JP2008310745A - Image processor, paper container production system, image data generating method for printing paper container, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate an image data for printing a paper container so that exposure at a base material part in a separately layed out portion is suppressed. <P>SOLUTION: The mask data which describes a mask region being an arrangement region of a pattern image of an expansion plan is generated. Based on the fitting relationship data DR that describes fitting relationship between main plates when assembling a paper container and the relationship between a sub plate and the main plate used for fitting, a part of the region of the sub plate used for fitting which continues from an adjoining main plate is set as a sub plate image region. Then, for a pattern image arranged in the sub plate image region as well, the mask data is corrected and further an image data is corrected. By combining an expansion plan data with the image data based on the corrected mask data, the image data for printing is generated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to generation of printing image data used for printing on a paper container used for a product package or the like.

  The process for producing paper containers used for product packaging is usually determined by designing the design process for designing the finished shape (three-dimensional shape) and the design of the pattern and line drawing applied to the surface of the paper container, and developing the shape (two-dimensional shape). The layout process of laying out the image (design image) according to the design in FIG. 5 and printing the combined shape image (image of the container) on the surface of the material (paper container constituent material) such as cardboard constituting the container. It comprises a printing process and an assembling process for assembling the paper container after cutting the paper container constituent material after printing according to the developed shape.

  Of these, the design process is generally performed using CAD software having a paper container design function. Also, a package design support apparatus that can easily perform a layout process is known.

JP-A-8-50605

  In the paper container production process, depending on the relationship between the developed shape of the paper container and the pattern image arrangement, a continuous image is arranged in the completed state of the paper container, and is arranged in a discontinuous state (divided) at the stage of the layout process. The so-called “crying farewell” may occur. The portion where such “crying separation” occurs is usually continuous in the finished state by gluing (adhering) to the base portion (glue margin portion) such as the sub-plate in the assembly process. If the accuracy is not sufficient, a plain ground portion is usually visible between the patterns, which impairs the quality (aesthetics) of the paper container.

  For the purpose of avoiding such a situation, a process of partially arranging a pattern overlapping on the base part to be glued (compensating for the pattern) may be performed. Conventionally, such a process has a high skill. It was only done manually by skilled operators.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is intended for printing on a paper container in which the exposure of the ground part in the part that is in a tearing state is suppressed even when the accuracy of gluing in the assembly process of the paper container is not sufficient. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that allows an operator with low skill to easily generate image data.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is an image processing apparatus for generating image data for printing for a paper container, wherein the development data is image data representing at least one development figure for the paper container; Acquisition means for acquiring image data that is image data of a pattern image designed on the paper container, and a box making rule that describes a rule for assembling the paper container based on the development view, and the development view data Setting a mask area that is an arrangement area of the pattern image in the at least one development view when combining the pattern image data with the pattern image data, and generating mask data describing information for specifying the mask area Combining the development data and the image data on the basis of the means and the mask data, Combining means for generating image data for printing for the paper container expressing the state in which the pattern image is arranged in one development view, and the main plates of the paper container when assembling the paper container based on the box making rules A fixing relationship specifying means for generating fixing relationship data describing a fixing relationship and a relationship between a main plate and a sub-plate of the paper container used for fixing, and based on the fixing relationship data, the paper container used for the fixing The mask data is set so that a partial area continuous from the main board adjacent to the sub board of the sub board is set as a sub board image area, and a pattern image is also arranged in the sub board image area in the printing image data. Or a sub-plate image setting means for correcting the image data, and the combining means includes the corrected mask data. Based on the data, the combine the image data and the development diagram data corresponding to said corrected the mask data, and wherein the.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the sub-plate image setting means is fixed to the sub-plate in which the sub-plate image area is set in the printing image data. The mask data and the image data are corrected so that the pattern image of the main plate is arranged in the sub-plate image area.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the sub-plate image setting means starts from the main plate adjacent to the sub-plate image area in the printing image data from the main plate image area. The mask data is corrected so that a continuous pattern image is arranged.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to generate the developed view data and the product based on the three-dimensional shape data of the paper container. It is characterized by comprising: a development drawing creation means for generating a box rule; and an image data creation means for creating the image data based on the development drawing data.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the acquisition unit acquires unit expanded view data representing one expanded view, and the expanded state. Multi-sided development processing means for generating multi-sided development view data representing a state in which a plurality of development views are applied as a plurality of development views as diagram data, and the mask area setting means sets the mask areas for the plurality of development views. The combination means combines the multi-surface development image data and the image data based on the mask data, whereby the plurality of development images in which the pattern images are arranged as the print image data, respectively. Generating imposition data expressing the multi-imposition state of the image.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is based on the design processing apparatus including the image processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, image data creating means for generating the image data based on the development data, and the print image data. An imposition processing device that performs imposition processing; and an output processing device that performs output processing related to a paper container print based on imposition data obtained by the imposition processing.

  The invention according to claim 7 is a design processing apparatus that generates the image data based on the development data, an imposition processing apparatus that includes the image processing apparatus according to claim 5, and a paper container based on the imposition data. And an output processing device that performs an output process related to the printed matter.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a method for generating printing image data for a paper container, wherein the development image data is image data representing at least one development drawing for the paper container, and a pattern image designed on the paper container. The image data, which is image data, and an acquisition step for acquiring a box making rule describing rules for assembling the paper container based on the development view, and the development view data and the pattern image data are combined. A mask area setting step for setting a mask area, which is an arrangement area of the pattern image in the at least one development view, and generating mask data describing information for specifying the mask area, and based on the box making rules The relationship between the main plates of the paper container when assembling the paper container and the relationship between the main plate and the sub-plate of the paper container used for fixing Based on the sticking relationship specifying step for generating the sticking relationship data described above and the sticking relationship data, a partial region continuous from the main plate adjacent to the sub plate of the sub plate used for fixing in the paper container is sub A sub-board image area setting step for setting as a board image area, and the mask data is corrected so that a pattern image is also arranged in the sub-board image area in the printing image data, or the image data is further corrected. A printing image for the paper container expressing the state in which the design image is arranged in the at least one development view by combining the development step data and the image data based on the correction step and the mask data A combining step for generating data, wherein the combining step is based on the corrected mask data. , Coupling the development diagram data and the image data corresponding to said corrected the mask data, and wherein the.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the computer is operated as the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects by using a CPU and a memory included in the computer.

  According to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, by performing a process (pattern compensation process) that causes a pattern image to be arranged also in the sub-plate image area, a portion of the paper container is in a so-called “crying state”. Even if the main plates are fixed and slightly deviated from the designed positions in the assembly process, it is possible to prevent the plain base from being exposed, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the quality of the paper container at the design process stage. it can. Further, since the pattern compensation processing is performed while referring to the sticking relation data described based on the box making rules, it is not necessary for the operator to manually select, rotate, and compose the pattern image. Therefore, even an operator having a low skill can easily perform the pattern compensation process.

  In particular, according to the inventions of claims 5 and 7, the pattern compensation processing can be performed collectively for a plurality of paper containers.

<Outline of paper container manufacturing system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a paper container manufacturing system 10 of the present invention. The paper container manufacturing system 10 includes a design processing apparatus 1, a paper container shape data generation apparatus 2, a imposition processing apparatus 3, and an output processing apparatus 4.

  Based on the developed shape image of the paper container, the design processing apparatus 1 generates image data representing a pattern image (images including characters, line drawings, patterns, and the like are collectively referred to) applied to the surface of the paper container. The design processing apparatus 1 can be realized by a general-purpose computer such as a commonly used personal computer. In the first embodiment to be described later, the design processing apparatus 1 is also responsible for generating layout data representing a combined image (paper container image) of a developed shape image and a pattern image. In such a case, the layout data is generated by combining (combining) the image data with the development data representing the development shape of the paper container. The layout data is printing image data described in a predetermined format that can represent a pattern image including characters, line drawings, and patterns. For example, it is described in a predetermined page description language such as PDF. Alternatively, it may be described in advance in a bitmap format (1 bit tiff format or the like) that can be processed by the output processing device 4.

  The paper container shape data generation device 2 is a device responsible for processing to generate paper container shape data, which is three-dimensional data representing the three-dimensional shape of the paper container. The paper container shape data generation apparatus 2 can be realized by a so-called CAD apparatus. The paper container shape data generating device 2 generates a two-dimensional image data (development drawing data) representing the developed shape of the paper container based on the three-dimensional data, and a box making rule that is an assembly rule for the paper container. It is also possible to be able to perform the process of generating. Alternatively, the paper container shape data generation device 2 may be configured to function as a database that stores in advance a plurality of paper container shape data representing paper containers of various shapes.

  The imposition processing apparatus 3 is an apparatus responsible for imposition processing. That is, imposition data representing a state in which a plurality of paper container images are two-dimensionally arranged is generated so that a paper container image for a plurality of paper containers is formed on a paper container constituent material by one printing. The imposition processing device 3 can be realized by a general-purpose computer such as a commonly used personal computer. In a second embodiment to be described later, the imposition processing device 3 multi-imposes a plurality of developed shape images, and combines (synthesizes) the pattern images with the developed shape images, thereby imposing data. Is generated. When the imposition processing device 3 has a rasterizing processing function and layout data is described in a page description language, a bitmap format (1 bit tiff format) that can be processed by the output processing device 4 based on the layout data. Etc.) may be converted.

  The output processing device 4 is responsible for output processing based on imposition data. Here, the output process indicates a printing process on the paper container constituent material based on the imposition data or a printing plate (printing plate) preparation process for realizing the printing process.

  The output processing device 4 is a CTP device, for example, and generates a printing plate based on the imposition data generated in the imposition processing device 3. In such a case, printing using the printing plate is performed in a printing apparatus (not shown). Alternatively, the output processing device 4 may be a plateless printing device capable of performing plateless printing that does not require a printing plate as output processing. In such a case, digital printing based on the imposition data is performed.

  Note that when the output processing device 4 has a rasterization processing function and layout data is described in a page description language, a bitmap format (such as a 1-bit tiff format) that can be processed by the output processing device 4 based on the layout data. ) Data may be converted.

  In the paper container manufacturing system 10 shown in FIG. 1, a case where each device is connected to the network N is illustrated. In such a case, necessary data can be exchanged between the devices through the network N. However, each device does not necessarily need to be connected to the network N as long as data can be exchanged by exchanging predetermined recording media.

<Development and box making rules>
FIG. 2 is a development view dv1 of a paper container as an example of an application target of the present invention. A visual representation of the description content of the development view data created based on the paper container shape data corresponds to the development view dv1 of FIG. The developed view dv1 shown in FIG. 2 constitutes a substantially cubic paper container by assembling.

  In addition, the surface part used as the main object of design in a paper container is called a main board. In other words, the main plate is a portion where a design such as a pattern or a line drawing is arranged in the development view dv1. For example, the development view dv1 includes six main plates mb having a square shape. On the other hand, portions other than the main plate, for example, portions such as tacks, flaps and glue flaps are collectively referred to as sub-plates.

  The development view dv1 also shows symbols used for the description of the box making rules for the main plate mb. In the box making rule, it is necessary that the main plates mb can be distinguished from each other. In FIG. 2, symbols A, B, C, D, E, and F are attached to the respective main plates mb. The main plate mb to which the respective symbols are attached is also referred to as a main plate mb (A), a main plate mb (B). Each main plate mb includes four sides including overlapping ones. Furthermore, in the box making rule, it is necessary to uniquely identify the four sides of each main plate mb. In FIG. 2, symbols are also attached to these sides. In FIG. 2, symbols are attached to the respective sides by describing A1 to A4 and the like in the counterclockwise direction with the underline indicating the sides. In addition, by attaching the symbol of each side according to the same rule to each main plate, from the relationship of the side numbers, the relationship between the orientations of the main plates mb when the paper container is assembled, and further at the time of assembly It is possible to uniquely identify the relationship between the orientation of the sub-plate and the main plate that overlap each other. Such a relationship is used in a pattern compensation process described later.

  Further, in the development view dv1, the sub-plate sb is adjacent to some main plates mb. In the box making rules, symbols for uniquely identifying these are also used. FIG. 2 illustrates the case where the sub plate sb is described using the symbols of the adjacent main plate mb. For example, two sub-plates sb adjacent to the main plate mb (B) are referred to as sub-plate sb (B-f1) and sub-plate sb (B-f2), respectively.

<First Embodiment>
<Overview>
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a case will be described in which the design processing apparatus 1 functions as the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, among the apparatuses constituting the paper container manufacturing system 10. In such a case, layout data is generated by combining the image data and the development data in the design processing apparatus 1. The layout data is given to the imposition processing device 3, and the imposition processing device 3 represents a state in which the paper container images represented by the layout data are repeatedly arranged in two dimensions based on the layout data. Generate imposition data.

<Configuration of design processing device>
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the design processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing various data flows mainly in the design processing apparatus 1.

  The design processing apparatus 1 is a generally used personal computer, and includes a CPU 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a network I / F 14, a media drive 15, a storage unit 16, and a memory 17.

  The CPU 11 controls the entire design processing apparatus 1. In particular, the function of the design processing apparatus 1 is realized by executing in the memory 17 a program 161 recorded on the media disk 18 inserted in the media drive 15. The display unit 12 is used to display necessary information in a predetermined process described later that is executed in the design processing apparatus 1. The input unit 13 includes a mouse and a keyboard, and is used when an operator of the design processing apparatus 1 inputs a predetermined instruction to the design processing apparatus 1. The network I / F 14 is for connecting the design processing apparatus 1 and the network N. The design processing apparatus 1 exchanges data with the paper container shape data generation apparatus 2 and the imposition processing apparatus 3 via the network I / F 14. The media drive 15 is used to read the program 161 recorded on the media disk 18 or other predetermined data. The storage unit 16 stores the program 161 read by the media drive 15 and other data.

  The memory 17 is a work area for the CPU 11 to execute the program 161 stored by the storage unit 16. As a result of the execution of the program 161 by the CPU 11, in the memory 17, a development drawing creation unit 171, an image creation unit 172, a mask area creation unit 173, a fixing relationship specifying unit 174, a sub-plate image setting unit 175, an image A development map combining unit 176 and an image attached development diagram output unit 177 are realized.

  The development drawing creation unit 171 acquires the paper container shape data DS generated by the paper container shape data generation device 2 through the network N or by reading from the media disk 18 in the media drive 15, and uses the paper container shape data DS. Development view data DD representing the development view of the paper container to be expressed is created. The development diagram data DD is preferably described in a page description language, but may be described in a bitmap format. In addition, the development drawing creation unit 171 defines information for specifying a portion to be a main board and a sub board in the development drawing, information for specifying a sub board to be glued when assembling a paper container based on the development drawing, and the like. The box making rule RL is generated. The description format of the box making rule RL is not particularly limited as long as it can be referred to in subsequent processing. The function of the developed view creation unit 171 can be realized by a known technique.

  As described above, when the paper container shape data generation device 2 also generates the development drawing data DD, the development drawing creation unit 171 acquires the development drawing data DD from the paper container shape data generation device 2, and the development drawing data DD. The box making rule RL may be generated based on the above.

  The image creation unit 172 realizes an image creation process in which an operator performs a design (pattern image) such as a pattern or line drawing of a paper container. In the image creation processing according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that a paper container is designed for a development view expressed by development view data DD. The operator designs a paper container while using various processing menus (not shown) of image creation processing realized by the image creation unit 172 by appropriately operating the input unit 13. The image creation unit 172 creates first image data DI1 describing the contents of the design. Preferably, the first image data DI1 is described in the same format as the development view data DD.

  The design target in the first image data DI1 is mainly the main plate mb. However, in the image creation process in order to prevent the shift of the pattern image due to the cutting shift and the request for the pattern compensation process described later, In the developed view, the design is performed for a region that is larger than a region occupied by the main plate mb (a region occupied by the main plate mb (A) to main plate mb (F) in the developed view dv1 shown in FIG. 2). In other words, a process corresponding to so-called addition is performed. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a picture image creation area RE1 in such a case. In FIG. 5, a region surrounded by a broken line corresponds to a pattern image creation region RE1.

  The function of the image creation unit 172 is realized by, for example, graphic software capable of performing design processing on a three-dimensional shape object that constitutes a part of the program 161.

  In the present embodiment, the development drawing creation unit 171 includes the development drawing data DD and the box making rule RL, including the case where the development drawing creation unit 171 creates the development drawing data DD and the box making rule RL. It can be understood that. Further, the manner in which the image creation unit 172 creates the first image data DI1 can also be regarded as a means for the image creation unit 172 to acquire the first image data DI1. That is, the development drawing creation unit 171 and the image creation unit 172 are considered to constitute the acquisition unit of the present invention.

  Based on the development view data DD, the mask area creation unit 173 realizes a mask creation process that identifies a mask area that represents the arrangement area of the pattern image in the development view expressed by the development view data DD. The mask creation process corresponds to a process for setting an area in which a pattern image is arranged on the developed view. Therefore, if the design is applied only to the main plate mb, at least only the region of the main plate mb needs to be specified as the mask region. However, in consideration of the occurrence of cutting misalignment in the subsequent cutting process, for example, at the end portion of the main plate mb where nothing is adjacent in the developed view, the pattern image is synthesized up to the area around the main plate mb. As described above, a mask area is defined. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a mask region RE2 in such a case. The shaded area corresponds to the mask region RE2.

  In FIG. 6, the sub board sb is not included in the mask area RE2, but when the pattern image is arranged up to the sub board sb, the mask area RE2 is formed so as to cover the sub board sb. Is done.

  The mask area creating unit 173 generates first mask data DM1 describing the setting contents of the mask area specified by the mask creating process as described above. The format of the first mask data DM1 and the second mask data DM2 generated by correcting a part of the first mask data DM1 is particularly limited as long as it can be referred to when a pattern image and a development view are described later. Is not limited. The creation of the first mask data DM1 may be automatically performed by the mask area creation unit 173 based on a predetermined creation condition set in advance, or a state in which a development view is displayed on the display unit 12 The operator may set the mask area manually via the input unit 13.

  Based on the box making rule RL, the fixing relationship specifying unit 174 is a relationship between main plates that are separated in the state of the developed view but are adjacent at the time of assembly (this is a relationship between the main plate and the sub plate that are glued at the time of assembly) It is also responsible for processing to generate the sticking relationship data DR describing the contents of the sticking relationship. The generation of the sticking relationship data DR may be automatically performed with reference to the description content of the box making rule RL, or while referring to the development view displayed on the display unit 12 or the box making rule RL. A mode in which an operator operates the input unit 13 may be used. The description format of the sticking relationship data DR is not particularly limited as long as it can be referred to in subsequent processing.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the description content of the sticking relationship data DR for the development view dv1 illustrated in FIG. The sticking relation specifying unit 174 generates sticking relation data DR using symbols attached to the respective parts based on the arrangement relation between the main plate mb and the sub plate sb in the development view dv1 defined in the box making rule RL. In the example of FIG. 7, the adjacent main plates mb in the completed shape of the paper container are related to each other by “B_F” or the like with an underbar, and the sides of these main plates mb that are the same side in the completed shape are indicated by “B1_F1” or the like with the underbar. By associating, the sticking relationship data DR is described. [] Indicates that it is applied only when the main plates are fixed (glued together). Further, in the fixing relation data DR illustrated in FIG. 7, the main plate mb (or the corresponding side) to which the sub plate sb is adjacent is described first.

  The sub-plate image setting unit 175 transfers a part of the pattern image designed for the adjacent main plate or the main plate superimposed on the sub-plate by gluing to a predetermined region of the sub-plate. Responsible for processing to synthesize and place. This is because the part where so-called “crying parting” occurs is glued to prevent the appearance of a usually plain ground part between the pictures due to insufficient precision of gluing in the assembly process. This is a process (pattern compensation process) for partially arranging the overlapping pattern on the underlying part.

  Specifically, the sub-plate image setting unit 175 sets the necessity of the pattern compensation process, sets the pattern image arrangement range on the sub-board when the pattern compensation process is performed, and the sticking relationship data DR. Based on the sticking relationship described in (1), a process for determining a pattern image to be arranged on each sub-board is performed.

  In the pattern compensation process, the mask area specified by the first mask data DM1 created by the mask area creation unit 173 is appropriately corrected. Data describing the mask region after correction is referred to as second mask data DM2. Or, further, the first image data DI1 is corrected to data to which the contents of the picture image arranged in the sub-plate portion are added. Such corrected data is referred to as second image data DI2.

  Details of the pattern compensation processing performed in the sub-plate image setting unit 175 will be described later.

  The image-development drawing combination unit 176 combines (synthesizes) the development drawing data DD and the second image data DI2 based on the mask area specified by the second mask data DM2, and displays the picture on the development drawing of the paper container. Layout data DL describing a paper container image (image attached development view) representing a state in which the image is arranged is generated.

  The image attachment development drawing output unit 177 is responsible for outputting the layout data DL generated by the image-development drawing combination unit 176 to the imposition processing device 3.

<Pattern compensation processing>
8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining the concept of the pattern compensation processing realized by the action of the sub-plate image setting unit 175. FIG. Here, a part related to the main plate mb (B) will be described as an example. In addition, the area | region where a part of pattern image of the main board mb is arrange | positioned in the sub board sb is called sub board image area | region REs.

  As for the main plate mb (B), as can be seen from FIG. 2 itself or from the sticking relationship data DR shown in FIG. 7, the main plate mb (A), the main plate mb (E), or the main plate mb (F) is “ Crying up "occurs. Therefore, when the operator instructs execution of the pattern compensation process via the input unit 13, the sub-plate image area REs is set for the sub-plate sb adjacent to the main plate mb (B) by the action of the sub-plate image setting unit 175. Is done. For example, FIG. 8 shows a case where the sub plate image area REs is set for the sub plates sb (B-f1) and B-f2 adjacent to the main plate mb (B). Although illustration is omitted, since the main plate mb (B) and the main plate mb (E) are fixed using the sub plate sb (E-f1), the sub plate sb (E-f1) is also fixed. Similarly, the sub-plate image area REs is set.

  It is assumed that a predetermined value is set in advance by the operator for the setting width w of the sub-plate image area REs. As shown in FIG. 8, the set width w is the arrangement range of the sub-plate image region REs in the direction perpendicular to the adjacent side when the adjacent side of the main plate mb adjacent to the sub-plate sb is used as a reference position. That means. The sub-plate image area REs is set within the range of the pattern image creation area RE1 (so as not to protrude from the creation area RE1).

  There are two methods for setting the pattern image (pattern image setting method) arranged in the sub-plate image area REs set in this way.

  First, the first pattern image setting method is a method of extending the design of the main board mb adjacent to the sub board image area REs to the sub board image area REs. Specifically, this is realized by a process of extending the mask area RE2 to the sub-plate image area REs.

  As described above, the first image data DI1 is data describing a picture image designed for the creation region RE1 having a wider range than the main plate mb. The sub-plate image area REs is an area that is not normally included in the mask area RE2, but is included in the creation area RE1. Therefore, for example, in the case of the sub-plate sb (B-f1) in FIG. 9, if the mask region RE2 is expanded so as to include the sub-plate image region REs as indicated by the arrow AR1, the main plate mb (B ) To the sub-plate image area REs of the adjacent sub-plate sb (B-f1).

  Therefore, when the execution of the process by the first pattern image setting method is instructed by the operator, the sub-plate image setting unit 175 refers to the fixation relationship data DR and sets the sub-plate image area REs on each sub-plate sb. At the same time, second mask data DM2 is generated by extending the mask region RE2 described in the first mask data DM1 to the sub-plate image region REs set adjacent to each main plate mb.

  In this way, even if the main plate mb (B) and the main plate mb (F) are fixed slightly deviated from the designed positions during gluing, the pattern is also applied to the sub-plate sb (B-f1) as the base. Since the image is formed, the aesthetic appearance of the paper container is favorably maintained as compared with the case where the plain background is exposed.

  When the first image data DI1 is described so that the pattern image is also arranged on the sub board sb, the first mask data DM1 is also described so that the mask area RE2 includes the sub board image area REs. Become. Accordingly, at this time, the situation obtained by the first picture image setting method is realized in advance at the stage of mask creation.

  Next, the second pattern image setting method is to paste the sub-plate image area after pasting the main board mb (not adjacent to the sub-plate sb including the sub-plate image area REs) to be glued to the sub-plate image area REs. This is a method of using a picture image of a portion overlapping with REs as a picture image of the sub-plate image area REs. This is realized by a process of copying and synthesizing the pattern image for the part.

  For example, in the case of the sub-plate sb (B-f2) in FIG. 9, the main plate mb (B) is glued to the main plate mb (A) from the fixing relation data DR, so that the sub-plate image on the main plate mb (A). It overlaps with the region REs. More specifically, according to the sticking relationship data DR, the side B2 and the side A1 are glued so as to coincide with each other, so that the sub-plate sb (B-f2) adjacent to the main plate mb (B) is set. The sub-plate image area REs overlaps the area of the set width w from the side A1 of the main board mb (A). Therefore, a pattern image (the shaded portion in FIG. 9) for the region is acquired and used as a pattern image for the sub-plate image region REs set in the sub-plate sb (B-f2). If the mask area RE2 is extended to the image area REs, a state in which a part of the image of the main board mb (A) that is adjacent to the pattern image of the main board mb (B) after the pasting is continuous is realized. .

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the side B2 and the side A1 in the developed view coincide with each other by being rotated by 90 °. The sub-plate image area REs for the plate sb (B-f2) is adopted. Incidentally, when the second pattern image setting method is executed on the sub board sb (B-f1), the sub picture sb (B-f1) is given after the pattern image of the main board F is rotated by 180 °. ) Will be adopted as a picture image. In the case where the sides are specified as shown in FIG. 2 including these, the locations where the sides having the same number coincide with each other at the time of assembly need to be rotated by 180 °, and the sides whose numbers are shifted by 1 coincide with each other. This means that a 90 ° rotation is necessary at the location, and no rotation is required at the location where the sides whose numbers are shifted by 2 coincide.

  In consideration of the above, when the execution of the process by the second pattern image setting method is instructed by the operator, the sub-plate image setting unit 175 refers to the sticking relationship data DR to each sub-plate sb. An image area REs is set, and further, partial image data representing a picture image of a portion of the main board mb overlapping the sub board image area REs set to each sub board sb is obtained from the first image data DI1, Second image data DI2 is generated by combining the first image data DI1 after appropriately rotating the partial image data as data arranged in the corresponding sub-plate image area REs. In addition, when the pattern image with respect to subboard image area | region REs is given in 1st image data DI1, the image of the said area | region will be rewritten. In addition, the sub-plate image setting unit 175 sets the mask region RE2 described in the first mask data DM1 adjacent to each main plate mb in conjunction with the generation of the second image data DI2. Second mask data DM2 extended to the region REs is generated. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in the vicinity of the main plate mb (B) in the mask region RE2 described in the second mask data DM2.

  When the second pattern image setting method is adopted, the main plate mb (B) and the main plate mb (A) are slightly deviated from the designed positions when gluing, as in the case of adopting the first pattern image setting method. Even if it is fixed, the pattern image is also formed on the sub-board sb (B-f2), which is the base, so that the aesthetic appearance of the paper container is suitably maintained compared to the case where the plain base is exposed. Will be drunk.

  It should be noted that the pattern compensation processing as described above does not necessarily need to be performed for all the sub-boards sb at once, and is performed uniformly until the setting of the sub-plate image area REs. About composition, the aspect set individually about each subboard sb according to the design contents of a paper container may be sufficient.

<Layout data generation procedure>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a procedure until generation of layout data DL in the design processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the following description, the sub-plate image area REs is uniformly set, and the subsequent image expansion and synthesis are targeted for the case where individual sub-board sb is set individually according to the design contents of the paper container. Will be described.

  First, in response to a predetermined acquisition instruction given by an operator via the input unit 13, the design processing device 1 acquires paper shape data DS from the paper shape data generation device 2 (step S1). Based on the paper container shape data DS, the development drawing creation unit 171 generates and acquires development drawing data DD representing a development drawing for the paper container (step S2).

  The operator uses the image creation processing function realized by the image creation unit 172 to create a design for the paper container represented by the paper container shape data DS (step S3). The image creation unit 172 generates first image data DI1 describing the contents of the design. The design is created for a developed shape image expressed in the developed view data DD.

  Further, the development drawing creation unit 171 further generates and acquires a box making rule RL for the development drawing (step S4). The development drawing data DD and the box making rule RL may be acquired from the paper container shape data generation device 2 instead of being generated by the development drawing creation unit 171.

  Next, by the operation of the mask area creation unit 173, a mask creation process is performed on the developed view data DD, and first mask data DM1 is generated (step S5).

  Next, the adhering relationship specifying unit 174 specifies the adhering relationship of the main plate mb in the development view dv1 expressed by the development diagram data DD based on the box making rule RL, and generates the adhering relationship data DR (step S6). .

  Based on the obtained sticking relationship data DR, the sub-plate image setting unit 175 sets the sub-plate image area REs for each sub-plate sb (step S7). The sub-plate image area REs is set to have a preset setting width w.

  When the sub-plate image area REs is set, the operator sets whether or not the pattern compensation process is necessary for each sub-plate image area REs (step S8). For the sub-plate image region REs set to perform the pattern compensation process, the pattern compensation process is executed (step S9). That is, by the operation of the sub-plate image setting unit 175, a process of acquiring a part of the image of the adjacent main plate mb or the overlapping main plate mb as the image of the sub-plate image area REs is executed. Specifically, the generation of the second mask data DM2 and the generation of the second image data DI2 are performed by either the first or second picture image setting method selected by the operator.

  On the other hand, for the sub-plate image region REs set not to perform the pattern compensation process, the set sub-plate image region REs is ignored, and the mask region specified by the first mask data DM1 is maintained as it is (step S1). S10).

  When the pattern compensation process is performed, the image-development drawing combination unit 176 combines the second image data DI2 obtained through the pattern compensation process and the development map data DD, and the image is arranged. Layout data DL representing the development view of the state is generated (step S11). The obtained layout data DL is subjected to an imposition process performed by the imposition processing device 3 (step S12).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, prior to the combination (combination) of the developed view and the design image in the design processing apparatus 1, the first or second design image setting method is performed on the design image. By performing either pattern compensation processing, even if the main plates are fixed slightly deviated from the designed positions during gluing, the plain background is prevented from being exposed. ) Can be suppressed at the stage of the design process. Further, since the pattern compensation processing is performed while referring to the sticking relationship data DR described based on the box making rule RL, it is not necessary for the operator to manually select, rotate, and combine the pattern images. Therefore, even an operator having a low skill can easily perform the pattern compensation process.

<Second Embodiment>
<Overview>
In the second embodiment of the present invention, a case will be described in which the imposition processing device 3 functions as the image processing device according to the present invention among the devices constituting the paper container manufacturing system 10. In the present embodiment, the design processing apparatus 1 performs image data generation processing for generating a pattern image for each main board, but the developed shape image and the pattern image are not synthesized. Instead, imposition data is generated by first imposing a plurality of developed shape images on the imposition processing device 3 and then combining (combining) the pattern images with the developed shape images.

<Configuration of imposition processing apparatus>
FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the imposition processing apparatus 3 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining data given to the imposition processing device 3. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing various data flows in the imposition processing apparatus 3.

  The imposition processing device 3 is realized by a generally used personal computer, like the design processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. The imposition processing apparatus 3 includes a CPU 31, a display unit 32, an input unit 33, a network I / F 34, a media drive 35, a storage unit 36, and a memory 37. That is, the imposition processing apparatus 3 has the same components as those provided in the design processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The CPU 31 controls the entire imposition processing device 3. In particular, the function of the imposition processing device 3 is realized by executing, in the memory 37, the program 361 recorded on the media disk 38 inserted into the media drive 35. The display unit 32 is used to display necessary information in a predetermined process described later that is executed in the imposition processing device 3. The input unit 33 includes a mouse and a keyboard, and is used when an operator of the imposition processing apparatus 3 inputs a predetermined instruction to the imposition processing apparatus 3. The network I / F 34 is for connecting the imposition processing device 3 and the network N. The imposition processing device 3 exchanges data with the design processing device 1 and the output processing device 4 through the network I / F 34. The media drive 35 is used to read a program 361 recorded on the media disk 38 or other predetermined data. The storage unit 36 stores a program 361 read by the media drive 35 and other data.

  The memory 37 is a work area for the CPU 31 to execute the program 361 stored in the storage unit 36. As a result of the execution of the program 361 by the CPU 31, in the memory 37, the data acquisition unit 371, the developed view multi-faceted unit 372, the mask area creation unit 373, the fixing relationship specifying unit 374, the sub-plate image setting unit 375, An image-development drawing combination unit 376 and an image-attached development drawing output unit 377 are realized.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, after the paper container shape data generating device 2 generates the paper container shape data, the development data DD of the paper container expressed by the paper container shape data and the paper container A box making rule RL is also generated. Also in the present embodiment, the description format of the box making rule RL is not particularly limited as long as it can be referred to in the processing described later.

  Further, in the design processing apparatus 1, as in the first embodiment, the paper container represented by the development view data DD is designed, and the first image data DI1 is generated. Also in the present embodiment, the first image data DI1 is generated for a region larger than the region occupied by the main plate mb in the development view by a predetermined range.

  The development view data DD and the box making rule RL obtained by the paper container shape data generation device 2 and the first image data generated by the design processing device 1 are transmitted via the network N or the media disk 18 in the media drive 15. Is acquired by the data acquisition unit 371 of the imposition processing device 3.

  Based on the development view data DD acquired by the data acquisition unit 371, the development view multifaceted unit 372 expresses a state in which a plurality of development shape images of the paper container expressed by the development view data DD are two-dimensionally arranged. Multi-surface development data DDα (representing a multi-surface state) is created. In such multi-faceting, it is preferable to devise the arrangement position and orientation of each developed shape image so that the developed shape image is arranged as efficiently as possible within a limited range (see FIG. 16).

  The mask area creation unit 373 implements a mask creation process that identifies a mask area that represents an arrangement area of a pattern image in a plurality of development views expressed by the multi-face development drawing data DDα based on the multi-face development drawing data DDα. That is, unlike the mask region creation unit 173 according to the first embodiment that specifies a mask region for only one development view in that a mask region is specified for a plurality of development views, The aspect is common.

  The mask area creating unit 373 generates first mask data DM1α describing the setting contents of the mask area specified by the mask creating process as described above.

  The sticking relationship specifying unit 374 generates the sticking relationship data DRα based on the box making rule RL, similarly to the sticking relationship specifying unit 174 according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, since there are a plurality of development views as targets, the contents for specifying the sticking relationship in each development view are described in the sticking relationship data DRα. Also in the present embodiment, the description format of the sticking relationship data DRα is not particularly limited as long as it can be referred to in the subsequent processing.

  Similar to the sub-plate image setting unit 175 according to the first embodiment, the sub-plate image setting unit 375 is responsible for the pattern compensation process. However, in the present embodiment, the pattern compensation processing is performed on a plurality of development views expressed by the multi-face development drawing data DDα. Specifically, the sub-plate image setting unit 375 sets the necessity of the processing pattern compensation process, the process of setting the arrangement range of the pattern image on the sub-board when performing the pattern compensation process, and the sticking relationship Based on the sticking relationship described in the data DR, it performs processing for determining a pattern image to be arranged on each sub-board.

  In such a pattern compensation process, as in the first embodiment, the mask area defined by the first mask data DM1α created by the mask area creation unit 373 is appropriately modified. Data describing the mask area after correction is referred to as second mask data DM2α. Further, data obtained by adding the contents of the pattern image arranged on the sub-plate portion to the first image data DI1α is referred to as second image data DI2α.

  The image-development drawing combination unit 376 combines (synthesizes) the multi-surface development drawing data DDα and the second image data DI2α based on the mask region set in the mask region creation unit 373, so that a plurality of paper container images are formed. Imposition data DLα that represents a two-dimensionally arranged state is generated.

  The image attachment development drawing output unit 377 is responsible for processing the imposition data DLα generated by the image-development drawing combination unit 376 to the output processing device 4.

<Procedure for generating imposition data>
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a procedure until generation of imposition data DLα in the imposition processing apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. The imposition processing device 3 according to the present embodiment has the characteristic that the pattern compensation processing for a plurality of impositioned paper container images can be performed collectively by having the above-described configuration. Do it. This means that the imposition data DLα is data including layout data for a plurality of paper containers. Also in the following description, similarly to the description of the procedure for creating layout data in the first embodiment, the setting of the sub-plate image area REs is performed uniformly, and the subsequent image expansion and composition are performed on the paper container. A case will be described in which individual sub-plates sb are individually set according to the design contents.

  First, in response to a predetermined acquisition instruction given by an operator via the input unit 13, the data acquisition unit 371 acquires the development view data DD and the box making rule RL from the paper container shape data generation device 2 (step S31). ). Further, the data acquisition unit 371 acquires first image data DI1 representing the design of the paper container from the design processing apparatus 1 (step S32). Note that the processing in step S31 and step S32 may be interchanged.

  Next, based on the developed view data DD obtained by the action of the developed view multifaceted section 372, the multifaceted development that expresses the state where the developed shape image of the paper container represented by the developed view data DD is multifaceted. The figure data DDα is created (step S33).

  Next, by the operation of the mask area creation unit 373, mask creation processing is performed on the development data with multiple faces DDα, and first mask data DM1α is generated (step S34).

  Next, the sticking relationship specifying unit 374 specifies the sticking relationship of the main plate mb in each development view expressed in the multifaceted development drawing data DDα based on the box making rule RL, and generates the sticking relationship data DRα ( Step S35).

  Based on the obtained sticking relationship data DRα, the sub-plate image setting unit 375 sets the sub-plate image area REs for each sub-plate sb (step S36). The sub-plate image area REs is set to have a preset setting width w.

  When the sub-plate image area REs is set, the operator sets whether or not the pattern compensation process is necessary for each sub-plate image area REs (step S37). For the sub-plate image region REs set to perform the pattern compensation process, the pattern compensation process is executed (step S38). That is, the process of acquiring a part of the image of the adjacent main plate mb or the overlapping main plate mb as the image of the sub plate image area REs is executed by the operation of the sub plate image setting unit 375. Specifically, in the same manner as that realized by the sub-plate image setting unit 175 according to the first embodiment, the second image image setting method selected by the operator is selected according to the second pattern image setting method. Generation of the mask data DM2α and generation of the second image data DI2α are performed.

  On the other hand, for the sub-plate image region REs set not to perform the pattern compensation process, the set sub-plate image region REs is ignored, and the mask region specified by the first mask data DM1α is maintained as it is (step). S39).

  When the pattern compensation process is performed, the image-development drawing combination unit 376 combines the second image data DI2α obtained through the pattern compensation process and the multi-faceted development figure data DDα to arrange the image. Imposition data DLα that expresses the developed view of the processed state is generated (step S40). FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the imposition data DLα. The oblique lines schematically indicate the area where the pattern image is arranged, but for the convenience of illustration, the area is not necessarily strictly defined.

  In the imposition data DLα obtained in this way, all the required pattern compensation processing is performed for the impositioned paper container images. The obtained imposition data DLα is provided to an output process performed by the output processing device 4 (step S41). At that time, the imposition processing device 3 may perform rasterization processing of the imposition data DLα, or the output processing device 4 may perform the rasterization processing.

  As described above, in this embodiment, after combining the developed views, when combining the images, the pattern compensation process is performed, so that a plurality of paper container images can be collectively processed. The pattern compensation process can be performed. In addition, as in the first embodiment, when assembling the respective paper containers, even if the main plates are fixed slightly deviated from the designed positions during gluing, the plain base may be exposed. Since it is suppressed, deterioration of the quality (aesthetics) of the paper container can be suppressed at the stage of the design process. Further, since the pattern compensation processing is performed while referring to the sticking relationship data DR described based on the box making rule RL, it is not necessary for the operator to manually select, rotate, and combine the pattern images. Therefore, even an operator having a low skill can easily perform the pattern compensation process.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the paper container production system 10 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the expanded view dv1 of the paper container as an example of the application object of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the design processing apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing various data flows mainly in the design processing apparatus 1 in the first embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates creation area RE1 of a picture image. It is a figure which illustrates mask area | region RE2. It is a figure which illustrates the description content of the sticking relation data DR about the expanded view dv1. It is a figure for demonstrating the concept of a pattern compensation process. It is a figure for demonstrating the concept of a pattern compensation process. It is a figure which illustrates the mode in the vicinity of the main board mb (B) of the mask area | region RE2 described in 2nd mask data DM2. It is a figure which shows the procedure until the production | generation of the layout data DL in the design processing apparatus 1 which concerns on a 1st form. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the imposition processing apparatus 3 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the data given to the imposition processing apparatus 3 in 2nd Embodiment. In 2nd Embodiment, it is a figure which shows typically the flow of the various data in the imposition processing apparatus 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the procedure until the production | generation of the imposition data DL (alpha) in the imposition processing apparatus 3 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates imposition data DL (alpha).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Design processing apparatus 2 Paper container shape data generation apparatus 3 Surface processing apparatus 4 Output processing apparatus 10 Paper container production system 11, 31 CPU
12, 32 Display unit 13, 33 Input unit 14, 34 Network I / F
15, 35 Media drive 16, 36 Storage unit 17, 37 Memory 18, 38 Media disk N Network RE1 (Picture image) creation area RE2 Mask area REs Sub board image area dv1 Development view mb Main board sb Sub board w (Sub board image) Set width of area

Claims (9)

An image processing apparatus for generating image data for printing for a paper container,
Development data that is image data representing at least one development of a paper container, image data that is image data of a pattern image designed on the paper container, and assembling the paper container based on the development An acquisition means for acquiring a box making rule describing the rule;
A mask area that is an arrangement area of the design image in the at least one development view when combining the development view data and the design image data is set, and mask data that describes information for specifying the mask area is generated. Mask area setting means to perform,
By combining the development data and the image data based on the mask data, print image data for the paper container expressing the state in which the pattern image is arranged in the at least one development is generated. A coupling means;
Based on the box making rules, the fixing relationship specifying means for generating the fixing relationship data describing the fixing relationship between the main plates of the paper device and the relationship between the main plate and the sub plate of the paper device used for fixing, when assembling the paper device When,
Based on the fixing relation data, a partial region continuous from the main plate adjacent to the sub plate of the sub plate used for fixing in the paper container is set as a sub plate image region, and the printing image data includes the The sub-board image setting means for correcting the mask data so that the pattern image is also arranged in the sub-board image area, or further correcting the image data;
With
The combining means combines the image data corresponding to the corrected mask data and the development data based on the corrected mask data;
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The mask is set so that the sub-plate image setting means arranges the pattern image of the main plate fixed to the sub-plate in which the sub-plate image area is set in the printing image data in the sub-plate image area. Correct the data and the image data;
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The sub-plate image setting means corrects the mask data so that a continuous pattern image is arranged from the main plate adjacent to the sub-plate image area to the sub-plate image area in the printing image data;
An image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The acquisition means is
A development drawing creating means for generating the development drawing data and the box making rules based on the three-dimensional shape data of the paper container;
Image data creating means for creating the image data based on the development data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The acquisition means is
While acquiring unit development data representing one development,
A multi-sided processing means for generating multi-sided development view data representing a state in which a plurality of development views are multi-faced as the development view data;
The mask area setting means sets the mask area for the plurality of development views;
The combination means combines the multi-surface development image data and the image data based on the mask data, whereby the plurality of expansion images in which the picture image is arranged as the print image data, respectively. Generate imposition data to express the imposition status,
An image processing apparatus. A design processing apparatus comprising: the image processing apparatus according to claim 4; and image data creating means for generating the image data based on the development view data;
An imposition processing device that performs imposition processing based on the image data for printing;
An output processing device that performs an output process related to a paper container print based on the imposition data obtained by the imposition process;
A paper container manufacturing system comprising: A design processing apparatus for generating the image data based on the development data;
An imposition processing device including the image processing device according to claim 5;
An output processing device that performs an output process related to a paper container print based on the imposition data;
A paper container manufacturing system comprising: A method for generating printing image data for a paper container,
Development data that is image data representing at least one development of a paper container, image data that is image data of a pattern image designed on the paper container, and assembling the paper container based on the development An acquisition process for acquiring a box making rule describing the rule;
A mask area that is an arrangement area of the design image in the at least one development view when combining the development view data and the design image data is set, and mask data that describes information for specifying the mask area is generated. A mask area setting step to be performed;
Based on the box making rules, a fixing relationship specifying step for generating fixing relationship data describing the fixing relationship between the main plates of the paper container and the relationship between the main plate and the auxiliary plate of the paper device used for fixing when assembling the paper container When,
A sub-plate image area setting step for setting, as a sub-plate image area, a partial area continuous from the main plate adjacent to the sub-plate of the sub-plate used for fixing in the paper container based on the fixing relation data;
A correction step of correcting the mask data or further correcting the image data so that a pattern image is also arranged in the sub-plate image area in the image data for printing;
By combining the development data and the image data based on the mask data, print image data for the paper container expressing the state in which the pattern image is arranged in the at least one development is generated. A joining process;
With
In the combining step, based on the corrected mask data, the image data corresponding to the corrected mask data and the development view data are combined.
A method for generating image data for printing on a paper container.   6. A program that causes a computer to operate as the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 by using a CPU and a memory included in the computer.

Images