JP2002297360A - Color proof generating system, information processing method, information processor and information recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color proof generating system for recognizing a processing state (status) even when a special color is comprised in image data. SOLUTION: In the system, an image editing file with edited images is received, at least one kind of the image data consisting of a plurality of colors in the image editing file is developed, divided in edition and made to be a group of each color edition data, the each color edition data is transferred from an information processor to an output device in surface order and a color proof is outputted from the output device. The system comprises a display means for displaying the data receiving situation of at least one group of each color edition data in the information processor and displaying the data transfer situation of each color edition data to the output device in the information processor and also comprises a display control means for controlling the display of the display means based on the data receiving situation and the data transfer situation.

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 displaying the status of an information processing apparatus that controls the information processing.

[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 film for plate making using an image setter or the like, perform a final printing operation for 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 in-school, 2) an out-of-school which is submitted for confirmation of a finish to an orderer and a designer, 3). The print sample, which is provided to the operator of the printing press as a sample of the final printed matter, mainly 3
Color proofs are created and used for two purposes.

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]

By the way, in an output device capable of outputting a special color, colors (process colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) other than the four ink colors (process colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) used in the final printing process are used. It is possible to draw an image with (special color), but it is difficult to monitor the status with the controller that controls the output device because the number of spot colors included in the drawing data is undefined depending on the image to be drawn. Met.

[0016] For this reason, it is difficult to grasp the operation status of the system, and there has been a defect in producing a color proof.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a color proof capable of recognizing a processing status (status) even when a special color is included in image data. It is to provide a creation system, an information processing method, an information processing device, and an information recording medium.

[0018]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a plurality of color image data is transferred from an information processing device to an output device in a frame sequential manner. A color proof creating system that outputs a color proof based on image data, a transfer status display unit that displays a data transfer status of the image data to the output device, and based on the data transfer status,
Display control means for controlling the display of the transfer status display means,
It is characterized by including.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image editing file in which an image has been edited, and at least one set of image data composed of a plurality of colors of the image editing file is developed and separated. Each color plate data,
A color proof creating system for transferring the color plate data from the information processing device to the output device in a frame-sequential manner and outputting a color proof from the output device, wherein the data reception status of at least one set of color plate data is determined by the information processing; It is characterized by including reception status display means for displaying on the device, and display control means for controlling display of the reception status display means based on the data reception status.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image editing file in which an image is edited, and at least one set of image data composed of a plurality of colors of the image editing file is developed and separated. Each color plate data,
A color proof creating system for transferring the color plate data from the information processing device to the output device in a frame-sequential manner and outputting a color proof from the output device, wherein the data reception status of at least one set of color plate data is determined by the information processing; Display means for displaying the data transfer status of each color plate data to the output device on the information processing device, and displaying the data based on the data reception status and the data transfer status. And display control means for performing display control.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image editing apparatus comprising: a plurality of image editing terminals for editing images; each of the terminals being capable of communicating via a network; 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 an output device that is communicable via the network and outputs a color proof based on each of the color plate data. The server receives data of each set of color plate data from the plurality of terminals. It is characterized by including reception status display means for displaying a status, and display control means for controlling display of the reception status display means based on the data reception status.

According to a thirteenth aspect of 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 output a color proof based on each of the color plate data, and wherein the server is configured to output each set of color plate data from the plurality of terminals. Display means for displaying a data reception status and displaying a data transfer status of the color plate data to each of the plurality of output devices; a data reception status; Based on a transfer status, it is characterized by comprising a display control means for displaying controls the display unit.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus for transferring image data of a plurality of colors to an output device in a frame-sequential manner, and performing processing to output a color proof from the output device based on the image data. A method for prompting a display of a data transfer status of the image data to the output device.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, at least one of an image editing file that has undergone image editing is received, and at least one set of image data composed of a plurality of colors of the image editing file is developed and separated. An information processing method in which 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. The data reception status of at least one set of each color plate data Is displayed.

The invention according to claim 18 receives an image-edited image-edited file and develops and separates at least one image data of a plurality of colors of the image-edited file to form at least one set of image data. Each color plate data, an information processing device that transfers each color plate data to an output device in a frame-sequential manner, and processes the output device to output a color proof. Information temporary storage means for temporarily storing, transfer means for transferring each color plate data of the information temporary storage means to the output device, and display for displaying a data transfer status of each color plate data to the output device Means for controlling display of a data transfer status displayed on the display means based on detection of each of the color plane data stored in the information temporary storage means It is characterized in that it comprises a stage, a.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, at least one image editing file which has been subjected to image editing is received and at least one set of image data composed of a plurality of colors of the image editing file is developed and separated. Each color plate data, an information processing device that transfers each color plate data to an output device in a frame-sequential manner, and processes the output device to output a color proof. Information temporary storage means for temporarily storing, at least one
Display means for displaying the data reception status of each set of color data; display for controlling display of the data reception status displayed on the display means based on detection of each color data received by the information temporary storage means And control means.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in addition to receiving an image-edited image-edited file and developing and separating at least one image data of a plurality of colors of the image-edited file, at least one set of image data is obtained. An information recording medium storing a program for transferring each color plate data to an output device in a frame-sequential manner and outputting a color proof from the output device, wherein each color plate data is expanded and separated. Information for performing a process of temporarily storing the color plate data in the information temporary storage unit; information for performing a process of transferring each of the color plate data of the information temporary storage unit to the output device; Information for performing a process of displaying the data transfer status of the color plate data and the data reception status of at least one set of each color plate data; And each said color plane data, which is based on the detection of each color plane data to be transferred, and the information to perform the process of the display control and data reception status and data transfer status displayed, characterized in that it comprises a.

[0028]

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, prior to description of a status display for displaying a processing status such as a current reception status and a transfer status, which is a characteristic configuration of the present invention, desktop publishing will be described. The overall schematic configuration of a color proof creation system in the field will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 1
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 creation 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,
Basically, a PC (personal computer) 2 which is a plurality of terminals for editing a desired image by a user
A server 10 connected to the plurality of PCs 2 via a network 3 such as a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark) to function as an information processing device (or a control device that is a controller that controls an output device); Each output unit 13, which is an output I / F of the server 10,
, Each of which is a plurality of film output machines connected to the output device 60.

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 discloses 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, and 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 composed of a CRT or a liquid crystal display for displaying set parameters, a status relating to a processing state, and the like;
An external input / output device 18 such as an FD, a data processing unit 12,
The output unit 13, the operation unit 15, the storage unit 16, the display unit 17, and the CPU 14 which is a control unit for controlling the external input / output device 18 are included.

The input unit 11 includes, for example, a page description language (P) including color information of an image editing file from the 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 input data, for example, PDL data, into predetermined image output conditions (eg, halftone dot shape, halftone angle, screen ruling, etc.). , 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 using a set of halftone dots having the same screen ruling as that of the printed matter, and the pixel gain is approximated to that of the printed matter. 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 produced by a screen-making process for reproducing a photograph or illustration with continuous tone 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 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 serving as a control unit reads out the parameters set and stored for the output device 60 from the storage unit 16 and sets them in the data processing unit 12, and displays them on the display unit 17 based on each parameter. ,
The data processor 12 is controlled.

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

The display section 17 is a display means for displaying the status of the output device 60 and various information, and is also 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 unit 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, inks of four colors 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, the digital image data in the raster image format is created from the digital image data described in various formats and the digital image data is created by the data processing unit 12 before the printing plate is created. 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.

The PDL data and the like including the color information output from the editing PC 2 have already been divided into 4 (5) pages 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) 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.

(Regarding Display Screen) Next, a configuration for displaying a data reception status and a transfer status, which is a feature of the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of a screen layout of a processing status display screen displaying the current processing status.

As shown in FIG. 6, the processing status display screen 10
Reference numeral 0 denotes a processing target display unit 102 formed of, for example, a status display window for displaying a status and displaying color plane data to be processed, and the processing target display unit 1
The processing status display unit 104 displays the processing status of No. 02, and the remaining time display unit 106 displays the remaining time until the process is completed. Here, the processing status refers to a reception status in which data is received from the PC 2 or the like or from the external input / output device 18 or the like. It includes the case of data transfer status when performing transfer. In any case, the information to be processed and the current processing status information can be compared and displayed.

The remaining time in the remaining time display section 106 can be calculated by multiplying the processing time for one color plate data by the number of sheets.

The processing status display screen 110 shown in FIG.
In, the number (6) to be processed and the number of completed processing (4) that has already been processed are displayed in numerical format.

By doing so, the user can
The processing status such as the current reception status and the transfer status of the output device 60 can be easily grasped.

(Functions of Server) Next, with reference to FIG. 5, together with the details of the processing functions of the server 10 in the above-described color proof creating system 1, on the specific principle of displaying the processing status on the display screen described above. It will be explained while doing.

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

The server 10 decompresses 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. An image data developing / separating means 20 for assigning an identifier; an operation transfer controlling means 40 for performing a transfer control operation for each data separated by the image data developing / separating means 20 to an output device 60; Separation means 20 and operation transfer control means 40
Display operation means 50 for inputting operation of setting of each part of
And is comprised.

The image data developing / separating means 20 develops the edited image file into image data such as raster data, and separates the image data into predetermined colors Y, M, C, K and special colors to form a halftone image. Expansion separation means 21 for generating data
Information extracting means 22 for extracting various kinds of information other than the color information from the image data; and Y, for the Y-color image data obtained by separating the image data, for example, M for image data of M color, separated C
C for color image data, K for separated K color image data, S1 and S2 for separated special color 1 and 2 image data, and so on. And a color plate character string allocating unit 24 that allocates a color plate character string for identifying a color plate, and a set of image data to be printed on one sheet, for example, (Y, M, C, K, S1,. S2), DATA1. Y, DATA1. M, DATA1.
C, DATA1. K, DATA1. S1, DATA1.
S2, a common character string allocating means 23 for allocating a common character string (DATA1) for distinguishing one set of image data from another set of image data; A file name generation unit for generating a file name of each of the image data based on the color plate character string and the shared character string allocated by the column allocation unit; For example, among a set of file names, one set of data is formed, for example, the number of data of a preset color plate, for example, six if the special color is added to the four colors as described above. DCP to generate DCP creation data group
And a creation data group generation unit 26.

Further, the image data developing / separating means 20
Common character string designation input control means 27 for controlling the input of the common character string based on the designated input of the designated common character string;
A color plate character string designation input control means 28 for input control of a designated color plate character string; a color plate data number designation input control means 29 for input control of a designated color plate data number; A common character string information storage unit 30 for storing information of common character examples, a color plate character string information storage unit 31 for storing information of a specified color plate character string, Color plate data number information storage means 32 for storing information on the number of data, and the common character string information storage means 30
On the basis of the common character string information stored by designation or the common character string information stored in advance, the information is sent from the information extraction means 22 by the designation operation control signal when designated, or by the designated operation control signal when not designated. The common character string generating means 33 for generating a common character string based on the extraction operation, and the color plate character string information stored in the color plate character string information stored in advance or stored in the color plate character string information storage means 31 A color-plate character string generating means 34 for generating a color-plate character string based on the information extracting operation from the information extracting means 22 when the instruction is not specified, and Color plate data number information storage means 32
Based on the color plate data number information stored by designation or the color plate data number information stored in advance, if specified, the operation control signal is used. A color plate data number extracting means 35 for extracting the number of color plate data based on the information extraction operation.

Further, the image data developing / separating means 20
A first correlation table showing the correlation between the file information extracted by the information extracting means 22 and the common character string, a second correlation table showing the correlation between the file information and the color plate character string, and the like are stored. Based on the file information storage unit 36, the common character string information of the common character string information storage unit 30, and the color plate character string information of the color plate character string information storage unit 31,
The common character string information and the color plate character string information in the file information storage unit 36 become the latest information (preferably matching the information in the common character string information storage unit 30 and the color plate character string information storage unit 31). As described above, the updating unit 37 that constantly performs the updating process, the display screen data information storing unit 38 that stores information related to the UI displayed on the display operating unit 50, the common character string information storing unit 30, the color plate character string, Display control means for controlling display of common character string information, color plate character string information, color plate data number information and the like stored in the information storage means 31 and the color plate data number information storage means 32, respectively, on the UI 39.

The display control means 39 controls the display of the display means on the basis of the data reception status and the data transfer status. Control is performed so that both of the transferred color plate data are compared and displayed on the display means. Further, control is performed so that all of the color plate data to be received and the color plate data that has been received are both displayed on the display means in comparison.

Further, the display control means 39 outputs at least five or more color plate data including the special color among the plurality of colors.
The display is controlled to be displayable. Further, the remaining time until the transfer of each color plate data is completed is controlled to be displayed on the display means. In addition, a plurality of sets of color proof creation data groups each including the color plate data are
The display means is controlled so that it can be displayed.

The display control means 39 will be described later.
A plurality of color proof creation data groups can be rearranged on the display based on the urgency. Further, according to the plurality of sets of data for creating color proof, it is also possible to control so that the remaining amount of paper can be displayed on the display means.

The operation transfer control means 40 stores the data generated by the DCP creation data group generation means 26,
Information temporary storage means 41 for temporarily storing a set of data groups to which the character strings are assigned;
A transfer means for transferring the information stored at 1 to the output device; and a temporary storage means for transferring the data from the temporary information storage means 41 through the transfer means in a frame-sequential manner. Based on the number of data stored in the information storage unit 41 and the number of data discharged from the information temporary storage unit 41, the data is received based on the processing status (data transfer status) of output processing to the output device and the number of received data. Processing status detecting means 45 for detecting a data receiving processing status, and the display control means 39
Processing status data processing means 46 for controlling display on the display operation means 50 via
(For example, DATA1.Y, DA
TA1. M, DATA1. C, DATA1. K, DAT
A1. S1, DATA1. S2), and a detection data control means 48 for controlling the display operation means 50 to display the detected data in real time via the display control means 39. ing.

In this case, the processing status detecting means 45
Includes a data reception status processing unit and a data transfer status processing unit, and the processing status data processing unit 46 includes a reception status data processing unit and a transfer status data processing unit.

The operation transfer control means 40 transmits the data stored in the information temporary storage means 41 confirmed by the detection result of the detection means 47 to, for example, (DATA1.DATA).
Y, DATA1. S1, DATA1. M, DATA1.
C, DATA1. K, DATA1. In the case where they are arranged as in S2), based on a predetermined operation instruction,
(DATA1.Y, DATA1.M, DATA1.C,
DATA1. K, DATA1. S1, DATA1. S
Rearranging means 49b for rearranging each data as in 2);
A rearrangement control unit 49a for controlling the rearrangement unit 49b based on an operation input from the display operation unit 50;
Before or before the data transfer of at least one data is performed in step 2, the output device is inspected for an abnormality such as a jam inside the output device (a test control signal is transmitted to the output device). If there is a response from the output device during a predetermined period after the inspection control signal is transmitted by the abnormality occurrence inspection means 43 and the abnormality occurrence inspection means 43,
If there is no abnormality and there is no response from the output device, the transfer of the data from the transfer unit 42 is permitted to be started only when it is determined that there is no abnormality based on the determination result that there is an abnormality. And transfer permission means 44 for performing the transfer.

The display operation means 50 also functions as a display means, the shared character string information of the common character string information storage means 30, the color plate character string information of the color plate character string information storage means 31, and the color plate data number information. When color plate data number information of the storage means, detection results of each data in the information temporary storage means 41, processing status information of each data to the output device, sorting (sorting), and when correction or designation is required, A processing status display unit 51 for displaying information such as a result of the rearrangement, a common character string specifying unit 52 for specifying a common character string, and a color plate character string for specifying a color plate character string It is configured to include a designation unit 53, a color plate data number designation unit 54 for designating the number of color plate data, and a rearrangement designation unit 55 for designating rearrangement. In this case, the processing status display unit 51 includes a reception status display unit that displays a data reception status and a transfer status display unit that displays a data transfer status.

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

In the server 10 having such a configuration, first, a case where a common character string, a color plate character string, and the number of color plate data are set will be described.

First, when the user designates a common character string with the common character string designating means 52 on the display operating means 50 using means such as a mouse and a keyboard, the user ゛- The column designation input control means 27 stores the designated and input common character string information in the common character string information storage means 30.

Similarly, in the display operation means 50,
When the user designates a color plate character string with the color plate character string designation means 53, the color plate character string designation input control means 28 stores the designated color plate character string information in the color plate character string information storage means 31.
To be stored.

Further, in the display operation means 50, when the user designates the number of color plate data by the color plate data number designation means 54, the color plate data number designation input control means 29 outputs the designated color plate data number information. Is stored in the color plate data number information storage means 32.

The designated common character string information, color plate character string information, and color plate data number information are stored in the shared character string information storage unit 30, the color plate character string information storage unit 31, and the color plate data number. The information is displayed in a predetermined area (not shown) of the display operation means 50 from the information storage means 32 via the display control means 39. At this time, the information is stored in a predetermined UI based on the display screen data of the display screen data information storage unit 38.
Will be displayed above.

On the other hand, the file information storage means 36 has a first correlation table showing the correlation between the file information of the image file and the common character string information corresponding to the file information, A second correlation table indicating a correlation with character string information is stored. Since the common character string information and color plate character string information of the table are set in advance, when the user newly designates and inputs the common character string information and color plate character string information as described above, Based on the newly designated and input common character string information and color plate character string information in the common character string information storage unit 30 and the color plate character string information storage unit 31, the updating unit 37
The information of the first and second correlation tables of the file information storage means 36 is updated. As a result, the file information storage means 36 stores the latest common character string information and color plate character string information.

It is also possible to forcibly change the common character string and color plate character string that have been set in advance. In this case, the common character string specification input control means 27 urges the common character string generation means 33 to generate a common character string according to the specification by the common character string specification means 52.

Next, the common character string generating means 33 urges the common character string allocating means 23 to allocate a common character string.

Similarly, the color-plate character string designation input control means 28 urges the color-plate character string generation means 34 to generate a color-plate character string by specifying the color-plate character string specification means 53.

Next, the color-plate character string generation means 34 urges the color-plate character string allocation means 24 to allocate a color-plate character string.

Thus, when the table of the file information storage unit 36 which is uniquely determined in advance is used, a common character string and a color plate character string are assigned based on the information from the file information storage unit 36 and shared. Character string specifying means 5
2. When specified by the color plate character string specifying means 53,
The shared character string and the color plate character string are assigned by the common character string generation unit 33 and the color plate character string generation unit.

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 information on the colors 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.

Although the normal RIP process outputs monochromatic raster format gradation data for each color plate for the number of colors, 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 unit 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 processing by the data processing unit, and the PDL data after the separation processing is processed by two times. Separation development processing such as raster image processing for converting into value 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. 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 the PDL data is the separated data is determined based on the DSC comment data, and if the transferred PDL data including the color information is the 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 in this manner, if the transferred PDL data is not separated data, the data processing unit 12 is set to the separation mode, and the processing 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, photographs, 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 page description language file (PS file) in which a graphic is described, a color description (color data) of a CMYK color specification method by PostScript may be included. 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 colors used from a PS file containing graphic data written in a page description language.
At this time, the existence of the color data can be grasped by checking whether the color command stored in advance in, for example, the color command storage table of the file information storage means 36 and the file command in the page description language match.

Further, in the file information storage means 36,
Create a color table for all the obtained color data,
This data is stored.

The development and separation means 21 generates color separation data of each color separation file based on the extracted color data in the file information storage means 36, for example.

More specifically, assuming that there is a PS file, for example, GET (read) one instruction 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 command data matches the one stored in the color command storage table, it is determined that the color data is included. 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 part 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, from the image data file, the information extracting means 22 acquires information necessary for assigning common characters, color plate characters, and the like.

The obtained information is stored in the file information storage means 36. Based on the acquired information, a corresponding common character string is extracted by a first correlation table indicating a correlation between a predetermined common character string and file information.

Alternatively, a second correlation table showing the correlation between a predetermined color plate character string and file information is obtained by:
The corresponding color plate character string is extracted.

The extracted common character string of the file information storage means 36 is allocated by the common character string allocating means 23 to one expanded and separated data. Similarly, the extracted color-plate character string in the file information storage unit 36 is allocated to the one data by the color-plate character string allocation unit 24.

The common character string and the color plate character string assigned by the common character string allocating unit 23 and the color plate character string allocating unit 24 are, for example, DATA1. A data file such as Y is generated.

Further, the color plate data number designated by the color plate data number designation unit 54 is extracted by the color plate data number extraction unit 35 from the color plate data number information storage unit 32. At the same time, the information is supplied to the DCP creation data group generation means 26.

For example, assuming that the designated color plate data number is 6, when the number of files generated by the file name generation unit 25 reaches six, the DCP creation data group generation unit 26 Six files are handled as one set of data group.

Incidentally, based on this information, the common character allocating means 23 may allocate common characters for the number of files.

Next, DCP creation data group generation means 26
The data group for DCP creation generated in is stored in the information temporary storage means 41. The data group stored in the information temporary storage means 41, for example, DATA1. Y, DATA
1. M, DATA1. C, DATA1. K, DATA
1. S1, DATA1. S2 is detected by the detection means 47, and the detection data control means 48 causes the display operation means 50 to display the detected data via the display control means 39. At this time, the data displayed on the display operation means 50 is temporarily
TA1. Y, DATA1. S1, DATA1. M, DA
TA1. C, DATA1. K, DATA1. Assuming that S2 is displayed, the user can arbitrarily rearrange these arrays by performing an operation such as clicking on a corresponding portion by the rearrangement specifying unit 55 of the display operation unit 50. For example, DATA1 is displayed. . Y, DATA1. M,
DATA1. C, DATA1. K, DATA1. S1,
DATA1. It can be as in S2.

Then, it is determined whether or not any of these has been transferred to the output device 60. That is, the processing status detection unit 45 detects the processing status based on the number of data stored in the information temporary storage unit 41. For example, while the data of the data group is 6, the data that has already been transferred is, for example, DATA1. Y, DATA
1. If the number is M, the remaining number of transferred images is four.

On the other hand, for example, while the data of the data group is 6, the data whose data has already been received is, for example, DATA1. Y, DATA1. If the number is M, the remaining number of received images is four.

The processing status information is displayed in real time by the processing status data processing means 46 on the processing status display section 51 of the display operation means 50 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 means 43 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 it is confirmed, the transfer permission means 44
Makes the transfer unit 42 transferable, and the transfer unit 42 transfers the data to the output device 60.

Then, the transfer means 42 transfers the data to the output device 60. 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 each color plate 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 previously uses the common character string specifying means 52, the color plane character string specifying means 53, the color plane data number specifying means 54, and the like to set the file name of a set of DCP creation data groups. , A color plate character string unique to the name of each color plate data (color plate identification character string), the number of color plate data, and the like.

The image edited file edited in the upstream process by the PC 2 or the like is transmitted from the PC 2 and received by the server via the network. Alternatively, when the data of the image editing file stored in the recording medium such as the FD is imported from the external input / output device 18, the file information (file name, file internal information, color information, etc.) included in the image editing file is added. A process for acquiring file information is performed based on the information (step, hereinafter, “S”
1).

Next, a preset color plate character string is extracted (S102), and a process of allocating the extracted color plate character strings to the separated data is performed (S103). Similarly, for the common character string, a preset common character string is extracted (S104),
A process of assigning the common character string to at least one data group corresponding to each of the data is performed (S105).

Further, the extraction process is also performed for the number of color plane data (S106). Here, for example, when the preset color plate data number is 6, the color plate is
For example, it means that the image is separated into Y, M, C, K, S1, and S2. At this time, the color separation character string includes Y, M, C, K, S1,. It is preferable to assign S2 and the like. Further, since a set of data is composed of these six data, preset shared character string information, for example, DATA1, is assigned to each of these six data. Preferably, a treatment is performed.

Thus, a data group for DCP creation is generated (S107). For example, in the above example, D
When the data group for CP creation is generated, DATA1. Y,
DATA1. M, DATA1. C, DATA1. K, D
ATA1. S1, DATA1. It becomes like S2.

Next, information on these data groups is as follows:
Temporarily stored (S108). When the file name is stored, the file name is detected from the generation result, that is, the color plate character string and the shared character string (S109).

Then, the file name based on the color plate character string and the common character string is displayed on the display operation means 50 (S110). Thus, the user can identify each data file by the file name including the color plate character string and the common character string.

At this time, it is determined whether or not the displayed data file has been changed (S1).
11). In this determination processing, if it is determined that a change has been made, a rearrangement processing is performed (S112). On the other hand, in this determination processing, when it is determined that no change has been made, the process proceeds to S113 described later.

That is, the displayed data file is
For example, DATA1. Y, DATA1. S1, DATA
1. M, DATA1. C, DATA1. K, DATA
1. In the case of S2, the user uses DATA1. Y, D
ATA1. M, DATA1. C, DATA1. K, DA
TA1. S1, DATA1. Sorting can be performed based on the order desired by the user or a predetermined rule as in S2.

Alternatively, if there is any other modification, deletion, or the like, the common character string and the color plate character string can be modified by a modification unit (not shown).

Next, when the data is transferred from the temporary information storage means 41 to the output device via the transfer means 42, the process of detecting the processing status information on the processing status of the data transfer to the output device is performed. (S113). Alternatively, a process of detecting the processing status information for the data reception status is performed.

Then, based on the processing status information, a status display process for displaying a status such as a data transfer status or a data reception status is performed on the processing status display section 51 of the display operation means 50 (S114).

At this time, before data transfer of one data is performed, an abnormality occurrence inspection process for sequentially confirming from the server 10 whether an abnormality has occurred on the output device side is performed (S115). ).

Next, on the basis of the inspection result in the abnormality occurrence inspection processing, the output device determines whether or not there is an abnormality (S116). 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 (S117). And S1
Inspection processing is performed again at 15, and the processing (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 is performed (S11).
8).

Thus, the transfer process for at least one data is performed (S119).

Note that the processing from S115 to S119 is performed on one data, and the same processing is performed on other data.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to display the data reception status when data is received, the data transfer status when transferring data to an output device, and the like. This makes it easy to grasp the color proof, and can prevent defective production when producing a color proof.

In particular, by comparing and displaying the information to be processed and the current processing status, the data processing status can be confirmed more accurately. In the case where a spot color is included, it is not possible to know how many sheets have been reached and how many are in total, so that the display may be made on the server side or the PC side.

In this manner, every time the user creates a DCP, the user can easily check the processing status of a set of each color plate data constituting the data group for creating the DCP, and prevent a color proof defect from occurring.

By configuring this status display means to be able to display five or more pieces of color plate data including a spot color, an output device (DCP creation device) capable of outputting a spot color has image data. This is particularly effective because even if the image has an indefinite number of spot color data, the display is automatically switched. Further, the provision of each comparison display means facilitates monitoring of the state on the information processing apparatus.

[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. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the color proof creating system of the present example.

In the above-described first embodiment, an example is disclosed in which the processing status display screen displays a comparison between the color plane data to be processed and the current processing status for one DCP creation data group. However, in the present example, the configuration is such that a plurality of sets can be displayed in a list.

More specifically, the processing status display screen 20 of this example
0, as shown in FIG. 9, a search instruction unit 20 for searching and specifying data of a specific group from a plurality of sets of data for DCP creation (DATA1, DATA2,...).
2. A rearrangement instructing unit 204 for rearranging each group of DCP creation data groups, a processing status list display unit 210 displaying a list of the processing status of each group of DCP creation data, and the like are formed.

In the rearrangement instruction section 204, an urgency rearrangement instructing section 204a which can be rearranged according to, for example, urgency is formed as a rearrangement key below the layer.

In the processing status list display section 210, for example, D
Regarding ATA1, a data transfer status display section 211a comparing and displaying each color plate data to be transferred to the output device 60 and each color plate data already transferred so far,
A data reception status display unit 211b that compares and displays each color plate data to be received with each color plate data that has already been received, and a data transfer status numerical display unit 212a that displays these processing statuses numerically and displayed. Data reception status numerical value display section 212b and size display section 213 displaying the size of the color-proof recording material of DATA1
, A remaining amount display unit 214 for displaying the remaining amount of the recording material, a type display unit 215 for displaying the type and type of the recording material, and a remaining time display unit 21 for displaying the remaining time until processing.
6 and a selection key 2 for selecting a predetermined set from each set
20.

Processing status display screen 2 having such a display configuration
At 00, for example, in the default display, all sets of each color plate data currently in the server 10 are displayed as a list. Then, for example, by instructing the search instruction unit 202 or the like, a plurality of sets of each color plane data of a certain group are displayed. Further, by instructing the urgency level reordering instruction unit 204a of the reordering instruction unit 204, the urgency level is displayed in the order of, for example, DATA1, DATA2,.

In DATA1, both the data that has been received so far and the data that should be received are 5, and the data reception status numerical value display section 212b displays 5/5. The data that has been transferred to the output device 60 to date is 4, and the data to be transferred is 5, and the data transfer status numerical value display section 212a displays 4/5.

On the other hand, in DATA2, "6/6" is displayed on the data reception status numerical value display section 212b and "0/6" is displayed on the data transfer status numerical value display section 212a, so that all data is received. Means that no sheet has been transferred to the output device 60 yet.

DATA1 is for printing on A3 blank paper as a color proof.
Each sheet has 15 minutes remaining until the creation is completed.
On the other hand, DATA2 is to be printed on an A4 transparent film as a color proof, and the remaining number is 20 sheets, which is not yet processed.

In this way, the size of the recording material and the remaining amount are displayed, and when there is no remaining amount of paper, data transfer,
It is also possible to stop the output and transfer and output data from the one with the remaining amount.

Since there is no stock paper while corresponding to the information including the data processing status, for example, DATA
4 is no use, and it is possible to prompt a decision to execute DATA2.

When execution is performed, for example, DAT
Printing can be started by clicking A1 and pressing an edit button (not shown) or the like.

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to compare the processing status with each set of DATA1 and DATA2 while exhibiting the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment. Selection of which set should be output first can be made.

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 processed by the server, the PC, and the output device used in the system, the described processing, and the data (for example, edited image file, raster data, halftone dot) The whole or each part of the image data, the separated data, various tables, etc.) may be 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.

This 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 this 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, O running 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 receives the image edited file in which the image has been edited, and develops and separates at least one image data composed of a plurality of colors of the image edited file to obtain at least one set of each color. A program is recorded as plate data, in which each color plate data is transferred to the output device in a frame-sequential manner, and the output device outputs a color proof.

This information recording medium is provided with information for performing a process of temporarily storing the developed and separated color plate data in the information temporary storage means, and for storing the color plate data of the information temporary storage means in the output device. Information for processing to be transferred to
Based on information for performing a process of displaying a data transfer status of each of the color plate data to the output device, and data transfer displayed on a display unit based on detection of each of the color plate data stored in the information temporary storage unit Information for performing a process of controlling the display of the status, information for performing a process of inspecting whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the output device, and, based on the inspection result of the inspection unit, when it is diagnosed that there is no abnormality, And information for performing a process of permitting transfer of a set of color proof creation data groups each including the color plate data.

Further, the information recording medium displays the information for displaying the data reception status of at least one set of each color plate data and the display based on the detection of each color plate data received by the information temporary storage means. And information for performing processing for controlling display of the data reception status displayed on the means.

Further, the information recording medium causes the information processing device to display the data reception status of at least one set of each color plate data, and transmits the data transfer status of each color plate data to the output device to the information processing device. And information for performing a process of controlling the display of the display means based on the data reception status and the data transfer status.

Further, the information recording medium is provided with information for processing so that all of the color plate data to be transferred and both of the transferred color plate data are compared and displayed on the display means,
All of the color plate data to be received and information for processing so that both the received color plate data are compared and displayed on the display means are included.

Further, the information recording medium has information for controlling at least five or more of the color plate data including the special color among the plurality of colors so that the color plate data can be displayed on the display means, and until the transfer of each color plate data is completed. And a process of controlling a plurality of sets of a color proof creation data group consisting of each color plate data to be displayed on the display means. And information to be performed.

Further, the information recording medium has information for performing a process of prompting the user to designate the display arrangement order of the plurality of sets of color proof creation data groups displayed on the display means, Information for performing a process of rearranging the data transfer order of each of the color proof creation data groups based on the color change proof designation, and a designation for rearrangement on display based on the urgency of outputting the color proof. And information for performing a process of rearranging the plurality of sets of color proof creation data on display based on the degree of urgency, and information on the remaining paper according to the plurality of sets of color proof creation data. And information for performing a process of controlling the amount to be displayed on the display means.

Further, the information recording medium controls the display of the reception status display means based on the information for displaying the data reception status of each set of color data from each of the plurality of terminals and the data reception status. Information to perform the processing to be performed,
Displaying the data reception status of each set of color data from each of the plurality of terminals, and information for performing a process of displaying the data transfer status of each color data for each of the plurality of output devices, and the data reception status And information for performing a process of controlling the display of the display means based on the data transfer status.

The server, which is an information processing apparatus, separates the image data developing / separating means and the operation transfer control means from separate first data processing 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, a processing program constituting application software, and the like may be provided in one or a plurality of 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 processing status display means including the reception status display means in the server displays the data reception status of each set of color data from the plurality of terminals. Display. In this case, the display control means preferably controls the display of the reception status display means based on the data reception status. The display means displays the data reception status of each set of color data from each of the plurality of terminals, and displays the data transfer status of each color data to each of the plurality of output devices. It is preferable that the display control means controls the display of the display means based on the data reception status and the data transfer status.

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, needless to say, the above-described embodiments include examples formed by combinations of any of the above-described embodiments and any of the modifications. 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.

Further, needless to say, the above-described embodiments include examples obtained by combining the above-described embodiments and any one of the embodiments and the modified examples. In this case, even if not particularly described in the present embodiment, the operation and effect obvious from each configuration disclosed in each embodiment and the modified example can be naturally obtained in this example as well. .

[0177]

As described above, according to the present invention, the status of data reception when data is received, the status of data transfer when data is transferred to an output device, and the like can be displayed. It is easy to grasp the situation, and it is possible to prevent a defective production when producing a color proof.

In particular, by comparing and displaying the information to be processed and the current processing status, the data processing status can be confirmed more accurately.

In this manner, each time the user creates a DCP, the user can easily check the processing status of a set of each color plate data constituting the data group for creating the DCP, thereby preventing a color proof defect.

[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 an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying a processing status.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying a processing status.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing in a server in the color proof system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying a processing status.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Color proof creation system 2 PC (terminal) 10 Server (information processing apparatus) 20 Image data development / separation means 39 Display control means 40 Operation transfer control means 41 Information temporary storage means 42 Transfer means 43 Abnormality inspection means 44 Transfer permission means Reference Signs List 50 display operation means 51 processing status display unit 55 sorting designation means 60 output device (DCP creation device)

Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Sugita F-term (reference) 5K021 AA01 BB01 LG07 LG08 5C079 HA09 HB03 LA01 MA17 NA19 NA27 PA07 5C082 AA32 BA12 BA34 BA35 BB02 BB15 CA11 DA22 DA42 DA53 DA86 DA89 MM09 MM10

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A color proof creating system that transfers image data of a plurality of colors from an information processing device to an output device in a frame-sequential manner and outputs a color proof from the output device based on the image data. A color proof creating system, comprising: transfer status display means for displaying a data transfer status of the image data with respect to the image data; and display control means for controlling display of the transfer status display means based on the data transfer status. 2. An image-edited image-editing file is received, and at least one image data of a plurality of colors of the image-edited file is developed and separated into at least one image.
A color proof creating system for transferring a color proof from the information processing device to the output device in a frame-sequential manner, and outputting a color proof from the output device; A color proof creation system, comprising: a reception status display unit for displaying a data reception status on the information processing apparatus; and a display control unit for controlling display of the reception status display unit based on the data reception status. . 3. An image-edited image-edited file is received, and at least one image data of a plurality of colors of the image-edited file is developed and separated into at least one image.
A color proof creating system for transferring a color proof from the information processing device to the output device in a frame-sequential manner, and outputting a color proof from the output device; Display means for displaying the data reception status on the information processing device, and displaying on the information processing device the data transfer status of each color plate data with respect to the output device; the data reception status; and the data transfer status. And a display control means for controlling display of the display means based on the following. 4. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein both the color plate data to be transferred and the transferred color plate data are both displayed on the display device in a comparative manner. Item 4. A color proof creation system according to Item 3. 5. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein all of the color plate data to be received and the received color plate data are both displayed on the display device in a comparative manner. Item 4. A color proof creation system according to Item 3. 6. The display control device according to claim 3, wherein the display control device controls at least five or more of the color data including a special color among a plurality of colors so as to be displayed on the display device.
A color proof creation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The display control device according to claim 3, wherein the display control means controls the remaining time until the transfer of the respective color plane data is completed so as to be displayed on the display means.
A color proof creation system according to claim 6. 8. The display control means according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of sets of color proof creation data groups each comprising said color plate data are displayed on said display means. A color proof creation system according to claim 7. 9. A rearrangement designation unit for designating that the display arrangement order of the plurality of sets of color proof creation data groups displayed on the display unit is rearranged, based on the rearrangement designation of the rearrangement designation unit. 9. The color proof creation system according to claim 8, further comprising: a sorting unit that sorts a data transfer order of each of the color proof creation data groups. 10. 10. The rearrangement designating means can designate to rearrange on a display based on the urgency at the time of outputting the color proof, and the display control means can control the plurality of sets based on the urgency. 10. The color proof creating system according to claim 9, wherein the color proof creating data group is rearranged on display. 11. The display control unit according to claim 8, wherein the display control unit controls each of the plurality of sets of color proof creation data groups so that the remaining amount of paper can be displayed on the display unit. Color proof creation system. 12. A plurality of image editing terminals for editing an image, and each of the terminals can communicate with each other 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 an output device that is communicable with the server via the network, and that outputs a color proof based on the color plate data. A color proof, comprising: reception status display means for displaying a data reception status of each color plate data of each set; and display control means for controlling display of the reception status display means based on the data reception status. Creation system. 13. A plurality of image editing terminals for editing an image, and each of the terminals can communicate with each other 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 the respective color plane data. Display means for displaying a data reception status of each set of color data from each terminal and displaying a data transfer status of each color data to each of the plurality of output devices; a data reception status; and the data transfer status And a display control means for controlling display of the display means based on the above. 14. An information processing method for transferring image data of a plurality of colors to an output device in a frame-sequential manner, and processing the output device to output a color proof based on the image data. An information processing method comprising a step of prompting a display of a data transfer status of the image data. 15. An image-edited image-edited file is received, and at least one image data consisting of a plurality of colors of the image-edited file is developed and separated into at least one set of color-plate data. And outputting the color proof from the output device in a frame-sequential manner, including a step of prompting to display a data reception status of at least one set of each color plate data. An information processing method, comprising: 16. All the color plate data to be transferred;
16. The information processing method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of prompting both of the transferred color plate data to be displayed for comparison. 17. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of prompting a user to compare and display both the color plate data to be received and the color plate data that has been received.
6. The information processing method according to 5. 18. An image-edited image-edited file is received, and at least one image data of a plurality of colors of the image-edited file is developed and separated into at least one set of color-separated data. An information temporary storage unit for transferring the image data in a frame-sequential manner to an output device, and processing to output a color proof from the output device. A transfer unit that transfers the color plate data of the information temporary storage unit to the output device; a display unit that displays a data transfer status of the color plate data to the output device; and the information temporary storage unit. Display control means for controlling the display of the data transfer status displayed on the display means based on the detection of each of the stored color plate data, That the information processing apparatus. 19. An abnormality occurrence inspection means for inspecting whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the output device; and, when it is diagnosed that there is no abnormality based on the inspection result of the abnormality occurrence inspection means, each of the colors 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: transfer permitting means for permitting transfer of a set of color proof creation data groups composed of plate data. 20. Receiving an image-edited image-edited file, and developing and separating at least one image data of a plurality of colors of the image-edited file into at least one set of color-separated data. An information temporary storage unit for transferring the image data in a frame-sequential manner to an output device, and processing to output a color proof from the output device. Display means for displaying a data reception status of at least one set of each color plate data, and display control of a data reception status displayed on the display means based on detection of each color plate data received by the information temporary storage means An information processing apparatus, comprising: 21. Receiving an image-edited image-edited file, and developing and separating at least one image data of a plurality of colors of the image-edited file into at least one set of each color plate data, An information recording medium which records a program for processing to output a color proof from the output device in a sequential manner to the output device, and stores the developed and separated color plate data in information temporary storage means. Information for performing a process of temporarily storing, information for performing a process of transferring each of the color plate data of the information temporary storage unit to the output device, a data transfer status of each of the color plate data to the output device, Information for performing processing of displaying at least one set of data reception status of each color plate data; and each color plate data received by the information temporary storage unit. Based on the detection of each color plane data to be forwarded, the information recording medium characterized by comprising, information for performing the processing for display control and the data reception status and data transfer status displayed. 22. All the color plate data to be transferred;
22. The information recording medium according to claim 21, wherein the information recording medium includes information for processing so that both of the transferred color plate data are displayed for comparison. 23. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising information for processing so that all of the color plate data to be received and the received color plate data are compared and displayed.
An information recording medium according to claim 1 or claim 22. 24. The information recording medium according to claim 21, further comprising information for performing processing to display a remaining time until transfer of each color plane data is completed.