JP2011126170A - Printer, printing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique to quickly reset a printer from an error in the printer for performing multistage image processing. <P>SOLUTION: The printer includes a first image processing part which performs color correction of the first image data based on the color correction data to generate the second image data, a second image processing part which performs predetermined image processing of the second image data to generate the third image data, and a print part which prints an image represented by the third image data. The printer determines whether correction of the color correction data is required or not according to the type of the error when the error is detected, stores the first image data in a storage device if a determination is made that correction of the color correction data is required, otherwise stores the third image data in the storage device. When the error is solved, image data stored in the storage device is read and processing is performed according to the type of the image data thus read. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to processing when an error occurs in a printing apparatus.

  In recent years, with the improvement in image quality of printing apparatuses such as inkjet printers and laser printers, these printing apparatuses are being used in the field of printing business such as POD (print on demand). In the printing business, since delivery of printed matter in a short period is required, it is preferable to resume printing promptly even when an error occurs in the printing apparatus. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for shortening the reception time of print data after error recovery by sequentially spooling print data received from a host device or the like when an error occurs in the printing apparatus. Yes.

  Recent printing apparatuses sometimes perform multi-stage image processing such as color correction processing (color calibration) for correcting the color tone of printed matter and halftone processing for binarizing image data. Therefore, in such a printing apparatus, even if the reception time of the print data is shortened after the error recovery by the technique described in Patent Document 1, the time required for the subsequent multi-stage image processing cannot be shortened. .

JP 2000-6476 A

  In view of the above-described problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technique for quickly recovering from an error in a printing apparatus that performs multi-stage image processing.

  The present invention can be realized as the following forms or application examples in order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems.

Application Example 1 A printing apparatus that acquires first image data composed of a plurality of pixels, performs color correction based on color correction data on the first image data, and performs second correction. A first image processing unit that generates image data; and a second image process that acquires the second image data and performs predetermined image processing on the second image data to generate third image data. A printing unit that obtains the third image data and prints an image represented by the third image data, an error detection unit that detects occurrence of an error in the printing apparatus and elimination of the error, When an error is detected, it is determined whether or not the color correction data needs to be corrected according to the type of the error. If it is determined that the color correction data needs to be corrected, a predetermined storage device is used. The first image data is stored in the color correction A storage processing unit for storing the third image data in the storage device, and when the error is detected, (i) ) When the first image data is stored in the storage device, the first image processing unit acquires the first image data from the storage device and stores the first image data in the first image data. On the other hand, the second image data is generated by performing the color correction using the corrected color correction data, and the second image processing unit obtains the third image data from the second image data. The printing unit prints an image represented by the third image data; and (ii) when the third image data is stored in the storage device, the printing unit 3 image data is acquired from the storage device and the printing is performed. Printing apparatus.

  In the printing apparatus having such a configuration, if an error that requires correction of color correction data occurs, the first image data before color correction is accumulated in the storage device, and an error that does not require correction of color correction data occurs. Then, the third image data after color correction is stored in the storage device. Therefore, after the error is resolved, the image data that has been subjected to image processing can be acquired from the storage device to a stage that can be processed according to the type of error, so the time required for image processing can be reduced. Printing can be resumed quickly. Further, in the printing apparatus having the above configuration, when the first image data is acquired from the storage device after the error is eliminated, the first image data is subjected to color correction using the corrected color correction data. Apply. Therefore, it is possible to output a printed matter with a certain quality before and after the occurrence of an error.

Application Example 2 In the printing apparatus according to Application Example 1, the first image processing unit uses the color correction data prepared for each color component with respect to the first image data. The storage processing unit determines whether or not the color correction data needs to be corrected for each of the color components, and the storage device determines the color components determined to need correction of the color correction data. In addition, data in the first image data corresponding to the color component is accumulated, and for the color component determined to be unnecessary to correct the color correction data, the storage device corresponds to the color component. A printing apparatus that accumulates data in the third image data.
With the printing apparatus having such a configuration, the color correction data can be corrected for each color component, and whether the first image data is accumulated for each color component when an error occurs. You can choose whether to accumulate data. As a result, for image data of color components that do not require correction of color correction data, it is possible to simplify image processing after error elimination.

[Application Example 3] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2, wherein the first image processing unit applies the first image to the first image data prior to the color correction. A printing apparatus that performs color conversion processing for converting a color space of data into a color space of the printing apparatus.
With the printing apparatus having such a configuration, it is possible to perform high-quality printing by making maximum use of the color space of the printing apparatus.

[Application Example 4] The printing apparatus according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 3, wherein the accumulation processing unit uses, as the error type, the consumption of the printing material used by the printing unit for the printing. A printing apparatus that determines that the color correction table needs to be corrected when an error is detected.
In the case of a printing apparatus having such a configuration, even when printing materials related to the color of printed matter such as ink, toner, and printing paper are replenished or changed, the color correction table is corrected, so that a certain quality can be obtained. It becomes possible to output printed matter.

[Application Example 5] The printing apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4, wherein the second image processing unit adds halftone to the second image data as the second image processing. A printing device that performs processing.
With the printing apparatus having such a configuration, if correction of the color correction data is unnecessary, the image data after the halftone process can be stored as the third image data when an error occurs. Therefore, printing can be resumed directly without performing any image processing after the error is resolved.

[Application Example 6] The printing apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5, wherein the first image processing unit is connected to the first image processing apparatus from an external image data transmission apparatus connected by a predetermined interface. 1. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data transmission apparatus includes the storage device.
With such a configuration, since it is not necessary to provide the storage device in the printing apparatus, the configuration of the printing apparatus can be simplified.

Application Example 7 In the printing apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6, the first image data is continuously generated by the first image processing unit after the error is detected. In the case where a plurality of images are acquired, the accumulation processing unit applies the acquired first image data or the acquired first image data according to the necessity of correction of the color correction data. A printing apparatus that sequentially accumulates the third image data generated based on the third image data in the storage device until the error is detected.
With such a configuration, even if an error occurs, the first image data or the first image data, depending on whether or not the color correction data needs to be corrected without stopping the image processing in the printing apparatus. The third image data can be sequentially stored in the storage device.

[Application Example 8] The printing apparatus according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 7, wherein the accumulation processing unit is generated when the error is detected when the error is detected. The first image data and the third image data are held in an internal storage device different from the storage device, and when the error is detected, the second image processing unit Prior to the acquisition of the first image data from the first image data, the first image data held in the internal storage device is acquired, and the printing unit acquires the third image data from the storage device. A printing apparatus that acquires the third image data held in the internal storage device in advance.

  With such a configuration, the image data generated at the time of error detection is held in the internal storage device. For this reason, by using image data held in the internal storage device with priority over image data stored in the storage device, printing can be resumed quickly after the error is resolved.

  The present invention can be configured as a printing method and a computer program in addition to the configuration as the printing apparatus described above. Such a computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. As the recording medium, for example, various media such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a memory card, and a hard disk can be used.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of a printing system. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a RIP apparatus and a printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the kind of image data handled with a printing apparatus. It is a flowchart of a data transmission process. It is a flowchart of a data accumulation process. It is a flowchart of a printing process. It is a flowchart of an error process. It is a figure which shows the processing content for every color component in 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the printing system in 3rd Example. It is a flowchart of the return process in 3rd Example.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
First example:
A. General configuration of the printing system:
B. Internal configuration of RIP device and printing device:
C. Data transmission processing:
D. Data accumulation processing:
E. Printing process:
Second embodiment:
Third embodiment:
・ Modification:

First example:
A. General configuration of the printing system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system 10 including a printing apparatus 200 as a first embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 10 includes a RIP (raster image processor) device 100 and a printing device 200. The RIP device 100 and the printing device 200 are connected by a communication path capable of bidirectional communication such as Ethernet (registered trademark), USB, and PCI Express. A general-purpose computer can be applied as the RIP device 100. As the printing apparatus 200, an ink jet printer or a laser printer can be applied.

  The RIP device 100 includes a RIP processing unit 110 and a data storage unit 120. The RIP processing unit 110 performs processing for converting vector format document data described in PDL (page description language) into raster data including a plurality of pixels. Data transferred from the printing apparatus 200 is stored in the data storage unit 120 (details will be described later). The RIP device corresponds to the “image data transmitting device” of the present application.

  The printing apparatus 200 includes an operation panel 210, a CPU 220, and a printer engine 230. The operation panel 210 includes various buttons for accepting various settings relating to printing from the user. The CPU 220 receives raster data from the RIP device 100 and performs various image processing on the raster data. The printer engine 230 performs printing on printing paper based on data that has been subjected to image processing by the CPU 220.

  When an error such as running out of ink (or running out of toner; the same applies hereinafter) or running out of paper occurs, the printing apparatus 200 receives data subjected to image processing such as color conversion processing and halftone processing by the printing apparatus 200 as an RIP device. 100 is provided. The RIP device 100 stores the data thus transferred in the data storage unit 120. Hereinafter, the data transferred from the printing apparatus 200 to the RIP apparatus 100 in this way is referred to as “evacuation data”. When the error is resolved, the save data is transferred from the RIP device 100 to the printing device 200, and printing is resumed using the save data.

B. Internal configuration of RIP device and printing device:
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the RIP device 100 and the printing device 200. The RIP device 100 includes a CPU 102, a data storage unit 120, a memory 130, and a communication interface 140 connected by a predetermined internal bus. As the data storage unit 120, a storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory can be employed.

  The CPU 102 executes the application program 104 and the printer driver 106 under a predetermined operating system using the memory 130 as a work area. The application program 104 of this embodiment has a function of printing document data described in PDL.

The printer driver 114 includes a RIP processing unit 110 and an input / output control unit 108 as functional units.
When the printing function of the application program 104 is executed, the RIP processing unit 110 acquires document data from the application program 104, analyzes the document data, and converts (rasterizes) the document data into raster data. The raster data represents the color of each pixel in RGB format or CMYK format. Which format represents the color depends on the format of the document data. The RIP processing unit 110 adds information indicating that the data is raster data, the size of the raster data, the resolution, and the like as header information to the generated raster data.

  The input / output control unit 108 acquires raster data from the RIP processing unit 110 and transmits it to the printing apparatus 200 via the communication interface 140. In addition, the input / output control unit 108 accumulates the save data transferred from the printing apparatus 200 via the communication interface 140 in the data accumulation unit 120. Further, the input / output control unit 108 has a function of notifying the type of data stored in the data storage unit 120 in response to an inquiry from the printing apparatus 200.

  The printing apparatus 200 includes a CPU 220, a page memory 222, a printer engine 230, a colorimeter 240, and a communication interface 250. The CPU 220 loads and executes a predetermined control program from a memory (not shown) to execute an input / output control unit 223, a color conversion unit 224, a color correction unit 225, a halftone processing unit 226, a gamma table generation unit 227, Function as. The function of each functional unit will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The input / output control unit 223 controls data input / output among the communication interface 250, the color conversion unit 224, the color correction unit 225, the halftone processing unit 226, the printer engine 230, and the page memory 222. .

  The color conversion unit 224 acquires raster data (see FIG. 3A) received from the RIP device 100 via the communication interface 250, and uses the color space of this raster data for ink used by the printing apparatus 200 during printing. A process (hereinafter referred to as “color conversion process”) for converting to a color space according to the type and property is executed. Specifically, if the color space of the raster data acquired from the input / output control unit 223 is in RGB format, the color conversion unit 224 refers to the three-dimensional lookup table (3D-LUT) 251 and refers to the raster data. Is converted into a CMYK color space representing the color reproduction range of the printing apparatus 200. Further, if the color space of the acquired raster data is in CMYK format, the color space of the raster data is represented by CMYK representing the color reproduction range of the printing apparatus 200 with reference to the four-dimensional lookup table (4D-LUT) 252. Convert to color space. When executing the color conversion process, the color conversion unit 224 records the image data after color conversion in the page memory 222 via the input / output control unit 223 for each page. Hereinafter, the image data color-converted by the color conversion unit 224 is referred to as “first image data” (see FIG. 3B). The first image data has 8-bit data for each pixel for each color component of CMYK.

  The color correction unit 225 acquires first image data from the page memory 222 via the input / output control unit 223, and performs a process of performing color correction (color calibration) on the first image data (hereinafter, “ Color correction process ”). The color correction process is a process for matching an ideal color that has been color-converted by the color conversion unit 224 with a color that is actually printed by the printer engine 230. In this color correction process, the gamma table 253 in which the correspondence relationship between the colors before and after the color correction is recorded is referred to. A total of four gamma tables 253 are prepared for each color component of CMYK. Hereinafter, the image data after the color correction processing is referred to as “second image data” (see FIG. 3C). The color correction unit 225 corresponds to the “first image processing unit” of the present application. The gamma table 253 corresponds to “color correction data” of the present application.

  The halftone processing unit 226 acquires the second image data from the color correction unit 225, and performs halftone processing on the second image data. The halftone process is a process of binarizing the second image data represented by multiple gradations (8 bits in this embodiment) and converting it into image data indicating whether or not to form dots. . As a halftone processing method, for example, a systematic dither method or an error diffusion method can be used. The halftone processing unit 226 records the image data subjected to the halftone processing in the page memory 222 for each page via the input / output control unit 223. In the following description, the image data after the halftone process is referred to as “third image data” (see FIG. 3D). The halftone processing unit 226 corresponds to the “second image processing unit” of the present application.

  The printer engine 230 acquires the third image data from the page memory 222 via the input / output control unit 223, and prints an image on a print sheet based on the third image data (FIG. 3E). reference).

  The printer engine 230 includes an error detection unit 231. The error detection unit 231 detects various errors that cause a situation in which the output of the printed matter is interrupted, such as out of ink, out of paper, paper jam, or printing failure. When the error detection unit 231 detects these errors, the printer engine 230 stops the input of the third image data and interrupts printing. When the error detection unit 231 detects an error, the printer engine 230 notifies the CPU 220 of the content of the error. Upon receiving an error notification from the printer engine 230, the CPU 220 transfers the notification to the RIP device 100.

  Upon receiving an error notification from the printer engine 230, the CPU 220 transfers the first image data or the third image data to the RIP processing unit 110 as saved data according to the content of the error. Specifically, if the received error is an ink out error, the first image data is transferred to the RIP processing unit 110 as saved data, and if it is any other error (out of paper, paper jam, poor printing), The third image data is transferred as saved data to the RIP processing unit 110 (see FIG. 3). When the CPU 220 transfers the save data to the RIP processing unit 110, the header data includes information indicating that the data is the save data and the type of the save data (whether the save data is the first image data). Information indicating whether the image data is third image data). The CPU 220 corresponds to the “accumulation processing unit” of the present application.

  The gamma table generation unit 227 has a function of automatically regenerating the gamma table 253 when an ink out error is detected by the error detection unit 231. In this embodiment, even if one of the C, M, Y, and K inks is out of ink, the gamma table 253 is regenerated for all colors. When the gamma table 253 is regenerated, the gamma table generation unit 227 controls the printer engine 230 after ink replenishment to print a plurality of types of color patches for each of C, M, Y, and K. Then, the printed color patch is read by the colorimeter 240, the measured color value is compared with the target color value, and the gamma table 253 is regenerated so that these color values match. To do. As the colorimeter 240, for example, a spectrophotometer can be adopted. When the regeneration of the gamma table is completed, the gamma table generation unit 227 instructs the printer engine 230 to eliminate the ink out error.

C. Data transmission processing:
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of data transmission processing that is repeatedly executed by the printer driver 106 of the RIP device 100 at all times. When the data transmission process is started, the printer driver 106 determines whether an error has been received from the printing apparatus 200 (step S100). If no error is received from the printing apparatus 200, the printing apparatus 200 is ready for printing. Therefore, prior to the conversion of the document data into raster data, the printer driver 106 first determines whether or not the save data is stored in the data storage unit 120 (step S102).

  If the save data is stored in the data storage unit 120, the printer driver 106 reads the save data for one page from the data storage unit 120 (step S104) and transmits it to the printing apparatus 200 (step S106).

  If the save data is not stored in the data storage unit 120, the printer driver 106 determines whether document data has been received from the application program 104 (step S108). When the document data is received, the RIP processing unit 110 converts the document data into raster data (step S110), and the input / output control unit 108 transmits the raster data to the printing apparatus 200 (step S106). Thereafter, the above processing is repeated until rasterization is completed for all pages of the document data (step S112). If document data has not been received from the application program 104, the printer driver 106 skips the processing in step S110 and step S106.

  If it is determined in step S100 that an error has been received from the printing apparatus 200, then the save data is transferred from the printing apparatus 200 to the RIP apparatus 100. Therefore, the printer driver 106 determines whether there is a free capacity for storing the save data in the data storage unit 120 (step S114).

  If it is determined that the data storage unit 120 is already filled with the save data and there is no space, the printer driver 106 waits by repeating the processes of steps S100 and S114 until space is available. If the error is resolved during this standby period and the saved data is transferred from the data storage unit 120 to the printing apparatus 200, the capacity of the data storage unit 120 becomes empty. The maximum data amount for each page necessary for storing the save data can be calculated in advance according to the type of the save data. If the save data type is the first image data, the maximum amount of data is 8 bits per pixel for each component of CMYK per page, and if the save data type is the third image data, the max. Thus, the data amount is 1 bit per pixel for each component of CMYK per page. Therefore, the printer driver 106 can determine whether or not the data storage unit 120 has a free capacity capable of storing the save data based on these known data amounts.

  If it is determined in step S114 that there is free space in the data storage unit 120, the printer driver 106 determines whether document data has been received from the application program 104 (step S108). When the document data is received, the printer driver 106 converts the document data received by the RIP processing unit 110 into raster data in units of one page (step S110), and the input / output control unit 108 prints the raster data. It transmits to the apparatus 200 (step S106). Thereafter, the above processing is repeated until the conversion of all pages of the document data into raster data is completed (step S112). When the document data is not received, the printer driver 106 skips the processes in step S110 and step S108. The printer driver 106 transmits raster data and save data to the printing apparatus 200 by repeatedly executing the above-described series of processing.

  According to the data transmission process described above, when the save data is already stored in the data storage unit 120, the save data stored in the data storage unit 120 is transferred to the printing apparatus prior to the transmission of the raster data. 200. If no error has occurred in the printing apparatus 200 after the saving data has been transmitted, the rasterization of the document data is performed and the raster data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 200, but an error has occurred in the printing apparatus 200. Even in such a case, as long as there is a free space in the data storage unit 120, the rasterization of the document data is performed and the raster data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 200.

D. Data accumulation processing:
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of data storage processing executed by the printer driver 106 of the RIP device 100. This data storage process is a process repeatedly executed in the RIP device 100 simultaneously and in parallel with the data transmission process described above. When this data storage process is executed, the input / output control unit 108 of the printer driver 106 determines whether save data has been received from the printing apparatus 200 (step S200). If the save data is received, the input / output control unit 108 accumulates the received save data in the data accumulation unit 120 (step S202).

  Subsequently, the input / output control unit 108 determines whether a data discard command has been received from the printing apparatus 200 (step S204). When the data discard command is received from the printing apparatus 200, the input / output control unit 108 discards (erases) all the saved data stored in the data storage unit 120 (step S206), and performs rasterization in the data transmission process described above. The target page is changed to the first page included in the discarded data (step S208). That is, when the RIP device 100 discards the save data in response to an instruction from the printing device 200, the rasterizing process is performed again from the beginning for the discarded pages. The situation in which the data discard command is transmitted from the printing apparatus 200 will be described in detail later. The printer driver 106 repeatedly executes the series of processes described above.

  In this embodiment, the RIP device 100 and the printing device 200 are connected by a communication interface capable of bidirectional communication. Therefore, the printer driver 106 can execute data transmission processing for transmitting raster data and data storage processing for receiving saved data simultaneously in parallel.

  In this embodiment, the free capacity of the data storage unit 120 is checked in step S114 of the data transmission process. For this reason, there is no shortage of capacity in the data storage unit 120 when the saved data is stored in the data storage process shown in FIG. This is because when the data storage unit 120 has insufficient free space, raster data is not transmitted from the RIP device 100 to the printing device 200 in the data transmission processing of FIG. This is because the printing apparatus 200 does not generate save data obtained by image processing.

E. Printing process:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of print processing executed by the CPU 220 of the printing apparatus 200. This printing process is repeatedly executed for the number of pages of data received from the RIP device 100. When this printing process is started, the CPU 220 receives one page of data from the RIP device 100 via the communication interface 250 (step S300). Then, it is determined whether the received data is raster data or saved data (step S302). Whether the data is raster data or saved data can be determined based on information indicating the type of the data recorded in the header information of the received data.

  If the received data is raster data, the CPU 220 causes the color conversion unit 224 to perform color conversion processing on the received raster data to generate first image data (step S304). When the first image data is generated, the color conversion unit 224 records the generated first image data in the page memory 222 in units of pages. When the first image data is generated and recorded in this way, the color correction unit 225 reads the first image data from the page memory 222, performs color correction processing on the first image data, Second image data is generated (step S306). The generated second image data is input to the halftone processing unit 226, and the halftone processing unit 226 performs halftone processing, thereby generating third image data (step S308). The third image data generated in this way is recorded in the page memory 222 in page units.

  If it is determined in step S310 that the received data is saved data, the CPU 220 further determines whether the type of the saved data is the first image data based on the header information of the saved data. It is determined whether the image data is third image data (step S310). If the save data is the first image data, the save data has already been subjected to the color conversion process. Therefore, the CPU 220 skips the color conversion process in step S304 and performs the color correction unit 225. The second image data is generated by performing the color correction processing according to (Step S306), and further, the third image data is generated by performing the halftone processing by the halftone processing unit 226 (Step S340). The third image data thus recorded is recorded in the page memory 222. On the other hand, if the save data is the third image data, the save data has already been subjected to all of the color conversion process, the color correction process, and the halftone process. Therefore, the CPU 220 skips all of these processes (steps S304, S306, and S308) and records the received third image data in the page memory 222 as it is.

  When image processing corresponding to the type of data received from the RIP device 100 is performed as described above, the CPU 220 determines whether an error has occurred in the printer engine 230 (step S312). If an error has occurred, error processing described later is executed (step S314). On the other hand, if no error has occurred, the CPU 220 further determines whether the third image data currently recorded in the page memory 222 is data of a page to be printed (step S316). If the third image data recorded in the page memory 222 is page data to be printed, the CPU 220 reads out the third image data from the page memory 222 by the input / output control unit 223 and transmits it to the printer engine 230. (Step S318). When the printer engine 230 receives the transfer of the third image data from the CPU 220, the printer engine 230 prints the image on the printing paper based on the third image data (step S320).

  In step S316, if the data recorded in the page memory 222 is data that is temporarily recorded as saved data in error processing to be described later, it is determined that the data is not the page data to be printed. On the other hand, if the data recorded in the page memory 222 is the data of the page following the page that was normally printed last time, or the data of the page that is being printed in plural copies, the page to be printed It is determined that the data is. If the third image data recorded in the page memory 222 is not the data of the page to be printed, the CPU 220 executes the same process as when it is determined in step S312 that an error has occurred. This is because when the error of the printer engine 230 is recovered while the saved data is being recorded in the page memory 222 (when the saved data is being prepared), the saved data that has already been recorded (prepared) in the page memory 222 is normally RIP. This is because the data is transferred to the apparatus 100.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of error processing executed in step S312 of the printing process shown in FIG. When this error processing is started, the CPU 220 determines whether the type of error that has occurred in the printer engine 230 is an ink out error (step S400).

  If the type of error that has occurred is an ink out error, the CPU 220 selects the image data before color correction, that is, the first image data, as save data to be transferred to the RIP device 100 (step S402). When the first image data is selected as the save data, the CPU 220 determines whether or not the ink replenishment has been completed (step S404). When the ink replenishment is completed, the gamma table generation unit 227 regenerates the gamma table 253 (step S406). When the regeneration of the gamma table 253 is completed (step S408), the CPU 220 causes the printer engine 230 to cancel the error (step S410). If it is determined in step S404 that ink replenishment has not been completed, the CPU 220 skips steps S406, S408, and S410. If it is determined in step S408 that the regeneration of the gamma table 253 has not been completed, the CPU 220 skips the process of step S410.

  If it is determined in step S400 that the type of error that has occurred is an error other than an out-of-ink error, the CPU 220 uses, as saved data to be transferred to the RIP device 100, data that has undergone color correction processing and halftone processing, that is, The third image data is selected (step S412). When the third image data is selected as the save data, the CPU 220 determines whether or not the currently occurring error has been resolved (step S414). For example, if there is a paper jam error, it is determined that the error has been resolved when the jammed paper is removed. If the currently occurring error is resolved, the CPU 220 causes the printer engine 230 to cancel the error (step S416).

  Subsequently, the CPU 220 determines whether the saved data selected by the above-described processing can be stored in the data storage unit 120 in the RIP device 100 (step S418). Specifically, the CPU 220 inquires of the input / output control unit 108 of the RIP device 100 about the type of evacuation data currently stored in the data storage unit 120. For example, when there is a response that the third image data is already stored in the data storage unit 120 even though the first image data is selected as the save data in step S402, The CPU 220 determines that the save data cannot be accumulated. This is because, when the first image data is selected (that is, when an out-of-ink error occurs), the gamma table 253 is regenerated, so that the previous gamma table is saved as saved data from the RIP device 100. This is because even if the third image data color-corrected by H.253 is transferred, printing cannot be performed using the third image data. Thus, when determining that the saved data cannot be accumulated, the CPU 220 transmits a data discard command to the RIP device 100 (step S420). By doing so, on the RIP device 100 side, the saved data already stored in the data storage unit 120 is discarded, and rasterization is performed again for the discarded data pages (see FIG. 5).

  If it is determined in step S418 that the saved data can be stored in the data storage unit 120 in the RIP device 100, the CPU 220 transmits the selected saved data to the RIP device 100 (step S422). For example, as a result of inquiring the input / output control unit 108 of the RIP device 100 as to the type of saved data currently stored in the data storage unit 120, if there is a response that the saved data is not currently stored, The CPU 220 determines that the save data can be stored. Further, for example, when the third image data is selected as the save data in step S412, the CPU 220 also receives a response that the first image data has already been stored in the data storage unit 120. It is determined that the evacuation data can be accumulated. When the third image data is selected as the save data, an error other than the ink out has occurred and the gamma table 253 is not regenerated, so the first data already stored in the data storage unit 120 is stored. This is because even if one image data is transferred from the RIP device 100, the color correction processing can be normally performed.

  When the series of error processes described above is completed, the CPU 220 returns the process to the print process illustrated in FIG. 6 and repeatedly executes the print process of FIG. 6 for the number of pages of data received from the RIP device 100.

  According to the printing system 10 of the present embodiment described above, when an out-of-ink error occurs in the printing apparatus 200, the image data (first image data) subjected to the color conversion process before the color correction process is performed. ) Can be saved from the printing apparatus 200 to the RIP apparatus 100. Further, when an error other than the ink out error occurs, image data (third image data) that has been subjected to the halftone process after the color correction process is saved from the printing apparatus 200 to the RIP apparatus 100. Can do. That is, according to the present embodiment, when an error occurs in the printing apparatus 200, the image processing is performed up to a stage where processing can be performed according to the type of error without stopping the image processing inside the printing apparatus 200. The processed image data can be sequentially transferred to the RIP device 100 as saved data. Therefore, the printing apparatus 200 that receives such saved data from the RIP device 100 after the error is eliminated can use the image processing result that has already been applied to the saved data, thereby reducing the time required for image processing. And printing can be resumed quickly.

  In this embodiment, when the ink out error is resolved, the first image data saved in the RIP device 100 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 200 prior to the transmission of the raster data. Therefore, after the ink out error is eliminated, the first image data is subjected to color correction using the gamma table 253 regenerated by the gamma table generation unit 227. Therefore, even when the color tone of ink changes due to ink replenishment, it is possible to output a printed matter that has been appropriately color corrected.

  In this embodiment, when an error other than the ink out error is resolved, the third image data saved in the RIP apparatus 100 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 200 prior to the transmission of the raster data. Since the third image data is data after halftone processing, the printing apparatus 200 can omit all image processing. As a result, printing can be restarted quickly.

  In this embodiment, when an error other than the ink out error occurs, the third image data composed of 1-bit data for each color is transferred to the RIP device 100 as the save data. Therefore, in this case, it is not necessary to transfer large-capacity first image data having 8-bit data for each RGB or CMYK color component to the RIP device 100. As a result, the amount of saved data can be significantly reduced. Further, if the data amount of the save data is reduced, the time for transferring the save data from the RIP device 100 to the printing device 200 when the error is resolved can be reduced accordingly.

  In this embodiment, the save data subjected to the image processing during the occurrence of the error is accumulated on the RIP device 100 side. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a special storage device for accumulating the save data on the printing device 200 side. Absent. Therefore, the configuration of the printing apparatus 200 can be simplified. The printing apparatus 200 for the printing business is often more expensive than the RIP apparatus 100, and it is often difficult to customize the apparatus configuration in terms of price or system. Therefore, as in this embodiment, if the save data is stored on the side of the RIP apparatus 100 that can be realized by a general-purpose personal computer or the like, the printing system 10 can be configured at a very low cost.

  Further, in this embodiment, the RIP device 100 always checks the free capacity of the data storage unit 120 when an error occurs, and does not transmit raster data when there is no free capacity. In this case, since no raster data is received on the printing apparatus 200 side, no image processing is performed, and as a result, no saving data is transferred from the printing apparatus 200 to the RIP apparatus 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the data storage unit 120 on the RIP device 100 side from overflowing without causing the printing device 200 to perform special processing.

Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, the gamma table 253 is regenerated for all colors even when the ink of the printing apparatus 200 is out of ink. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, only the gamma table 253 corresponding to the color component that has run out of ink is regenerated. The apparatus configuration and processing contents are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the type of image data to be saved in the RIP apparatus 100 is changed for each color component in the print processing of FIGS. . Specifically, for the color component that has run out of ink, the data corresponding to this color component in the first image data is stored in the data storage unit 120 as saved data, and the color component that has not run out of ink. Stores data corresponding to this color component in the third image data in the data storage unit 120 as saved data.

  For example, in this embodiment, when the ink has run out in the K ink, if the error is resolved, as shown in FIG. 8, the RIP device 100 to the printing device 200 send the data of the K component in the first image data. And CMY component data in the third image data are input. Therefore, the K component color is subjected to color correction processing and halftone processing, and printing K component data is recorded in the page memory 222. On the other hand, for the other color components, the CMY component data for printing is directly recorded in the page memory 222 without performing the color correction process and the halftone process.

  According to the second embodiment described above, for the color component that has run out of ink, the RIP device 100 saves the data corresponding to the color component in the first image data, and for the other color components, Data corresponding to the color component in the third image data is saved in the RIP device 100. As a result, it is possible to simplify the image processing after eliminating the error for the color component in which the ink has not run out. In addition, for the color component that has run out of ink, the color correction processing is performed by the regenerated gamma table 253 after the error is eliminated, so that it is possible to appropriately adjust the color.

Third embodiment:
In the above embodiment, the page memory 222 provided in the printing apparatus 200 records the first image data after color conversion and the third image data after halftone processing for one page. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the first image data and the third image data at the time of occurrence of the error are separately left in the page memory 222 until the error is resolved, and thus the page memory 222 Using the image data left in step 1, print processing is performed immediately after error elimination.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the printing system 10 in the third embodiment. The configuration of the printing system 10 of this embodiment is almost the same as the configuration of the printing system 10 of the first embodiment, but the first image data and the third image data are stored in the page memory 222b in the normal printing process. Is recorded, and a return area AR2 for retaining the first image data and the third image data during the occurrence of an error is secured. In this embodiment, the input / output control unit 223 moves the first image data and the third image data from the normal area AR1 to the return area AR2 when an error is notified from the printer engine 230. have. After the movement of the first image data and the third image data, the CPU 220 generates evacuation data using the normal area AR1.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the return process executed by the CPU 220 of the printing apparatus 200 in this embodiment. This return process is a process executed in parallel with the printing process shown in FIG. When the return process is executed, the CPU 220 waits until an error occurs in the printer engine 230 (step S500). When an error occurs, the CPU 220 causes the input / output control unit 223 to transfer the first image data and the third image data currently recorded in the normal area AR1 of the page memory 222b to the return area AR2. Move (step S502). The reason why these data are “moved” rather than “copied” is to prevent these data from being accumulated in the RIP apparatus 100 as saved data.

  When the first image data and the third image data are moved to the return area AR2, the CPU 220 waits until the error is resolved (step S504). During this time, the save data generated using the normal area AR1 is transferred to the RIP device 100 and stored by the printing process (see FIGS. 6 and 7) executed in parallel. When the error is resolved, the CPU 220 gives a command to the RIP device 100 and interrupts the data transmission process shown in FIG. 4 (step S506). By doing so, it is possible to temporarily stop the transfer of the save data from the RIP device 100 to the printing device 200.

  While the transfer of the save data from the RIP device 100 to the printing device 200 is temporarily stopped, the CPU 220 causes the first image data and the third image data recorded in the return area AR2 of the page memory 222b. Data is read (step S508). Then, the CPU 220 determines whether the type of error that has occurred in the printer engine 230 is an ink out error (step S510). If it is an out-of-ink error, the CPU 220 performs color correction processing by the color correction unit 225 and halftone processing by the halftone processing unit 226 on the first image data read from the return area AR2 (step S2). S512, S514), the image data subjected to the halftone process is transmitted to the printer engine 230 to perform printing (step S516). On the other hand, if it is an error other than the ink out error, the CPU 220 transmits the third image data read from the return area AR2 to the printer engine 230 as it is for printing. When the above series of processing is completed, the CPU 220 gives an instruction to the RIP device 100 to restart the data transmission processing shown in FIG. 4 (step S518). By doing so, printing using the saved data transferred from the RIP device 100 is subsequently started.

  According to the third embodiment described above, when the error is resolved by using the image data recorded in the return area AR2 of the page memory 222b, the saved data is transferred from the RIP device 100. Printing can be resumed immediately without waiting. If the page where the error occurred is the last page of the entire document data, printing can be completed by using only the image data recorded in the return area AR2. In the present embodiment, the return area AR2 is an area in which the first image data and the third image data can be stored for one page, but a storage area for two pages or more is secured. Also good.

  The second embodiment described above can also be applied to the third embodiment. That is, for the color component corresponding to the ink out error, the color component data in the first image data recorded in the return area AR2 is read, color correction processing and halftone processing are performed, and halftone processing is performed. The processed data is transmitted to the printer engine 230. On the other hand, for the other color components, the data of the other color components in the third image data read from the return area AR2 is directly transmitted to the printer engine 230. By doing so, printing can be resumed quickly.

・ Modification:
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to such an Example, A various structure can be taken in the range which does not deviate from the meaning. For example, a function realized by software may be realized by hardware. In addition, the following modifications are possible.

(1) Modification 1:
In the above embodiment, image data processing such as raster data generation, color conversion processing, color correction processing, and halftone processing is executed in units of pages. On the other hand, these image processes may be performed in units of bands obtained by dividing one page into a plurality of bands. In this case, if an out-of-ink error occurs during printing of a band in the middle of the page, it is preferable to store in the RIP device 100 from the image data of the first band of the page. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the tone from being adjusted to a different color from the middle of the page due to the regeneration of the gamma table 253.

(2) Modification 2:
In the above embodiment, the evacuation data is stored in the data storage unit 120 included in the RIP device 100. On the other hand, for example, the data storage unit 120 may be provided in the printing apparatus 200. Further, for example, the data storage unit 120 may be configured as a network-connected storage device such as NAS (Network Attached Storage), and the save data may be stored in such a single storage device via the network.

(3) Modification 3:
In the above embodiment, the color conversion process is performed on the printing apparatus 200 side. On the other hand, the color conversion process may be performed on the RIP device 100 side. In addition, by reflecting the contents of the gamma table 253 in the 3D-LUT 251 and the 4D-LUT 252, the color conversion process and the color correction process may be performed simultaneously. In this case, when an ink out error occurs, not the gamma table 253 but the 3D-LUT 251 and the 4D-LUT 252 are regenerated. In the above-described embodiment, the halftone process is performed after the color correction process. For example, various processes such as a clipping process, an enlargement process, and a synthesis process are performed after the color correction process and before the halftone process. The image processing may be performed. In this case, for example, the image data before the halftone process and after the image process can be stored in the RIP device 100 as the save data.

(4) Modification 4:
In the above-described embodiment, the gamma table 253 is regenerated when an ink out error is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to ink out, but an error related to consumption of printing materials used by the printing apparatus 200, such as out of paper, for example. It is also possible to regenerate the gamma table 253 when detecting.

(5) Modification 5:
In the above embodiment, when an ink out error occurs, the gamma table 253 is automatically regenerated using the colorimeter 240 provided inside the printing apparatus 200. On the other hand, the gamma table 253 may be generated in a color measurement device that is separate from the printing device 200. Specifically, after ink replenishment is completed, a color patch is output from the printing apparatus 200, and the color measurement device is caused to measure the color patch. Then, based on the color measurement result, the color measurement device generates a new gamma table 253. The newly generated gamma table 253 is input from the color measurement device to the printing device 200 via a memory card or a network. This also makes it possible to regenerate the gamma table 253.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printing system 100 ... RIP apparatus 102 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 104 ... Application program 106 ... Printer driver 108 ... Input / output control part 114 ... Printer driver 120 ... Data storage part 130 ... Memory 140 ... Communication interface 200 ... Printing apparatus 210 ... Operation panel 220 ... CPU
222, 222b ... page memory 223 ... input / output control unit 224 ... color conversion unit 225 ... color correction unit 226 ... halftone processing unit 227 ... gamma table generation unit 230 ... printer engine 231 ... error detection unit 240 ... colorimeter 250 ... Communication interface 253 ... Gamma table AR1 ... Normal area AR2 ... Recovery area

Claims (10)

A printing device,
A first image processing unit that acquires first image data composed of a plurality of pixels, performs color correction based on the color correction data on the first image data, and generates second image data; ,
A second image processing unit that acquires the second image data, performs predetermined image processing on the second image data, and generates third image data;
A print unit for obtaining the third image data and printing an image represented by the third image data;
An error detection unit for detecting occurrence of an error in the printing apparatus and elimination of the error;
When the error is detected, it is determined whether or not the color correction data needs to be corrected according to the type of the error, and when it is determined that the color correction data needs to be corrected, a predetermined memory is stored. Storing the first image data in a device, and when it is determined that the correction of the color correction data is unnecessary, a storage processing unit for storing the third image data in the storage device;
With
When the resolution of the error is detected,
(I) When the first image data is stored in the storage device, the first image processing unit acquires the first image data from the storage device, and the first image data The second image data is generated by performing the color correction on the data using the corrected color correction data, and the second image processing unit generates the third image from the second image data. Generating data, and the printing unit prints an image represented by the third image data;
(Ii) When the third image data is stored in the storage device, the printing unit acquires the third image data from the storage device and performs the printing.
Printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The first image processing unit performs the color correction on the first image data using color correction data prepared for each color component,
The accumulation processing unit determines whether or not the color correction data needs to be corrected for each color component, and the color component that is determined to need correction of the color correction data is stored in the storage device. Data in the first image data corresponding to the component is accumulated, and for the color component determined to be unnecessary to correct the color correction data, the storage device stores the third component corresponding to the color component. A printing device that accumulates data in the image data. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The first image processing unit performs a color conversion process for converting the color space of the first image data into the color space of the printing apparatus on the first image data prior to the color correction. Printing device. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The storage processing unit determines that correction of the color correction table is necessary when the printing unit detects an error related to consumption of a printing material used for the printing as the error type. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The second image processing unit is a printing apparatus that performs halftone processing on the second image data as the second image processing. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The first image processing unit acquires the first image data from an external image data transmission device connected by a predetermined interface,
The image data transmission device includes the storage device. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
After the error is detected, when the first image processing unit continuously acquires a plurality of the first image data, the accumulation processing unit determines whether the color correction data needs to be corrected. The acquired first image data or the third image data generated based on the acquired first image data is stored in the storage device until the error is detected. Printer that accumulates sequentially. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
When the error is detected, the accumulation processing unit holds the first image data and the third image data generated when the error is detected in an internal storage device different from the storage device. ,
When the error is detected, the second image processing unit is configured to store the first image data held in the internal storage device prior to obtaining the first image data from the storage device. And the printing unit obtains the third image data held in the internal storage device prior to obtaining the third image data from the storage device. A printing method for printing by a printing device,
(A) obtaining first image data composed of a plurality of pixels, performing color correction based on the color correction data on the first image data, and generating second image data;
(B) acquiring the second image data, performing predetermined image processing on the second image data, and generating third image data;
(C) obtaining the third image data and printing an image represented by the third image data;
(D) detecting the occurrence of an error in the printing apparatus and the elimination of the error;
(E) When the error is detected, it is determined whether the correction of the color correction data is necessary according to the type of the error, and when it is determined that the correction of the color correction data is necessary, Storing the first image data in a predetermined storage device and storing the third image data in the storage device when it is determined that the correction of the color correction data is unnecessary;
(F) When the resolution of the error is detected,
(F-1) When the first image data is stored in the storage device, the first image data is acquired from the storage device, and the first image data is corrected The second image data is generated by performing the color correction using the color correction data, and the third image data is generated from the second image data. The image represented by the third image data (F-2) When the third image data is stored in the storage device, the third image data is acquired from the storage device and the printing is performed.
Printing method. A computer program,
A first image processing function for acquiring first image data composed of a plurality of pixels, performing color correction on the first image data based on color correction data, and generating second image data; ,
A second image processing function for acquiring the second image data, performing predetermined image processing on the second image data, and generating third image data;
A print function for acquiring the third image data and printing an image represented by the third image data by controlling a print mechanism;
An error detection function for detecting occurrence of an error in the printing mechanism and elimination of the error;
When the error is detected, it is determined whether or not the color correction data needs to be corrected according to the type of the error, and when it is determined that the color correction data needs to be corrected, a predetermined memory is stored. An accumulation processing function for accumulating the first image data in an apparatus and accumulating the third image data in the storage device when it is determined that correction of the color correction data is unnecessary;
Is a computer program that realizes
When the resolution of the error is detected,
(I) When the first image data is stored in the storage device, the first image processing function acquires the first image data from the storage device, and the first image data The second image data is generated by performing the color correction on the data using the corrected color correction data, and the second image processing function is configured to generate the third image from the second image data. Generating data, and the printing function prints an image represented by the third image data;
(Ii) When the third image data is stored in the storage device, the printing function acquires the third image data from the storage device and performs the printing.
Computer program.

Images