variable labels for the same product is becoming more common. E.g. Coca- Cola's cans and bottles featuring common first names are part of a growing trend. Typically, these various different labels need to be applied to the products in a random manner.
  • the obvious solution consists in printing the various labels in order, e.g. first labels "A”, next labels "B", etc., sticking the labels to the products in order, sorting the products by hand into random batches in the warehouse, and then shipping them out to stores.
  • first labels "A", next labels "B", etc. sticking the labels to the products in order, sorting the products by hand into random batches in the warehouse, and then shipping them out to stores.
  • such a solution is expensive and time consuming.
  • US 8,830,513 discloses a method for storing a destination document from a source document, typically a PDF document. Recurring content in the source document is flattened and stored in a first memory location, and then for each page in the source document, the page is flattened using the variable and the (stored) recurring content, and portions influenced by the variable content are extracted and stored in a second memory location. For each page, a new page is added to the destination document comprising the flattened, recurring content stored in the first memory location and the flattened, variable content stored in the second memory location.
  • a flattened PDF or PDF/VT document can be generated with recurring content stored in the form of XObjects.
  • Such a document can be passed to a RIP (Raster Image Processor), and the RIPping of form XObjects can be optimized during caching. Although the efficiency is improved by performing the flattening, such a method suffers from the fact that the RIP will have to generate a bitmap for every page of the flattened PDF or PDF/VT document.
  • An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide an image processing system and method for obtaining printed images and in particular labels which may be used in a random manner in a more convenient manner.
  • an image processing system for generating control signals for printing means, from source image data from an image source.
  • the source image data represents a plurality of images to be printed, and the plurality of images comprising at least a first image and a second image.
  • the image processing system comprises a raster image processing and randomizing module and a streaming processor.
  • the raster image processing and randomizing module is configured to convert said source image data into a plurality of bitmaps and to determine order information defining an ordered array of elements, wherein each element contains a reference to a bitmap of said plurality of bitmaps.
  • the plurality of bitmaps comprises at least a first bitmap corresponding with the first image and a second bitmap corresponding with the second image.
  • the elements are arranged by the raster image processing and randomizing module in a random order in the array, wherein the total number of elements in the array referring to the first bitmap corresponds with the total number of first images to be printed, wherein the total number of elements in the array referring to the second bitmap corresponds with the total number of second images to be printed, and wherein the total number of elements in the array corresponds with the total number of the plurality of images to be printed.
  • the streaming processor is configured to generate control signals for the printing means based on said plurality of bitmaps and said order information.
  • bitmaps By determining order information in the image processing system at the level of the raster image processing, a random order can be directly determined for the bitmaps.
  • the images are usually put in a predetermined order in an upfront authoring tool, wherein a printer language (e.g. PDF) or a variable data printer language (e.g. PDF/VT) explicitly prescribes the predetermined order.
  • a printer language e.g. PDF
  • a variable data printer language e.g. PDF/VT
  • the raster image processing and randomizing module is configured to determine the random order using a shuffle algorithm.
  • a shuffle algorithm This may be a truly random shuffle algorithm or a random shuffle algorithm using a feed or initial value.
  • Shuffling is the process of rearranging an array of elements randomly.
  • a shuffling algorithm may be unbiased (without a feed, truly random), where every ordering is equally likely.
  • An example thereof is the Fisher-Yates shuffling algorithm.
  • Some other possible shuffling algorithms use a feed or initial value and procedure the same random order if the feed is not changed.
  • the array comprises a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, wherein a column thereof refers to bitmaps intended to be printed adjacent to each other, seen in a print direction of the printing means, and wherein a row thereof refers to bitmaps intended to be printed adjacent to each other, seen a direction perpendicular on the print direction of the printing means.
  • the source image data comprises any one or more of the following files:
  • a multipage file comprising a plurality of pages containing the first image and one or more pages containing the second image
  • a plurality of single-page files comprising at least a first single page file containing the first image and a first copy count for the first image and a second single page file containing the second image and a second copy count for the second image;
  • a combination of a multipage file comprising a plurality of pages containing the first image and a single -page file containing the second image and a second copy count for the second image.
  • each page of the multipage file there may be generated a bitmap.
  • for each single -page file there may be generated a bitmap.
  • the source data is included in a single-page or multi-page PDF or PDF/VT file.
  • the streaming processor is further configured to receive instruction signals and to use said instruction signals for generating additional printing marks, such as cut marks or a calibration strip, in a printed image.
  • additional printing marks such as cut marks or a calibration strip
  • the order information is included in a file in a descriptive language, e.g. an .xml file or a .txt file.
  • Embodiments of the invention are both applicable with inkjet heads as well as with light heads such as a LED array, and more generally, with any printing means.
  • the raster image processing and randomizing module is configured to link the place of each element in the determined ordered array to a unique identifier of the said element.
  • a link can be made of the order of each bitmap with a unique identifier of the bitmap. This link can be saved, exported or stored in e.g. a database. This is useful if the printed result needs to be verified after the printing.
  • An exemplary application where such an embodiment may be useful is printing of lottery tickets.
  • an image processing for generating control signals for printing means, from source image data from an image source.
  • the source image data represents a plurality of images to be printed, said plurality of images comprising at least a first image and a second image.
  • the image processing method comprises raster image processing the source image data to covert the source image data in a plurality of bitmaps comprising at least a first bitmap corresponding with the first image and a second bitmap corresponding with the second image, and determining order information defining a randomly ordered array of elements, wherein each element contains a reference to a bitmap of said plurality of bitmaps, wherein the elements are arranged in a random order in said array.
  • the total number of elements in the array referring to the first bitmap corresponds with the total number of first images to be printed
  • the total number of elements in the array referring to the second bitmap corresponds with the total number of second images to be printed
  • the total number of elements in the array corresponds with the total number of the plurality of images to be printed.
  • the image processing method further comprises generating control signals for the printing means based on said plurality of bitmaps and said order information.
  • the generating may be directly or indirectly (via intermediate bitmap elements, see further) based on said plurality of bitmaps and said order information.
  • the random order is determined using a shuffle algorithm which may be any one of the shuffle algorithms discussed above.
  • the array comprises a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; wherein a column thereof refers to bitmaps intended to be printed adjacent to each other, seen in a print direction of the printing means; and wherein a row thereof refers to bitmaps intended to be printed adjacent to each other, seen a direction perpendicular on the print direction of the printing means.
  • the source image data comprises any one or more of the following files: a multipage file comprising a plurality of pages containing the first image and one or more pages containing the second image; a plurality of single -page files comprising at least a first single page file containing the first image and a first copy count for the first image and a second single page file containing the second image and a second copy count for the second image; a combination of a multipage file comprising a plurality of pages containing the first image and a single-page file containing the second image and a second copy count for the second image.
  • the source data may be included e.g. in a single-page or multi-page PDF or PDF/VT file.
  • the order information is included in a file in a descriptive language.
  • a digital data storage medium encoding a machine- executable program of instructions to perform any one of the embodiments of the method disclosed above.
  • Figure 1 is block diagram of a printing and cutting arrangement including an exemplary embodiment of an image processing system
  • Figure 2 illustrate schematically a detailed view of a RIP and randomizing module of an exemplary embodiment of an image processing system
  • Figure 3 is flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of an image processing method.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a printing and cutting arrangement including an embodiment of an image processing system of the invention.
  • the image processing system comprises a raster image processing and randomizing module 120 and a streamer 130.
  • the printing and cutting arrangement further comprises a printing means 140 and a cutting means 150.
  • the raster image processing and layout module 120 comprises an input interface for receiving source image data representing a plurality of images to be printed.
  • the plurality of images comprises at least a first image II and a second image 12.
  • the plurality of images comprises images II (xlO), 12 (xlOOO), 13 (xlOO).
  • the source image data may be included e.g. in:
  • a multipage file comprising a plurality of pages containing the first image and one or more pages containing the second image; e.g. a multipage file comprising 10 pages with II, 1000 pages with 12, and 100 pages with 13;
  • a plurality of single-page files comprising at least a first single page file containing the first image and a first copy count for the first image and a second single page file containing the second image and a second copy count for the second image; e.g. a first single page file containing the first image II and a first copy count 10, a second single page file containing the second image 12 and a second copy count 1000, and a third single-page file containing the second image 13 and a third copy count 100;
  • the raster image processing and randomizing module 120 is configured to convert the source image data of images II, 12, 13 into a series of bitmaps Bl, B2, B3.
  • the raster image processing and randomizing module 120 is further configured to determine order information O defining an ordered array of elements, wherein each element contains a reference to a bitmap of said plurality of bitmaps Bl, B2, B3.
  • the elements are arranged in a random order in said array.
  • the total number of elements in the array referring to the first bitmap B 1 corresponds with the total number of first images II to be printed, i.e.
  • the total number of elements in the array referring to the second bitmap B2 corresponds with the total number of second images 12 to be printed, i.e. 1000 in the example.
  • the total number of elements in the array referring to the third bitmap B3 corresponds with the total number of third images 13 to be printed, i.e. 100 in the example.
  • the generated order information may be e.g. 3 x B2; lx B l ; 10 x B2; 1 x B3; etc.
  • a shuffle algorithm is implemented in the software of the RIP and randomizing module 120. This will be discussed in more detail below with reference to figure 2.
  • the raster image processing and randomizing module 120 may also generate cut-out contour data comprising one or more cut-out contours from the source data J.
  • the cut-out contour data is generated to match the bitmaps B l, B2, B3.
  • the raster image processing and randomizing module 120 may further generate information about the space between two consecutive bitmaps, the position of a first included bitmap with respect to a second included bitmap, etc.
  • the raster image processing and randomizing module 120 further comprises an output interface for making the bitmaps Bl, B2, B3 and the order information O available to the streamer 130.
  • the streaming processor or streamer 130 is arranged to receive the bitmaps B l, B2, B3, optionally together with position signals PS comprising information on position data for said bitmaps B 1 , B2, B3 in the printed image.
  • the streaming processor 130 is configured to generate control signals CS for the printing means 140 based on the bitmaps B l, B2, B3 and the order information, optionally using the position signals PS.
  • the streaming processor 130 may be further configured to receive instruction signals IS and to use the instruction signals IS for generating the control signals CS.
  • Those instruction signals IS may relate to the adding of marks, such as cut marks or other data, or to calibration operations.
  • the RIP and randomizing module 120 comprises a raster image processing (RIP) part 121 which extracts the relevant data from the source image data and produces corresponding raster images also known as a bitmaps Bl, B2, B3.
  • the input of the RIP and randomizing module 120 i.e. the source image data J, may be a page description in a high-level page description language such as PostScript, Portable Document Format (PDF), Portable
  • RIP Document Format for variable and transactional printing (PDF/VT), XPS or another bitmap.
  • the RIP applies either smoothing or interpolation algorithms to the input bitmap to generate the output bitmap Bl, B2, B3.
  • Raster image processing is the process of turning e.g. vector digital information such as a PostScript file into a high-resolution raster image.
  • RIPs may be implemented through hardware generating a hardware bitmap which is used to enable or disable each pixel on a real-time output device such as an optical film scanner.
  • a RIP is implemented either as a software component of an operating system or as a firmware program executed on a microprocessor inside.
  • a stand-alone hardware RIP may be used.
  • the raster image processing (RIP) part 121 is capable of converting images in single-page or multipage PDF or PDF/VT documents in bitmaps.
  • the RIP and randomizing module 120 further comprises a shuffle part 122 for extracting the quantities of the images II, 12, 13 (10 x II, 1000 x 12, 100 x 13) from the source data, and for performing a shuffle algorithm to determine the random order in which the images need to be printed.
  • bitmap elements may be generated with the bitmaps Bl, B2, B3 and the order information O.
  • lane bitmap elements each containing a series of bitmaps to be printed in a lane of the substrate may be generated and passed to the streamer.
  • a first lane bitmap element could contain images to be printed in a first lane (e.g. B2 B l B2 B2 B2, etc.)
  • a second lane bitmap element could contain images to be printed in a second lane (e.g. B2 B2 B2 B2 B2, etc.)
  • a third lane bitmap element could contain image to be printed in a third lane (e.g. B2 B2 B2 B2 B3).
  • the first lane, the second lane, and the third lane extend in a printing direction and correspond with adjacent lanes in a printed image. More details about lane printing can be found in European patent application with application number EP 13176488.8 in the name of the Applicant, which is included herein by reference.
  • Particular embodiments of the invention relate to the field of digital printing systems for so-called "continuous" webs, i.e. printing systems where a continuous roll of substrate (e.g. , paper, plastic foil, or a multi-layer combination thereof) is run through the printer, in particular to print large numbers of copies of the same image(s), or alternatively, series of images, or even large sets of individually varying images, wherein a random order is required.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an image processing method for generating control signals for printing means, from source image data from an image source.
  • the source image data represents a plurality of images to be printed, comprising at least a first image and a second image, and e.g. a multipage file (e.g. PDF or PDF/VT) comprising a plurality of pages containing the first image and one or more pages containing the second image; or a plurality of single-page files comprising at least a first single page file containing the first image and a first copy count for the first image and a second single page file containing the second image and a second copy count for the second image.
  • the image processing method comprises in a first step 301 the receiving of the source image data.
  • the source data is raster image processed to covert the source image data in a plurality of bitmaps comprising at least a first bitmap corresponding with the first image and a second bitmap corresponding with the second image. Also in the second step 302 order information defining an ordered array of elements is determined, wherein each element of the array contains a reference to a bitmap of said plurality of bitmaps, and wherein said elements are arranged in a random order in said array.
  • the total number of elements in the array referring to the first bitmap corresponds with the total number of first images to be printed; the total number of elements in the array referring to the second bitmap corresponds with the total number of second images to be printed; and the total number of elements in the array corresponds with the total number of the plurality of images to be printed. It is noted that said converting and said determining may be performed one after the other or simultaneously, i.e. the converting may be performed before or after the determining or at the same time.
  • the order information may be included in a file in a descriptive language, e.g. an .xml file or a .txt file.
  • control signals for the printing means are generated directly or indirectly based on said plurality of bitmaps and said order information.
  • the generating is directly based on said plurality of bitmaps and said order information.
  • a plurality of bitmap elements grouping a plurality of bitmaps in a certain order in each bitmap element may be used to generate the control signals, in which case the control signals are indirectly based on said plurality of bitmaps and said order information.
  • the printing is performed using the control signals.
  • the random order may be determined using a shuffle algorithm.
  • This may be a truly random shuffle algorithm which provides a different order when used with the same source image input data, or a random shuffle algorithm with a so-called feed, which results in the same order when used with the same source image input data and the same feed.
  • a shuffle algorithm with a so-called feed, which results in the same order when used with the same source image input data and the same feed.
  • a shuffle algorithm with a so-called feed, which results in the same order when used with the same source image input data and the same feed.
  • a so-called feed which results in the same order when used with the same source image input data and the same feed.
  • a so-called feed which results in the same order when used with the same source image input data and the same feed.
  • a person of skill in the art would readily recognize that some steps of various above described methods can be performed by programmed computers.
  • some embodiments are also intended to cover program storage devices, e.g.
  • processors may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software.
  • the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared.
  • explicit use of the term "processing module” should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non volatile storage.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • FPGA field programmable gate array
  • ROM read only memory
  • RAM random access memory
  • non volatile storage Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Record Information Processing For Printing (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de traitement d'image destiné à générer des signaux de commande destinés à un moyen d'impression, à partir des données d'image de source émanant d'une source d'image, lesdites données d'image de source représentant une pluralité d'images devant être imprimées, ladite pluralité d'images comprenant au moins une première et une seconde image ; ledit système de traitement d'image comprenant un module de transformation aléatoire et de traitement d'image de trame configuré de manière à convertir lesdites données d'image de source en une pluralité de tables de bits comprenant au moins une première table de bits correspondant à la première image et une seconde table de bits correspondant à la seconde image, et de manière à déterminer les informations d'ordre définissant un ensemble ordonné d'éléments, chaque élément comportant une référence à une table de bits de ladite pluralité de tables de bits, lesdits éléments étant agencés dans un ordre aléatoire dans ledit ensemble ; le nombre total d'éléments dans l'ensemble correspondant au nombre total de la pluralité des images devant être imprimées.
EP17729393.3A 2016-05-30 2017-05-18 Procédé et système de traitement d'image Ceased EP3465625A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2016854A NL2016854B1 (en) 2016-05-30 2016-05-30 Image processing system and method
PCT/EP2017/061993 WO2017207290A1 (fr) 2016-05-30 2017-05-18 Procédé et système de traitement d'image

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3465625A1 true EP3465625A1 (fr) 2019-04-10

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17729393.3A Ceased EP3465625A1 (fr) 2016-05-30 2017-05-18 Procédé et système de traitement d'image

Country Status (3)

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EP (1) EP3465625A1 (fr)
NL (1) NL2016854B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2017207290A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1492364A (zh) * 2003-08-22 2004-04-28 高治中 可查询随机图形排列矩阵防伪标签的制作方法
US20070210514A1 (en) * 2005-03-21 2007-09-13 Neil Ellis Digitally printed breakout lottery ticket
CA2621677A1 (fr) * 2007-02-16 2008-08-16 Neil Ellis Billet de jeu de loterie
US20080217906A1 (en) * 2007-02-16 2008-09-11 Neil Ellis Game ticket
US8830513B2 (en) 2012-10-12 2014-09-09 Esko Software Bvba Method and apparatus for optimizing a destination variable document from a source variable document having recurring and variable content

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WO2017207290A1 (fr) 2017-12-07
NL2016854B1 (en) 2017-12-11

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