JP2013218221A - Print control device, print control system, print control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To exert a surface effect of a clear toner on a recording medium on which an image is formed without requiring a user's time and trouble.SOLUTION: A print control device includes: storage means that stores gloss control version data for identifying a type of a surface effect to be applied to a recording medium and an area in the recording medium to which the surface effect is applied; calculation means that calculates a calculation value representing a size of the area to which the predetermined specific type surface effect is applied or a rate of the size with respect to a size of a reference area; a substitution means that, when the calculation value is smaller than the predetermined threshold, substitutes the specific type surface effect by a surface effect of a type other than the specific type; and generation means that generates image data on the basis of the gloss control version data substituted by the substitution means.

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, a print control system, a print control method, and a program.

  Conventionally, in addition to the four color toners of C, M, Y, and K, there is an image forming apparatus equipped with a clear toner that is a colorless toner containing no color material. The toner image formed by such a clear toner is fixed on the recording medium on which the image is formed by C, M, Y, and K toners. As a result, the visual effect and tactile sensation on the surface of the recording medium are obtained. An effect (referred to as surface effect) is realized. The surface effect to be realized differs depending on what kind of toner image is formed on the clear toner and what kind of fixing is performed. There are surface effects that simply give gloss, and surface effects that suppress gloss. There is also a demand for a surface effect that not only gives a surface effect to the entire surface, but also gives a surface effect to only a part, or adds a texture or a watermark with a clear toner. Also, surface protection may be required. In addition to fixing control, there is also a surface effect that can be realized by performing post-processing with a dedicated post-processing device such as a glosser or a low-temperature fixing device. In recent years, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, a technique has been developed in which a clear toner is attached only to a desired portion of the surface to give gloss.

  By the way, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, for example, the gloss is affected by the surface roughness of the image formed on the recording medium, that is, the unevenness of the surface caused by the C, M, Y, and K toners. to be influenced. For this reason, the degree of gloss is not simply increased according to the density of the clear toner.

  That is, in order to give gloss, it is necessary to control the smoothness of the surface of the image. For this purpose, it is necessary to create image data for forming a toner image with clear toner in accordance with the density values of C, M, Y, and K for pixels to which clear toner is attached.

  Here, from the viewpoint of imparting more types of surface effects, it is preferable that a predetermined type of post-processing machine is mounted on the printing apparatus, but for various reasons, all surface effects are realized. Therefore, there are cases where a plurality of types of post-processing machines necessary for this are not installed. For this reason, when a part of the post-processing machine is not mounted, the user needs to select a type of surface effect that can be realized in consideration of the configuration of the post-processing machine. However, it has been difficult for the user to make such settings.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a printing control apparatus and printing control capable of giving a surface effect by a clear toner to a recording medium on which an image is formed without taking the user's trouble It is an object to provide a system, a print control method, and a program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the printing control apparatus of the present invention provides a gloss control plate that specifies the type of surface effect to be applied to a recording medium and the area in the recording medium to which the surface effect is applied. A storage means for storing data, and a calculation for calculating a calculation value representing a size of a region to which a predetermined specific surface effect is applied among the types or a ratio of the size to the size of the reference region And means for replacing the specific type of surface effect with the surface effect of the type other than the specific type when the calculated value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, and the replacement by the replacement unit is performed. Generating means for generating the image data based on gloss control plane data.

  The printing control system of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores gloss control plane data that specifies a type of surface effect to be applied to a recording medium and an area in the recording medium to which the surface effect is applied, and a predetermined one of the types is determined. A calculation means for calculating a calculated value representing the size of the region to which the specific type of surface effect is applied or the ratio of the size to the size of the reference region; and the calculated value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value A replacement unit that replaces the surface effect of the specific type with the surface effect of the type other than the specific type, and generation that generates the image data based on the gloss control plane data that has been replaced by the replacement unit Means.

  The print control method of the present invention is a print control method executed by a print control apparatus, and the print control apparatus includes a type of surface effect to be applied to a recording medium and a region in the recording medium to which the surface effect is applied. Storage means for storing gloss control plane data for specifying the size of a region to which a predetermined specific type of surface effect is applied among the types, or a ratio of the size to the size of the reference region A calculating step for calculating a calculated value, a replacing step for replacing the specific type of surface effect with the surface effect of the type other than the specific type when the calculated value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, and the replacing step And generating the image data based on the gloss control plane data that has been replaced by.

  The program of the present invention includes a computer including storage means for storing gloss control plane data for specifying a type of surface effect to be applied to a recording medium and an area in the recording medium to which the surface effect is applied. A calculation means for calculating a size of a region to which a predetermined specific type of surface effect is applied or a ratio of the size to a size of a reference region; and the calculated value from a predetermined threshold value If small, the image data is generated based on replacement means for replacing the surface effect of the specific type with the surface effect of the type other than the specific type, and the gloss control plane data replaced by the replacement means. Function as a generation means.

  According to the present invention, the surface effect of the clear toner can be given to a recording medium on which an image is formed without taking the user's trouble.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the color plane data. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating types of surface effects relating to the presence or absence of gloss. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating gloss control plane data as an image. FIG. 4B is a diagram of an example of clear plane data. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration example of print data. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of DFE. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the surface effect selection table. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of the MIC. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of gloss control processing performed by the image forming system. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the apparatus configuration acquisition process. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the replacement process. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the DFE according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an input screen. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure of gloss control processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of area determination processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of transmission processing performed by the MIC. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print result when a plurality of surface effects are designated. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a DFE according to the third embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of gloss control processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of transmission processing performed by the MIC. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a DFE according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing an input screen. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the gloss control process according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of transmission processing performed by the MIC. FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 39 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the server apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 40 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the DFE according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of gloss control processing by DFE according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of clear toner plane data generation processing by the server according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 43 is a network configuration diagram in which two servers are provided on the cloud. FIG. 44 is a hardware configuration diagram of the host device, the DFE, and the server device.

  Exemplary embodiments of a print control apparatus, a print control system, a print control method, and a program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of an image forming system (printing control system) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the image forming system 10 includes a printer controller (DFE: Digital Front End) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as DFE) 50, an interface controller (MIC: Mechanical I / F Controller) (hereinafter referred to as MIC). 60) and the printing apparatus 30.

  The printing apparatus 30 is configured by connecting a printer machine 70 and a post-processing machine 40.

  Examples of the post-processing device 40 include a glosser 80, a post-processing device 90A equipped with a normal fixing device as a fixing device, and a post-processing device 90B equipped with a low-temperature fixing device as a fixing device. The glosser 80 re-fixes the toner image once fixed on the recording medium by the printer 70 to the recording medium, and further improves the smoothness of the surface of the toner image on the recording medium, whereby the toner image Is a device that increases the glossiness of the surface. The means for realizing the device is not particularly limited. The post-processors 90A and 90B are each equipped with a photoconductor for clear toner, a charger, a developing unit, and an image forming unit including a photoconductor cleaner and an exposure unit in addition to the fixing unit. In the present embodiment, the glosser 80 as the post-processing device 40, a post-processing device 90A equipped with a normal fixing device as a fixing device, and a post-processing device 90B equipped with a low-temperature fixing device as a fixing device, At least one or more are not mounted and at least one is mounted.

  The DFE 50 communicates with the printer 70 via the MIC 60 and controls image formation on the printer 70. The DFE 50 is composed of, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). Further, a host device 49 such as another PC is connected to the DFE 50, and the DFE 50 receives image data from the host device 49, and the printer 70 uses the image data to perform C, M, Y, K. Image data for forming a toner image corresponding to each toner and clear toner is generated and transmitted to the printer device 70 and the post-processing device 40 via the MIC 60.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the DFE 50 and the host apparatus 49 are configured as separate PCs, that is, separate bodies, is described. However, a single PC having the functions of both the DFE 50 and the host apparatus 49 is used. May be configured integrally.

  The printer 70 is equipped with at least C, M, Y, and K toners and clear toner, and an image forming unit including a photoreceptor, a charger, a developer, and a photoreceptor cleaner for each toner, In addition, an exposure device and the like are mounted.

  Here, the clear toner is a transparent (colorless) toner that does not contain a color material. In addition, transparent (colorless) shows that the transmittance | permeability is 70% or more, for example.

  In response to the image data transmitted from the DFE 50 via the MIC 60, the printer 70 irradiates a light beam from the exposure device to form a toner image corresponding to each toner on the photoreceptor, and uses this as a recording medium. Transfer to paper. Then, this is fixed by heating and pressing at a temperature within a predetermined range (normal temperature) by a fixing machine (not shown). As a result, an image is formed on the paper. Since the configuration of the printer 70 is well known, detailed description thereof is omitted here. Paper is an example of a recording medium, and the recording medium is not limited to this. For example, synthetic paper or vinyl paper can be used as the recording medium.

  The glosser 80 is controlled to be turned on or off by the DFE 50 and, when turned on, presses the toner image formed on the recording medium by the printer 70 at a high temperature and a high pressure. As a result, the total toner adhesion amount of each pixel to which a predetermined amount or more of toner has adhered in the entire toner image formed on the recording medium is uniformly compressed. Accordingly, the glosser 80 re-fixes the toner image on the recording medium formed by the printer 70 to the recording medium, and further improves the smoothness of the surface of the toner image on the recording medium, thereby improving the toner image. The glossiness can be increased.

  The post-processing device 90A is equipped with a clear toner and a fixing device for fixing the clear toner, and clear toner plane data (described later) generated by the DFE 50 is input. The post-processing device 90A forms a toner image by clear toner using the input clear toner plate data, and fixes the toner image on the recording medium by heating or pressurizing at a normal temperature by the fixing device.

  The post-processing device 90B is equipped with a clear toner and a fixing device for fixing the clear toner, and clear toner plane data (described later) generated by the DFE 50 is input. The post-processing device 90B forms a toner image with clear toner using the input clear toner plate data, and superimposes the toner image on the recording medium pressurized by the glosser 80, and the fixing device fixes the toner image above the normal temperature. Fix to recording medium with low heat or pressure.

  Here, an outline of image data (original data) input from the host device 49 to the DFE 50 will be described. In the host device 49, image data is generated by an image processing application installed in advance and transmitted to the DFE 50. In such an image processing application, a special color image is used for image data in which the density value (referred to as a density value) of each color in each color plate such as the RGB version or the C, M, Y, K version is defined for each pixel. It is possible to handle data. The special color plate is image data for attaching special toners and inks such as white, gold and silver in addition to basic colors such as C, M, Y, K and RGB. Data for printers equipped with toner and ink. In the special color plate, R may be added to the basic colors of C, M, Y, and K, or Y may be added to the basic colors of RGB in order to improve color reproducibility. Usually, clear toner is also handled as one of the special colors. In the present embodiment, the clear toner as the special color is used to form a surface effect that is a visual or tactile effect applied to the paper, and to the paper, such as a watermark or texture other than the surface effect. Used to form a transparent image.

  Therefore, the image processing application of the host device 49 applies to the input image data, in addition to the color plane image data (hereinafter also referred to as color plane data), the spot color plane image data (hereinafter referred to as the spot color plane data). The gloss control plane image data (hereinafter also referred to as gloss control plane data) and / or the clear plane image data (hereinafter also referred to as clear plane data) are generated as specified by the user.

  Here, the color plane data is image data that defines color density values such as RGB, C, M, Y, and K for each pixel. In this color plane data, one pixel is expressed by 8 bits according to the color designation by the user. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the color plane data. In FIG. 2, a density value corresponding to the color designated by the user in the image processing application is assigned to each drawing object such as “A”, “B”, and “C”.

  In addition, the gloss control plane data is used to control the attachment of clear toner according to the surface effect that is a visual or tactile effect to be applied to the paper. This is image data that identifies

  This gloss control plane data is represented by a density value in the range of “0” to “255” with 8 bits for each pixel as in the RGB version and the C, M, Y, and K versions. (The density value may be expressed by 16 bits, 32 bits, or 0 to 100%). In addition, since the same value is set in the range where the same surface effect is to be applied regardless of the density of the clear toner that is actually attached, the area can be easily determined from the image data as needed even if there is no data indicating the area. Can be identified. That is, the type of surface effect and the area to which the surface effect is applied are represented by the gloss control plane data (data representing the area may be added separately).

  Here, the host device 49 sets the type of surface effect for the drawing object designated by the user using the image processing application as a density value as the gloss control value for each drawing object, and generates vector-type gloss control plane data. .

  Note that the color plane image data, the gloss control plane data, and the clear plane data are all configured in units of pages.

  The types of surface effects are roughly classified into those relating to the presence or absence of gloss, surface protection, watermarks with embedded information, and textures. As illustrated in FIG. 3, there are roughly four types of surface effects related to the presence or absence of gloss, and in the order of gloss (gloss level), specular gloss (PG: Premium Gloss), solid gloss (G: Gloss), There are various types such as halftone dot mat (M: Matt) and matte (PM: Premium Matt). Hereinafter, the specular gloss may be referred to as “PG”, the solid gloss as “G”, the halftone dot mat as “M”, and the matte as “PM”.

  Mirror gloss and solid gloss are highly glossy. Conversely, halftone mats and matte are used to reduce gloss, and in particular, matte is less gloss than normal recording media. Is realized. In the figure, the specular gloss has a gloss Gs of 80 or more, the solid gloss is a solid gloss of primary or secondary color, the halftone dot is a primary color, and the gloss is 30% of the halftone, and the matte is gloss. Degree of 10 or less. Further, the deviation of the glossiness is represented by ΔGs and is 10 or less. For each type of surface effect, a high density value is associated with a surface effect having a high degree of glossiness, and a low density value is associated with a surface effect that suppresses gloss. The intermediate density value is associated with a surface effect such as a watermark or texture. As the watermark, for example, a character or a background pattern is used. The texture represents a character or a pattern, and can provide a tactile effect as well as a visual effect. For example, a stained glass pattern can be realized with clear toner. For surface protection, mirror gloss or solid gloss is substituted. It should be noted that which region of the image represented by the image data to be processed is given a surface effect and what kind of surface effect is given to the region is specified by the user via the image processing application. In the host device 49 that executes the image processing application, the gloss control plane data is generated by setting the density value corresponding to the surface effect specified by the user for the pixels constituting the area specified by the user. The correspondence between the density value and the type of surface effect will be described later.

  FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of an example of gloss control plane data. In the example of the gloss control plane data in FIG. 4A, the surface effect “PG (mirror gloss)” is given to the drawing object “ABC” by the user, and the surface effect “G (” is applied to the drawing object “(rectangular figure)”. In this example, solid glossy) is given and the surface effect “M (halftone matte)” is given to the drawing object “(circular figure)”. The density value set for each surface effect is a density value determined in accordance with the type of surface effect in a surface effect selection table (see FIG. 10) described later.

  The clear plane data is image data that specifies a transparent image such as a watermark or texture other than the surface effect. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram of an example of clear plane data. In the example of FIG. 4B, the watermark “Sale” is designated by the user.

  In this way, the gloss control plane data and the clear plane data, which are the image data of the special color plane, are generated by a plane different from the color plane data by the image processing application of the host device 49. Also, PDF (Portable Document Format) format is used as the format of each color data, gloss control plane data, and clear plane data, but the image data of each version of PDF is integrated and generated as document data. Is done. Note that the data format of each version of the image data is not limited to PDF, and any format can be used.

  The host device 49 generates print data including job commands on the original data obtained by integrating the color plane data, the gloss control plane data and / or the clear plane data, and outputs the generated print data to the DFE 50. To do. The job command is a command for specifying, for example, printer settings, aggregation settings, duplex settings, and the like for the printer. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration example of print data. In the example of FIG. 5, JDF (Job Definition Format) is used as the job command, but the job command is not limited to this. For example, JDF is a command that designates “single-sided printing / stapling” as a setting for aggregation. Further, the print data may be converted into a page description language (PDL) such as PostScript, or may be in the PDF format as long as the DFE 50 is compatible.

  Returning to FIG. The DFE 50 receives print data as image data from the host device 49, performs various processing described below, and outputs the print data to the printing device 30. Details of the DFE 50 will be described later.

  FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the configuration of the printing apparatus 30. The printing apparatus 30 further includes a conveyance path 20 that conveys the recording medium in addition to the above-described configuration (the printer machine 70 and the post-processing machine 40). In detail, the printer 70 uses a plurality of electrophotographic photoreceptors 71B, a transfer belt 71C to which a toner image formed on the photoreceptor 71B is transferred, and a toner image on the transfer belt 71C as a recording medium. A transfer device 71D for transferring and a fixing device 71A for fixing the toner image on the recording medium to the recording medium are provided. Further, the post-processing device 90A includes an electrophotographic photoreceptor 91A and a fixing device 91B that fixes the toner image transferred from the photoreceptor 91A to a recording medium. The post-processing device 90B includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member 92A and a fixing device 92B for fixing the toner image transferred from the photosensitive member 92A to a recording medium. The recording medium is transported along the transport path 20 by a transport member (not shown), so that the positions where the printer 70, the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B are provided are transported in this order. The Then, after processing is sequentially performed by these devices to form an image and a surface effect, the transport path 20 is transported by a transport mechanism (not shown), and is discharged to the outside of the printing apparatus 30.

  Next, the functional configuration of the DFE 50 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the DFE 50 includes a rendering engine 51, a si1 unit 52, a TRC (Tone Reproduction Curve) 53, a si2 unit 54, a halftone engine 55, a surface effect selection table (described later), A clear processing unit 56 including a storage unit 56B that stores a setting table (described later), an si3 unit 57, and an apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58; The rendering engine 51, the si 1 unit 52, the TRC (Tone Reproduction Curve) 53, the si 2 unit 54, the halftone engine 55, the clear processing 56, the si 3 unit 57, and the device configuration acquisition unit 58 are included in the DFE 50. The control unit is realized by executing various programs stored in the main storage unit or the auxiliary storage unit. Each of the si1 unit 52, the si2 unit 54, and the si3 unit 57 has a function of separating image data (separate) and a function of integrating image data (integrate).

  Image data transmitted from the host device 49 is input to the rendering engine 51. The rendering engine 51 interprets input image data in a language, converts image data expressed in vector format into raster format, and C, M, Y, K in the case of a color space expressed in RGB format. The color space is converted into a format color space, and C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data and 8-bit gloss control plane data are output. The si1 unit 52 outputs C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data to the TRC 53, and outputs 8-bit gloss control plane data and clear plane data to the clear processing 56.

  The TRC 53 receives 8-bit color plane data of C, M, Y, and K via the si1 unit 52. The TRC 53 performs gamma correction on the input color plane data using a 1D_LUT gamma curve generated by calibration. In the TRC 53, there is a total amount restriction as another image processing. The total amount restriction means that there is a limit to the amount of toner that can be loaded by the printer 70 in one pixel on the recording medium, so that C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data after gamma correction is used. It is a process to restrict. Incidentally, when printing exceeds the total amount regulation, the image quality deteriorates due to transfer failure or fixing failure. In this embodiment, only the related gamma correction is taken up and described.

  The si2 unit 54 outputs the C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data that has been gamma corrected by the TRC 53 to the clear processing 56 as data for generating an inverse mask to be described later. The halftone engine 55 receives 8-bit color data of C, M, Y, and K after gamma correction via the si2 unit 54. The halftone engine 55 performs a halftone process for converting the input color plane data into a data format of color plane data such as 2 bits for each of C, M, Y, and K for outputting to the printer 70. Then, color plate data of 2 bits for each of C, M, Y, and K after halftone processing is output. Note that 2 bits are an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  The device configuration acquisition unit 58 acquires device configuration information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing device 40. As described above, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 30 is equipped with any one or more of the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B provided as the post-processing device 40. None of them are installed. Information indicating what is provided as the post-processing device 40 is acquired by the MIC 60, which will be described in detail later, and is input to the apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58 via the printer device 70. The device configuration acquisition unit 58 outputs the acquired device configuration information to the clear processing 56.

  The clear processing 56 receives the 8-bit gloss control plane data and the clear plane data converted by the rendering engine 51 through the si1 unit 52, and the C, M, Y, and K of which the TRC 53 performs gamma correction. Each 8-bit color plane data is input via the si2 unit 54. The clear processing 56 determines the surface effect for the density value (pixel value) represented by each pixel constituting the gloss control plane data with reference to a surface effect selection table described later using the input gloss control plane data. On the basis of the determination and a setting table described later, the glosser 80 is turned on or off, and an inverse mask, a solid mask, or the like is used by using the input C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data. By appropriately generating a halftone or the like, 2-bit clear toner plane data for attaching clear toner is appropriately generated. The clear processing 56 outputs the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing machines 90A and 90B to the printing apparatus 30 and the glosser 80 turned on or off, as appropriate. Outputs on / off information indicating.

  Here, the inverse mask is used to make the total adhesion amount of the C, M, Y, K toner and the clear toner on each pixel constituting the target area to be given a surface effect uniform. Is. Specifically, in the C, M, Y, and K color plane data, all the density values represented by the pixels constituting the target area are added, and the image data subtracted from the predetermined value becomes the inverse mask. Specifically, for example, it is represented by the following formula 1.

  Clr = 100− (C + M + Y + K) However, when Clr <0, Clr = 0 (Formula 1)

  In Expression 1, Clr, C, M, Y, and K represent density ratios converted from density values in the respective pixels for the clear toner and the C, M, Y, and K toners, respectively. That is, according to Equation 1, the total adhesion amount obtained by adding the adhesion amount of the clear toner to the total adhesion amount of the C, M, Y, and K toners is set to 100% for all the pixels constituting the target area to be given the surface effect. To. When the total adhesion amount of C, M, Y, and K toners is 100% or more, the clear toner is not adhered, and the density ratio is set to 0%. This is because the portion where the total adhesion amount of each toner of C, M, Y, and K exceeds 100% is smoothed by the fixing process. In this way, by making the total adhesion amount on all the pixels constituting the target area to which the surface effect is given to be 100% or more, there is no surface unevenness due to the difference in the total toner adhesion quantity in the target area. As a result, gloss due to regular reflection of light occurs. However, some inverse masks are obtained by other than Equation 1, and there can be a plurality of types of inverse masks. INV-1 and INV-m described later correspond to this.

  The solid mask is for uniformly adhering clear toner on each pixel constituting a region to which a surface effect is applied. Specifically, it is represented by the following formula 2, for example.

  Clr = 100 (Formula 2)

  Note that among the pixels to which the surface effect is applied, there may be a pixel associated with a density rate other than 100%, and there may be a plurality of solid mask patterns.

For example, the inverse mask may be obtained by multiplying the background exposure rate of each color. The inverse mask in this case is expressed by the following Expression 3, for example.
Clr = 100 × {(100−C) / 100} × {(100−M) / 100} × {(100−Y) / 100} × {(100−K) / 100} (Equation 3)
In the above formula 3, (100-C) / 100 represents the background exposure rate of C, (100-M) / 100 represents the background exposure rate of M, and (100-Y) / 100 represents Y The background exposure rate is indicated, and (100−K) / 100 indicates the background exposure rate of K.

Further, for example, the inverse mask may be obtained by a method that assumes that the halftone dot of the maximum area ratio regulates smoothness. The inverse mask in this case is expressed by the following formula 4, for example.
Clr = 100−max (C, M, Y, K) (Formula 4)
In the above equation 4, max (C, M, Y, K) indicates that the density value of the color showing the maximum density value among C, M, Y, and K is a representative value.

  In short, the inverse mask only needs to be expressed by any one of the above formulas 1 to 4.

  The surface effect selection table shows the correspondence between the density value and the type of surface effect, the control information related to the post-processing device according to the configuration of the image forming system, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and the post-processing 6 is a table showing a correspondence relationship with clear toner plane data used in a processor.

  The control information related to the post-processing device 40 is information indicating whether the glosser 80 is on or off.

  Specifically, the surface effect selection table includes control information (glosser 80 on / off) regarding the post-processing device 40 and a clear toner plate (clear toner plate) used in the printer 70 for each configuration of the image forming system according to the device configuration. Plate 1), at least one of a clear toner plate (clear toner plate 2) used in post-processing device 90A, and a clear toner plate (clear toner plate 3) used in post-processing device 90B, and the type of density value and surface effect It can be configured to show the correspondence.

  Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 30 includes at least one of the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B provided as the post-processing device 40. It is assumed that the configuration is not mounted and any one or more are mounted.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the surface effect selection table includes at least one of the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B as a configuration other than the printer device 70 in the printing apparatus 30. A surface effect selection table is associated with each of a plurality of types of configurations not including at least one.

  That is, for example, it is assumed that the device configuration information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing device 40 indicates the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the printing apparatus 30 has a configuration in which only the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90 </ b> B are mounted as the post-processing device 40. The surface effect selection table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information indicating such a configuration is used in the control information (glosser 80 on / off) regarding the post-processing device 40, the clear toner plate data used in the printer 70, and the post-processing device 90B. It is configured to show the correspondence between the clear toner plane data, the density value, and the type of surface effect.

  Further, for example, a case is assumed where the device configuration information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing device 40 indicates only the glosser 80. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the printing apparatus 30 has a configuration in which only the glosser 80 is mounted as the post-processing device 40. The surface effect selection table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information indicating such a configuration includes control information (glosser 80 on / off) regarding the post-processing device 40, clear toner plate data used in the printer 70, density values, and surface effect. It is configured to show the correspondence with the type.

  These surface effect selection tables are stored in advance in the storage unit 56B in association with the apparatus configuration information.

  In FIG. 10, as an example, the surface effect selection table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information indicating that the printer 70, the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B are all provided. An example was given.

  The surface effect selection table shown in FIG. 10 includes control information (glosser 80 on / off) regarding the post-processing device 40, clear toner plate data (see clear toner plate 1 in FIG. 10) used in the printer 70, and the post-processing device. Clear toner plate data used in 90A (see clear toner plate 2 in FIG. 10) and clear toner plate data used in post-processing device 90B equipped with a low-temperature fixing device as a fixing device (see clear toner plate 3 in FIG. 10) And the correspondence between the density value and the type of surface effect.

  In the correspondence relationship between the types of surface effects and the density values shown in the figure, each type of surface effect is associated with each range of density values. Further, each type of surface effect is associated with the ratio (density ratio) of the density converted from the representative value (representative value) of the density value range in units of 2%. Specifically, a surface effect (mirror effect and solid effect) that gives gloss is associated with a density value range (“212” to “255”) in which the density rate is 84% or more, and the density rate A surface effect (halftone matte and matte) that suppresses gloss is associated with a range of density values (“1” to “43”) that is 16% or less. In addition, surface effects such as texture and background pattern watermark are associated with a range of density values in which the density ratio is 20% to 80%.

  More specifically, for example, specular gloss (PG) is associated with the pixel values “238” to “255” as the surface effect, and among these, the pixel values “238” to “242” are associated. , Different types of specular gloss are associated with the three ranges of pixel values “243” to “247” and pixel values “248” to “255”. Also, the pixel values “212” to “232” are associated with solid glossy (G), and among these, the pixel values “212” to “216”, “217” to “221”. Different types of solid glossiness are associated with four ranges of pixel values of “222” to “227” and pixel values of “228” to “232”. The pixel values “23” to “43” are associated with halftone dot mats (M), of which pixel values “23” to “28” and “29” to “33”. , Pixel values “34” to “38”, and pixel values “39” to “43” are associated with different types of halftone mats. Further, the pixel values “1” to “17” are associated with matte (PM), and among these, the pixel values “1” to “7” and “8” to “12” are associated. Different types of matte are associated with the three ranges of pixel values and pixel values “13” to “17”. These different types of the same surface effect have different formulas for obtaining the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70, the post-processor 90A, and the post-processor 90B, and the operations of the printer main body and the post-processor are the same. . Note that the density value of “0” is associated with no surface effect.

  Also, in the figure, corresponding to the pixel value and the surface effect, on / off information indicating whether the glosser 80 is on or off, clear toner plate data used in the printer 70, clear toner plate data used in the post-processor 90A, The clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is also shown. For example, when the surface effect is specular gloss, it is indicated that the glosser 80 is turned on, and the clear toner plane data (clear toner plane 1) used in the printer 70 represents an inverse mask and is post-processed. It is indicated that there is no clear toner plane data (clear toner plane 2 and clear toner plane 3 respectively) used in the machines 90A and 90B.

  Note that the inverse mask is obtained by, for example, the above-described formula 1. Note that the example shown in the figure is an example in which the region in which the specular effect is specified as the surface effect corresponds to the entire region defined by the image data. An example of the case where the region in which the mirror effect is designated as the surface effect corresponds to a part of the region defined by the image data will be described later.

  Further, when the density value is “228” to “232” and the surface effect is solid gloss, it is indicated that the glosser 80 is turned off, and clear toner plate data (clear toner plate data) used in the printer 70 is indicated. 1) is the inverse mask 1, and there is no clear toner plane data (clear toner plane 2 and clear toner plane 3 respectively) used in the post-processing machines 90A and 90B.

  The inverse mask 1 may be any one represented by any one of the above (Formula 1) to (Formula 4). Since glosser 80 is off, the total amount of toner to be smoothed differs, so that the surface unevenness increases due to the specular gloss. As a result, a solid gloss with a low gloss level is obtained due to the specular gloss. Further, when the surface effect is a dot mat, it is indicated that the glosser 80 is turned off, and that there is no clear toner plane data (see clear toner plane 1) used in the printer 70. Yes. The clear toner plate data (see clear toner plate 2) used in the post-processing device 90A represents a halftone (halftone dot), and the clear toner plate data (see clear toner plate 3) used in the post-processing device 90B is Not shown.

  Further, when the surface effect is matte, it is indicated that the glosser 80 may be turned on or off, and clear toner plate data (see clear toner plate 1) used in the printer 70 and post-processing There is no clear toner plate data (see clear toner plate 2) used in the machine 90A, and the clear toner plate data (see clear toner plate 3) used in the post-processing machine 90B represents a solid mask. . The solid mask is obtained by, for example, the above equation 2.

  The surface effect selection table is determined in correspondence with the device configuration information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing machine 40 as described above.

  Returning to FIG. 7 (see also FIG. 1), the clear processing 56 refers to the surface effect selection table corresponding to the device configuration information received from the MIC 60 and is associated with each pixel value indicated by the gloss control plane data. In addition to determining the surface effect, the glosser 80 is turned on or off, and clear toner plane data used in the printer 70, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B is generated. The clear processing 56 sets the glosser 80 on or off for each page. As described above, the clear processing 56 appropriately generates clear toner plane data and outputs it, and also outputs on / off information for the glosser 80.

  The si3 unit 57 integrates the C, M, Y, and K 2-bit color plane data after halftone processing and the 2-bit clear toner plane data generated by the clear processing 56, and outputs the integrated image data. Output to MIC60. The clear processing 56 may not generate at least one version of the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing machines 90A and 90B. When the clear toner plane data is integrated in the si3 unit 57 and both clear toner plane data are not generated by the clear processing 56, the si3 unit 57 outputs a color plane of 2 bits for each of C, M, Y, and K. Image data integrated with the data is output. As a result, image data of a maximum of 7 bits each having 2 bits is sent from the DFE 50 to the MIC 60. The si3 unit 57 also outputs on / off information for the glosser 80 output from the clear processing 56 to the MIC 60.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the MIC 60 outputs C, M, Y, and K color plane data of the image data output from the DFE 50 to the printer 70, and clear toner plane data ( Clr-1 and the clear toner plate 1) shown in FIG. 10 are also output to the printer 70, and when the on / off state of the glosser 80 is output from the DFE 50, the glosser 80 is turned on using the on / off information. Alternatively, when there is clear toner plane data (Clr-2, clear toner plane 2 in FIG. 10) used in the post-processing device 90A, it is output to the corresponding post-processing device 90A. If there is clear toner plane data (Clr-3, clear toner plane 3 in FIG. 10) used in the post-processor 90B, it is output to the corresponding post-processor 90B. The glosser 80 may switch between a fixing path and a non-fixing path according to on / off information. Each of the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B may switch the contact / separation operation or the route similar to the glosser 80 depending on the presence / absence of clear toner plane data. Here, the contact / separation operation in the case of the post-processor 90A will be briefly described. When there is clear toner plate data (Clr-2, clear toner plate 2 in FIG. 10), the photoconductor 91A and the fixing device 91B come into contact with the paper and form an image. When there is clear toner plane data, the photosensitive member 91A and the fixing device 91B are separated from the paper and no image is formed. Thereby, the consumption of the photoconductor 91A and the fixing device 91B can be reduced.

  Further, the MIC 60 outputs device configuration information indicating a device configuration mounted as the post-processing device 40 to the DFE 50.

  Next, a description will be given of the procedure of the gloss control process performed by the image forming system according to the present embodiment in the case where the region in which the specular effect is specified as the surface effect corresponds to the entire region defined by the image data. When the DFE 50 receives image data from the host device 49, the DFE 50 interprets the image data, converts the image data expressed in the vector format into the raster format, and converts the color space expressed in the RGB format into C, M, for example. , Y, K format color space, and C, M, Y, K 8-bit color plane data and 8-bit gloss control plane data are obtained. The DFE 50 performs gamma correction on the 8-bit color plane data of C, M, Y, and K using the 1D_LUT gamma curve generated by calibration, and on the color plane data after gamma correction, Halftone processing is performed to convert the color format data of C, M, Y, and K 2 bits each for output to the printer 70, and 2 bits each of C, M, Y, and K after halftone processing. Get the color version data. Further, the DFE 50 determines the surface effect designated for each pixel value indicated by the gloss control plane data by referring to the surface effect selection table using the 8-bit gloss control plane data. The DFE 50 makes such a determination for all the pixels constituting the gloss control plane data. It should be noted that the gloss control plane data basically represents density values in the same range for all the pixels constituting the area to which each surface effect is applied. For this reason, the DFE 50 determines that the neighboring pixels that are determined to have the same surface effect are included in the region that provides the same surface effect. In this way, the DFE 50 determines the area to which the surface effect is applied and the type of surface effect to be applied to the area. Then, the DFE 50 determines whether the glosser 80 is turned on or off in accordance with the determination, and attaches clear toner by using 8-bit color data of C, M, Y, and K after gamma correction as appropriate. 2-bit clear toner plane data to be generated is appropriately generated. Then, the DFE 50 integrates the C, M, Y, and K 2-bit color plane data after halftone processing and the appropriately generated 2-bit clear toner plane data, and determines the integrated image data. On / off information indicating whether the glosser 80 is on or off is output to the MIC 60.

  Here, a specific example corresponding to the type of surface effect will be described. Here, each type of specular gloss and solid gloss for giving gloss, and halftone mat and matte for suppressing gloss will be specifically described. Here, a case where the same type of surface effect is designated within one page will be described. The clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 uses the density value represented by each pixel of the 8-bit gloss control plane data, and refers to a surface effect selection table (for example, see FIG. 10) corresponding to the apparatus configuration information to determine the density value. The surface effect designated for the pixels from “238” to “255” is determined to be specular gloss. In this case, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 further determines whether or not the area for which the specular gloss is specified as the surface effect corresponds to the entire area defined by the image data. When the determination result is affirmative, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 uses, for example, an expression corresponding to the area in the C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data after the gamma correction. 1 generates an inverse mask. The inverse mask represents the clear toner plane data (clear toner plane 1 in FIG. 10) used in the printer 70. Since the clear toner plane data is not used in the post-processing machines 90A and 90B for the area, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 does not generate clear toner plane data used in the post-processing machines 90A and 90B.

  Then, the si3 unit 57 of the DFE 50 integrates the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and the C, M, Y, and K 2-bit color plane data after the halftone process, On / off information indicating that the glosser 80 is on is output to the MIC 60. The MIC 60 outputs the C, M, Y, and K color plane data, which are image data output from the DFE 50, and the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 to the printer 70, and uses the on / off information output from the DFE 50. Then, the glosser 80 is turned on. The printer 70 uses the C, M, Y, and K color plane data and the clear toner plane data output from the MIC 60 to irradiate a light beam from the exposure unit to form a toner image corresponding to each toner on the photoreceptor. Then, this is transferred to a recording medium and fixed by heating and pressing at a normal temperature. As a result, the clear toner in addition to the C, M, Y, and K toners is attached to the recording medium to form an image. Thereafter, the glosser 80 re-fixes the recording medium. Since the clear toner plane data is not output to the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B, the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B discharge the recording medium without the clear toner being attached and fixed. Paper. As a result, since the total adhesion amount of the C, M, Y, and K toners and the clear toner is uniformly compressed in the entire area defined by the image data, strong gloss can be obtained from the surface of the area.

  On the other hand, when the area for which the specular gloss is specified as the surface effect corresponds to a part of the area defined by the image data, the following situation may occur. First, the clear toner plane data representing the above-described inverse mask is used in an area where specular gloss is designated. However, when the total adhesion values of C, M, Y, and K toners are set to a predetermined value or more for all other pixels, when the glosser 80 is pressed, the specular gloss is consequently increased. The total adhesion amounts of the C, M, Y, and K toners and the clear toner in the designated area and the area where the total adhesion value of the C, M, Y, and K toners is set to a predetermined value or more are made uniform.

  For this reason, when the area for which the specular gloss is specified as the surface effect corresponds to a part of the area specified by the image data, the DFE 50 specifies the specular gloss for the entire area specified by the image data. The same clear toner plane data is generated, and after the clear toner adheres and is fixed on the recording medium by the printer 70, it is fixed again by the glosser 80. Next, the clear toner plane data used by the post-processor 90B is applied to the recording medium re-fixed by the glosser 80 in order to give a matte surface effect to an area other than the area where the mirror effect is designated as the surface effect. Generate.

  Specifically, the DFE 50 generates an inverse mask according to Equation 1 as clear toner plane data used in the printer device 70 in the same manner as described above. Further, the DFE 50 generates a solid mask as clear toner plane data to be used by the post-processing device 90B according to Expression 2 for an area other than the area where the specular effect is specified as the surface effect. Then, the si3 portion 57 of the DFE 50 is a clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and a clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 90B, and a C, M, Y, and K 2-bit color plane after halftone processing. The data is integrated, and the integrated image data and on / off information indicating that the glosser 80 is on are output to the MIC 60.

  The MIC 60 outputs the C, M, Y, and K color plane data of the image data output from the DFE 50 and the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 to the printer 70 and uses the on / off information output from the DFE 50. Then, the glosser 80 is turned on, and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B among the image data output from the DFE 50 is output to the post-processing device 90B. The printer 70 uses the C, M, Y, K color plane data and the clear toner plane data output from the MIC 60 to attach the C, M, Y, K toner and the clear toner to the recording medium. Form an image. Thereafter, the glosser 80 re-fixes the recording medium. The post-processor 90B forms a toner image by clear toner using the clear toner plate data output from the MIC 60, and superimposes the toner image on the recording medium that has passed through the glosser 80, and heats and heats it at a low temperature. The recording medium is fixed by pressure. As a result, in the area where the specular gloss is designated, the total adhesion amount of the C, M, Y, and K toners and the clear toner is uniformly compressed, so that strong gloss can be obtained from the surface of the area. On the other hand, in a region other than the region where the specular gloss is designated, surface unevenness occurs due to the adhesion of the clear toner by the solid mask after re-fixing by the glosser 80, and the surface gloss of the region is suppressed.

  Further, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 refers to the surface effect selection table using the density value represented by each pixel of the 8-bit gloss control plane data, and applies to the pixels whose density values are “212” to “232”. It is determined that the surface effect specified in the above is solid gloss, and in particular, pixels having density values of “228” to “232” are determined to be solid gloss type 1. In this case, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 generates the inverse mask 1 using the image data corresponding to the region in the C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data after the gamma correction. The data representing the inverse mask 1 is the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70. Since the clear toner plane data is not used in the post-processing device 90B for the area, the DFE 50 does not generate clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B. Then, the si3 unit 57 of the DFE 50 integrates the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and the C, M, Y, and K 2-bit color plane data after the halftone process, On / off information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned off is output to the MIC 60. The MIC 60 outputs the C, M, Y, and K color plane data, which are image data output from the DFE 50, and the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 to the printer 70, and uses the on / off information output from the DFE 50. Then, the glosser 80 is turned off. The printer 70 uses the C, M, Y, and K color plane data output from the MIC 60 and the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 to store the C, M, Y, and K toners and the clear on the recording medium. An image with toner attached is formed. Since the glosser 80 is turned off, the recording medium is not fixed again thereafter. Further, since the clear toner plane data is not output to the post-processing device 90B, the post-processing device 90B discharges the recording medium without the clear toner being attached and fixed. As a result, in the area where the solid gloss is designated as the surface effect, the total adhesion amount of the C, M, Y, and K toners and the clear toner becomes relatively uniform, and a slightly strong gloss is obtained from the surface of the area. It is done.

  Further, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 refers to the surface effect selection table using the density value represented by each pixel of the 8-bit gloss control plane data, and applies to the pixels whose density values are “23” to “43”. It is determined that the surface effect specified in the above is a halftone dot mat. In this case, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 generates image data representing a halftone as clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 90A. Note that, since the clear toner plane data is not used by the printer 70 and the post processor 90B for the area, the DFE 50 does not generate the clear toner plane data used by the printer 70 and the post processor 90B. The si3 unit 57 of the DFE 50 integrates the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A and the C, M, Y, and K 2-bit color plane data after the halftone process, and integrates the image data. And on / off information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned off is output to the MIC 60. The MIC 60 outputs the C, M, Y, and K color plane data, which is the image data output from the DFE 50, and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 90A to the post-processor 90A, and the on / off information output from the DFE 50. Is used to turn the glosser 80 off. The printer 70 uses the C, M, Y, and K color plane data and the clear toner plane data output from the MIC 60 to form an image in which C, M, Y, and K toners are attached to a recording medium. To do. Since the glosser 80 is turned off, the recording medium is not re-fixed thereafter. In addition, since clear toner plane data is not output to the post-processing device 90B, the post-processing device 90B discharges the recording medium without attaching the clear toner. As a result, a halftone dot is added to the area for which the halftone dot mat is designated as the surface effect by the clear toner, thereby causing surface irregularities and slightly reducing the gloss of the surface of the area.

  Further, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 refers to the surface effect selection table using the density value represented by each pixel of the 8-bit gloss control plane data, and applies to the pixels whose density values are “1” to “17”. It is determined that the surface effect specified in the above is matte. In this case, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 determines whether the glosser 80 is turned on or off according to the setting when other surface effects are specified in one page (described later). 70, the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A is not generated, and the solid mask is generated as the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B. The si3 unit 57 of the DFE 50 integrates the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B and the C, M, Y, and K 2-bit color plane data after the halftone process, On / off information indicating on / off of the glosser 80 is output to the MIC 60. The MIC 60 outputs C, M, Y, and K color plane data among the image data output from the DFE 50 to the printer 70, and among the image data output from the DFE 50, the clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 90B. Is output to the post-processor 90B. The printer 70 uses the C, M, Y, and K color plane data output from the MIC 60 to form an image in which C, M, Y, and K toners are attached to a recording medium. When the glosser 80 is turned on, the recording medium is re-fixed by the glosser 80, and when the glosser 80 is turned off, the recording medium is not re-fixed. The post-processor 90B forms a toner image by clear toner using the clear toner plate data output from the MIC 60, and superimposes the toner image on the recording medium that has passed through the glosser 80, and heats and heats it at a low temperature. The recording medium is fixed by pressure. As a result, in a region where matting is designated as a surface effect, surface unevenness is caused by the adhesion of clear toner using a solid mask, and the surface gloss of the region is suppressed.

  Although the case where the same surface effect is designated in one page has been described above, the case where different types of surface effects are designated in one page can be similarly realized by the above-described processing. That is, when a plurality of surface effects are specified in one page, in the gloss control plane data, each density value corresponding to the type of surface effect shown in FIG. Set to pixel. That is, in the gloss control plane data, an area to which the surface effect is applied is specified for each type of surface effect. Therefore, in the DFE 50, a range of pixels in which the same density value is set in the gloss control plane data. Can be determined as a region to which the same surface effect is applied, and each surface effect can be easily realized within one page.

  Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, as described above, the printing apparatus 30 includes any one of the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B as the post-processing device 40. One or more are not mounted, and any one or more are mounted.

  As described above, in the device configuration in which any one or more of the post-processing machines 40 are not mounted, when different types of surface effects are designated within one page, all of the post-processing machines 40 are mounted. In some cases, the surface effect that could be realized may not be realized.

  For example, when the configuration does not include the post-processing device 90A among the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B (see the apparatus configuration shown in FIG. 8), the glosser 80 is turned on and the printer 70 After transferring the C, M, Y, and K toners and the clear toner corresponding to the clear toner plate data for the printer 70 to the recording medium, the glossy 80 is pressed at a high temperature and a high pressure to obtain a specular gloss (PG ) Can be realized. Further, the matte (PM) can be realized by the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B provided downstream of the glosser 80 in the recording medium conveyance direction. However, when the glosser 80 is on, the configuration shown in FIG. 8 does not include the post-processing device 90A for normal fixing after the glosser 80, so that the specular gloss (PG) and the matte (PM) are realized by the setting. However, the surface effect of solid gloss (G) and halftone mat (M) cannot be realized on the same recording medium.

  Further, when the post-processing device 40 does not include both the post-processing device 90 </ b> A and the post-processing device 90 </ b> B (see the device configuration shown in FIG. 9), only the glosser 80 is mounted on the rear stage of the printer 70. Therefore, when the glosser 80 is on, specular gloss (PG) can be realized, but the surface effects of solid gloss (G), halftone matte (M), and matte (PM) are the same on the same recording medium. Cannot be realized.

  Thus, in the device configuration in which any one or more of the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B as the post-processing device 40 is not mounted, different types of surface effects within one page. In some cases, a surface effect that cannot be realized may occur depending on the configuration of the post-processing device 40.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when different types of surface effects are designated within one page and a part of the post-processing device 40 is not mounted, the DFE 50 has the part of the post-processing device 40 A surface effect that is difficult to be realized by not being mounted is replaced with a surface effect that can be realized by the printing apparatus 30 having the device configuration.

  Returning to FIG. 7, for this reason, the clear processing 56 of the present embodiment includes a surface effect type determination unit 56D, a replacement unit 56A, and a storage unit 56B. Note that device configuration information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing device 40 is input from the device configuration acquisition unit 58 to the clear processing 56.

  The surface effect type determination unit 56D refers to the surface effect selection table using the gloss control plane data input from the si1 unit 52, and performs the density value (pixel value) represented by each pixel constituting the gloss control plane data. Discriminate surface effects. That is, the surface effect type determination unit 56D determines the type of the surface effect specified by the user (the surface effect for each region (pixel) specified by the user) using the gloss control plane data and the surface effect selection table. Then, the determination result is output to replacement unit 56A.

  The storage unit 56B stores a surface effect selection table, a setting table (details will be described later), and the like. The surface effect selection table and the setting table are stored corresponding to each device configuration of the post-processing machine 40 (that is, corresponding to the device configuration information). The device configuration information is information indicating the type of device mounted on the printing device 30 as the post-processing device 40. For example, when only the glosser 80 is installed as the post-processing device 40 in the printing apparatus 30, the apparatus configuration information is information indicating the glosser 80.

  Although the details of the setting table will be described later, when different types of surface effects are designated within one page, depending on the device configuration (specifically, depending on the type and combination of the installed post-processing machine 40) Accordingly, setting contents for replacing a surface effect of a type that is difficult to be realized by the device configuration with a type of surface effect that can be realized among the surface effects specified by the user are stored. The setting contents indicate the ON / OFF setting of the glosser 80 and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B.

  The replacement unit 56A can realize the user-specified surface effect type received from the surface effect type determination unit 56D on the printing apparatus 30 based on the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information acquired from the device configuration acquisition unit 58. Replace with different types of surface effects. Specifically, by performing gloss control processing (described later) based on a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information, the replacement unit 56A can obtain a surface effect of a type that can be realized by the printing device 30. Sets the glosser 80 on / off. Further, the replacement unit 56A generates the clear toner plane data based on the setting table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information, so that the surface effect of the type that can be realized by the printing apparatus 30 can be obtained. Clear toner plane data used for at least one of the mounted post-processing device 90A and post-processing device 90B is generated.

  In this way, the replacement unit 56A prints the type of surface effect specified by the user by setting on / off of the glosser 80 and generating clear toner plane data based on the setting table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information. Replace with the type of surface effect that can be achieved with the device 30. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the processing by the replacement unit 56A may be referred to as replacement processing or clear toner plate generation processing.

  The replacement unit 56A then uses the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and the clear toner plane data used in an apparatus (at least one of the post-processor 90A and the post-processor 90B) installed as the post-processor 40. In addition, information indicating on / off of the glosser 80 is output to the printing apparatus 30.

  Note that the determination processing by the surface effect type determination unit 56D and the replacement processing by the replacement unit 56A are performed for each page. For this reason, the clear processing 56 appropriately generates clear toner plane data for each page and outputs the clear toner plane data to the printing apparatus 30 and, if necessary (when the glosser 80 is mounted), the glosser 80. Is output to the printing apparatus 30.

  Next, the setting table will be described.

  When different types of surface effects are specified within one page, the setting table is specified by the user according to the device configuration (specifically, according to the type and combination of the installed post-processing device 40). Among the surface effects, the setting contents for replacing the surface effects of a type difficult to realize by the device configuration with the types of surface effects that can be realized are stored. As described above, this setting table is stored in the storage unit 56B in association with the device configuration information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing device 40.

  More specifically, the setting table stores the type of surface effect specified by the user, the type of surface effect actually obtained, and the setting content in association with each other. Specifically, the setting content indicates clear toner plane data used in the printer 70, clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A, clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B, and ON / OFF of the glosser 80. On-off information.

  As described above, the setting table is stored in association with the device configuration information, and the setting content corresponding to the device configuration information is stored in the setting table. That is, the setting content stored in the setting table includes clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A, clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B, and on / off information indicating the glosser 80 on / off according to the apparatus configuration information. And at least one of them.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 56B is a device that indicates a device configuration in which all the post-processing devices 40 (grosser 80, post-processing device 90A, and post-processing device 90B) are mounted as setting tables corresponding to the device configuration information. Configuration information, device configuration information indicating the configuration of the post-processing device 40 in which the post-processing device 90A is not installed, and the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B in the post-processing device 40 are installed. A device configuration information indicating a device configuration that does not exist and a setting table corresponding to each of them are stored.

  FIG. 12 shows, as an example, a setting table for an apparatus configuration in which all the post-processing devices 40 (grosser 80, post-processing device 90A, and post-processing device 90B) are mounted. This figure shows clear toner plane data for realizing PG (mirror gloss), G (solid gloss), M (halftone matte), and PM (matte) on the same recording medium. Although the glosser 80 can be set to only one of ON and OFF on the same sheet, the figure is an example of the glosser 80 being ON.

  Specifically, in the setting table shown in FIG. 12, PG (specular gloss) is realized for an area where the user-specified surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is PG (specular gloss). Is set to “INV-1” (any one of the inverse masks A, B, and C in FIG. 10), the glosser 80 is turned on, and the post-processor 90A is set. In addition, the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is indicated as “no data” (no data). This setting indicates that PG (specular gloss) can be obtained in the printing apparatus 30 having the configuration with respect to PG (specular gloss) which is a user-specified surface effect.

  Further, in the setting table shown in FIG. 12, the setting for realizing G (solid gloss) for an area where the user-designated surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is G (solid gloss). The contents are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 12, for the area where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss), the clear toner plane data used by the printer 70 is “INV-m” (inverse of FIG. 10). One of the masks 1 to 4 is applicable), the glosser 80 is turned on, the clear toner plate data used in the post-processing device 90A is set to “solid”, and the clear toner plate data used in the post-processing device 90B is set to “no data”. (No data). With this setting, it is shown that G (solid gloss) can be obtained in the printing apparatus 30 having the configuration with respect to G (solid gloss) which is a surface effect specified by the user.

  Further, in the setting table shown in FIG. 12, M (halftone mat) is realized for an area where the user-specified surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is M (halftone mat). The setting contents of are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 12, for the area where the user-specified surface effect is M (halftone matte), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “no data” (no data). The glosser 80 is turned on, the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A is “halftone-n”, and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is “no data” (no data). ing. This setting indicates that M (halftone mat) can be obtained in the printing apparatus 30 configured as described above with respect to M (halftone mat) which is a user-specified surface effect.

  The setting table shown in FIG. 12 includes setting contents for realizing PM (matte) for an area where the user-specified surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is PM (matte). It is shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 12, for the area where the user-specified surface effect is PM (matte), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “no data” (no data), and the glosser is used. 80 is turned on, the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A is “no data” (no data), and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is “solid”. This setting indicates that PM (matte) can be obtained in the printing apparatus 30 having the configuration with respect to PM (matte) that is a user-specified surface effect.

  In FIG. 13, as an example, the setting corresponding to the device configuration information indicating the device configuration in which the post-processing device 90 </ b> A is not mounted among the post-processing devices 40 (Glosser 80, post-processing device 90 </ b> A, and post-processing device 90 </ b> B). Shown table.

  In the setting table shown in FIG. 13, the user-designated surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is replaced with PG (specular gloss) for the region identified as G (solid gloss), and the user-designated surface effect. It is indicated that the type of the surface effect is replaced with PM (matte) for the region determined as M (halftone mat). The other surface effects (PG and PM) are shown to remain as user-specified surface effects.

  Further, the clear toner plane data setting table shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned on as a setting content for realizing the surface effect, and the surface effect specified by each user. Clear toner plane data used in each of the printer 70 and the post-processor 90B is shown.

  Specifically, the setting table shown in FIG. 13 shows the setting contents for realizing PG (specular gloss) for an area where the user-specified surface effect is PG (specular gloss). As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 13, for the area where the user-specified surface effect is PG (mirror gloss), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-1” (inverse of FIG. 10). It is indicated that any one of the masks A, B, and C is applicable), the glosser 80 is turned on, and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is “no data” (no data). With this setting, PG (mirror gloss) is obtained with respect to PG (mirror gloss), which is a user-specified surface effect, in the printing apparatus 30 of the configuration (configuration without the post-processing device 90A). It has been shown that

  Further, in the setting table shown in FIG. 13, for an area where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss), the device configuration is replaced with G (solid gloss) that cannot be realized by the device configuration corresponding to the setting table. The setting contents for realizing PG (mirror gloss) that can be realized with the above are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 13, for the area where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-m” (inverse of FIG. 10). One of the masks 1 to 4 is applicable), and the glosser 80 is turned on, and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 90B is “no data” (no data). This setting indicates that the surface effect G is replaced with a realizable PG (mirror gloss) with respect to G (solid gloss) which is a user-specified surface effect.

  Similarly, in the setting table shown in FIG. 13, for a region where the user-specified surface effect is M (halftone mat), instead of M (halftone mat) that cannot be realized by the device configuration corresponding to the setting table, The setting contents for realizing PM (matte) that can be realized by the device configuration are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 13, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “no data” (no data) for the area where the user-specified surface effect is M (halftone matte). It is shown that the glosser 80 is turned on and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is “solid”. By setting in this way, it is shown that the surface effect M is replaced with PM (matte) that can be realized by the device configuration for M (halftone mat) which is a user-specified surface effect. ing.

  Further, in the setting table shown in FIG. 13, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “no data” (no data) for the area where the user-specified surface effect is PM (matte), and the glosser 80 is used. Is turned on, and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is indicated as “solid”. With this setting, the surface effect PM can be obtained in the printing apparatus 30 having the configuration (the configuration not including the post-processing device 90A) with respect to PM (matte) that is the user-specified surface effect. It is shown.

  FIG. 14 shows, as an example, an apparatus configuration showing an apparatus configuration in which the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B are not mounted among the post-processing devices 40 (grosser 80, post-processing device 90A, and post-processing device 90B). The setting table corresponding to the information is shown.

  The setting table shown in FIG. 14 indicates that an area where the user-designated surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is determined to be PG as it is. Then, an area determined to have a user-specified surface effect of G (solid gloss) is replaced with PG (specular gloss), and the user-specified surface effect is M (halftone matte) and PM (matte). It is shown that the determined area is replaced with G (solid gloss).

  In addition, the setting table shown in FIG. 14 is used by the printer 70 corresponding to the user-specified surface effect and information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned on as the setting content for realizing the surface effect. Clear toner plane data is shown.

  Specifically, the setting table shown in FIG. 14 realizes PG (specular gloss) that can be realized by a device configuration corresponding to the setting table for an area where the user-specified surface effect is PG (specular gloss). The setting contents to do are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 14, for an area where the user-specified surface effect is PG (mirror gloss), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-1” (inverse of FIG. 10). One of the masks A, B, and C is applicable) and the glosser 80 is turned on. With this setting, with respect to PG (specular gloss) which is a surface effect specified by the user, in the printing apparatus 30 having the configuration (the configuration without the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B), the PG ( It is shown that a (specular gloss) can be obtained.

  Further, in the setting table shown in FIG. 14, for a region where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss), the device configuration is replaced with G (solid gloss) that cannot be realized by the device configuration corresponding to the setting table. The setting contents for realizing PG (mirror gloss) that can be realized with the above are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 14, for the area where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-m” (inverse of FIG. 10). One of the masks 1 to 4 is applicable), and the glosser 80 is turned on. This setting indicates that the surface effect G is replaced with PG (specular gloss) for G (solid gloss) which is a user-specified surface effect.

  Similarly, in the setting table shown in FIG. 14, for a region where the user-specified surface effect is M (halftone mat), M (halftone mat) that cannot be realized by the device configuration corresponding to the setting table is used. The setting contents for realizing G (solid gloss) that can be realized by the apparatus configuration are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 14, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “no data” (no data) for the area where the user-specified surface effect is M (halftone matte). , Turning on the glosser 80 is shown. By setting in this way, it is shown that the surface effect M is replaced with G (solid gloss) that can be realized by the apparatus configuration, for M (halftone matte) that is a user-specified surface effect. ing.

  Further, in the setting table shown in FIG. 14, in the area where the user-specified surface effect is PM (matte), the device configuration is replaced with PM (matte) that cannot be realized by the device configuration corresponding to the setting table. The setting contents for realizing G (solid gloss) that can be realized with the above are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 14, for the area where the user-specified surface effect is PM (matte), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “no data” (no data), and the glosser is used. It is shown that 80 is turned on. It is shown that, by setting in this way, a surface effect G (solid gloss) that can be realized in the printing apparatus 30 having the configuration can be obtained with respect to PM (matte) that is a user-specified surface effect. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, in the case of an apparatus configuration in which any of the post-processing machines 40 is not mounted, settings different from those in the case where all of the post-processing machines 40 are mounted are made. A setting table is prepared.

  Such a setting table created for each device configuration information is stored in the storage unit 56B.

  Next, a gloss control process performed by the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the DFE 50 receives the image data from the host device 49 (step S1), the DFE 50 interprets the language data, converts the image data expressed in the vector format into the raster format, and converts the color space expressed in the RGB format or the like. Conversion into a color space such as C, M, Y, K format, etc., yields 8-bit colored plane data and 8-bit gloss control plane data for the C, M, Y, K color planes (step S2). The DFE 50 performs gamma correction on the 8-bit color plane data of each of the C, M, Y, and K color planes using the 1D_LUT gamma curve generated by the calibration, and the gamma-corrected image data is corrected. Then, for example, halftone processing for conversion to a data format of 2 bits each of C, M, Y, K for color data for output to the printer 70 is performed, and C, M, Y, Color data of 2 bits for each of K is obtained (step S3).

  Next, the device configuration acquisition unit 58 of the clear processing 56 executes a device configuration information acquisition process for acquiring device configuration information from the device configuration acquisition unit 58 (step S4). The device configuration acquisition unit 58 outputs the acquired device configuration information to the clear processing 56.

  FIG. 16 shows apparatus configuration information acquisition processing in step S4.

  First, as an initial setting, the glosser flag, the post-processor 90A flag, and the post-processor 90B flag are all turned off (step S100). The apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58 outputs an inquiry signal as to whether or not the glosser 80 is mounted on the printing apparatus 30 to the MIC 60. When a signal indicating an inquiry result is received from the MIC 60, it is determined whether or not the glosser 80 is mounted (step S101). If it is determined that the glosser 80 is mounted (step S101: Yes), the apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58 turns on an internal flag indicating that the glosser 80 is mounted (step S102).

  If it is determined that the glosser 80 is not installed (step S101: No), the process proceeds to step S103. Further, the process proceeds to step S103 after the process of step S102. Next, the apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58 outputs an inquiry signal as to whether or not the post-processing device 90A as a normal fixing processing device is mounted on the printing device 30 to the MIC 60. Then, when a signal indicating an inquiry result is received from the MIC 60, it is determined whether or not the post-processing device 90A is mounted (step S103). If it is determined that the post-processing device 90A is mounted (step S103: Yes), the apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58 turns on an internal flag indicating that the post-processing device 90A is mounted (step S104). .

  If it is determined that the post-processor 90A is not installed (step S103: No), the process proceeds to step S105. Further, the process proceeds to step S105 after the process of step S104. Next, the apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58 outputs an inquiry signal as to whether or not the post-processing device 90B as a low-temperature fixing processing device is mounted on the printing device 30 to the MIC 60. Then, when a signal indicating the inquiry result is received from the MIC 60, it is determined whether or not the post-processor 90B is mounted (step S105). If it is determined that the post-processing device 90B is mounted (step S105: Yes), the apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58 turns on an internal flag indicating that the post-processing device 90B is mounted (step S106). .

  If it is determined that the post-processing device 90B is not installed (step S105: No), this routine ends. The routine is also terminated after step S106.

  Returning to FIG. 15, next, the surface effect type determination unit 56D uses the 8-bit gloss control plane data obtained in step S2 to specify the surface designated for each pixel value indicated by the gloss control plane data. The type of effect is determined (step S5). Specifically, the surface effect type discriminating unit 56D reads the surface effect selection table corresponding to the device configuration information acquired from the device configuration acquisition unit 58 from the storage unit 56B, and refers to the read surface effect selection table. Using the bit gloss control plane data, the type of the surface effect designated for each pixel value indicated by the gloss control plane data is determined. Then, the surface effect type determination unit 56D makes such a determination for all the pixels constituting the gloss control plate.

  At this time, the surface effect type determination unit 56D further determines whether or not a different type of surface effect is designated within one page. In the processing routine shown in FIG. 15, a case where different types of surface effects are designated in one page will be described.

  That is, through the process of step S5, the surface effect type determination unit 56D acquires the type of surface effect specified by the user for each area of the image represented by the image data to be processed.

  Next, the replacement unit 56A reads a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information acquired in step S4 from the storage unit 56B (step S51).

  Next, based on the type of surface effect read in step S5 and the setting table read in step S51, the replacement unit 56A can realize a type of surface effect that cannot be realized by the replacement process, that is, the apparatus configuration. The clear toner plane data replaced with the surface effect is set and the glosser 80 is turned on / off (step S6).

  Specifically, the replacement unit 56A reads the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information acquired in step S4 from the storage unit 56B in step S51. That is, in the replacement unit 56A, the device configuration information acquired in step S4 is device configuration information indicating a device configuration in which all of the post-processing devices 40 (Glosser 80, post-processing device 90A, and post-processing device 90B) are mounted. If there is, the setting table shown in FIG. 12 is read from the storage unit 56B as the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information. If the device configuration information acquired in step S4 is device configuration information indicating the device configuration in which the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B are mounted as the post-processing device 40, the replacement unit 56A 13 is read from the storage unit 56B as the setting table corresponding to the above. In addition, when the device configuration information acquired in step S4 is device configuration information indicating a device configuration in which only the glosser 80 is mounted as the post-processing device 40, the replacement unit 56A sets corresponding to the device configuration information. As the table, the setting table shown in FIG. 14 described above is read from the storage unit 56B.

  Then, the replacement unit 56A applies to each device (at least one of the printer 70, the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B) mounted on the printing device 30 in the read setting table. Corresponding settings (glosser 80 on / off, each clear toner plane data) are read for each type of surface effect specified by the user acquired in step S5. Then, clear toner plane data is created for each installed post-processing device 40 and the glosser 80 is turned on / off.

  FIG. 17 shows a replacement process when the device configuration information indicating the mounting of the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B (that is, the device configuration information indicating the configuration of FIG. 8) is acquired in step S4 as the device configuration information. It was.

  In this case, the replacement unit 56A reads the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information indicating that only the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B are provided as the post-processing device 40. For example, the replacement unit 56A reads the setting table shown in FIG. 13 as the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information. Thereafter, the replacement unit 56A executes the process shown in FIG. 17 as the replacement process. FIG. 17 shows a replacement process when the setting table shown in FIG. 13 is read.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the replacement unit 56A sets the glosser 80 to ON (not shown) because the information indicating ON / OFF of the glosser 80 shown in the read setting table is “ON”. Then, the replacement unit 56A uses, as the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70, INV-1 for the region where the user-designated surface effect is specular gloss (PG), and the user-designated surface effect is solid gloss (G). For a certain area, clear toner plane data of INV-m is generated. In addition, the replacement unit 56A sets no data (no data) for the area where the surface effect specified by the user is the dot mat (M) and the matte (PM). That is, the replacement unit 56A does not create clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 for the area where the user-designated surface effect is halftone mat (M) and matte (PM). Returning to FIG. 17, in this way, the replacement unit 56A creates clear toner plane data (2-bit clear toner plane data) used in the printer 70 (step S110).

  Next, the replacement unit 56A sets no data (no data) for the areas where the user-specified surface effect is specular gloss (PG) and solid gloss (G) as the clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 90B. . That is, the replacement unit 56A does not create clear toner plane data to be used by the post-processing device 90B for areas where the user-specified surface effects are specular gloss (PG) and solid gloss (G). Further, the replacement unit 56A creates clear toner plane data of a solid mask as the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B for the area where the user-designated surface effect is halftone mat (M) and matte (PM). To do. As a result, the replacement unit 56A creates clear toner plane data (2-bit clear toner plane data) used in the post-processing device 90B (step S112). Then, this routine ends.

  Returning to FIG. 15, next, the DFE 50 uses the 2-bit color plane data of C, M, Y, and K after the halftone processing obtained in step S3, and the 2-bit clear toner plane appropriately generated in step S6. The data and on / off information indicating on / off of the glosser 80 determined in step S6 are output to the MIC 60 (step S7).

  Thus, this routine is finished.

  The MIC 60 turns the glosser 80 on or off based on on / off information output from the DFE 50 and indicating on or off of the glosser 80. Further, the MIC 60 integrates the C, M, Y, and K 2-bit color plane data, which is the image data output from the DFE 50, and the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 generated in step S6. Output to the printer 70. The printer 70 uses the C, M, Y, and K color plane data and the clear toner plane data output from the MIC 60 to irradiate a light beam from the exposure unit to form a toner image corresponding to each toner on the photoreceptor. Then, this is transferred to a recording medium and fixed. As a result, the clear toner in addition to the C, M, Y, and K toners is attached to the recording medium to form an image.

  Thereafter, when the recording medium is transported along the transport path 20 and reaches the position of the glosser 80, when the glosser 80 is turned on, the glosser 80 forms the image on the recording medium (the printer device 70). The area including the area) is re-fixed.

  Further, when the clear toner plane data output from the DFE 50 is the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A, the MIC 60 outputs the clear toner plane data to the post-processing device 90A. When the post-processing device 90 </ b> A is mounted on the post-processing device 40, the post-processing device 90 </ b> A receives the clear toner plane data from the MIC 60. Then, the post-processing device 90A forms a toner image by the clear toner using the clear toner plate data output from the MIC 60, and superimposes the toner image on the recording medium that has passed through the glosser 80, so that the normal temperature is reached. It is fixed on the recording medium by heating and pressing.

  Further, when the clear toner plane data output from the DFE 50 is the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B, the MIC 60 outputs the clear toner plane data to the post-processing device 90B. When the post-processing device 90B is mounted on the post-processing device 40, the post-processing device 90B receives the clear toner plane data from the MIC 60. Then, the post-processing device 90B forms a toner image with clear toner using the clear toner plane data output from the MIC 60, and superimposes the toner image on the recording medium that has passed through the post-processing device 90A. And fixing to the recording medium by heating and pressurizing.

  Therefore, for example, as described above, the post-processing device 90A is not mounted as the post-processing device 40, and the printing apparatus 30 (see FIG. 8) has an apparatus configuration including the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B. Assume that the setting table shown in FIG. 13 is stored in the storage unit 56B as the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information indicating the configuration. Assume that different types of surface effects are designated within one page.

  In this case, the gloss control process shown in FIG. 14 is executed, so that the recording medium transported through the transport path 20 and passed through the printer 70, the glosser 80, and the post-processor 90B is shown in FIG. As shown, the surface effect as the specular gloss (PG) is given to the area where the specular gloss (PG) is specified and the area where the solid gloss (G) is specified by the user. A surface effect as a matte (PM) is given to a region where the matte (PM) is designated by the user. It should be noted that no surface effect is given to a region that is not designated as a region that gives a surface effect.

  As described above, in the image forming system 10 according to the present embodiment, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 includes the surface effect type determination unit 56D, the replacement unit 56A, and the storage unit 56B that stores the surface effect selection table, setting table, and the like. It has. The setting table stores setting contents for replacing a surface effect of a type that is difficult to be realized by the device configuration with a type of surface effect that can be realized among the surface effects specified by the user. Further, the DFE 50 includes a device configuration acquisition unit 58 that acquires device configuration information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing device 40. The storage unit 56B stores the surface effect selection table and the setting table in association with the device configuration information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing device 40. Then, according to the device configuration of the post-processing device 40, the replacement unit 56 </ b> A is a setting content for replacing a surface effect of a type that is difficult to realize by the device configuration of the user-specified surface effects with a type of surface effect that can be realized The replacement unit 56A generates clear toner plane data to be used by the printer device 70, the post-processing device 90A, the post-processing device 90B, or the like. The printing apparatus 30 performs printing using the set on / off setting and the generated clear toner plane data.

  Therefore, even when a part of the post-processing device 40 is not mounted, the surface effect by the clear toner can be given to the recording medium on which the image is formed without taking time and effort of the user.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the printing control apparatus, the image forming system, the printing control method, and the program will be described. In addition, about the part which is common in the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, it demonstrates using the same code | symbol, and description may be abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment, on the DFE 50 side (clear processing 56 side) according to the configuration of the post-processing device 40, the clear toner plate of each post-processing device is set according to the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information. Along with the creation of data, the glosser 80 was turned on and off.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, apart from the user-specified surface effect indicated by the gloss control plane data, the user selects either gloss priority or type priority. In this embodiment, the glossy priority or type priority surface effect replacement process is performed in accordance with the selection content selected by the user.

  The gloss priority means that the surface effect specified by the user is replaced with a surface effect with higher glossiness. The type priority indicates that the surface effect specified by the user is replaced with a surface effect that does not include the highest glossy surface gloss (PG).

  Since the surface effect varies depending on how the toner is placed and the fixing method, there is a surface effect that is incompatible with some system configurations. For example, in a system including a glosser 80 as the printer 70 main body and the post-processing device 40, a high gloss effect using the glosser 80, a low gloss effect due to how toner is placed, a tactile effect, and the like are possible. However, when these are mixed in the same page, the low gloss effect and the tactile sensation effect are lost by using the glosser 80.

  As described above, even if the user can select the gloss priority or the type priority, the details such as how much PG is included in one page and the glosser 80 is turned on giving priority to the gloss. Cannot be set properly. For this reason, there is a problem in that the user has to judge and set whether to give priority to gloss for each page or to give priority to type for each page.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the PG size (area, number of pixels, etc.) required for the corresponding page is further calculated. If the PG size is smaller than a certain percentage of the entire page (for example, less than 5%), priority is given to the low gloss effect and the tactile effect even if gloss priority is set (priority priority). Output. As a result, it is possible to give a surface effect by the clear toner without any user effort.

  FIG. 18 shows the configuration of the DFE 500 in the image forming system of the present embodiment. The image forming system according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, except that the DFE 500 shown in FIG. 18 is used instead of the DFE 50 shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment. It is. For this reason, detailed description of the configuration other than the DFE 500 in the image forming system is omitted here.

  The DFE 500 has a hardware configuration such as a control unit such as a CPU that controls the entire apparatus, a main storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM that stores various data and various programs, and an auxiliary device such as an HDD that stores various data and various programs. And a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  As a functional configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the DFE 500 includes a rendering engine 51, a si1 unit 52, a TRC 53, a si2 unit 54, a halftone engine 55, a si3 unit 57, and a device configuration acquisition. Part 58 and clear processing 560. The clear processing 560 includes a surface effect type determination unit 56D, a storage unit 560B, a replacement unit 560A, and a calculation unit 560C.

  The DFE 500 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that a clear processing 560 is provided instead of the clear processing 56 of FIG. The clear processing 560 is the same as the clear processing 56 except that it includes a replacement unit 560A instead of the replacement unit 56A of FIG. 7, a storage unit 560B instead of the storage unit 56B of FIG. 7, and a calculation unit 560C. It is a configuration. For this reason, the same code | symbol is provided to the part which shows the same structure and function as each structure demonstrated in 1st Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The DFE 500 further includes a UI (User Interface) unit 59. The UI unit 59 displays various information and receives various instructions. In the present embodiment, the UI unit 59 displays a selection screen 22A for prompting the user to select the gloss effect shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, a selection screen 22A for the user to select either “gloss priority” or “type priority” is displayed on the UI unit 59.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen 22A for setting the gloss effect. As shown in FIG. 19, when giving priority to gloss control, the user can set a threshold value of the area ratio of specular gloss (PG) per page. Thus, the glosser 80 is turned on for pages with a PG area ratio equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the glosser 80 is turned off for pages with a PG area ratio smaller than the threshold value, giving priority to the type. Such a setting can be performed.

  Then, the user designates the display location of the selection button (for example, the OK button in FIG. 19) on the UI unit 59, and either “Glossy priority” or “Type priority” is selected and then displayed on the UI unit 59. The display location of the determined button (not shown) is indicated. As a result, a signal indicating “gloss priority” or “type priority” instructed by the user is output from the UI unit 59 to the replacement unit 560A of the clear processing 560.

  In this embodiment, the case where the UI unit 59 is provided in the DFE 500 will be described. However, the UI unit 59 may be provided in a personal computer that inputs image data to the DFE 500. That is, the DFE 500 may accept a signal indicating “glossy priority” or “type priority” from the personal computer.

  The storage unit 560B stores a surface effect selection table corresponding to the device configuration information, similarly to the storage unit 56B. The storage unit 560B stores a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information and the type of gloss effect as the setting table.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 560B indicates a device configuration in which all the post-processing devices 40 (grosser 80, post-processing device 90A, and post-processing device 90B) are mounted as setting tables corresponding to device configuration information. A setting table corresponding to the configuration information and the type of gloss effect is stored. In addition, the storage unit 560B has, as a setting table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information, a setting table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information indicating the apparatus configuration in which the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B are mounted, and the type of the gloss effect. Remember. In addition, the storage unit 560B stores, as a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information, device configuration information indicating the device configuration in which the glosser 80 is mounted, and a setting table corresponding to the type of gloss effect.

  Specifically, the storage unit 560B includes device configuration information indicating device configurations in which all of the post-processing devices 40 (Glosser 80, post-processing device 90A, and post-processing device 90B) are mounted, and the gloss effect “gloss priority”. 12 is stored as a setting table corresponding to the above.

  The storage unit 560B corresponds to the apparatus configuration information indicating the apparatus configuration in which all of the post-processing devices 40 (the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B) are mounted, and the gloss effect “type priority”. The setting table shown in FIG. 12 described above is stored as the setting table. This is because when all the post-processing machines 40 (grosser 80, post-processing machine 90A, and post-processing machine 90B) are mounted, there is no surface effect that cannot be realized by the configuration of the post-processing machine 40.

  In addition, the storage unit 560B has the apparatus configuration information indicating the apparatus configuration in which the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B are mounted as the post-processing device 40, and the setting table corresponding to the gloss effect “gloss priority” described above with reference to FIG. The setting table shown in FIG.

  Further, the storage unit 560B is illustrated in FIG. 20 as device configuration information indicating the device configuration in which the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B are mounted as the post-processing device 40, and a setting table corresponding to the gloss effect “type priority”. Store the setting table.

  The setting table shown in FIG. 20 shows information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned off and clear toner plane data used in each of the printer 70 and the post-processor 90B.

  Specifically, in the setting table shown in FIG. 20, for an area where the user-specified surface effect is PG (mirror gloss), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-1”, and the glosser 80 The clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is set to “no data” (no data). This setting indicates that G (solid gloss) can be obtained in the printing apparatus 30 with respect to PG (specular gloss) that is a user-specified surface effect.

  In the setting table shown in FIG. 20, for a region where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-m”, the glosser 80 is turned off, It is shown that the clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 90B is “no data” (no data). It is shown that the surface effect G can be obtained with respect to G (solid gloss), which is a user-specified surface effect, with this setting.

  Similarly, in the setting table shown in FIG. 20, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “halftone-n” and the glosser 80 is turned off for an area where the user-specified surface effect is M (halftone matte). The clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is “no data” (no data). It is shown that the surface effect M can be obtained with respect to M (halftone mat) which is a user-specified surface effect by setting in this way.

  Further, in the setting table shown in FIG. 20, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “no data” (no data) for the area where the user-specified surface effect is PM (matte), and the glosser 80 is used. It is shown that the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is “solid” (any of solid A, B, and C in FIG. 10 corresponds). And it is shown that the surface effect PM can be obtained with respect to PM (matte) which is a surface effect specified by the user by setting in this way.

  In addition, the storage unit 560B includes the setting table illustrated in FIG. 14 described above as the setting table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information indicating the apparatus configuration in which only the glosser 80 is mounted as the post-processing device 40 and the gloss effect “gloss priority”. Remember.

  In addition, the storage unit 560B stores apparatus configuration information indicating an apparatus configuration in which only the glosser 80 is mounted as the post-processing device 40, and a setting table illustrated in FIG. 21 as a setting table corresponding to the gloss effect “type priority”. To do.

  In the setting table shown in FIG. 21, the user-specified surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is replaced with G (solid gloss) for the region determined to be PG (specular gloss), and the user-specified surface effect. It is shown that the area determined to be PM (matte) is replaced with M (halftone mat).

  In the setting table shown in FIG. 21, information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned off and clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 are shown as setting contents for realizing the surface effect.

  Specifically, in the setting table shown in FIG. 21, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “INV-1” and the glosser 80 is used for an area where the user-specified surface effect is PG (mirror gloss). Has been shown to turn off. This setting indicates that G (solid gloss) can be obtained in the printing apparatus 30 with respect to PG (specular gloss) that is a user-specified surface effect.

  Further, in the setting table shown in FIG. 21, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “INV-m” and the glosser 80 is turned off for an area where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss). It has been shown. It is shown that the surface effect G can be obtained with respect to G (solid gloss), which is a user-specified surface effect, with this setting.

  Similarly, in the setting table shown in FIG. 21, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “halftone-n” (halftone in FIG. 10) for the area where the user-specified surface effect is M (halftone matte). Any of 1 to 4 is applicable), and the glosser 80 is turned off. It is shown that the surface effect M can be obtained with respect to M (halftone mat) which is a user-specified surface effect by setting in this way.

  Further, in the setting table shown in FIG. 21, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “no data” (no data) for the area where the user-specified surface effect is PM (matte), and the glosser 80 Has been shown to turn off. By setting in this way, it is shown that the surface effect PM (matte) is replaced with the surface effect M (halftone mat) for the user-specified surface effect PM (matte).

  The calculation unit 560C calculates a ratio (area) that represents a ratio of the size (for example, area) of a region to which a predetermined type of surface effect is applied among the types of surface effects to the size (for example, area) of the reference region. Rate). Note that the size (for example, area) of a region to which a specific type of surface effect is applied may be used as a calculated value instead of the size ratio (area ratio). For example, when the absolute value of the area of a region to which a specific type of surface effect is applied is smaller than a threshold value, output may be performed with priority on the type. Further, the size of the region does not need to be represented by an area, and any other index can be used. For example, the size of the area may be represented by the number of pixels.

  The reference area may be any area included in the recording medium. The reference area can be, for example, the entire area (one page) where image data can be printed. The reference region may be a region that imparts a surface effect of a type other than the specific type. Hereinafter, a case where PG is a specific type, one page is a reference area, and an area ratio is used as a calculated value will be described as an example.

  The replacement unit 560A replaces the PG surface effect with a surface effect of a type other than the specific type when the area ratio is smaller than the threshold. In the present embodiment, replacement unit 560A sets “gloss priority” to “type priority” when “gloss priority” is selected and the area ratio calculated by calculation unit 560C is smaller than the threshold. Replace. As a result, the surface effect of PG (mirror gloss) can be replaced with the surface effect of G (solid gloss).

  Replacement unit 560A reads, from storage unit 560B, the setting table corresponding to the user-designated surface effect type and the signal indicating “gloss priority” or “type priority” received from surface effect type determination unit 56D. . When “gloss priority” is replaced with “type priority” according to the area ratio as described above, replacement unit 560A reads the setting table corresponding to the designation after replacement. Then, replacement unit 560A generates clear toner plane data according to the setting content indicated by the read setting table. As a result, the replacement unit 560A, like the replacement unit 56A in the first embodiment, displays the type of the surface effect specified by the user received from the surface effect type determination unit 56D based on the read setting table. Replace with the type of surface effect that can be achieved with 30. That is, the replacement unit 560A generates the clear toner plane data so that the surface effect of the kind that can be realized by the printing apparatus 30 is obtained according to the apparatus configuration and the gloss priority or the kind priority.

  The replacement unit 560A sets the glosser 80 to ON when a signal indicating gloss priority is received. Further, replacement unit 560A sets glosser 80 to OFF when a signal indicating type priority is received.

  When the glosser 80 is set to ON, the specular gloss (PG) having the highest glossiness can be realized. For this reason, in the present embodiment, a character of “glossy priority” is displayed on the UI unit 59, and when this “glossy priority” is instructed (selected) by the user, the glosser 80 is turned on. Yes.

  As in the first embodiment, the replacement unit 560A outputs the clear toner plane data generated for each page and the on / off information for the glosser 80 to the printing apparatus 30.

  Next, a gloss control process performed by the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the DFE 500 executes the processing of step S1, step S2, step S3, step S4, step S5, step S600, step S601, step S602, step S603, and step S7 shown in FIG. 22 in this order. In FIG. 22, the processes in steps S1 to S5 and step S7 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 15 in the first embodiment. For this reason, the details of the processes in steps S600 to S603, which are different processes, will be described here.

  After performing the process of step S5, the replacement unit 560A of the DFE 500 performs a gloss effect reading process (step S600). By the processing in step S600, replacement unit 560A reads either type priority or gloss priority.

  As described above, when the user instructs the UI unit 59 to operate, a signal indicating gloss priority or type priority is output to the replacement unit 560A of the clear processing 560 via the selection screen 22A. The replacement unit 560A that receives the signal indicating the gloss priority or the type priority stores the signal in the storage unit 560B when receiving the signal. Then, each time the signal is newly received from the UI unit 59, the replacement unit 560A overwrites and stores the signal in the storage unit 56B.

  At the time of processing in step S600, the replacement unit 560A reads the signal indicating the gloss priority or the type priority as the gloss effect by reading the signal from the storage unit 56B.

  Next, an area determination process for replacing priority designation (glossy priority or type priority) according to the area ratio is executed (step S601). Details of the area determination process will be described later.

  Next, the replacement unit 560A reads the apparatus configuration information acquired in step S4 and the setting table corresponding to the gloss effect (type priority or gloss priority) read in step S600 and replaced in step S601 as necessary. Read from the storage unit 560B (step S602).

  Next, based on the setting table read in step S602, the replacement unit 560A generates clear toner plane data in which a surface effect of a type difficult to be realized by a replacement process, that is, an apparatus configuration is replaced with a type of surface effect that can be realized. Then, the glosser 80 is turned on / off (step S603).

  In step S603, the replacement unit 560A, as described above, if the gloss effect is a signal indicating gloss priority, information indicating that the glosser 80 is on, and the device configuration information acquired in step S5 described above. The replacement process is performed using setting tables corresponding to both of the above. On the other hand, in step S603, the replacement unit 560A supports both the information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned off and the apparatus configuration information acquired in step S5 when the gloss effect is a signal indicating type priority. The replacement process is performed using the setting table.

  Thereafter, the replacement unit 560A ends the routine after performing the process of step S7.

  Next, details of the area determination process in step S601 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of area determination processing according to the second embodiment.

  First, the replacement unit 560A determines whether gloss priority or type priority is specified (step S2301). If the type priority is specified (step S2301: type priority), the area determination process ends because the priority specification replacement is unnecessary.

  When gloss priority is designated (step S2301: gloss priority), the calculation unit 560C calculates the PG area ratio per page (step S2302). The replacement unit 560A determines whether or not the calculated area ratio of the PG is greater than or equal to a threshold (step S2303).

  If the area ratio of the PG is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S2303: Yes), the area determination process is terminated because the priority designation replacement is unnecessary. When the area ratio of PG is smaller than the threshold value (step S2303: No), the replacement unit 560A replaces the designated “gloss priority” with “type priority” (step S2304), and ends the area determination process.

  FIG. 24 shows processing performed by the MIC 60. In FIG. 24, information indicating whether the glosser 80 is on or off from the DFE 500 or clearing to the printing apparatus 30 on which the glosser 80 and at least one of the post-processing machine 90A and the post-processing machine 90B are mounted as the post-processing machine 40 are shown. The case where data including toner plate data is transmitted is shown.

  When the data output from the DFE 500 to the MIC 60 by the process of step S7 (see FIG. 22) is input to the MIC 60, the information indicating the ON / OFF of the glosser 80 included in the input data is the information indicating ON or OFF. (Step S201). When it is determined that the information indicates that the glosser 80 is on (step S201: glosser On (gloss priority)), the glosser 80 is set to on (step 202).

  Then, the MIC 60 transmits each clear toner plane data included in the input data to the corresponding mounted post-processing device 40 (at least one of the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B) (step S203). ). Then, this routine ends. Here, by the processing of step S603 (see FIG. 22) by the DFE 500, the clear toner plane data is a surface of a kind that is difficult to realize by the apparatus configuration among the surface effects specified by the user when the glosser 80 is turned on. It is generated based on a setting table indicating setting contents for replacing the effect with a surface effect of a realizable type. For this reason, the MIC 60 transmits the clear toner plane data at the time of gloss priority to the corresponding post-processing device 40 as the clear toner plane data.

  On the other hand, when the MIC 60 determines in the step S201 that the information indicates that the glosser 80 is turned off (step S201: glosser off (type priority)), the glosser 80 is turned off (step 204).

  Then, the MIC 60 transmits each clear toner plane data included in the input data to the corresponding mounted post-processing device 40 (at least one of the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B) (step S205). ). Then, this routine ends. Here, by the processing of step S603 (see FIG. 22) by the DFE 500, the clear toner plane data is a surface of a kind that is difficult to be realized by the apparatus configuration among the surface effects specified by the user when the glosser 80 is turned off. It is generated based on a setting table indicating setting contents for replacing the effect with a surface effect of a realizable type. For this reason, the MIC 60 transmits the clear toner plane data when priority is given to the corresponding post-processing device 40 as the clear toner plane data.

  Hereinafter, details of the gloss control processing in the present embodiment will be described using specific examples.

  As described above, when the information indicating only the glosser 80 is input as the device configuration information and the glossy effect set by the user via the UI unit 59 is “type priority”, the replacement unit 560A receives the device configuration information and The setting table shown in FIG. 20 is read as a setting table corresponding to the gloss effect “type priority”. Then, replacement unit 560A performs the replacement process using the read setting table shown in FIG.

  For this reason, the replacement unit 560A performs the replacement process according to the setting table shown in FIG. 20, so that in the printing apparatus 30 in which only the glosser 80 is mounted as the post-processor 40, the configuration of the post-processor 40 and the user In accordance with the “type priority” instruction (turning off the glosser 80) designated by, printing can be performed with the surface effect not including the specular gloss (PG) having the highest glossiness.

  Further, when information indicating only the glosser 80 is input as the device configuration information and the gloss effect set by the user via the UI unit 59 is “gloss priority”, the replacement unit 560A receives the device configuration information and the gloss effect “ The setting table shown in FIG. 14 is read as the setting table corresponding to “gloss priority”. Then, the replacement unit 560A performs the replacement process using the read setting table shown in FIG.

  For this reason, the replacement unit 560A performs the replacement process according to the setting table shown in FIG. 14, so that in the printing apparatus 30 in which only the glosser 80 is mounted as the post-processor 40, the configuration of the post-processor 40 and the user In accordance with the “glossy priority” instruction (Glosser 80 is turned on) designated by the user, printing can be performed with the surface effect not including M (halftone matte) and PM (matte).

  The replacement unit 560A receives the device configuration information when information indicating the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B is input as the device configuration information and the gloss effect set by the user via the UI unit 59 is “type priority”. 21 is read as a setting table corresponding to the gloss effect “type priority”. Then, the replacement unit 560A performs the replacement process using the read setting table shown in FIG.

  The setting table shown in FIG. 21 indicates that an area for which the user-specified surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is determined to be PG (mirror gloss) is replaced with G (solid gloss). .

  For this reason, when “type priority” is selected by the user in the apparatus configuration, by using the setting table shown in FIG. 21, the surface effect specified by the user is obtained with the specular gloss (PG) having the highest glossiness. Printing that is replaced with a surface effect not included is possible.

  For this reason, the replacement unit 560A performs a replacement process according to the setting table shown in FIG. 21, so that the printing apparatus 30 in which the glosser 80 and the post-processing machine 90B are mounted as the post-processing machine 40 has Based on the configuration and the instruction of “type priority” specified by the user (turning off the glosser 80), it is possible to perform printing in which the surface effect does not include the specular gloss (PG) having the highest glossiness.

  Further, the replacement unit 560A receives the information on the installation of the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B as the device configuration information, and the glossy effect set by the user via the UI unit 59 is “gloss priority”. The setting table shown in FIG. 13 is read as a setting table corresponding to the information and the gloss effect “gloss priority”. Then, the replacement unit 560A performs the replacement process using the read setting table shown in FIG.

  For this reason, the replacement unit 560A performs replacement processing according to the setting table shown in FIG. 13, whereby the post-processing device 40 includes the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B. PG (Specular Gloss) is used for an area where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss) based on the configuration and the user-designated “gloss priority” (Glosser 80 is turned on) instruction. In the case where the user-specified surface effect is determined to be M (halftone matte), the type of surface effect can be replaced with PM (matte) to form an image on the recording medium.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, based on the apparatus configuration information indicating the apparatus configuration of the printing apparatus 30 (post-processing device 40), the kind of surface effect that is difficult to be realized by the printing apparatus 30 is given priority by the type designated by the user. Alternatively, the surface effect can be replaced with a type of surface effect that can be realized by the printing apparatus 30 in accordance with an instruction indicating gloss priority.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print result when a plurality of surface effects are designated. Assume that a job for outputting a page P1 composed of specular gloss, touch pattern, and halftone mat is input. The page P1 includes a region that gives the surface effect of specular gloss, touch pattern, and halftone mat. In this case, when the gloss priority is designated and the area ratio of PG is equal to or greater than a threshold value (for example, 5%), the glosser 80 is turned on. Then, as shown on the page P1a, the glosser 80 causes the tactile sensation pattern and the halftone dot mat to have a specular gloss equivalent.

  On the other hand, when the gloss priority is designated and the area ratio of PG is less than 5%, or when the kind priority is designated, the glosser 80 is turned off. As shown on page P1b, the tactile sensation pattern and the halftone dot mat can achieve the expected effects, but the specular gloss portion does not use the glosser 80 and thus corresponds to a solid gloss with low gloss.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when gloss priority is instructed, if the size of PG is smaller than a certain percentage of the entire page (for example, less than 5%), output is performed with priority on type. To do. As a result, it is possible to appropriately give the surface effect by the clear toner without user's trouble.

  In this embodiment, the type of surface effect is replaced according to the acquired device configuration information, but a calculated value representing the size of the region to which the surface effect is applied is used without using the device configuration information. The surface effect type may be replaced. For example, when it is known that at least the glosser 80 is provided, the on / off of the glosser 80 may be controlled according to only the area ratio of the region to which PG is applied. Thereby, for example, even when the surface effect of PG is specified, when the area ratio is small, the glosser 80 is turned off, and post-processing by the glosser 80 that can be expensive can be avoided.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the print control apparatus, the image forming system, the print control method, and the program will be described. In addition, about the part which is common in the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, it demonstrates using the same code | symbol, and description may be abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the conveyance path 20 provided in the printing apparatus 30 conveys the recording medium in this order to the position where the printer device 70 is provided and the position where the post-processing device 40 is provided. Then, the case where it is provided to discharge to the outside of the printing apparatus 30 has been described.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the conveyance path 20 includes two conveyance paths, that is, a conveyance path 20A and a conveyance path 20B. The conveyance path 20A is a conveyance path for conveying the recording medium in this order to the position where the printer 70 is provided and the position where the post-processing device 40 is provided. The conveyance path 20B conveys the recording medium in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the recording medium by the conveyance path 20A, and the recording medium that has passed through the post-processing device 40 is again upstream from the printer 70 (conveyance path 20A). This is a transport path for returning to the upstream side in the transport direction.

  In the present embodiment, it is difficult to realize the surface effect of the type specified by the user only by conveying the recording medium once from the printer 70 to the post-processing device 40 due to the apparatus configuration of the post-processing device 40. In such a case, the recording medium is repeatedly conveyed from the printer 70 to the post-processor 40 a plurality of times. Then, printing is performed on the basis of information indicating the ON / OFF state of the glosser 80 set for each number of times of conveyance and the clear toner plane data.

  FIG. 26 schematically shows the image forming system 10B of the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 27 schematically shows the configuration of the printing apparatus 30C in the present embodiment.

  The image forming system 10B according to the present embodiment includes a DFE 502 and a printing apparatus 30C. The printing apparatus 30C is configured by connecting an MIC 60, a printer machine 70, and a post-processing machine 40. Furthermore, a conveyance path 20 is provided in the printing apparatus 30C.

  The conveyance path 20 includes a conveyance path 20 </ b> A, a conveyance path 20 </ b> B, and a switching unit 22. The conveyance path 20A conveys the recording medium from the printer 70 side to the post-processing unit 40 side in this order (refer to the arrow A direction in FIGS. 26 and 27). The conveyance path 20B conveys the recording medium in the direction opposite to the arrow A direction (the arrow B direction in FIGS. 26 and 27). Specifically, the transport path 20B transports the recording medium that has passed through the post-processing device 40 by being transported through the transport path 20A away from the transport path 20A and transports the recording medium in the reverse direction (arrow B direction). The printer 20 is configured to be supplied upstream from the printer 70 in the direction of arrow A.

  Of the transport path 20A and the transport path 20B, the transport path 20A is an area where various processes (printing, fixing, etc.) are performed by the processing devices of the printer 70 and the post-processing device 40 provided in the printing apparatus 30C. It is provided so as to sequentially convey the recording medium. On the other hand, the conveyance path 20 </ b> B is provided so as to convey the recording medium in an area where the processing by the processing devices of the printer 70 and the post-processing device 40 is not performed.

  For this reason, the recording medium is in a state in which various processes can be performed by the printer 70 and the post-processing device 40 when being conveyed through the conveyance path 20A, and the various processes are performed when being conveyed through the conveyance path 20B. Not done.

  A conveyance member (not shown) is provided in the conveyance path 20A, and the recording medium on the conveyance path 20A is conveyed in the arrow A direction. Similarly, a conveyance member (not shown) is provided for the conveyance path 20B, and the recording medium on the conveyance path 20B is conveyed in the arrow B direction.

  In addition, a switching unit 22 is provided in the transport path 20. The switching unit 22 causes the recording medium transported on the transport path 20 to be transported on the transport path 20A and then discharged to the outside of the printing apparatus 30C, or is transported on the transport path 20A and passes through the post-processing device 40. The recording medium is switched to one of the states in which the recording medium is transported on the transport path 20B and returned to the transport path 20A again. The switching unit 22 is electrically connected to the MIC 60 and performs switching according to a signal input from the MIC 60.

  FIG. 28 shows the configuration of the DFE 502 in the image forming system 10B of the present embodiment.

  The image forming system 10B according to the present embodiment uses a DFE 502 shown in FIG. 28 instead of the DFE 50 shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment, and also includes a transport path 20A and a transport path as the transport path 20. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except that 20B and the switching unit 22 are provided. For this reason, about the member which has the same function as the member demonstrated in 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The DFE 502 has a hardware configuration such as a control unit such as a CPU that controls the entire apparatus, a main storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM that stores various data and various programs, and an auxiliary device such as an HDD that stores various data and various programs. And a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  As a functional configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the DFE 502 includes a rendering engine 51, a si1 unit 52, a TRC 53, a si2 unit 54, a halftone engine 55, a si3 unit 57, and a device configuration acquisition. Part 58 and clear processing 562. The clear processing 562 includes a surface effect type determination unit 56D, a storage unit 56B, and a replacement unit 562A.

  The DFE 502 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that a clear processing 562 is provided instead of the clear processing 56 of FIG. Further, the clear processing 562 has the same configuration as the clear processing 56 except that a replacement unit 562A is provided instead of the replacement unit 56A of FIG. For this reason, the same code | symbol is provided to the part which shows the same structure and function as each structure demonstrated in 1st Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The storage unit 56B stores a surface effect selection table and a setting table, as in the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the setting table is a surface effect of a type that can realize a surface effect of a type that is difficult to be realized by the device configuration among the user-specified surface effects according to the device configuration of the post-processing device 40. The setting contents to be replaced with were stored. As the setting contents, clear toner plate data used in the printer 70, clear toner plate data used in the post-processing device 90A, clear toner plate data used in the post-processing device 90B, and on / off information indicating on / off of the glosser 80 are stored. Was.

  In the present embodiment, as the setting contents, the number information indicating how many times the conveyance path 20 is reciprocated, and the setting contents corresponding to each number of times (clear toner plate data used in the printer 70, post-processing machine 90A). Clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B, and on / off information indicating on / off of the glosser 80).

  That is, the setting table of the present embodiment is stored in the storage unit 56B in correspondence with the device configuration information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing device 40, but each setting table contains the recording medium in the transport path 20. The setting contents for each number of times of conveyance (ON / OFF of glosser 80, clear toner plane data) are stored.

  In FIG. 29, as an example, the setting corresponding to the device configuration information indicating the device configuration in which the post-processing device 90A is not mounted among the post-processing devices 40 (the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B). Shown table.

  In the setting table shown in FIG. 29, information indicating the number of times of conveyance is stored as the number of times of conveyance for realizing each surface effect (see P1 and P2 in FIG. 29). In order to realize a user-specified surface effect, setting contents corresponding to each number of conveyances are shown.

  Specifically, in the setting table shown in FIG. 29, for a region where the user-specified surface effect is PG (specular gloss), when the recording medium is conveyed for the first time (see P1), the printer 70 It is shown that the clear toner plane data to be used is “INV-1”, the glosser 80 is turned on, and the clear toner plane data to be used in the post-processing device 90B is “no data” (no data). Then, when the recording medium is conveyed for the second time (see P2), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “no data” (no data), and the glosser 80 is turned off. It is shown that the clear toner plane data used in 90B is “no data” (no data). In this way, by setting the glosser 80 on / off setting and the clear toner plane data to the above contents during the first conveyance and the second conveyance of the recording medium, the surface effect specified by the user PG ( It is shown that PG (mirror gloss) can be obtained with respect to (mirror gloss).

  Similarly, in the setting table shown in FIG. 29, for the area where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss), the clear used in the printer 70 is used when the recording medium is conveyed for the first time (see P1). It is shown that the toner plate data is “INV-m”, the glosser 80 is turned on, and the clear toner plate data used in the post-processing device 90B is “no data” (no data). When the recording medium is transported for the second time in this area (refer to P2), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “solid”, the glosser 80 is turned off, and the clear toner used in the post-processor 90B. It is shown that the plate data is “no data” (no data). In this way, by setting the glosser 80 on / off setting and the clear toner plane data as described above during the first conveyance and the second conveyance of the recording medium, the surface effect G ( It is shown that G (solid gloss) is obtained with respect to (solid gloss).

  Similarly, in the setting table shown in FIG. 29, the area whose user-specified surface effect is M (halftone matte) is used by the printer 70 when the recording medium is conveyed for the first time (see P1). It is shown that the clear toner plane data is “no data” (no data), the glosser 80 is turned on, and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 90B is “no data” (no data). Then, when the recording medium is conveyed for the second time (see P2), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “halftone-n”, the glosser 80 is turned off, and the post-processor 90B is used. It is shown that the clear toner plane data is “no data” (no data). In this way, by setting the glosser 80 on / off and the clear toner plane data as described above during the first conveyance and the second conveyance of the recording medium, the surface effect specified by the user M ( It is shown that M (halftone mat) is obtained for halftone mat).

  Similarly, in the setting table shown in FIG. 29, for the area where the user-specified surface effect is PM (matte), the clear toner used in the printer 70 is used when the recording medium is conveyed for the first time (see P1). It is shown that the plate data is “no data” (no data), the glosser 80 is turned on, and the clear toner plate data used in the post-processor 90B is “no data” (no data). Then, when the recording medium is conveyed for the second time (see P2), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “no data” (no data), and the glosser 80 is turned off. It is shown that the clear toner plane data used in 90B is “solid”. In this way, by setting the glosser 80 on / off setting and the clear toner plane data to the above contents during the first conveyance and the second conveyance of the recording medium, PM (which is a surface effect specified by the user). It is shown that PM (matte) can be obtained for (matte).

  Note that the setting table shown in FIG. 29 is an example, and an apparatus configuration indicating an apparatus configuration in which the post-processing device 90A is not mounted among the post-processing devices 40 (the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B). As the setting table corresponding to the information, the setting table shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 may be used. Any one of these setting tables (FIGS. 29 to 31) may be stored in the clear processing 562 in association with the device configuration information indicating the device configuration in which the post-processing device 90A is not mounted.

  Note that the setting table shown in FIG. 30 is a setting table corresponding to device configuration information indicating a device configuration in which the post-processing device 90A is not mounted, similarly to the setting table shown in FIG. However, the setting table shown in FIG. 30 is set when the fixing temperature of the post-processing device 90B equipped with a low-temperature fixing device as the fixing device provided as the post-processing device 40 can be switched by the control signal input from the MIC 60. It is a table. The setting table shown in FIG. 30 will be described later.

  31 is a setting table corresponding to apparatus configuration information indicating an apparatus configuration in which the post-processing device 90A is not mounted, similarly to the setting table illustrated in FIG. In the setting table shown in FIG. 31, the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B for the user-designated surface effect PM (matte) is the reverse of FIG. Is set.

  Similar to the replacement unit 56A in the first embodiment, the replacement unit 562A prints the surface effect type specified by the user received from the surface effect type determination unit 56D based on the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information. Replace with the type of surface effect that can be achieved with the device 30. However, the setting table in the present embodiment is used as the setting table used in the replacement process.

  Next, a gloss control process performed by the image forming system 10B according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the DFE 502 executes the processing of step S1, step S2, step S3, step S4, step S5, step S51, step S604, and step S606 shown in FIG. 32 in this order. In FIG. 32, the processing of step S1 to step S51 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 15 in the first embodiment.

  After performing the process of step S51, the replacement unit 562A of the DFE 502 performs the replacement process (step S604). This replacement process is the same as the process in step S6 (see FIG. 15) described in the first embodiment, except that the setting table in the present embodiment is used.

  Specifically, replacement unit 562A reads a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information acquired in step S4 from storage unit 56B. Then, the replacement unit 562A applies to each device (at least one of the printer 70, the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B) mounted on the printing apparatus 30 in the read setting table. Corresponding settings (glosser 80 on / off, clear toner plane data) are read for each type of surface effect specified by the user acquired in step S5 and for each number of conveyances. Then, clear toner plane data is created for each installed post-processing device 40 and the glosser 80 is turned on / off.

  For example, it is assumed that the apparatus configuration information indicating the mounting of the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B is acquired as the apparatus configuration information in step S4. Then, it is assumed that the setting table shown in FIG. 29 is stored in the storage unit 56B as a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information.

  In this case, the replacement unit 562A determines that the information indicating ON / OFF of the glosser 80 set in the first transfer count (see P1 in FIG. 29) shown in the read setting table is ON. The glosser 80 is turned on as information corresponding to the first time.

  Then, the replacement unit 562A uses “INV-1” for the area where the user-designated surface effect is specular gloss (PG) as the clear toner plane data used by the printer 70 corresponding to the first conveyance count, and the user designation. For the area where the surface effect is solid glossy (G), “INV-m” clear toner plane data is generated. Further, the replacement unit 562A sets “no data” (no data) for a region where the user-specified surface effect is a halftone mat (M) and a matte (PM). In this way, the replacement unit 562A creates clear toner plane data (2-bit clear toner plane data) used in the printer 70 corresponding to the first conveyance count.

  Similarly, the replacement unit 562A creates clear toner plane data used by the post-processing device 90B corresponding to the first conveyance number. Specifically, the replacement unit 562A uses the specular gloss (PG), solid gloss (G), halftone dot as user-specified surface effects as the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B corresponding to the first conveyance count. All areas of the mat (M) and the matte (PM) are set to “no data” (no data). That is, clear toner plane data is not created.

  Next, since the information indicating the on / off state of the glosser 80 set in the second conveyance number (see P2 in FIG. 29) indicated in the read setting table is OFF, the replacement unit 562A is off. The glosser 80 is set off as information corresponding to the second time.

  Then, the replacement unit 562A uses “no data” (no data) for an area where the surface effect specified by the user is specular gloss (PG) as the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 corresponding to the second conveyance count. And Further, the replacement unit 562A generates “solid” clear toner plane data for a region where the surface effect specified by the user is solid glossy (G). In addition, the replacement unit 562A generates “halftone-n” clear toner plane data for an area where the surface effect specified by the user is a halftone mat (M). Further, the replacement unit 562A sets “no data” (no data) for a region where the user-specified surface effect is frosted (PM). In this way, the replacement unit 562A creates clear toner plane data (2-bit clear toner plane data) used in the printer 70 corresponding to the second conveyance count.

  Similarly, the replacement unit 562A creates clear toner plane data used by the post-processing device 90B corresponding to the second conveyance count. Specifically, the replacement unit 562A uses the specular gloss (PG), solid gloss (G), and halftone screen as user-specified surface effects as the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B corresponding to the second transfer count. The area of the point mat (M) is “no data” (no data). That is, clear toner plane data is not created. Further, the replacement unit 562A sets “clear” as the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B for the area where the surface effect specified by the user is matte (PM). In this way, the replacement unit 562A creates clear toner plane data (2-bit clear toner plane data) used by the post-processing device 90B corresponding to the second conveyance count.

  Returning to FIG. 32, the DFE 50 then outputs information indicating the total number of conveyance times set in step S <b> 604 to the MIC 60. That is, when the process of step S604 is performed using the setting table shown in FIG. 29, information indicating the number of conveyances “2” is output to the MIC 60. Further, the DFE 502 corresponds to the C, M, Y, and K 2-bit color plane data after the halftone processing obtained in step S3 and 2 corresponding to the first conveyance number generated for the printer 70 in step S604. Integrate with bit clear toner data. Then, the integrated image data, the information indicating the printer 70, and the information indicating the first number of times of conveyance are associated with each other and output to the MIC 60. Further, the DFE 502 associates the clear toner plate data corresponding to the first conveyance number generated for the post-processing device 90B in step S604, the information indicating the post-processing device 90B, and the information indicating the first conveyance number. Output to MIC60. In addition, the DFE 50 outputs on / off information indicating ON / OFF of the glosser 80 corresponding to the first conveyance number set in step S604 to the MIC 60 in association with the information indicating the first conveyance number. Further, the DFE 50 includes 2-bit clear toner plate data corresponding to the second number of times of conveyance generated in step S604, information indicating the second number of times of conveyance, and information indicating the corresponding printer 70 or the post-processing device 90B. The data is output to the MIC 60 in association. Further, the DFE 502 outputs on / off information indicating ON / OFF of the glosser 80 corresponding to the second transfer number set in step S604 to the MIC 60 in association with information indicating the second transfer number (step S606). ). Thereafter, this routine is terminated.

  If the replacement unit 562A creates data corresponding to the number of times of conveyance of 3 or more in step S604, the data corresponding to the number of times of conveyance is transmitted to the MIC 60 in the process of step S606 in the same manner as described above. Output.

  The MIC 60 performs the following processing based on the data output from the DFE 502 by the processing in step S606.

  FIG. 33 shows specific processing performed by the MIC 60 of the present embodiment. FIG. 33 shows the MIC 60 in the case where the processing based on the setting table shown in FIG. 29 is performed in step S604 (that is, the case where data is generated and set for two times of conveyance). An example of the process was shown.

  As shown in FIG. 33, first, the MIC 60 reads information indicating the number of times of conveyance included in the data output from the DFE 502. Then, the first transfer process (see the first pass in FIG. 33) is performed.

  Specifically, the MIC 60 sets the glosser 80 on the basis of information indicating on / off of the glosser 80 corresponding to the first transfer count. Here, as described above, since the setting of the glosser 80 corresponding to the first conveyance number is on, it is set to on (step S301).

  Next, the MIC 60 transmits the image data and the clear toner plane data corresponding to the information indicating the first conveyance count included in the data output from the DFE 502 to the corresponding printer 70 and the post-processing device 40 (step S40). 302).

  Specifically, the MIC 60 integrates the image data (after the halftone processing obtained in step S3) associated with the information indicating the first conveyance count and the printer 70 included in the data output from the DFE 502. The C, M, Y, and K 2-bit color plane data and 2-bit clear toner plane data corresponding to the first conveyance number) are output to the printer 70. In addition, the MIC 60 outputs clear toner plane data associated with information indicating the first conveyance count and the post-processing device 90B included in the data output from the DFE 502 to the post-processing device 90B.

  The printer 70 uses the C, M, Y, and K color plane data and the clear toner plane data output from the MIC 60 to irradiate a light beam from the exposure unit to form a toner image corresponding to each toner on the photoreceptor. And transferred to a recording medium. As a result, the clear toner in addition to the C, M, Y, and K toners is attached to the recording medium to form an image.

  Thereafter, when the recording medium is conveyed along the conveyance path 20A (in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 26 and 27) and reaches the position of the glosser 80, when the glosser 80 is turned on, the glosser 80 is Then, the recording medium is fixed again.

  Further, when the recording medium is transported along the transport path 20A and reaches the position of the post-processing device 90B, the post-processing device 90B performs fixing processing according to the clear toner plane data received from the MIC 60.

  Next, the MIC 60 outputs a signal indicating a paper loop instruction to the switching unit 22 (step S303). The paper loop instruction indicates that the recording medium is repeatedly conveyed to the conveyance path 20A again. The MIC 60 performs this process when the information indicating the number of times of conveyance included in the data received from the DFE 502 is 2 or more.

  The switching unit 22 that has received the signal indicating the paper loop instruction has been transported through the transport path 20A and has passed through the position where the post-processing device 40 is provided (that is, all mounted as the post-processing device 40). The recording medium is transported in the direction of arrow B through the transport path 20B and transported again upstream from the printer 70 in the transport direction (direction of arrow A) in the transport path 20A. Let Specifically, the switching unit 22 controls a conveyance member (not shown) provided along the conveyance path 20A and the conveyance path 20B so that the conveyance is performed.

  Accordingly, the recording medium is returned so that the recording medium processed by the printer 70 and the post-processing device 40 is processed again by the printer 70 and the post-processing device 40.

  Next, the MIC 60 performs processing corresponding to the second transfer count (see the second pass in FIG. 33).

  Specifically, the MIC 60 sets the glosser 80 to OFF based on information indicating ON / OFF of the glosser 80 corresponding to the second transfer count included in the data output from the DFE 502 (step S304).

  Next, the MIC 60 transmits the clear toner plane data corresponding to the information indicating the second conveyance number included in the data output from the DFE 502 to the corresponding printer 70 or the post-processing device 40 (step 305).

  Specifically, the MIC 60 outputs the clear toner plane data associated with the information indicating the second number of times of conveyance and the printer device 70 included in the data output from the DFE 502 to the printer device 70. In addition, the MIC 60 outputs clear toner plane data associated with information indicating the second number of times of conveyance and the post-processing device 90B included in the data output from the DFE 502 to the post-processing device 90B.

  The printer 70 uses the clear toner plane data output from the MIC 60 to irradiate a light beam from the exposure device to form a toner image corresponding to the clear toner on the photosensitive member, and transfers the toner image to a recording medium. As a result, the clear toner is transferred to the recording medium on which various types of image formation and gloss processing corresponding to the first conveyance number are performed by the first conveyance number.

  Thereafter, when the recording medium is conveyed along the conveyance path 20A (in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 26 and 27) and reaches the position of the glosser 80, if the glosser 80 is off, the glosser 80 Without being subjected to the heating and pressurizing treatment, it is further transported to the post-processing machine 90B.

  When the recording medium is conveyed along the conveyance path 20A and reaches the position of the post-processing device 90B, the post-processing device 90B performs fixing processing according to the clear toner plane data received from the MIC 60.

  As described above, in the image forming system 10B according to the present embodiment, the surface of the type specified by the user can be obtained only by transporting the recording medium once from the printer 70 to the post-processing device 40 by the configuration of the post-processing device 40. When it is difficult to realize the effect, the recording medium is repeatedly conveyed from the printer 70 to the post-processor 40 a plurality of times. Then, based on the information indicating the ON / OFF state of the glosser 80 and the clear toner plane data set for each number of times of conveyance, the formation of the image with the C, M, Y, K toner and the clear toner adhered, and the toner image by the clear toner And re-fixing by the glosser 80 are performed.

  For this reason, even when a part of the post-processing machine is not installed, the surface effect by the clear toner can be given to the recording medium on which the image is formed without taking time and effort of the user.

  In this embodiment, the case where the fixing temperature of the fixing device provided in the post-processing device 90B is not changed has been described. However, the post-processing device 90B has a fixing device that can switch the fixing temperature. The printing apparatus 30C may be configured to include the machine 90B. In this case, the DFE 502 may perform the gloss control process using a setting table including information indicating the fixing temperature by the fixing device provided in the post-processing device 90B.

  Now, returning to FIG. 30, the outline of the setting table shown in FIG. 30 will be described. The setting table shown in FIG. 30 is a setting table corresponding to device configuration information indicating a device configuration in which the post-processing device 90A is not mounted, similarly to the setting table shown in FIG. Note that the setting table shown in FIG. 30 is a setting table when the fixing temperature of the post-processing device 90B equipped with a low-temperature fixing device as a fixing device can be switched by a control signal input from the MIC 60.

  Specifically, in the setting table shown in FIG. 30, the region where the user-specified surface effect is PG (mirror gloss) and the region where PM (matte) is the same setting as in FIG. However, in the setting table shown in FIG. 30, when the user-designated surface effect is G (solid gloss), the clear used by the post-processing device 90B during the conveyance of the recording medium for the first conveyance (see P1). It is shown that the toner plate data is “solid” and the fixing temperature in the fixing device mounted on the post-processing device 90B is set to the normal temperature. In the setting table shown in FIG. 30, when the user-designated surface temperature is M (halftone mat), the post-processor 90B uses the transfer at the first transfer (see P1) transfer. It is shown that the clear toner plane data is “halftone-n” and the fixing temperature in the fixing device of the post-processing device 90B is set to the normal temperature.

  Therefore, when the fixing temperature of the fixing device mounted on the post-processing device 90B is changeable, the replacement unit 562A of the DFE 502 mounts the post-processing device 90B as a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information. Based on the setting table including the information indicating the temperature setting of the fixing machine, the clear toner plane data may be generated and the glosser 80 may be turned on / off. Information indicating that the fixing temperature of the post-processing device 90B can be changed is input to the clear processing 562 via the MIC 60 and the device configuration acquisition unit 58 as device configuration information including the information. What should I do? In this case, when data is output from the DFE 502 to the MIC 60 in the process of step S606 (see FIG. 32), data including information indicating the temperature setting of the post-processor 90B may be transmitted. Then, in the MIC 60, when the clear toner plane data associated with the information indicating the post-processing device 90B included in the data received from the DFE 502 further includes information indicating the temperature setting, the temperature setting is performed. Information to be shown may be transmitted to the post-processor 90B. If the information received from the MIC 60 includes information indicating the temperature setting, the post-processing device 90B may perform fixing by the fixing device at the temperature indicated by the information indicating the temperature setting.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the conveyance path 20B is configured such that the recording medium conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction (see the arrow A direction in FIGS. 26 and 27) from the post-processing device 40 in the conveyance path 20A is the conveyance path. The case where the printer 20 is provided so as to return to the upstream side in the transport direction from the printer 70 has been described. However, the conveyance path 20A may be provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the printer 70 in the conveyance path 20A from a position between the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 40 in the conveyance path 20A. .

  Further, when the fixing device mounted on the post-processing device 90B has a configuration capable of changing the fixing temperature as described above, the transport path 20B is downstream in the transport direction from the post-processing device 40 in the transport path 20A. The recording medium that has been transported to the back side may be returned to the area between the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 40 in the transport path 20A.

  Further, the fixing temperature may be set by a fixing device (not shown) for fixing the toner image provided in the main body of the printer device 70. In this case, the recording medium conveyed to the downstream side of the glosser 80 along the conveyance path 20A is returned to the upstream side of the printer machine 70, and the fixing temperature of the fixing machine of the printer machine 70 is switched (low temperature or normal temperature). , And a setting table set to switch the glosser 80 on and off. Then, the DFE 502 may perform processing based on the setting table.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the print control apparatus, the image forming system, the print control method, and the program will be described. In addition, about the part which is common in the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, it demonstrates using the same code | symbol, and description may be abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, apart from the user-specified surface effect indicated by the gloss control plane data, the user selects any one of all effects, gloss priority, and type priority. In the present embodiment, a surface effect replacement process designated by the user is performed according to the selection content selected by the user.

  In addition, all effect provision shows provision of the multiple types of surface effect realizable with the printing apparatus which all the post-processing machines 40 have. Note that the definitions of gloss priority and type priority have been described in the above embodiment, and will be omitted.

  FIG. 34 shows the configuration of the DFE 504 in the image forming system of the present embodiment. Note that the image forming system according to the present embodiment includes the printing apparatus 30C (see FIG. 27) having the transport path 20A, the transport path 20B, and the switching unit 22 described in the third embodiment. The forming system 10B (see FIG. 26) has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment except that the DFE 504 shown in FIG. 34 is used instead of the DFE 502 shown in FIG. For this reason, detailed description of the configuration other than the DFE 504 in the image forming system is omitted here.

  The DFE 504 has a hardware configuration such as a control unit such as a CPU that controls the entire apparatus, a main storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM that stores various data and various programs, and an auxiliary device such as an HDD that stores various data and various programs. And a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  As a functional configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 34, the DFE 504 includes a rendering engine 51, a si1 unit 52, a TRC 53, a si2 unit 54, a halftone engine 55, a si3 unit 57, and a device configuration acquisition. Part 58 and clear processing 564. The clear processing 564 includes a surface effect type determination unit 56D, a storage unit 560B, a replacement unit 564A, and a calculation unit 560C.

  The DFE 504 has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment, except that a clear processing 564 is provided instead of the clear processing 562 (see FIG. 28). The clear processing 564 has the same configuration as the clear processing 562 (see FIG. 28) except that it includes a replacement unit 564A instead of the replacement unit 562A and further includes a calculation unit 560C similar to that of the second embodiment. For this reason, the same code | symbol is provided to the part which shows the same structure and function as each structure demonstrated in 2nd and 3rd Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The DFE 504 further includes a UI (User Interface) unit 59A. The UI unit 59A displays various information and receives various instructions. In the present embodiment, a selection screen 22B for prompting the user to select the gloss effect shown in FIG. 35 is displayed on the UI unit 59A. In the present embodiment, a selection screen 22B for the user to select one of “all effect provision”, “gloss priority”, and “type priority” is displayed on the UI unit 59A.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen 22B for setting the gloss effect. As shown in FIG. 35, when priority is given to gloss control, the user can set a threshold for the area ratio of specular gloss (PG) per page.

  Then, when the user indicates the display location of the selection button (for example, the OK button in FIG. 35) in the UI unit 59A, any of “All effects”, “Glossy priority”, and “Type priority” is selected. Later, the display location of the determination button (not shown) displayed on the UI unit 59A is instructed. As a result, a signal indicating “all effect applied”, “gloss priority”, or “type priority” instructed by the user is output from the UI unit 59A to the replacement unit 564A of the clear processing 564.

  When the replacement unit 564A receives a signal indicating the gloss priority from the UI unit 59A, the replacement unit 564A sets the glosser 80 to ON. In addition, when the replacement unit 564A receives a signal indicating the type priority from the UI unit 59A, the replacement unit 564A sets the glosser 80 to OFF. In addition, when the replacement unit 564A receives a signal indicating that all effects have been applied from the UI unit 59A, as described in the fourth embodiment, the replacement medium is repeatedly sent from the printer device 70 to the post-processing device 40 a plurality of times. A replacement process is performed so as to be conveyed.

  Then, printing is performed on the basis of information indicating the ON / OFF state of the glosser 80 set for each number of times of conveyance and the clear toner plane data.

  The storage unit 560B stores a surface effect selection table and a setting table, as in the third embodiment.

  That is, the storage unit 560B stores a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information and the type of gloss effect as the setting table.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 560B indicates a device configuration in which all the post-processing devices 40 (grosser 80, post-processing device 90A, and post-processing device 90B) are mounted as setting tables corresponding to device configuration information. A setting table corresponding to the configuration information and the type of gloss effect is stored. In addition, the storage unit 560B has, as a setting table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information, a setting table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information indicating the apparatus configuration in which the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B are mounted, and the type of the gloss effect. Remember. In addition, the storage unit 560B stores, as a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information, device configuration information indicating the device configuration in which the glosser 80 is mounted, and a setting table corresponding to the type of gloss effect.

  Further, in the present embodiment, “gloss priority” and “type priority” are included as “gloss priority” and “type priority” as the types of gloss effects.

  Similar to replacement unit 560A in the second embodiment, replacement unit 564A can realize the type of user-specified surface effect received from surface effect type determination unit 56D in printing apparatus 30 based on the setting table. Replace with the type of surface effect. However, in the present embodiment, the replacement unit 564A corresponds to both the gloss effect (gloss priority or type priority) and device configuration information instructed by the user via the UI unit 59A as the setting table used during the replacement process. The replacement process is performed using the setting table.

  Next, a gloss control process performed by the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the DFE 504 executes the processes of step S1, step S2, step S3, step S4, step S5, step S700, step S701 to step S703, and step S606 shown in FIG. 36 in this order. In FIG. 36, the processing from step S1 to step S5 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 15 in the first embodiment. For this reason, the details of the processes in steps S700 to S606, which are different processes, will be described here.

  After performing the process of step S5, the replacement unit 564A of the DFE 504 performs a gloss effect reading process (step S700).

  As described above, when the UI unit 59A is instructed by the user, a signal indicating all effects, gloss priority, or type priority is output to the replacement unit 564A of the clear processing 564 via the selection screen 22B. . Assume that the replacement unit 564A that has received the signal indicating the all effects, the gloss priority, or the type priority stores the signal in the storage unit 560B when the signal is received. Then, every time the signal is newly received from the UI unit 59A, the replacement unit 564A overwrites and stores the signal in the storage unit 560B.

  Then, at the time of processing in step S700, the replacement unit 564A reads the signal from the storage unit 560B to read a signal indicating gloss priority or type priority as the gloss effect.

  Next, an area determination process for replacing priority designation (glossy priority or type priority) according to the area ratio is executed (step S701). The area determination process is the same as in FIG.

  Next, the replacement unit 564A reads from the storage unit 560B the apparatus configuration information acquired in step S4 and the setting table corresponding to the glossy effect read in step S700 and replaced in step S701 as necessary (step S700). S702).

  Next, the replacement unit 564A uses the setting table read in step S702 to generate clear toner plane data in which a surface effect of a type difficult to be realized by a replacement process, that is, an apparatus configuration is replaced with a type of surface effect that can be realized. Then, the glosser 80 is turned on / off (step S703).

  In step S703, the replacement unit 564A responds to both the information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned on and the apparatus configuration information acquired in step S5 when the gloss effect is a signal indicating gloss priority. The replacement process is performed using the setting table. On the other hand, in step S703, the replacement unit 564A responds to both the information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned off and the device configuration information acquired in step S5 when the gloss effect is a signal indicating type priority. The replacement process is performed using the setting table. In addition, when the glossy effect read in step S700 is a signal indicating all effects, the replacement unit 564A uses both the information indicating all effects and the apparatus configuration information acquired in step S5. The replacement process is performed using the corresponding setting table.

  Thereafter, if the gloss effect is a signal indicating gloss priority or type priority, the replacement unit 564A performs the same processing as step S7 (see FIG. 22) described in the second embodiment, and then executes this routine. finish. On the other hand, when the glossy effect read in step S700 is a signal indicating all effects, the replacement unit 564A performs the same processing as step S606 (see FIG. 32) described in the third embodiment. This routine is finished later.

  FIG. 37 shows processing performed by the MIC 60. FIG. 37 shows a case where data is transmitted to the MIC 60 of the printing apparatus in which the glosser 80 and at least one of the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B are mounted as the post-processing device 40.

  When the data is input from the DFE 504 by the above process, the MIC 60 determines whether or not the information indicating the type of the selected gloss effect included in the input data is information indicating the provision of all effects (step). S401).

  If the information indicating the type of gloss effect is information indicating that all effects have been given (step S401: Yes), the processing in steps S301 to S305 described in the third embodiment (see FIG. 33). ) Is executed, this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the information indicating the type of the gloss effect is not information indicating the provision of all effects (step S401: No), the processing in steps S201 to S205 described in the second embodiment (see FIG. 24). ), This routine is terminated.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, even when a part of the post-processor is not installed, the surface effect by the clear toner is given to the recording medium on which the image is formed without taking time and effort of the user. be able to.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the first to fourth embodiments, the print data is generated by the host device 49, the clear processing 56 is provided in the DFE 50, and the clear toner plane data is generated by the DFE 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something.

  That is, any one of a plurality of processes performed by one apparatus may be performed by one or more other apparatuses connected to the one apparatus via a network.

  As an example, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, a part of the DFE function is mounted on a server device on the network.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 38, the image forming system of the present embodiment includes a host device 49, a DFE 3050, an MIC 60, and a printing device 30.

  In this embodiment, the DFE 3050 is connected to the server device 3060 via a network such as the Internet. In the present embodiment, the server device 3060 is provided with the function of the clear processing 560 of the DFE 500 of the second embodiment.

  Here, the connection configuration of the host device 49, the DFE 3050, the MIC 60, and the printing device 30 is the same as that of the second embodiment.

  Specifically, in the fifth embodiment, the DFE 3050 is connected to a single server device 3060 via a network (cloud) such as the Internet, and the server device 3060 is the same as that of the second embodiment. A function of the clear processing 560 of the DFE 500 is provided, and the server device 3060 is configured to perform clear toner plane data generation processing.

  First, the server device 3060 will be described. FIG. 39 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a server device 3060 according to the fifth embodiment. The server device 3060 mainly includes a storage unit 3070, a surface effect type determination unit 3062, a replacement unit 3063, a calculation unit 3064, and a communication unit 3065.

  The storage unit 3070 is a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory, and stores a surface effect selection table and a setting table. Note that the information stored in the storage unit 3070 is the same as the storage unit 56B (see FIGS. 7 and 28) and the storage unit 560B (FIG. 18) described in the above embodiment. That is, the storage unit 3070 stores a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information.

  The communication unit 3065 exchanges various data and requests with the DFE 3050. More specifically, the communication unit 3065 receives gloss control plane data, clear plane data, device configuration information, and the like from the DFE 3050. The gloss control plane data, clear plane data, and apparatus configuration information are the same as those in the above embodiment. The communication unit 3065 transmits the generated clear toner plane data and on / off information to the DFE 3050.

  The surface effect type discriminating unit 3062 has the same function as the surface effect type discriminating unit in the second embodiment, and uses the gloss control plane data received by the DFE 3050 via the communication unit 3065 and uses the surface effect selection table. , The surface effect on the density value (pixel value) represented by each pixel constituting the gloss control plane data is determined. Then, the determination result is output to replacement section 3063.

  The replacement unit 3063 has the same function as the replacement unit in the second embodiment. The replacement unit 3063 receives the user-specified surface effect type received from the surface effect type determination unit 3062 based on the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information acquired from the DFE 3050 via the communication unit 3065. Replace with the type of surface effect that can be achieved. As a result, the replacement unit 3063 sets the glosser 80 on / off and generates clear toner plane data.

  The calculation unit 3064 has the same function as the calculation unit 560C of the second embodiment. The calculation unit 3064 calculates a calculated value (area ratio or the like) that represents a ratio of the size of the region to which the specific type of surface effect is applied to the size of the reference region.

  Next, the DFE 3050 will be described. FIG. 40 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the DFE 3050 according to the fifth embodiment. The DFE 3050 of this embodiment mainly includes a rendering engine 51, an si1 unit 3052, a TRC 53, an si2 unit 3054, a halftone engine 55, an si3 unit 3057, and an apparatus configuration acquisition unit 3058. . Here, the functions and configurations of the rendering engine 51, the TRC 53, and the halftone engine 55 are the same as those of the DFE 500 of the second embodiment.

  The si1 unit 3052 outputs C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data to the TRC 53, and sends 8-bit gloss control plane data and clear plane data to the server device 3060 via an interface (not shown). Output to.

  The si2 unit 3054 outputs the C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data subjected to gamma correction by the TRC 53 to the server device 3060 as data for generating an inverse mask. Further, the si2 unit 3054 outputs C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data after gamma correction to the halftone engine 55.

  In addition, the si3 unit 3057 includes 2-bit color plane data of C, M, Y, and K after halftone processing, and 2-bit clear toner plane data received from the server device 3060 via an interface (not shown). And the integrated image data is output to the MIC 60. The si3 unit 3057 also outputs on / off information for the glosser 80 output from the clear processing 56 to the MIC 60.

  The device configuration acquisition unit 3058 has the same function as the device configuration acquisition unit in the second embodiment. The device configuration acquisition unit 3058 transmits the acquired device configuration information to the server device 3060.

  Next, a gloss control process performed by the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the DFE 3050 receives image data from the host device 49 (step S4600), the DFE 3050 interprets the language data, converts the image data expressed in the vector format into the raster format, and converts the color space expressed in the RGB format or the like. Conversion into a color space such as C, M, Y, K format, etc. yields C, M, Y, K 8-bit color plane data and 8-bit gloss control plane data (step S4602).

  Next, the DFE 3050 transmits the gloss control plane data generated in step S4602 to the server device 3060 (step S4604).

  Next, the DFE 3050 performs gamma correction with the 1D_LUT gamma curve generated by the calibration on the C, M, Y, and K 8-bit color plane data, and performs the gamma correction on the image data after the gamma correction. For example, halftone processing for conversion to a 2-bit data format for each of C, M, Y, and K for output to the printer 70 is performed, and 2 bits for each of C, M, Y, and K after halftone processing are performed. Colored plane data is obtained (step S4605).

  Next, the device configuration acquisition unit 3058 executes device configuration information acquisition processing for acquiring device configuration information (step S4608). Note that the apparatus configuration acquisition process in step S4608 is the same as the apparatus configuration information acquisition process described in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the device configuration acquisition unit 3058 transmits the acquired device configuration information to the server device 3060 (step S4610).

  Next, the DFE 3050 receives clear toner plane data and on / off information indicating whether the glosser 80 is on or off from the server device 3060 (step S4612).

  Next, the DFE 3050 has two-bit color C, M, Y, and K color plane data after halftone processing obtained in step S4606, clear toner plane data received from the server apparatus 3060 in step S4612, and on / off information. Are output to the MIC 60 (step S4614).

  Thus, this routine is finished.

  Next, clear toner plane data generation processing executed by the server device 3060 will be described.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the clear toner plane data generation process executed by the server device 3060.

  First, the communication unit 3065 of the server device 3060 receives gloss control plane data from the DFE 3050 (step S4620). Next, the communication unit 3065 receives device configuration information from the DFE 3050 (step S4622).

  Next, the surface effect type determination unit 3062 uses the 8-bit gloss control plane data received in step S4620 to determine the type of surface effect designated for each pixel value indicated by the gloss control plane data. (Step S4624).

  Next, the replacement unit 3063 performs a gloss effect reading process (step S4626). For example, the replacement unit 3063 reads a signal indicating gloss priority or type priority as a gloss effect by reading a signal indicating gloss priority or type priority from the storage unit 3070. The signal indicating the gloss priority or the type priority is specified by, for example, a UI unit (not shown) provided in the DFE 3050, transmitted from the DFE 3050 to the server device 3060, and stored in the storage unit 3070.

  Next, an area determination process for replacing priority designation (glossy priority or type priority) according to the area ratio is executed (step S4628). The area determination process is the same as in FIG.

  Next, the replacement unit 3063 reads from the storage unit 3070 the apparatus configuration information acquired in step S4622 and the setting table corresponding to the gloss effect read in step S4626 and replaced in step S4628 as necessary (step S4622). S4630).

  Next, based on the type of surface effect read in step 4624 and the setting table read in step S4630, the replacement unit 3063 can realize a type of surface effect that cannot be realized by the replacement process, that is, the apparatus configuration. The clear toner plane data replaced with the surface effect is generated and the glosser 80 is turned on / off (step S4632). The replacement process in step S4632 is the same as that in the second embodiment.

  Next, the communication unit 3065 transmits the generated clear toner plane data and on / off information to the DFE 3050 (step S4634), and this routine is ended.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the clear processing function is provided in the server device 3060, and the clear toner plane data is generated by the server device 3060 on the cloud. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, even when there are a plurality of DFE 3050, clear toner plane data can be generated in a lump, which is convenient for the administrator.

  In this embodiment, a single server device 3060 on the cloud is provided with a clear processing function, and the server device 3060 generates clear toner plane data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not a thing.

  For example, two or more server devices may be provided on the cloud, and the above processing may be executed by being distributed among the two or more server devices. FIG. 43 is a network configuration diagram in which two servers (a first server device 3860 and a second server device 3861) are provided on the cloud. In the example of FIG. 43, the first server device 3860 and the second server device 3861 are configured to perform surface effect type determination processing and replacement processing in a distributed manner.

  In addition, the form of distribution of each process to each server apparatus is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily performed.

  Also, some or all of the print data generation processing performed by the host device 49 and other processing performed by the DFE 3050 may be concentrated on a single server device on the cloud or distributed among a plurality of server devices. Things can be done arbitrarily.

  In other words, as in the above-described example, any one of a plurality of processes performed by one device can be performed by one or more other devices connected to the one device via a network.

  In addition, in the case of the above-mentioned “configuration performed by one or more other devices connected to one device via a network”, data (information) generated by processing performed by one device is transferred from one device to another. The configuration includes data input / output processing performed between one device and another device, such as processing to output to the device, processing to input the data to another device, and between other devices. .

  That is, in the case where there is one other device, the configuration includes data input / output processing performed between the one device and the other device. When there are two or more other devices, the one device and the other device Data input / output processing is included between other devices, such as between the devices and between the first other device and the second other device.

  In the fifth embodiment, a plurality of server devices such as the server device 3060 or the first server device 3860 and the second server device 3861 are provided on the cloud. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the server device 3060 or a plurality of server devices such as the first server device 3860 and the second server device 3861 may be provided on any network such as an intranet.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Further, various modifications as exemplified below are possible.

  FIG. 44 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the DFEs 50, 500, 502, 504, and 3050, the server device 3060, the first server device 3860, and the second server device 3861 of the present embodiment. The DFEs 50, 500, 502, 504, and 3050, the server device 3060, the first server device 3860, and the second server device 3861 of the present embodiment include a control device 1010 such as a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM, and the like. A main storage device 1020, an auxiliary storage device 1030 such as an HDD or a CD drive device, a display device 1040 such as a display device, and an input device 1050 such as a keyboard or a mouse, and a hardware using a normal computer The hardware configuration.

  The programs executed by the DFE 50, 500, 502, 504, 3050, the server device 3060, the first server device 3860, and the second server device 3861 according to this embodiment are files in an installable format or an executable format and are CDs. The program is provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

  In addition, the programs executed by the DFE 50, 500, 502, 504, 3050, the server device 3060, the first server device 3860, and the second server device 3861 of this embodiment are executed on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet. You may comprise so that it may provide by storing and downloading via a network. Further, the programs executed by the DFE 50, 500, 502, 504, 3050, the server device 3060, the first server device 3860, and the second server device 3861 of the present embodiment are provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. It may be configured. In addition, the control program executed by the DFE 50, 500, 502, 504, 3050, the server device 3060, the first server device 3860, and the second server device 3861 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like. It may be configured.

  The programs executed by the DFE 50, 500, 502, 504, 3050, the server device 3060, the first server device 3860, and the second server device 3861 according to the present embodiment are the above-described units (rendering engine 51, si1 unit 52, TRC 53). , Si2 unit 54, halftone engine 55, si3 unit 57, clear processing 56, device configuration acquisition unit 58, surface effect type determination unit 3062, replacement unit 3063, device configuration acquisition unit 3058). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out and executes a control program from the storage medium, whereby the respective units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the respective units are generated on the main storage device. Yes. In the above-described embodiment, the DFE 50, 500, 502, 504, 3050, the server device 3060, the first server device 3860, and the second server device 3861 execute the processing according to the present invention. The type of the apparatus that executes the process according to the present invention is arbitrary, and the process can be executed by a PC, for example.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image forming system is configured to include the DFE 50 (500, 502, 504), the MIC 60, the printer device 70, and the post-processing device 40, but is not limited thereto. For example, the DFE 50, the MIC 60, and the printer 70 may be integrally formed to form a single image forming apparatus, or may be formed as an image forming apparatus including the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 40. It may be.

  In the image forming system according to the above-described embodiment, an image is formed using toners of a plurality of colors C, M, Y, and K. However, an image is formed using one color toner. May be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming system 30 Printing apparatus 40 Post processor 50, 500, 502, 504 DFE
51 Rendering engine 52 si1 part 53 TRC
54 si2 part 55 halftone engine 56 clear processing 57 si3 part 60 MIC
70 Printer 80 Glosser 90A Post-processing machine 90B Post-processing machine

Japanese Patent No. 3473588 JP 2007-034040 A

Claims (8)

Storage means for storing gloss control plane data for specifying the type of surface effect to be applied to the recording medium and the area in the recording medium to which the surface effect is applied;
A calculation means for calculating a calculation value representing a size of a region to which a predetermined specific surface effect of the type is applied, or a ratio of the size to the size of a reference region;
When the calculated value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, replacement means for replacing the specific type of surface effect with the type of surface effect other than the specific type;
Generating means for generating the image data based on the gloss control plane data replaced by the replacing means;
A printing control apparatus comprising: The specific type is the type with the highest glossiness,
When the calculated value is smaller than the threshold value, the replacement means replaces the surface effect of the highest gloss type with a surface effect other than the surface effect of the highest gloss type,
The print control apparatus according to claim 1. A selection means for accepting a selection of either a gloss priority indicating that the surface effect is to be replaced with the surface effect of the highest gloss level or a type priority indicating that the surface effect is to be replaced with a surface effect other than the surface effect of the highest gloss level. Prepared,
The calculating means calculates the calculated value when the gloss priority selection is accepted;
The printing control apparatus according to claim 2. The reference area is an area where the image data can be printed.
The print control apparatus according to claim 1. The reference region is a region that imparts a surface effect of the type other than the specific type.
The print control apparatus according to claim 1. Storage means for storing gloss control plane data for specifying the type of surface effect to be applied to the recording medium and the area in the recording medium to which the surface effect is applied;
A calculation means for calculating a calculation value representing a size of a region to which a predetermined specific surface effect of the type is applied, or a ratio of the size to the size of a reference region;
When the calculated value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, replacement means for replacing the specific type of surface effect with the type of surface effect other than the specific type;
Generating means for generating the image data based on the gloss control plane data replaced by the replacing means;
A printing control system comprising: A print control method executed by a print control apparatus,
The printing control apparatus includes storage means for storing gloss control plane data for specifying a type of surface effect to be applied to a recording medium and an area in the recording medium to which the surface effect is applied,
A calculation step of calculating a calculation value representing a size of a region to which a predetermined type of surface effect is given among the types, or a ratio of the size to the size of a reference region;
A replacement step of replacing the specific type of surface effect with the surface effect of the type other than the specific type when the calculated value is smaller than a predetermined threshold;
A generation step of generating the image data based on the gloss control plane data subjected to the replacement in the replacement step;
A printing control method. A computer comprising storage means for storing gloss control plane data for specifying a type of surface effect to be applied to a recording medium and an area in the recording medium to which the surface effect is applied;
A calculation means for calculating a calculation value representing a size of a region to which a predetermined specific surface effect of the type is applied, or a ratio of the size to the size of a reference region;
When the calculated value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, replacement means for replacing the specific type of surface effect with the type of surface effect other than the specific type;
Generating means for generating the image data based on the gloss control plane data replaced by the replacing means;
Program to function as.

Images