JP2005313522A - Printing processing method, and printing processing control system for realizing it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arrange pages in order of page corresponding to each object after multi imposition printing requiring variable data printing for each of a plurality of objects, in terms of a printing processing method and a printing processing control system, which make the multi imposition printing performed by using variable data for each of the plurality of objects. <P>SOLUTION: This printing processing method comprises: a step (S1) of merging all pages of all printing data files for all of a plurality of customers; a step (S2) of classifying all the merged pages according to a multi imposition number; a step (S3) of setting basic points for doing the multi imposition printing; a step (S4) of layouting all the pages corresponding to each of the customers, so that the pages for the respective customers can be put into the state of being arranged in sequence, when all the merged pages are multi-imposition-printed in a multi imposition area, and each multi imposition block is cut in a stacked state after the printing and stacked, so as to be turned into a single block; and a step (S5) of sending the pages as the single printing data file to the printing processing system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a print processing method and a print processing control system for performing multi-sided printing with variable data for each of a plurality of objects.

  In recent years, file creation using PDF (Portable Document Format) document files, which have a common file format, has become popular. In the printing industry, original data has been created in PDF, and various forms and notification items have been created. Printing, bookbinding printing, and the like have been performed. In this case, multi-sided layout is performed during printing to improve printing efficiency, but it is necessary to perform it according to the form in which the multi-sided layout is handled.

  Conventionally, when printing is performed based on PDF type original data, color conversion, font embedding (embedding), and the like are performed. For example, in bookbinding printing, a two-sided layout is performed according to a handling form after printing. Various methods and processing systems for laying out such print contents for each page according to the handling form after printing have been proposed. For example, the following patent documents propose.

JP 2003-223290 A

  In the above patent document, a bookbinding printing control device and the like for the purpose of easily obtaining a bookbinding cover desired by a user is shown. Specifically, bookbinding printing with a cover attached is performed by a printer. When doing so, calculate the number of pages to be printed on the cover, impose the corresponding page on the cover according to the total number of pages in the print data, impose the remaining pages on the paper excluding the cover, Print data to be finally transmitted to the printer is generated based on the attached print data.

  By the way, when variable data corresponding to a plurality of customers is printed on multiple pages and cut with a predetermined number of blocks for each surface, the blocks are arranged in the order of pages corresponding to each customer or across each block. For example, it can be handled easily when the envelope is packed later. However, the bookbinding printing control device and the like described in the above-mentioned patent document is a method of layout processing in which a handling form after printing is a bookbinding form, and a predetermined number of sheets are overlapped and folded in two after printing to form a spread form. Yes, as described above, it cannot be applied to the handling mode in which the pages are arranged in the order corresponding to each customer.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a print processing method and a print processing control system that can be arranged in the order of pages corresponding to each target after multi-sided printing that requires variable data printing for each of a plurality of targets. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is for printing variable data for each of multiple objects by a print processing system and cutting the data, and setting multiple impositions based on the print data file for each of the plurality of objects. A print processing method for performing printing according to items, wherein all the pages in all of the plurality of print data files to be printed are combined, and the combined total pages are classified by imposition number. A step of printing the combined total page on each set imposition area by multiple imposition printing, cutting each imposition block in a superimposed state after printing, and overlapping each imposition block A step of laying out all pages in the imposition area corresponding to each object, and a total for each object, so that the pages for each object are arranged in order Page is configured to include sending a print data layout in the print processing system as a single print data file, a.

  According to the invention of claim 2, when printing on both sides of the imposition area in the print processing system, the number of pages for each target is determined from the print data file for each target, In this configuration, a blank page is inserted after the last page to update the print data file to an even number.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the variable data for each of the plurality of objects is printed by the print processing system so as to be cut, and the printing process for performing the printing with the multi-imposition setting items based on the print data file for each of the plurality of objects. A control system for synthesizing all the pages of all the print data files for all the plurality of objects to be printed, and at least dividing the synthesized total pages according to the number of impositions; When the total number of pages is printed on each set imposition area and printed, and each imposition block is cut in the overlapped state after printing, and each imposition block is overlapped to form a single block In addition, in order to make the pages for each target sequentially arranged, all the pages are laid out in the imposition area corresponding to each target, and the above-described single print data file is used. A structure including a print editing means for sending to the printing process system, a.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when printing on both sides of the imposition area in the print processing system, the number of pages for each target is determined from the print data file for each target. This is provided with page adding means for inserting a blank page after the last page and updating the print data file to be an even number.

  According to the present invention, all the pages in all the print data files for all the plurality of objects to be printed are combined, the combined total pages are divided by the number of impositions, and the combined total pages are set as the imposition area. When multiple imposition printing is performed and each imposition block is cut in an overlapping state after printing and the imposition blocks are overlapped to form a single block, pages for each target are arranged in order. Variable data printing for multiple targets by configuring all pages in each imposition area and sending them to the print processing system as a single print data file in correspondence with each target. Can be arranged in the order of the pages corresponding to each object after the multi-sided printing requiring the above.

Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a print processing method according to the present invention. FIG. 1A is a flowchart illustrating the principle of a print processing method, FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of basic matters for multi-sided printing, and FIG. 1C is an explanatory diagram of a handling mode after multi-sided printing. .

  In FIG. 1 (A), the print processing method according to the present invention is a method for printing variable data for a plurality of objects by a print processing system and cutting the data based on a print data file for each of the plurality of objects. All the pages in all print data files of all the plurality of customers that are variable data print targets are combined and specified as the target of a single lot print data file (step (S) 1) ). The combined total pages to be the target of the lot print data file are classified by the number of impositions, and adjusted so that the top of the classification is the first page of a predetermined customer as appropriate (S2). In addition, basic items for printing a total page of all customers with a predetermined number of impositions (multiple imposition) are set as appropriate (S3).

  Then, the total pages combined in the print area are printed in multiple imposition on each imposition area, and each imposition block is cut in the overlapping state after printing and the imposition blocks are overlapped to form a single block. Then, in order to make the pages for each customer arranged in order, all the pages are laid out in each imposition area corresponding to each customer (S4), and the total pages for each customer. Is sent to the print processing system as a single lot print data file (S5). In S2, when the segmented blocks after cutting are overlapped to form a single block, the page order of the predetermined customer is continuous, so it is not always necessary that the top of the segment is the first page of the predetermined customer. It is possible to facilitate confirmation by an operator after editing.

  Here, in FIG. 1B, the basic matter performed in S3 will be described by taking, for example, two-sided printing as an example. First, the paper size of the multi-sided sheet 11 is set. For example, in the case of 2-sided A4 size, a paper size that is slightly larger than A3 size is set. This is because the following predetermined items are included in the periphery. That is, for example, two multi-sided areas 12 and 13 are set on the multi-sided sheet 11, and a register mark 14 called a register mark is set around the area. In addition, barcodes 15A and 15B, management codes (for example, customer IDs) 16A and 16B corresponding to the customer to be printed, and appropriate pagination are set at predetermined positions in the periphery in correspondence with the multi-imposition areas 12 and 13. is there. In setting the basic items, fonts corresponding to the print data file for each customer are also embed.

  In FIG. 1C, although the layout performed in S4 will be described in detail later, multi-sided printing (two-sided printing) is performed by the print processing system, and the multi-sided areas 12 and 13 after the printing are overlapped. In this state, when the imposition blocks 17A and 17B are cut and the blocks 17A and 17B are overlapped to form a single integrated block 18, the pages for each customer are arranged in order. It is done as follows. That is, pages for each customer are arranged in order in block 17A, and pages for each customer are arranged in order in block 17B, so that pages for each customer are arranged in order in general block 20.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the entire printing system including an embodiment of the printing processing control system according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, the printing system includes a printing processing control system 21 and a printing processing system 22, and the printing processing system 22 includes a printing unit 23 and a cutting unit 24. A customer file DB 25 that stores customer data (print data file) sent from another system is included.

  The printing unit 23 of the print processing system 22 is a page printing apparatus that is normally used as a digital sheet-fed printing apparatus that can perform single-sided printing or double-sided printing. In the case of double-sided printing, a paper reversing mechanism is provided, and the top of printing is reversed between front side printing and back side printing, as will be described later with reference to FIG. Based on the register mark 14 set and printed at 11 on the multi-imposition sheet, the cutting means 24 is arranged vertically for each of the multi-imposition areas 12 and 13 in the block state of each imposition area overlapped after printing. Cut in the direction. The customer file DB 25 stores all print data files of the customers who are the targets to be provided to the print processing control system 21, and is stored in, for example, a PDF format. Is provided to the print processing control system 21 via, for example, a network (not shown).

  The print processing control system 21 uses variable data for each of a plurality of customers to be printed by the printing means 23 of the print processing system 22 and cut by the cutting means 24 based on the print data file for each of the plurality of customers. Multi-sided printing is performed. The control unit 31, the RAM 32, the embed unit 33 provided with the font conversion table TB33A, the page addition unit 34, the file composition unit 35, the print editing unit 36, the log file creation unit 37, the setting Means 38, display means 39, input means 40, file management DB 41, print file DB 42, and the like are connected via a bus or the like. The file management DB 41 and the print file DB 42 may be configured to be installed entirely or individually as an external DB system or an external storage device, not within the system.

  The control means 31 controls the system in an integrated manner. For example, a control program is stored in a physical CPU, and the program is expanded in the RAM 32 and executed. The RAM 32 serves as a work area for developing and executing various programs, and is a concept including, for example, a case where the RAM 32 is configured by a semiconductor memory and is virtually constructed on a hard disk. The embed means 33 embeds the font used in the PDF format print data file of each customer provided by replacing it with a print font, and a program for this is developed in the RAM 32 and executed. The embed means 33 includes a table 33A for replacing fonts, and the fonts to be replaced are stored in the print file DB 42, for example.

  The page adding means 34 is mainly used when performing double-sided printing, which will be described later, on the multi-sided sheet 11, and determines the number of pages for each customer from the print data file for each customer, In this case, a blank page is inserted after the last page of interest, and the print data file is updated to an even number, and the program for this is expanded in the RAM 32 and executed. The file synthesizing unit 34 synthesizes all pages in all print data files of all customers who perform printing and identifies them as a target of a single PDF format file, and a program for that is expanded in the RAM 32 and executed. The

  As described above, the print editing unit 36 divides the total page combined by the file combining unit 35 according to the set number of impositions, and combines the combined pages in the set imposition area of the multi-sided sheet 11. When the total page is printed in multiple pages and cut into each imposition block in a superimposed state after printing and the imposition blocks are overlapped to form a single total block 18, In order to place the pages in order, all the pages are laid out in each imposition area in correspondence with each target, and are temporarily stored in, for example, the print file DB 42 as a single PDF format lot print data file. Are sent to the print processing system 22, and a program for this is developed in the RAM 32 and executed. Further, when the print editing unit 36 divides the combined total page by the number of impositions, the print editing unit 36 adjusts the division start to be the first page of a predetermined target, and further creates a print setting file for layout, for example, The program is stored in the file management DB 41, and a program for this is also expanded in the RAM 32 and executed. As described above, when the segmented blocks after cutting are overlapped to form a single block, the page order of the predetermined customer is continuous. For example, it is possible to facilitate confirmation by an operator after layout editing.

  The log file creation means 37 is a file in which the execution result of the process is described. The log file creation means 37 is created for each process (lot printing), and a program for this is developed in the RAM 32 and executed. The log file created by the log file creation unit 37 is stored in the file management DB 41, for example. If no log file is required, the log file creation means 37 is not necessary.

  The setting means 38 creates a basic setting file that defines the contents of the printing process as required. The setting means 38, together with the settings for single-sided printing or double-sided printing, for example, as described above, the register mark 14 placement position, bar For example, the file management DB 41 stores a file created by inputting from the input unit 40 while confirming the basic items such as the assignment of the code 15 and the management code 16 and the setting of the arrangement position on the display unit 39. Is expanded in the RAM 32 and executed. The file management DB 41 is a database that stores print setting files, log files, basic setting files, and the like for the layout. The print file DB 42 stores the print data file and the embed font for each customer provided as described above, and the single PDF format print data file created by the print editing means 36. It is stored as appropriate.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a basic explanatory diagram of the two-sided single-sided printing layout of the printing processing control system according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows a processing explanatory diagram of the two-sided single-sided printing layout of FIG. The single-sided printing is described here as two-sided, but can be applied to any number of pages. In FIG. 3A, after all pages to be printed of all customers who perform printing are combined, the combined total page is divided into two, which is the number of impositions, so that the first stage of the multi-imposition area (print area) It is divided into the target of the eye and the target of the second stage of the multi-imposition area.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), the target page corresponding to each customer of each first stage target and each second stage target is totaled in order for each stage of the imposition area. Target pages for the number of sheets are allocated, and imposition areas (first and second levels) of the print area are set. For example, the first page of the first customer in the first stage target is the first page of the total page, and the first page of the first customer in the second stage target is the first page of the total page. In this way, the target page and imposition area of each customer corresponding to the total page (total number) are set for each of the first and second level targets, and this is the print setting file 51.

  Therefore, as in the print image shown in FIG. 3C, based on the print setting file 51, the first and second stages of the two-sided attachment on the multi-sided sheet for each page of the set total pages. A step imposition area is set, each target page of the first page of the imposition area is arranged in the first step, and a second page of the second page of the imposition region is arranged in the second step. Each target page is arranged, and this print data is a lot print data file (including the above-mentioned basic settings) 52 sent to the print processing system 22.

  Overall, as shown in FIG. 4A, the file composition means 35 provides all print data files (for example, PDF) of all customers to be printed that are provided from the customer file DB 25 and stored in the print file DB 42. Format) is read out and all the pages in the print data file are combined to form a single lot print data file (for example, PDF format). Subsequently, the print editing unit 36 first determines the basic matters set by the setting unit 38 based on the size of the printing paper, the number of impositions (here, two-sided), and the printing form (here, single-sided printing). As shown in FIG. 4 (B), the combined total page is divided into two by the number of impositions to be the first stage and the second stage. At this time, as described above, the top of the classification should be the first page of the predetermined customer. adjust. For example, when the first page of the second stage does not become the first page of the predetermined customer when the two parts are divided, the first page of the next customer is adjusted to be the first page of the second stage. If the total number of pages is an odd number and the first page of the second stage is not to be the first page of the predetermined customer, the first page is increased by increasing the number of pages of the first stage by one page. It is possible to prevent a blank page from being inserted between the second levels. Then, the target page of each customer is set in correspondence with the total page, and the imposition area is set to create the print setting file 51 shown in FIG.

  Therefore, based on the print setting file 51, as shown in FIG. 4C, the first and second imposition areas of the two-sheet imposition on the total number of multi-page sheets for each target page. Is set, the target pages of the first page of the imposition area are arranged in the first stage, and the target pages of the second page of the imposition area are arranged in the second stage. Perform layout processing. At this time, a register mark 14 is added around each imposition area as shown in FIG. 1B, and the barcode 15 and management number (customer ID) corresponding to the corresponding customer arranged in the print area are displayed. 16 is extracted from the file management DB 41 and added, and pages are appropriately added. Then, the embedding means 33 embeds fonts corresponding to the print data files for each customer, which are the original data, and makes the whole as a single lot print data file (for example, PDF format) 52. 23.

  The printing unit 23 performs printing by converting the print data into, for example, page description data of a printing method based on the lot print data file 52. After printing, the print unit 23 is stacked in the printing order. Then, the cutting unit 24 cuts the first and second imposition areas on the printing paper in the overlapping direction based on the register marks 14. As shown in FIG. 4C, the cut state is a first cutting block 17A corresponding to the first stage and a second cutting block 17B corresponding to the second stage. By superimposing the first cutting block 17A on the second cutting block 17B, a single integrated block 18 is obtained as shown in FIG. 4D. At this time, the integrated block 18 corresponds to each customer. The target pages are arranged in order.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows a basic explanatory diagram of a two-sided duplex printing layout of the printing processing control system according to the present invention, and FIGS. 6 and 7 show a processing explanatory diagram of the two-sided duplex printing layout of FIG. . In FIG. 5A, first, as the characteristics of double-sided printing, in order for the first print page of each customer to always be the surface of the printing paper, all pages must be even pages. That is, when the print data file of a predetermined customer is an odd page, it is made an even page by inserting a blank page after the last page, and all the print data files of all customers are made an even page. . At this time, in the print setting file 61 described later, an additional page flag is set as a case where a blank page is inserted.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the printing unit 23 that performs double-sided printing, the printing top of front side printing and the printing top of back side printing are reversed by the reversal mechanism as described above. Note that “◯” in the figure is only for explaining the head of printing. Here, as the two-sided double-sided printing, the first area A, which is the first imposition area printed from the top of printing on the front surface, is defined as the first table (SA), and the imprinted area to be printed next. A certain second area B is defined as a second table (SB). In addition, the first area A that is printed first from the capital on the back side is the second back (R-A), and the second area B that is printed next is the first back (R-B). That is, when the left side of the printing paper 11 is the first stage and the right side is the second stage, the front side is SA and the back side is R-B, and the second stage is the front side S. -B, the back surface is RA.

  Therefore, the print target pages of each customer are all even-numbered pages, and the total page of the combined file is divided into two, and the total number of pages (2 pages) is divided into each of the first and second levels. The target page is paginated on one sheet) and the layout process is performed. That is, in FIGS. 5C and 5D, a front side flag is set as printing on the front surface on the odd pages of the total number of target pages, and a back side flag is set as printing on the back side on even pages (S11). Subsequently, in the first row, the first area (SA) from the top of the imposition area is set on the page on which the front flag is set (S12), and the back flag is set in the first row. The second area (RB) from the print head of the imposition area is set to the page to be printed (S13). In the second level, the second area (SB) from the top of the imposition area is set on the page where the front flag is set (S14), and the back flag is set in the second level. The first area (RA) from the beginning of printing of the imposition area is set on the page (S15). The imposition area is set in this way, and a print setting file 61 as shown in FIG. 5D is obtained.

  Overall, in FIG. 6A, the page adding means 34 reads all print data files of all customers to be printed, which are provided from the customer file DB 25 and stored in the print file DB 42, and When the number of pages is determined and the print data file of the predetermined customer is an odd page, a blank page is inserted after the last page to update the print data file to an even page.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the file composition unit 35 synthesizes all the pages in all print data files of the print data file updated for all customers and the print data file not updated. One lot print data file. Subsequently, the print editing unit 36 first combines the basic items set by the setting unit 38 based on the size of the printing paper, the number of impositions (here, two-sided), and the printing form (here, duplex printing). The total page is divided into two by the number of impositions to be the first and second stages, and at this time, the top of the classification is adjusted to be the first page of the predetermined customer as described above. Then, the target pages of each customer are set in correspondence with the total number of target pages, and the imposition area is set with an algorithm as shown in FIG. 5C, thereby enabling the print setting file shown in FIG. 61 is created.

  Further, based on the print setting file 61, as shown in FIG. 7A, the first and second impositions of the two-sided double-sided sheet on the multi-sided sheet for each target page of the total number of sheets. Areas (SA, SB, RB, RA) are set and imposed. For example, as shown in the figure, in the first table of the total number, the first page of the customer “AAA” in the first area (SA) and the customer “NNN” in the second area (SB). The first page of the target is arranged, and on the back of the first sheet of the total number, the second page of the customer “NNN” in the first area (RA) and the customer “AAA” in the second area (RB). The second page of “” is arranged. Thereafter, the layout processing for the second and subsequent layouts of the total number is similarly performed sequentially based on the print setting file 61.

  At this time, a register mark 14 is added around each imposition area (which may be either one side or both sides) as shown in FIG. 1B, and a corresponding customer arranged in the imposition area is selected. The barcode 15 and management number (customer ID) 16 are extracted from the file management DB 41 and added, and pages are added as appropriate. Then, the embedding means 33 embeds fonts corresponding to the print data files for each customer, which is the original data, and makes the whole as a single lot print data file (for example, PDF format) 62. 23.

  Based on the lot print data file 62, the printing means 23 converts the print data into, for example, printing method page description data, and performs printing. As shown in FIG. It is assumed that Then, the cutting unit 24 cuts the first and second imposition areas on the printing paper in the overlapping direction based on the register marks 14. As shown in FIG. 7C, the cut state is a first cutting block 17A corresponding to the first stage and a second cutting block 17B corresponding to the second stage. By superimposing the first cutting block 17A on the second cutting block 17B, a single integrated block 18 is obtained as shown in FIG. The target pages for each customer are arranged in order on both sides.

  Next, FIG. 8 shows a basic explanatory diagram of a four-sided double-sided printing layout of the printing processing control system according to the present invention, and FIGS. 9 and 10 show processing explanatory diagrams of the four-sided double-sided printing layout of FIG. . The four-sided double-sided printing layout is basically capable of layout processing combining two two-sided double-sided printing layouts, and therefore, more than double-sided double-sided printing, even numbered double-sided printing. It can be applied to printing. Even in this case, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the print data file of the predetermined customer is an odd page, an even page is obtained by inserting a blank page after the last page. The print data files of all customers are all even pages. At this time, in the print setting file 71 described later, an additional page flag is set as a case where a blank page is inserted.

  In the layout process, as shown in FIG. 8A, as the four-sided double-sided printing, the first area A that is printed first on the front surface from the top of printing is the first table (SA), and the third area C. Is the third table (SC), the second area B to be printed next is the second table (SB), and the fourth area D is the fourth table (SD). Also, on the back side, the first area A printed first from the top of printing is the second back (R-A), the third area C is the fourth back (RC), and the second printed next Area B is the first step back (R-B) and the fourth area D is the third step back (R-D).

  That is, when the left side of the printing paper 11 is the first and third stages, and the right side is the second and fourth stages, the front surface is SA and the back surface is RB. In the second stage, the surface is SB and the back surface is RA, in the third stage the surface is SC and the back surface is RD, and in the fourth stage, the surface is SD and the back surface is RC. It will be. The four-sided double-sided printing layout of front and back sides A and B of the first and second stages and the double-sided double-sided printing layout of front and back sides C and D of the third and fourth stages are combined into four sides. This is a double-sided printing layout.

  Therefore, the print target pages of each customer are all even pages, and the total page of the combined file is divided into four, and the total number of pages (2 pages) is divided into each of the first to fourth stages. The target page is paginated on one sheet) and the layout process is performed. That is, by the method shown in FIG. 5C, the front side flag is set for printing on the front side of the total number of odd pages, and the back side flag is set for printing on the back side of even pages. Subsequently, in the first and third stages, the first area (SA) and the third area (SC) from the print head of the imposition area are set on the page where the surface flag is set, The second area (RB) and fourth area (RD) from the print head of the imposition area are set on the page where the back flag is set in the first and third stages.

  In the second and fourth stages, the second area (SB) and fourth area (SD) from the print head of the imposition area are set on the page where the surface flag is set, The first area (R-A) and the third area (R-C) from the print head of the imposition area are set on the page where the back flag is set in the second and fourth levels. In this way, the imposition area is set, and a print setting file 71 as shown in FIG. 8B is obtained.

  Overall, the page adding means 34 reads out all print data files of all customers to be printed, which are provided from the customer file DB 25 and stored in the print file DB 42, and determines the number of pages for each customer by determining the number of pages. When the customer's print data file is an odd page, the blank page is inserted after the last page to update the print data file to an even page as in FIG. 6A.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A, the file composition unit 35 synthesizes all the pages in all the print data files of the updated print data file of all the customers and the print data file that has not been updated. To target a single lot print data file. Subsequently, the print editing unit 36 first combines the basic items set by the setting unit 38 based on the size of the printing paper, the number of impositions (here, four-sided), and the printing form (here, duplex printing). The total number of pages is divided into four by the number of impositions to be the first to fourth levels, and at this time, the top of the classification is adjusted to be the first page of a predetermined customer as described above. Then, the target page of each customer is set in correspondence with the total number of target pages, and the imposition area is set with an algorithm as shown in FIG. 5C, whereby the print setting file shown in FIG. 71 is created.

  Further, based on the print setting file 71, as shown in FIG. 9B, the first to fourth imposition of four-sided double-sided sheets on the multi-sided sheet for each target page of the total number of pages. Areas (SA, SB, SC, SD, RB, RA, RC, RD) are set and imposed. For example, as shown in the figure, in the first table of total numbers, the first page of the customer “AAA” in the first area (SA) and the customer “GGA” in the second area (SB). The first page of the target, the first page of the customer “NNA” is arranged in the third area (SC), and the first page of the customer “TTA” is arranged in the fourth area (SD). Also, on the back of the first sheet of the total number, the second page of the customer “GGA” in the first area (RA) and the second page of the customer “AAA” in the second area (RB). The second page of the customer “TTA” is arranged in the third area (RC), and the second page of the customer “NNA” is arranged in the fourth area (RD). Thereafter, layout processing for the second and subsequent layouts of the total number is sequentially performed based on the print setting file 71 in the same manner.

  At this time, a register mark 14 is added around each imposition area (which may be one side or both sides) as shown in FIG. 1B, and a bar corresponding to the corresponding customer arranged in the print area. The code 15 and the management number (customer ID) 16 are extracted from the file management DB 41 and added, and pages are added as appropriate. Then, the embedding means 33 embeds fonts corresponding to the print data file for each customer as the original data, and the whole is set as a single lot print data file (for example, PDF format) 72. 23.

  The printing means 23 converts the print data into, for example, printing method page description data based on the lot print data file 72 and performs printing. After printing, the printing means 23 is stacked in the printing order. Then, the cutting means 24 cuts in the overlapping direction based on the register mark 14 for each of the first to fourth imposition areas on the printing paper. As shown in FIG. 10A, the cut state corresponds to the first cutting block 17A corresponding to the first stage, the second cutting block 17B corresponding to the second stage, and the third stage. The third cutting block 17C and the fourth cutting block 17D corresponding to the fourth stage are formed. The third cutting block 17C, the second cutting block 17B, and the first cutting block 17A are sequentially stacked on the fourth cutting block 17D, so that a single general block is obtained as shown in FIG. In this case, the general block 18 is in a state in which target pages for each customer are sequentially arranged on both sides.

  Next, FIG. 11 shows a basic explanatory diagram of the three-sided double-sided printing layout of the printing processing control system according to the present invention, and FIGS. 12 and 13 show processing explanatory diagrams of the four-sided double-sided printing layout of FIG. . The three-sided double-sided printing layout can basically be laid out in a form in which the fourth stage of the four-sided double-sided printing layout is omitted. It can be applied to imposition duplex printing. Even in this case, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the print data file of the predetermined customer is an odd page, an even page is obtained by inserting a blank page after the last page. The print data files of all customers are all even pages. At this time, in the print setting file 71 described later, an additional page flag is set as a case where a blank page is inserted.

  In the layout process, as shown in FIG. 11A, as the three-sided double-sided printing, the first area A that is printed first on the front surface from the top of printing is the first table (SA), and the third area C. Is the third table (SC), and the second area B to be printed next is the second table (SB). Also, the first area A printed first from the top of printing on the back side is the second back (RA), and the second area B printed next is the first back (RB) third area. Let C be the third stage back (RC).

  That is, when the left side of the printing paper 11 is the first and third stages and the right side is the third stage, the front side is SA and the back side is RB, and the second stage is the second stage. The front surface is SB and the back surface is RA, and in the third stage, the front surface is SC and the back surface is RC. It should be noted that the double-sided double-sided printing layout of front and back A and B on the first and second levels and the double-sided double-sided printing of front and back C and D on the third and fourth levels by virtually providing a fourth level A three-sided double-sided printing layout is formed by combining the case where the fourth step of the layout is omitted.

  Therefore, the print target pages of each customer are all even-numbered pages, and the total page of the synthesized file is divided into three, and the total number of pages (2 pages) is divided into each of the first to third stages. The target page is paginated on one sheet) and the layout process is performed. That is, by the method shown in FIG. 5C, the front side flag is set for printing on the front side of the total number of odd pages, and the back side flag is set for printing on the back side of even pages. Subsequently, in the first and third stages, the first area (SA) and the third area (SC) from the print head of the imposition area are set on the page where the surface flag is set, The second area (RB) from the print head of the imposition area is set on the page where the back face flag is set in the first and third stages.

  In the second row, the second area (SB) from the top of the imposition area is set on the page on which the front flag is set, and the page on which the back flag is set in the second row. The first area (R-A) from the top of printing in the attachment area is set. The imposition area is set in this way, and a print setting file 81 as shown in FIG.

  Overall, the page adding means 34 reads out all print data files of all customers to be printed, which are provided from the customer file DB 25 and stored in the print file DB 42, and determines the number of pages for each customer by determining the number of pages. When the customer's print data file is an odd page, updating the print data file to an even page by inserting a blank page after the last page based on the additional page flag is shown in FIG. ).

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12A, the file composition means 35 synthesizes all the pages in all the print data files of the updated print data file of all customers and the print data file not updated. To target a single lot print data file. Subsequently, the print editing unit 36 first combines the basic matters set by the setting unit 38 based on the size of the printing paper, the number of impositions (here, three-sided), and the printing form (here, double-sided printing). The total number of pages is divided into three by the number of impositions to obtain the first to third levels, and at this time, the top of the classification is adjusted to be the first page of a predetermined customer as described above. Then, the target pages of each customer are set in correspondence with the total number of target pages, and the imposition area is set with an algorithm as shown in FIG. 5C, thereby enabling the print setting file shown in FIG. 81 is created.

  Further, based on the print setting file 81, as shown in FIG. 12B, the first to third impositions of the three-sided double-sided sheet on the multi-sided sheet for each target page of the total number of sheets. The area planes (SA, SB, SC, RB, RA, RC) are set and imposed. For example, as shown in the figure, in the first table of total number, the first page of the customer “AAA” in the first area (SA) and the customer “JJA” in the second area (SB). The first page of the target and the first page of the customer “RRA” are arranged in the third area (SC). In addition, on the back of the first sheet of the total number of sheets, the second page of the customer “JAA” in the first area (RA) and the second page of the customer “AAA” in the second area (RB). The second page of the customer “RRA” is arranged in the third area (RC). Thereafter, layout processing for the second and subsequent layouts of the total number is sequentially performed based on the print setting file 81 in the same manner.

  At this time, a register mark 14 is added around each imposition area (which may be one side or both sides) as shown in FIG. 1B, and a bar corresponding to the corresponding customer arranged in the print area. The code 15 and the management number (customer ID) 16 are extracted from the file management DB 41 and added, and pages are added as appropriate. Then, the embedding means 33 embeds fonts corresponding to the print data file for each customer as the original data, and the whole is made into a single lot print data file (for example, PDF format) 72, and the printing means of the print processing system 22 23.

  The printing means 23 converts the print data into, for example, printing method page description data based on the lot print data file 72 and performs printing. After printing, the printing means 23 is stacked in the printing order. Then, the cutting unit 24 cuts in the overlapping direction based on the register mark 14 for each of the first to third imposition areas on the printing paper. The cut state corresponds to the first cutting block 17A corresponding to the first stage, the second cutting block 17B corresponding to the second stage, and the third stage, as shown in FIG. Thus, the third cutting block 17C is obtained. By sequentially superposing the second cutting block 17B and the first cutting block 17A on the third cutting block 17C, a single integrated block 18 is obtained as shown in FIG. At this time, the general block 18 is in a state in which target pages for each customer are sequentially arranged on both sides.

  Next, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram when continuous paper is used in the print processing system according to the present invention. In each of the above embodiments, the case of multi-sided printing on a sheet has been shown, but in this embodiment, continuous paper will be described. In addition, although described here as two-sided double-sided printing, other multi-sided printing can also be applied by the same method as in FIGS. 3, 8, and 11.

  14A and 14B, the continuous paper 91 is formed so that marginal portions 92A and 92B in which holes for conveyance are formed can be cut off by a sewing line or the like in both directions, and printing corresponding to the above-described sheet. Each unit region 94 is formed so as to be freely cut by a sewing line or the like. A timing mark 95 serving as a guide for starting printing is formed for each area 94 of the printing unit, and a page to be printed for each customer in the first stage A and the second stage B in the area 94. Is printed.

  The layout for the two-sided double-sided printing on the continuous paper 91 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 until the print setting file 61 shown in FIG. In creating a lot print data file to be sent, it is unique to continuous paper. That is, in the print setting file 61 shown in FIG. 5D, the objects with the front flag set are extracted as a lump, and the objects with the back flag set are extracted as a lump.

  In this case, when the printing mechanism 23 has a single printing mechanism in the print processing system 22, the front surface print portion as a lump is a lot table print data file, and the back surface print amount as a lump is a lot back print data file. Assume two files. Further, when the printing mechanism of the printing unit 23 is two printing mechanisms for front and back printing, a lot printing data file is formed by combining the front surface printing portion and the back surface printing portion together.

  In this case, when the lot table print data file and the lot back print data file are created, the surface of the continuous paper 91 is printed and wound based on the lot table print data file as shown in FIG. take. This is reset, and the back side of the continuous paper 91 is printed based on the lot back print data file as shown in FIG. Subsequently, the marginal portions 92A and 92B are separated after printing, and are separated for each printing unit area 95 and stacked in the printing order to form a printed block 96 (state shown in FIG. 7B). 7C, the first cutting block 17A corresponding to the first stage and the second cutting block 17B corresponding to the second stage are formed. By superimposing the first cutting block 17A on the second cutting block 17B, a single integrated block 18 is obtained as shown in FIG. The target pages for each customer are arranged in order on both sides.

  In this way, as shown in the above embodiments, the pages can be arranged in the order of pages corresponding to each target after multi-sided printing requiring variable data printing for each of a plurality of customers regardless of single-sided printing or double-sided printing. Is.

  By the way, in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 11 in the above embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first step and the second step are arranged in the same direction with respect to the printing direction. However, since the first and second printing areas are defined for the paper, the same method is used for the first and second printing directions simultaneously. It can be done with layout.

  The print processing method and the print processing control system of the present invention are suitable for printing notification items such as various forms and telephone charges, bookbinding printing, and the like.

It is a principle explanatory view of the printing processing method concerning the present invention. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an entire printing system including an embodiment of a printing processing control system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a basic explanatory diagram of a two-sided one-sided printing layout of a printing processing control system according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a process explanatory diagram of the two-sided single-sided printing layout of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a basic explanatory diagram of a two-sided double-sided printing layout of the printing processing control system according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a process explanatory diagram (1) of the two-sided double-sided printing layout of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a process explanatory diagram (2) of the two-sided duplex printing layout of FIG. 5. FIG. 3 is a basic explanatory diagram of a four-sided double-sided printing layout of the printing processing control system according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a process explanatory diagram (1) of the four-sided double-sided printing layout of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a process explanatory diagram (2) of the four-sided double-sided printing layout of FIG. 8. FIG. 3 is a basic explanatory diagram of a three-sided double-sided printing layout of the printing processing control system according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a process explanatory diagram (1) of the four-sided duplex printing layout of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a process explanatory diagram (2) of the four-sided double-sided printing layout of FIG. 11. It is explanatory drawing at the time of using the continuous paper in the printing processing system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 Multi-sided sheet 12, 13 Multi-sided area 17 Cutting block 18 General block 21 Print processing control system 22 Print processing system 25 Customer file DB
51, 61, 71, 81 Print setting file 52, 62, 72, 82 Lot print data file 91 Continuous paper

Claims (4)

A print processing method for printing the variable data for each of the plurality of objects with the print processing system, and performing printing with the multi-imposition setting items based on the print data file for each of the plurality of objects,
Combining all the pages in all the print data files of all the plurality of objects to be printed;
Dividing the synthesized total page by imposition number;
The combined total page is printed in multiple imposition on each set imposition area, and is cut into each imposition block in a superimposed state after printing, and each imposition block is overlapped to form a single block. Laying out all the pages in the imposition area corresponding to each object, so that the pages for each object are arranged in order,
Sending print data in which all pages for each object are laid out to the print processing system as a single print data file;
A printing processing method comprising:   The print processing method according to claim 1, wherein when printing on both sides of the imposition area in the print processing system, the number of pages for each target is determined from the print data file for each target, In this case, the print processing method is characterized in that a blank page is inserted after the last page of interest and updated to an even print data file. A print processing control system for printing variable data for each of multiple objects in a print processing system and performing printing with multi-imposition setting items based on the print data file for each of the plurality of objects,
A file composition means for composing all the pages in all the print data files of all the plurality of objects to be printed;
At least the combined total page is divided by the number of impositions, the combined total page is subjected to multiple imposition printing on each set imposition area, and is cut for each imposition block in a superimposed state after printing. When the imposition blocks are overlapped to form a single block, the pages for each object are arranged in order so that all the pages corresponding to each object correspond to the imposition area. Print editing means for laying out and sending to the print processing system as a single print data file;
A print processing system comprising:   4. The print processing control system according to claim 3, wherein when the print processing system performs printing on both sides of the imposition area, the number of pages for each target is determined from the print data file for each target, and an odd number In this case, the print processing control system further comprises page adding means for updating the print data file to be an even number by inserting a blank page after the last page of interest.

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