JP2013222413A - Print control device, print control system, print control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily propose printing conditions for attachment of clear toner to a recording medium.SOLUTION: A print control device is mounted with color toner and colorless clear toner, and generates image data used in a printer which forms an image based on the image data on a recording medium using the color toner and the clear toner. An acquisition part 560X of the print control device acquires first data including color plate data defining a color area on which the color toner is applied, and characteristic color plate data defining a characteristic color area on which the clear toner is applied. A first generation part 560G generates printing condition plate data specifying a color image indicating printing conditions when the clear toner is attached to the recording medium on the basis of the first data. A second generation part 560H generates image data on the basis of composition color plate data composing the printing condition plate data and the color plate data, and the characteristic color plate data.

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 CMYK, there is an image forming apparatus equipped with a clear toner that is a colorless toner containing no color material. The toner image formed with such a clear toner is fixed on a recording medium on which an image is formed with CMYK toner, and as a result, a visual effect or a tactile effect on the surface of the recording medium (referred to as a 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.

  By the way, the technique which forms the printing conditions at the time of forming a colored image on a recording medium at the time of formation of a colored image is disclosed (for example, refer patent document 1).

  However, conventionally, no consideration has been given to the printing conditions when the clear toner is attached to the recording medium.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is capable of easily presenting printing conditions when clear toner is attached to a recording medium, a printing control apparatus, a printing control system, a printing control method, and a program The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a printing control apparatus according to the present invention includes a colored toner and a colorless clear toner, and is based on image data using the colored toner and the clear toner. A printing control device that generates the image data used in a printing device that forms a printed image on a recording medium. The print control apparatus of the present invention includes an acquisition unit, a first generation unit, and a second generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires first data including color plane data defining a color area to which the colored toner is applied and spot color plane data defining a special color area to which the clear toner is applied. The first generation unit generates printing condition plane data specifying a colored image indicating a printing condition when the clear toner is attached to the recording medium based on the first data. The second generation unit generates the image data based on the combined color plane data obtained by combining the printing condition plane data and the color plane data and the spot color plane data.

  A printing control system according to the present invention includes a colored color toner and a colorless clear toner, a printing apparatus that forms an image based on image data on a recording medium using the colored toner and the clear toner, and the printing And a printing control system that generates the image data used in the printing apparatus. The printing control device includes colored colored toner and colorless clear toner, and generates the image data used in a printing device that forms an image based on the image data on a recording medium using the colored toner and the clear toner. A printing control apparatus. The print control apparatus of the present invention includes an acquisition unit, a first generation unit, and a second generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires first data including color plane data defining a color area to which the colored toner is applied and spot color plane data defining a special color area to which the clear toner is applied. The first generation unit generates printing condition plane data specifying a colored image indicating a printing condition when the clear toner is attached to the recording medium based on the first data. The second generation unit generates the image data based on the combined color plane data obtained by combining the printing condition plane data and the color plane data and the spot color plane data.

  The printing control method of the present invention includes the colored image toner and the colorless clear toner, and the image used in a printing apparatus that forms an image based on image data on a recording medium using the colored toner and the clear toner. A print control method realized by a print control device that generates data, the color plate data defining a colored region to which the colored toner is applied, and the special color plate data defining the special color region to which the clear toner is applied. An acquisition step of acquiring first data including, and a first generation of generating printing condition plane data specifying a color image indicating a printing condition when the clear toner is attached to a recording medium based on the first data The image data based on the step, the combined color plane data obtained by combining the printing condition plane data and the color plane data and the spot color plane data. A second generation step of generating a is a printing control method comprising.

  The program of the present invention includes a colored toner and a colorless clear toner, and the image data used in a printing apparatus that forms an image based on image data on a recording medium using the colored toner and the clear toner. A program for causing a computer to generate first data including color plane data defining a color area to which the colored toner is applied and spot color data defining a spot color area to which the clear toner is applied A first generation step of generating printing condition plane data specifying a colored image indicating a printing condition when the clear toner is attached to a recording medium based on the first data; and Based on the combined color plane data obtained by combining the printing condition plane data and the color plane data and the spot color plane data, the image A second generation step of generating a over data, which is a program for causing the computer to perform.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily present printing conditions when the clear toner is attached to the recording medium.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing 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. 4 is a diagram showing gloss control plane data as an image. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship between the drawing object, the coordinates, and the density value of the gloss control version. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of clear plane data. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration example of print data. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of DFE. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the surface effect selection table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the surface effect selection table. FIG. 14 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of the MIC and the printing apparatus. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the setting table. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an input screen. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing each drawing object and position coordinates indicated by the color plane data. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a blank area indicated by the color plane data. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of gloss control processing performed by the printing system. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating apparatus configuration acquisition processing. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the replacement process. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the printing condition plane data generation process. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an image formed on a recording medium. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the server apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the DFE according to the second embodiment. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of gloss control processing by DFE according to the second embodiment. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print printing condition plane data generation processing by the server apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 33 is a network configuration diagram in which two servers are provided on the cloud. FIG. 34 is a hardware configuration diagram of the host device, the DFE, and the server device.

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

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the printing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the printing system 10 includes a printer controller (DFE: Digital Front End) (hereinafter may be 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.

  Each of the post-processor 90A and the post-processor 90B is mounted with an image forming unit and an exposure device including a clear toner photosensitive member, a charging device, a developing device, and a photosensitive cleaner in addition to the fixing device. The post-processing device 40 includes at least one of the 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. Any configuration may be used.

  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). The DFE 50 is connected to a host device 49 such as another PC. The DFE 50 receives image data from the host device 49 and uses the image data to cause the printer 70 to use the CMYK toner and the clear toner. The image data for forming a toner image corresponding to the image data 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 CMYK toners and clear toners, and an image forming unit including a photoconductor, a charger, a developing device, and a photoconductor cleaner, an exposure device, and the like for each toner. Has been.

  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 photosensitive member, and transfers this onto a recording medium. To do. 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 recording medium. Since the configuration of the printer 70 is well known, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  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 recording medium may be a medium on which an image is formed. The recording medium is, for example, paper, synthetic paper, recycled paper, vinyl paper such as an OHP sheet, but is not limited thereto.

  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, it is possible to handle the special color plane data for the image data in which the density value (referred to as the density value) of each color in each color plane such as the RGB version or the CMYK version is defined for each pixel. . Special color plate data is image data for attaching special toners and inks such as white, gold, and silver in addition to basic colors such as CMYK and RGB. This is data for the printer that has been used. In the special color plane data, R may be added to the basic colors of CMYK 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 impart a surface effect that is a visual or tactile effect to the recording medium, and a transparent image such as a watermark other than the surface effect is applied to the recording medium. Used to form.

  For this reason, the image processing application of the host device 49 generates gloss control plane data and / or clear plane data as the special color plane data as well as the color plane data for the input image data, as specified by the user. .

  Here, the color plane data is image data that defines a color area to which color toner is applied. Specifically, the color plane data is image data that defines color density values such as RGB and CMYK for each pixel. In this color plane data, one pixel is expressed by 8 bits according to the color designation by the user. The color plane data may be in a vector format in which a density value is set for each drawing object, and is appropriately converted into a vector format or a raster format according to the processing content.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the color plane data. In FIG. 2, for each drawing object such as “A”, “B”, and “C”, a density value corresponding to the color designated by the user in the image processing application is given. The image processing application is installed in the host device 49, for example. Note that the image processing application may be installed in the DFE 50.

  The spot color plane data is image data that defines a spot color area to which clear toner is applied. As described above, the spot color area includes an area in which a surface effect, which is a visual or tactile effect to be applied to the recording medium, is defined for each type, and a transparent image area such as a watermark other than the surface effect. In the present embodiment, gloss control plane data and clear plane data are used as the spot color plane data.

  The gloss control plane data is used to control the adhesion of clear toner according to the surface effect that is a visual or tactile effect applied to the recording medium. It is the specified image data.

  This gloss control plane data is represented by a density value in the range of “0” to “255” in 8 bits for each pixel as in the color plane data, and the type of surface effect is associated with this density value (density). The value may be 16 bits, 32 bits, or 0-100%). 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). The gloss control plane data, which will be described in detail later, may be in a vector format in which a density value is set for each area (drawing object) to which a surface effect is applied, and is appropriately converted into a vector format or a raster format. Use.

  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 for each drawing object, and generates vector format gloss control plane data.

  The color plane 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”.

  Specular gloss and solid gloss have a high degree of gloss, and conversely, halftone mats and matte are for suppressing gloss. In particular, matte realizes a gloss level lower than that of a normal recording medium. 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.

  The host device 49 that executes the image processing application generates gloss control plane data by setting density values corresponding to the user-designated surface effect for the pixels constituting the region designated by the user. The correspondence between the density value and the type of surface effect will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of gloss control plane data. In the example of the gloss control plane data in FIG. 4, the surface effect “PG (mirror gloss)” is given to the drawing object “ABC” by the user, and the surface effect “G (solid gloss)” is given to the drawing object “(rectangular figure)”. ) ”Is given, and the surface effect“ M (halftone matte) ”is given to the drawing object“ (circular figure) ”. The host device 49 stores a surface effect selection table (see FIG. 12: details will be described later) stored in the DFE 50 as a density value selection table. This density value selection table is a table that defines density values corresponding to the types of surface effects.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship between a drawing object, coordinates, and density values in the gloss control plane data of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the position and density value of each drawing object are determined for each drawing object by the gloss control plane data.

  The clear plane data is image data that specifies a transparent image such as a watermark or texture other than the surface effect. Clear data is also used after being converted to a vector format or a raster format as appropriate. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of clear plane data. In the example of FIG. 6, the watermark “Sale” is designated by the user.

  As described above, the gloss control plane data and the clear plane data, which are the special color plane data, are generated in 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, and the image data of each version of PDF is integrated and generated as document data. The 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 a job command in addition to original data obtained by integrating the color plane data, the gloss control plane data, and / or the clear plane data. Then, the generated print data is output to the DFE 50. Note that gloss control plane data and clear plane data are collectively referred to as special color plane data.

  The job command is a command for specifying various settings and the like to the printer 70, for example. In the present embodiment, the job command includes information related to printing conditions when forming a color image specified by the color plane data. Information about printing conditions when forming a colored image includes the printing date and time, the job name of the print job including the colored plate data when the host device 49 receives the colored plate data from the external device, and the host device 49 of the print job. The name of the user who instructed transmission to the printer, the name of the printer 70, the model name of the printer 70, the last adjustment date and time of the printer 70, the peripheral device configuration, the printer settings, the aggregation settings, the duplex settings, etc. It is not limited to these.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration example of print data. In the example of FIG. 7, 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. 8 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. The post-processor 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. 9, the DFE 50 includes a rendering engine 51, an si1 unit 52, a TRC (Tone Reproduction Curve) 53, an si2 unit 54, a halftone engine 55, a surface effect selection table (described later), A clear processing 56 including a storage unit 56B and the like that store a setting table (described later), an si3 unit 57, an apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58, and a printing condition version data generation unit 560 are included.

  Rendering engine 51, si1 unit 52, TRC (Tone Production Curve) 53, si2 unit 54, halftone engine 55, clear processing 56, si3 unit 57, device configuration acquisition unit 58, printing condition version Each of the data generation units 560 is realized by the control unit of the DFE 50 executing various programs stored in the main storage unit and 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 the input image data in a language. Then, the rendering engine 51 converts the image data (colored plane data, gloss control plane data, and clear plane data) expressed in the vector format included in the image data into the raster format. When the color space of the color plane data is a color space expressed in the RGB format, the rendering engine 51 converts the color space into the CMYK format color space, and each CMYK 8-bit color plane data (each CMYK each color color plane data in which the pixel is represented by 8 bits).

  The rendering engine 51 converts the CMYK 8-bit color plane data converted into the CMYK color space, 8-bit clear plane data (clear plane data in which each pixel is represented by 8 bits), and 8-bit clear plane data. The gloss control plane data (gloss control plane data in which each pixel is indicated by 8 bits) is output to the si1 unit 52.

  Further, the rendering engine 51 is specified by the vector format color plane data, vector format spot color plane data (clear plane data, gloss control plane data), and job command included in the image data input from the host device 49. The information regarding the printing conditions for forming the colored image is output to the printing condition plane data generation unit 560 described later.

  The si1 unit 52 outputs 8-bit color plane data of CMYK 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 CMYK 8-bit color plane data 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 is a process of restricting the CMYK 8-bit color plane data after gamma correction because there is a limit to the amount of toner that can be loaded on the printer 70 in one pixel on the recording medium. 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 CMYK 8-bit color plane data subjected to gamma correction by the TRC 53 to the clear processing 56 as data for generating an inverse mask described later. The halftone engine 55 receives 8-bit color data of CMYK after gamma correction via the si2 unit 54. The halftone engine 55 performs a halftone process for converting the input color plate data to a data format of color plate data such as 2 bits for each of CMYK for outputting to the printer 70, and after the halftone process. Colored data such as 2 bits for each CMYK 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. In the present embodiment, as described above, the printing apparatus 30 includes one or more of the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B as the post-processing device 40. 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. That is, the apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58 of the clear processing 56 receives information indicating the configuration of the post-processing device 40 in the printing apparatus 30 connected to the DFE 50 via the MIC 60 from the MIC 60.

  The clear processing 56 receives the 8-bit gloss control plane data converted by the rendering engine 51 and the 8-bit clear plane data via the si1 unit 52. In addition, print data received by the rendering engine 51 is input from the rendering engine 51 to the clear processing 56. Further, the CMYK 8-bit color plane data, which has been subjected to gamma correction by the TRC 53, is input to the clear processing 56 via the si2 unit 54. The clear processing 56 receives priority information from a UI (User Interface) unit 59 described later.

  The priority information is information indicating a replacement condition for the type of surface effect. Specifically, the priority information is information indicating gloss priority or type priority. The gloss priority means that the surface effect type specified by the gloss control plane data is replaced with a surface effect having a higher gloss level. Type priority is to replace the type of surface effect specified by the gloss control plane data with a surface effect that does not include the type of surface effect with the highest glossiness (specular gloss (PG) in this embodiment). Indicates. The priority information is input by an operation instruction from the user of the UI unit 59 described later. The gloss priority specifically indicates that the glosser 80 is turned on, and the type priority indicates that the glosser 80 is specifically turned off.

  The clear processing 56 uses the input 8-bit gloss control plane data and refers to a surface effect selection table described later, and the surface effect on the density value (pixel value) represented by each pixel constituting the gloss control plane data. Based on the determination and a setting table to be described later, the glosser 80 is determined to be turned on or off, and an inverse mask, a solid mask, a halftone, or the like is used by using the input 8-bit color data of CMYK. Is appropriately generated, so that 2-bit clear toner plane data for attaching the clear toner is appropriately generated.

  The clear processing 56 outputs the clear toner plane data used by the printer 70 and the clear toner plane data used by the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B to the printing apparatus 30 and the glosser 80. Outputs on / off information indicating on or off.

  Here, the inverse mask is for uniformizing the total adhesion amount of the CMYK toner and the clear toner on each pixel constituting the region to which the surface effect is applied. Specifically, in the CMYK color plane data, all density values represented by pixels constituting the target area are added, and image data obtained by subtracting from the predetermined value is an 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 formula 4, max (C, M, Y, K) indicates that the density value of the color indicating the maximum density value among CMYK 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 the surface effect, the priority information according to the configuration of the printing system, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and the clear used in the post-processing machine. 4 is a table showing a correspondence relationship with toner plate data.

  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 printing system according to the device configuration. 1) Correspondence between at least one of a clear toner plate (clear toner plate 2) used in the post-processing device 90A and a clear toner plate (clear toner plate 3) used in the post-processing device 90B, and the type of density value and surface effect It can be configured to show a relationship.

  Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 30 includes 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. It is a configuration. The types of surface effects that can be realized vary depending on the configuration of the post-processing device 40.

  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. 10, 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 illustrated in FIG. 11, 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.

  In FIG. 12, as an example, a surface effect selection table corresponding to 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.

  In the surface effect selection table shown in FIG. 12, priority information (Glosser 80 ON / OFF), clear toner plate data used in the printer 70 (see clear toner plate 1 in FIG. 12), and post-processor 90A. Clear toner plate data (see clear toner plate 2 in FIG. 12) and clear toner plate data used in a post-processing device 90B equipped with a low-temperature fixing device as a fixing device (clear toner plate 3 in FIG. 12). And the relationship 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 (PM) 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 formulas 1 to 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.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the surface effect selection table corresponding to the device configuration information indicating that the printer 70, the glosser 80, and the post-processing device 90B are provided.

  In the surface effect selection table shown in FIG. 13, priority information (Glosser 80 ON / OFF), clear toner plate data used in the printer 70 (see clear toner plate 1 in FIG. 13), and post-processor 90B. A correspondence relationship between the clear toner plate data of the clear toner plate data (see clear toner plate 2 in FIG. 13), the density value, and the type of surface effect is shown.

  Thus, the surface effect selection tables corresponding to the device configuration of the post-processing machine 40 are different from each other depending on the device configuration.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the clear processing 56 refers to the surface effect selection table corresponding to the device configuration information received from the MIC 60 and determines the surface effect associated with each pixel value indicated by the gloss control plane data. At the same time, the glosser 80 is turned on or off, and clear toner plane data used by the printer 70, the post-processing device 90B, and the post-processing device 90A is generated. The clear processing 56 sets the glosser 80 on or off for each page. 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 CMYK 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 to the MIC 60.

  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 device 90A and the post-processing device 90B. The clear toner plane data that has been processed is integrated by the si3 unit 57. Further, when the clear processing 56 has not generated both clear toner plane data, the si3 unit 57 outputs image data in which the CMYK 2-bit color plane data is integrated. 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.

  Although details will be described later, the si3 unit 57 outputs the CMYK 2-bit color plane data to the print condition plane data generation unit 560 in response to a request from the print condition plane data generation unit 560 described below. When the si3 unit 57 receives 2-bit combined color plane data from the print condition plane data generation unit 560, the print condition plane data generation unit 560 out of the CMYK color plane data received from the halftone engine. The color plane data of the same color (at least one of CMYK) as the composite color plane data received from the above is replaced with the composite color plane data received from the printing condition plane data generation unit 560. Then, the image data obtained by integrating the CMYK color plane data including the replaced color plane data as the color plane data and the clear toner plane data received from the clear processing 56 is output to the MIC 60 (details will be described later).

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, the MIC 60 outputs CMYK color plane data out of the image data output from the DFE 50 to the printer 70, and clear toner plane data (Clr−1, clear toner) used in the printer 70. If the plate 1) is present, this is also output to the printer 70. If the on / off state of the glosser 80 is output from the DFE 50, the glosser 80 is turned on or off using the on / off information, and the post-processor 90A If there is clear toner plane data (Clr-2, clear toner plane 2) used in the above, it is output to the corresponding post-processor 90A. If there is clear toner plane data (Clr-3, clear toner plane 3) used in the post-processing device 90B, it is output to the corresponding post-processing device 90B.

  The glosser 80 may switch between a fixing path and a non-fixing path according to the 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), the photoreceptor 91A and the fixing device 91B come into contact with the recording medium to form an image. When there is clear toner plane data, the photoreceptor 91A and the fixing device 91B are separated from the recording medium, 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 the device configuration mounted as the post-processing device 40 to the DEF 50.

  Next, a description will be given of the procedure of the gloss control process performed by the printing system according to the present embodiment when the area in which the specular effect is specified as the surface effect corresponds to the entire area defined by the image data. Upon receiving the 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 the CMYK format, for example. By converting to color space, CMYK 8-bit color plane data and 8-bit gloss control plane data are obtained. The DFE 50 performs gamma correction on the CMYK 8-bit color plane data using the 1D_LUT gamma curve generated by calibration, and outputs the color plane data after gamma correction to the printer 70. Therefore, a halftone process is performed to convert the data format of the CMYK 2-bit color plane data to obtain CMYK 2-bit color plane data after the halftone process. 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 according to the determination, and appropriately uses 8-bit color data of CMYK after gamma correction, and uses a 2-bit for attaching clear toner. Clear toner plane data is generated as appropriate. Then, the DFE 50 integrates the CMYK 2-bit color plane data after the halftone process and the appropriately generated 2-bit clear toner plane data, and the integrated image data and the determined glosser 80 are turned on or off. Is output to the MIC 60.

  Here, a specific example will be described according to the type of surface effect. 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 the surface effect selection table (for example, see FIG. 12) corresponding to the apparatus configuration information. 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.

  If the determination result is affirmative, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 generates an inverse mask by using, for example, Equation 1 using image data corresponding to the region in the CMYK 8-bit color plane data after gamma correction. To do. The inverse mask represents the clear toner plane data (clear toner plane 1 in FIG. 12) used in the printer 70. Since the clear toner plane data is not used in the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B for the area, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 uses the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B. Do not generate.

  The si3 unit 57 of the DFE 50 integrates the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and the CMYK 2-bit color plane data after the halftone process, and indicates that the integrated image data and the glosser 80 are turned on. On / off information is output to the MIC 60.

  The MIC 60 outputs the CMYK color plane data, which is the image data output from the DFE 50, and the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 to the printer 70, and turns on the glosser 80 using the on / off information output from the DFE 50. To. The printer 70 uses the CMYK 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 photoconductor. It is transferred to a recording medium and fixed by heating and pressing at a normal temperature. As a result, the CMYK toner and the clear toner adhere 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 do not attach and fix the clear toner, and the recording medium The paper is ejected. As a result, the total adhesion amount of the CMYK toners and the clear toner is uniformly compressed in the entire area defined by the image data, so that 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, if the total adhesion value of CMYK toner is set to a predetermined value or more for all other pixels, if the glosser 80 is pressed, the result is that the specular gloss is designated as an area and CMYK. The total adhering amounts of the CMYK toners and the clear toner in the region where the total adhering value of the toner 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. The si3 unit 57 of the DFE 50 integrates the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B with the CMYK 2-bit color plane data after halftone processing. The image data and on / off information indicating that the glosser 80 is on are output to the MIC 60.

  The MIC 60 outputs the CMYK color plane data of the image data output from the DFE 50 and the clear toner plane data used by the printer 70 to the printer 70, and turns on the glosser 80 using the on / off information output from the DFE 50. The clear toner plane data used by 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 CMYK color plane data and the clear toner plane data output from the MIC 60 to form an image in which the CMYK toner and the clear toner are attached to the recording medium. 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 CMYK 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 uses the density value represented by each pixel of the 8-bit gloss control plane data and refers to the surface effect selection table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information, so that the density value is “212” to “ It is determined that the surface effect specified for the pixel having “232” is solid glossy, and in particular, for the pixels having density values of “228” to “232”, the solid gloss type 1 is determined. to decide. In this case, the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 generates the inverse mask 1 using the image data corresponding to the area in the CMYK 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. The si3 portion 57 of the DFE 50 integrates the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 and the CMYK 2-bit color plane data after the halftone process, and indicates that the integrated image data and the glosser 80 are turned off. On / off information is output to the MIC 60. The MIC 60 outputs the CMYK color plane data, which is the image data output from the DFE 50, and the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 to the printer 70, and turns off the glosser 80 using the on / off information output from the DFE 50. To.

  The printer 70 uses the CMYK color plane data output from the MIC 60 and the clear toner plane data used by the printer 70 to form an image in which the CMYK toner and the clear toner are attached to the recording medium. Since the glosser 80 is turned off, the recording medium is not fixed again thereafter. In addition, 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 attaching and fixing the clear toner. As a result, in the area where the solid gloss is designated as the surface effect, the total adhesion amount of the CMYK toner and the clear toner becomes relatively uniform, and a slightly strong gloss is obtained from the surface of the area.

  Further, 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 the surface effect selection table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information, so that the density value is “23” to “ The surface effect designated for the pixel “43” is determined to be a halftone dot matte. 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. Then, the si3 unit 57 of the DFE 50 integrates the clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 90A and the CMYK 2-bit color plane data after the halftone process, and turns on the integrated image data and the glosser 80. The on / off information shown is output to the MIC 60. The MIC 60 outputs the CMYK color plane data, which is the image data output from the DFE 50, and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A to the post-processing device 90A, and uses the on / off information output from the DFE 50, and uses the glosser 80. Turn off.

  The printer 70 uses the CMYK color plane data and the clear toner plane data output from the MIC 60 to form an image in which CMYK toner is attached to a recording medium. Since the glosser 80 is turned off, the recording medium is not re-fixed thereafter. Further, since the rear 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.

  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 the surface effect selection table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information, so that the density value is “1” to “ The surface effect designated for the pixel “17” is determined to be 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 CMYK 2-bit color plane data after the halftone process, and the integrated image data and the glosser 80 are turned on or off. ON / OFF information indicating OFF is output to the MIC 60. The MIC 60 outputs CMYK 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 by the post-processing unit 90B is output to the post-processing unit 90B. Output.

  The printer 70 uses the CMYK color plane data output from the MIC 60 to form an image in which CMYK toner is 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, for example, each density value corresponding to the type of surface effect shown in FIG. Is set to the pixel inside. 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, 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 as the post-processing device 40.

  For this reason, in the case of an apparatus 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 If it is installed, the surface effect that can 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. 10), the glosser 80 is turned on and the printer 70 The CMYK toner and the clear toner corresponding to the clear toner plate data for the printer 70 are transferred to a recording medium and then pressed at a high temperature and a high pressure by the glosser 80, thereby realizing specular gloss (PG). it can. 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. 10 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, in the case where 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. 11), only the glosser 80 is mounted after 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. Is specified, surface effects 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 DEF 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. 9, 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 storage unit 56B stores a surface effect selection table in association with the device configuration information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing device 40. The storage unit 56B stores a setting table corresponding to the device configuration information and priority information. Further, the storage unit 56B stores identification information (surface effect selection table name) for uniquely identifying the surface effect selection table in association with the surface effect selection table. In addition, the storage unit 56B stores identification information (setting table name) that uniquely identifies the setting table in association with the setting table.

  The device configuration information is information indicating the type of device mounted as the post-processing device 40 in the printing device 30. 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 stored in the setting table further indicate setting contents for replacing the surface effect specified by the user with the surface effect determined by the priority information according to the priority information. Specifically, the setting contents indicate the ON / OFF setting of the glosser 80 and the type of clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A and the post-processing device 90B.

  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.

  For example, the storage unit 56B includes device configuration information (device configuration information indicating a device configuration in which all the post-processing devices 40 (the glosser 80, the post-processing device 90A, and the post-processing device 90B) are mounted, and the glosser 80 as the post-processing device 40. And device configuration information indicating the device configuration on which the post-processing device 90B is mounted, and device configuration information indicating a device configuration on which the glosser 80 is mounted as the post-processing device 40, and priority information (glossy priority or type) A setting table corresponding to the priority) is stored.

  Specifically, the storage unit 56B 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 priority information “glossy priority”. 15 is stored as a setting table corresponding to.

  FIG. 15 shows, as an example, a configuration table corresponding to apparatus configuration information in which all the post-processing devices 40 (Glosser 80, post-processing device 90A, and post-processing device 90B) are mounted, and priority information “glossy priority”. It was.

  The setting table shown in FIG. 15 indicates that the glosser 80 is turned on as a setting content for realizing the priority information “glossy priority”.

  In the setting table, as the setting contents for realizing PG (specular gloss) for the area determined that the user-specified surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is PG (specular gloss), The clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-1” (any one of the inverse masks A, B, and C in FIG. 12 corresponds), and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 90A and the post-processor 90B. Is "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.

  In the setting table shown in FIG. 15, a 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. 15, 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. 12). One of the masks 1 to 4 is applicable), the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90A is “solid”, and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processing device 90B is “no data” (no data). It has been shown. 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, the setting table shown in FIG. 15 realizes M (halftone matte) for an area where the user-specified surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is M (halftone matte). The setting contents of are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 15, 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). The clear toner plane data used by the post-processing device 90A is “halftone-n”, and the clear toner plane data used by the post-processing device 90B is “no data” (no data). 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.

  Further, the setting table shown in FIG. 15 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. 15, for the area where the user-specified surface effect is PM (matte), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “no data” (no data). It is shown that the clear toner plane data used in the processor 90A is “no data” (no data), and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 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.

  FIG. 16 shows, as an example, a setting table corresponding to apparatus configuration information in which the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B are mounted as the post-processing device 40, and priority information “glossy priority”.

  In the setting table shown in FIG. 16, 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, in the clear toner plane data setting table shown in FIG. 16, information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned on as a setting content for realizing the priority information (gloss priority), and the surface effect specified by each user. The clear toner plane data used in each of the printer 70 and the post-processing device 90B is shown.

  Specifically, the setting table shown in FIG. 16 indicates that the glosser 80 is turned on as the setting content for realizing the priority information “glossy priority”. In addition, for a region where the user-specified surface effect is PG (specular gloss), the setting contents for realizing PG (specular gloss) are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 16, 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. 13). It is indicated that any one of the masks A, B, and C is applicable), and the clear toner plane data used in the post-processor 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. 16, 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. 16, 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. 13). 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. 16, for an area where the surface effect specified by the user 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. 16, 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. 16, 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.

  In FIG. 17, as an example, a device configuration showing a device configuration in which the post-processing device 90 </ b> A and the post-processing device 90 </ b> B are not mounted among the post-processing devices 40 (grosser 80, post-processing device 90 </ b> A, and post-processing device 90 </ b> B). The setting table corresponding to the information and priority information “gloss priority” is shown.

  The setting table shown in FIG. 17 indicates that the glosser 80 is turned on as the setting content for realizing the priority information “glossy priority”. Further, the setting table 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 the setting table shown in FIG. 17, clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 corresponding to each user-designated surface effect is shown as setting contents for realizing the surface effect.

  Specifically, the setting table shown in FIG. 17 realizes PG (specular gloss) that can be realized by an apparatus 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. 17, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-1” (from the inverse mask A) for the area where the user-designated surface effect is PG (mirror gloss). Any one of C is applicable). 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.

  Also, in the setting table shown in FIG. 17, 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. 17, for an area where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss), the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-m” (from the inverse mask 1). 4 is applicable). 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. 17, in the area where the surface effect specified by the user 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 G (solid gloss) that can be realized by the apparatus configuration are shown. As the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 17, for an 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). Has been shown to do. 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. 17, 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. 17, 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). It is shown. 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.

  Further, the storage unit 56B is illustrated in FIG. 18 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 priority information “type priority”. Store the setting table.

  The setting table shown in FIG. 18 indicates that the glosser 80 is turned off as the setting content for realizing the priority information “type priority”. The setting table shows clear toner plane data used in each of the printer 70 and the post-processor 90B.

  Specifically, in the setting table shown in FIG. 18, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is set to “INV-1” for the region where the user-specified surface effect is PG (mirror gloss), and post-processing is performed. It is shown that the clear toner plane data used in the machine 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. 18, for a region where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss), the clear toner plane data used by the printer 70 is “INV-m” and is used by the post-processor 90B. It is shown that the clear toner plane data 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. 18, the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “halftone-n” for the area where the user-specified surface effect is M (halftone matte), and the post-processor 90B. It is shown that the clear toner plane data used in 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. 18, 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 post-processing is performed. It is indicated that the clear toner plane data used in the machine 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 56B 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. 19 as a setting table corresponding to the gloss effect “type priority”. To do.

  The setting table shown in FIG. 19 indicates that the glosser 80 is turned off as the setting content for realizing the priority information “type priority”. In the setting table, an area where the user-designated surface effect determined by the gloss control plane data is PG (mirror gloss) is replaced with G (solid gloss), and the user-designated surface effect is PM (matte). It is shown that the area determined to be is replaced with M (halftone mat).

  In the setting table shown in FIG. 19, clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is shown as setting contents for realizing the surface effect.

  Specifically, the setting table shown in FIG. 19 indicates that the glosser 80 is turned off as the setting content for realizing the priority information “type priority”. In addition, the setting table indicates that the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-1” for an area where the user-specified surface effect is PG (mirror gloss). 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.

  The setting table shown in FIG. 19 indicates that the clear toner plane data used in the printer 70 is “INV-m” for an area where the user-specified surface effect is G (solid gloss). . 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, the setting table shown in FIG. 19 indicates that the clear toner plane data used by the printer 70 is “halftone-n” for an area where the user-specified surface effect is M (halftone matte). ing. 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. 19, 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). It is shown. 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).

  As illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 19, the storage unit 56 </ b> B stores a setting table corresponding to device configuration information and priority information indicating the device configuration of the post-processing device 40.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the replacement unit 56 </ b> A receives the type of surface effect specified by the user received from the surface effect type determination unit 56 </ b> D and the priority information indicating “gloss priority” or “type priority” received from the UI unit 59. Are read from the storage unit 56B. Then, based on the read setting table, the replacement unit 56A can realize the surface effect type of the region that gives the surface effect indicated by the gloss control plane data received from the si1 unit 52 in the printing apparatus 30 and has priority. Replace with the type of surface effect depending on the information. Specifically, by performing gloss control processing (described later) based on the device configuration information received from the device configuration acquisition unit 58 and the setting table corresponding to the priority information received from the UI unit 59, the replacement unit 56A The glosser 80 is turned on / off so that the surface effect of a type that can be realized by the printing apparatus 30 and that corresponds to the priority information is obtained. The replacement unit 56A generates clear toner plane data based on the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information and priority information and the surface effect selection table corresponding to the device configuration information. Thereby, the replacement unit 56A is a type that can be realized by the printing apparatus 30 and that is specified by the apparatus configuration information so as to obtain a surface effect corresponding to the priority information. Clear toner plane data used in at least one of the post-processors 90B is generated.

  As a result, the replacement unit 56A can implement the surface effect type specified by the user from the surface effect type determination unit 56D based on the read setting table in the printing apparatus 30 and the surface effect corresponding to the priority information. Replace with type. That is, the replacement unit 56A generates clear toner plane data so as to obtain the surface effect of a type that can be realized by the printing apparatus 30 according to the apparatus configuration and priority information.

  The DFE 50 is provided with a UI 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 a glossy effect as the priority information selection 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.

  Then, when the user designates the display location of a selection button (not shown) in the UI unit 59, either “Glossy priority” or “Type priority” is selected, and then the determination displayed on the UI unit 59 A display location of a button (not shown) is instructed. Accordingly, priority information indicating “gloss priority” or “type priority” instructed by the user is output from the UI unit 59 to the replacement unit 56A of the clear processing 56.

  In this embodiment, a case where the UI unit 59 is provided in the DEF 50 will be described. However, the UI unit 59 may be provided in a personal computer that inputs image data to the DEF 50. That is, the DEF 50 may receive priority information indicating “glossy priority” or “type priority” from the personal computer.

  Returning to FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the DFE 50 includes a printing condition plane data generation unit 560.

  The printing condition plane data generation unit 560 generates printing condition plane data, which is image data specifying a colored image indicating a printing condition when the clear toner is attached to the recording medium. In the present embodiment, the printing condition plane data generation unit 560 further generates combined color plane data. Specifically, the printing condition plane data is image data that defines a colored density value such as CMYK for each pixel constituting a colored image indicating the printing condition. The combined colored plane data is combined data obtained by combining the printing condition plane data and the colored plane data included in the print data received from the host device 49 (details will be described later).

  The printing condition plane data generation unit 560 includes an acquisition unit 560X, a reading unit 560E, a determination unit 560F, a first generation unit 560G, and a second generation unit 560H.

  The acquisition unit 560X acquires first data including colored plane data and spot color plane data. In the present embodiment, the first data further includes information for deriving information relating to printing conditions when the clear toner is applied to the recording medium.

  In the present embodiment, the information regarding the printing conditions when applying clear toner to the recording medium includes the apparatus configuration information of the post-processing device 40, priority information indicating “gloss priority” or “type priority”, apparatus configuration information, and priority. It includes identification information of the setting table corresponding to the information, identification information of the surface effect selection table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information, information (formation position and type) indicating the spot color area specified by the spot color data.

  Further, the first data may further include information for deriving information relating to printing conditions when the colored toner is applied to the recording medium. As described above, the print condition when applying the color toner to the recording medium includes the print date and time, and the job of the print job including the color plane data when the host device 49 receives the color plane data from the external device. Name, name of the user who sent the print job to the host device 49, name of the printer machine 70, model name of the printer machine 70, date and time of the last adjustment of the printer machine 70, peripheral device configuration, printer settings, aggregation settings, double-sided There are settings, but it is not limited to these.

  In the present embodiment, acquisition unit 560X includes a first acquisition unit 560A, a second acquisition unit 560B, a third acquisition unit 560C, and a fourth acquisition unit 560D.

  The first acquisition unit 560A acquires the device configuration information of the post-processing device 40 from the device configuration acquisition unit 58. The second acquisition unit 560B receives vector format color plane data, vector format spot color plane data (clear plane data, gloss control plane data), and job included in the image data acquired by the rendering engine 51 from the rendering engine 51. Get the command.

  The third acquisition unit 560C receives, from the replacement unit 56A, identification information for uniquely identifying the setting table used for replacement of the surface effect type of the gloss control plane data by the replacement unit 56A, and a replacement rule indicated by the setting table To get. The 560C may further acquire the setting table. The replacement rule is information indicating a surface effect replacement rule indicated by the setting table. That is, the replacement rule is a surface that can be realized by the printing apparatus 30 after replacement and corresponds to the priority information corresponding to the type of surface effect specified by the user indicated in the gloss control plane data shown in the setting table. Indicates the type of effect.

  The fourth acquisition unit 560D receives priority information indicating “gloss priority” or “type priority” from the UI unit 59. Note that the fourth acquisition unit 560D may receive the priority information used for selecting the setting table from the clear processing 56.

  The reading unit 560E reads the surface effect selection table corresponding to the device configuration information received by the first acquisition unit 560A from the storage unit 56B. At this time, the reading unit 560E may read identification information that uniquely identifies the surface effect selection table.

  The determination unit 560F determines the type of area to which the clear toner is applied and the position of each area specified by the spot color data received from the rendering engine 51. Specifically, the determination unit 560F obtains the information indicating each area (drawing object) that gives the surface effect, which is indicated by the gloss control plane data, and the type of the surface effect indicated by the density value of each area, from the third acquisition unit. Based on the replacement rule acquired in 560C, the surface effect can be replaced with the type of surface effect that can be realized by the printing apparatus 30 and that corresponds to the priority information. Accordingly, the determination unit 560F determines the type of the surface effect realized on the recording medium for each region (drawing object) to which the surface effect is applied with respect to the region that gives the surface effect specified by the gloss control plane data. To do.

  Further, the determination unit 560F extracts, for each region (drawing object) that forms a transparent image, information indicating each region that forms a transparent image, which is indicated by the clear plane data received from the rendering engine 51. Accordingly, the determination unit 560F determines the transparent image formation area specified by the clear plane data for each area (drawing object) of the transparent image.

  As described above, the determination unit 560F determines the formation position and type of the spot color area indicated by the spot color plane data (clear plane data, gloss control plane data) received from the rendering engine 51 for each drawing object.

  The first generation unit 560G generates print condition data. Specifically, the first generation unit 560G, based on the first data acquired by the acquisition unit 560X, image data (for example, text data) indicating information regarding printing conditions when applying clear toner to a recording medium. Is generated.

  For example, the first generation unit 560G uses the apparatus configuration information of the post-processing device 40, the priority information indicating “gloss priority” or “type priority”, and the apparatus configuration as information regarding the printing conditions when applying clear toner to the recording medium. Information and setting information corresponding to the priority information, identification information of the surface effect selection table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information, information (formation position and type) indicating the spot color area specified by the spot color plate data, etc. Image data indicating one as a character image or the like is generated.

  Furthermore, the first generation unit 560G may also generate information regarding printing conditions when the colored toner is applied to the recording medium. In this case, the first generation unit 560G uses the print date and time included in the job command acquired by the second acquisition unit 560B as the information regarding the printing conditions when the colored toner is applied to the recording medium, and the host device 49 is colored. Job name of the print job including the color plane data when the plate data is received from the external device, the name of the user who transmitted the print job to the host device 49, the name of the printer 70, the model name of the printer 70, the printer Image data indicating at least one of information such as the last adjustment date and time 70, peripheral device configuration, printer setting, aggregation setting, duplex setting, and the like is generated as a character image or the like.

  Further, the first generation unit 560G analyzes the color plane data in the vector format received from the rendering engine 51, and acquires the position coordinates for each drawing object indicated by the color plane data. Next, the first generation unit 560G grasps the position on the recording medium of each colored area as a drawing object indicated by the color plane data based on the corresponding position coordinates, and is generated on the recording medium to be formed. The margin area is calculated as the printing condition forming position.

  FIG. 21 is data indicating each drawing object indicated by the color plane data and the position coordinates. Assume that the first generation unit 560G acquires the position coordinates shown in FIG. 21 as the position coordinates corresponding to each drawing object indicated by the color plane data. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a blank area indicated by the color plane data. As shown in FIG. 21, the first generation unit 560G generates a margin generated on the recording medium from the position coordinates corresponding to each acquired drawing object indicated by the color plane data and the size of the recording medium to be formed. A region (left margin P1, right margin P2, upper margin P3, lower margin P4 in FIG. 22) is calculated as a printing condition formation position.

  Note that the first generation unit 560G prints an area at least partially overlapping the area on the recording medium where the color area specified by the color plane data included in the print data received from the host device 49 is formed. It may be calculated as the formation position.

  Returning to FIG. 9, it is assumed that the job command includes information indicating the size of the recording medium to be formed and the printing direction, and the first generation unit 560G analyzes the job command received from the rendering engine 51 to form the job command. What is necessary is just to acquire the magnitude | size etc. of the target recording medium.

  Then, the first generation unit 560G generates the information regarding the printing condition when the clear toner is applied to the recording medium, and the printing condition when the colored image specified by the color plane data is applied to the recording medium with the colored toner. Printing condition plane data for forming information on the recording medium with colored toner is generated. Note that the information regarding the printing conditions formed on the recording medium may include at least information regarding the printing conditions when applying clear toner to the recording medium.

  In the first generation unit 560G, for example, an image forming area indicating information regarding the printing conditions is determined so that the position when the information regarding the printing conditions is formed on the recording medium is within the margin area. Printing condition plane data is generated by setting the density value of a colored image indicating the printing conditions. The printing condition plane data is formed as image data for applying at least one color toner of CMYK. For example, when information on printing conditions is formed on a recording medium using one type of colored toner in CMYK, the first generation unit 560G generates a colored image indicating the printing conditions in any one of CMYK. Printing condition plane data indicating color and density values may be generated. In addition, in the case where information regarding printing conditions is formed on a recording medium using two or more types of color toners in CMYK, the first generation unit 560G sets information regarding printing conditions as any two or more types of CMYK. The printing condition plane data indicated by the color and density value may be generated for each type of color. Which color should be used to form information on printing conditions on the recording medium may be set in advance by the first generation unit 560G.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, the first generation unit 560G generates 8-bit printing condition data in which the density value of each pixel is indicated by 8 bits.

  The second generation unit 560H generates 2-bit printing condition plane data from the 8-bit printing condition plane data generated by the first generation unit 560G. The second generation unit 560 </ b> H receives the CMYK 2-bit color plane data received from the halftone engine 55 by the si3 unit 57 from the si3 unit 57. Then, the second generation unit 560H defines the same color (colored toner color) as the 2-bit printing condition plane data and the 2-bit printing condition plane data of CMYK. The combined color plane data obtained by combining the plane data and the plane data is generated.

  Then, the second generation unit 560H outputs the generated combined color plane data to the si3 unit 57.

  As described above, the si3 unit 57 outputs the CMYK 2-bit color plane data to the printing condition plane data generation unit 560 in response to a request from the printing condition plane data generation unit 560. When the si3 unit 57 receives the 2-bit composite color plane data from the printing condition plane data generation unit 560, the si3 unit 57 includes the CMYK color plane data received from the halftone engine 55. The color plane data of the same color (at least one of CMYK) as the composite color plane data received from 560 is replaced with the composite color plane data received from the printing condition plane data generation unit 560. Then, the image data obtained by integrating the CMYK color plane data including the replaced color plane data as the color plane data and the clear toner plane data received from the clear processing 56 is output to the MIC 60 (details will be described later).

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

  When the DFE 50 receives 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 CMYK format is performed to obtain CMYK 8-bit color plane data, 8-bit gloss control plane data, and 8-bit clear plane data (step S2).

  The DFE 50 performs gamma correction on the CMYK 8-bit color plane data using the 1D_LUT gamma curve generated by the calibration, and outputs the image data after the gamma correction to the printer 70. For example, halftone processing is performed to convert the data format of CMYK 2-bit color plane data into CMYK 2-bit color plane data after halftone processing (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. 24 shows device configuration information acquisition processing in step S4.

  First, the apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58 turns off all of the glosser flag, the post-processing device 90A flag, and the post-processing device 90B flag as an initial setting (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).

  When 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 installed (step S105: Yes), the apparatus configuration acquisition unit 58 turns on an internal flag indicating that the post-processing device 90B is installed (step S106). .

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

  Returning to FIG. 23, the surface effect type determination unit 56D then 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.

  Next, the replacement unit 56A reads the priority information from the storage unit 56B (step S6). By the processing in step S6, the replacement unit 56A reads priority information of either type priority or gloss priority.

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

  In the process of step S6, the replacement unit 56A reads the signal from the storage unit 56B to read a signal indicating gloss priority or type priority as priority information.

  Next, the replacement unit 56A reads from the storage unit 56B the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information acquired in step S4 and the priority information read in step S6 (step S7).

  Next, based on the setting table read in step S7, the replacement unit 56A replaces the surface effect of the type that is difficult to realize by the replacement process, that is, the device configuration, with the type of surface effect that can be realized according to the priority information. Clear toner plane data is generated and the glosser 80 is turned on / off (step S8).

  In step S8, when the priority information read in step S6 is a signal indicating gloss priority, the replacement unit 56A includes information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned on and the device configuration information acquired in step S4. The replacement process is performed using setting tables corresponding to both of the above. On the other hand, in this step S8, when the priority information read in step S6 is a signal indicating the type priority, the replacement unit 56A includes information indicating that the glosser 80 is turned off and the device configuration information acquired in step S4. The replacement process is performed using setting tables corresponding to both of the above.

  In FIG. 25, the apparatus configuration information indicating that the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B are installed (that is, the apparatus configuration information indicating the configuration of FIG. 10) is acquired in step S4 as the apparatus configuration information. The replacement process when “priority” is acquired in step S6 is shown.

  In this case, the replacement unit 56A reads the device configuration information indicating that only the glosser 80 and the post-processing device 90B are provided as the post-processing device 40, and the setting table corresponding to the priority information of “glossy priority”. For example, the replacement unit 56A reads the setting table shown in FIG. 16 as the setting table corresponding to the device configuration information. Thereafter, the replacement unit 56A performs the process shown in FIG. 25 as the replacement process. FIG. 25 shows a replacement process when the setting table shown in FIG. 16 is read.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the replacement unit 56 </ b> A 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 the clear toner plane data (clear toner plane 1) used in the printer 70 as INV-1 for the area where the user-specified surface effect is specular gloss (PG), and the user-specified surface effect. For an area that is solid glossy (G), INV-m clear toner plane data 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 uses no data as the clear toner plane data (clear toner plane 2) used by the post-processing device 90B for areas where the user-specified surface effects are specular gloss (PG) and solid gloss (G). (No data). 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. 23, next, the printing condition plane data generation unit 560 executes printing condition plane data generation processing (step S9).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print condition plane data generation processing.

  First, from the rendering engine 51, the second acquisition unit 560B includes vector format color plane data, vector format spot color plane data (clear plane data, gloss control plane data) included in the image data acquired by the rendering engine 51, And a job command is acquired (step S200).

  Next, the first acquisition unit 560A acquires the device configuration information of the post-processing device 40 from the device configuration acquisition unit 58 (step S202).

  Next, the reading unit 560E reads identification information (surface effect selection table name) uniquely identifying the surface effect selection table corresponding to the device configuration information received by the first acquisition unit 560A from the storage unit 56B (step S204). ).

  Next, the third acquisition unit 560C acquires identification information (setting table name) that uniquely identifies the setting table used for replacement of the surface effect type of the gloss control plane data by the replacement unit 56A from the replacement unit 56A. (Step S205).

  Next, the third acquisition unit 560C acquires the replacement rule indicated by the setting table used for replacement of the type of surface effect of the gloss control plane data by the replacement unit 56A from the replacement unit 56A (step S206).

  Next, the determination unit 560F determines the formation position and type of the spot color area to be applied to the recording medium (step S208). Next, the fourth acquisition unit 560D acquires priority information indicating “gloss priority” or “type priority” from the UI unit 59 (step S210).

  Next, the first generation unit 560G generates print condition data based on the information acquired in steps S200 to S210 (step S212). That is, each piece of information acquired in steps S200 to S210 is used as information relating to printing conditions when the clear toner is applied to the recording medium. For example, printing condition data indicating these as text (character images) is generated.

  Next, the first generation unit 560G is specified by the information about the printing condition when applying clear toner to the recording medium generated in step S212 and the color plane data included in the job command acquired in step 200. The printing condition plane data is generated from the information related to the printing conditions when forming the colored image (step S214). Through the above processing, printing condition plane data is generated.

  Returning to FIG. 23, the second generation unit 560H generates 2-bit printing condition plane data from the 8-bit printing condition plane data generated by the first generation unit 560G. The second generation unit 560 </ b> H receives the CMYK 2-bit color plane data received from the halftone engine 55 by the si3 unit 57 from the si3 unit 57. The second generation unit 560H defines the same color (colored toner color) as the 2-bit printing condition plane data and the 2-bit printing condition plane data of CMYK. The combined color plane data obtained by combining the color plane data is generated and output to the si3 unit 57 (step S10).

  Next, the si3 unit 57 of the DFE 50 has the same color (at least one of CMYK) as the combined color plane data received from the printing condition plane data generation unit 560 among the CMYK color plane data received from the halftone engine 55. ) Is replaced with the combined color plane data received from the printing condition plane data generation unit 560. Then, the image data obtained by integrating the CMYK color plane data including the replaced composite color plane data as the color plane data and the clear toner plane data received from the clear processing 56, and information indicating whether the glosser 80 is on or off are included. And output to the MIC 60 (step S11).

  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 CMYK 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, and outputs the integrated data to the printer 70. . The printer 70 uses the CMYK 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 photoconductor. Fix it after transferring it to the recording medium. As a result, the CMYK toner and the clear toner adhere 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.

  Here, as described above, the color plane data received by the printer 70 includes the above-described composite color plane data. For this reason, by forming a color image defined by the composite color plane data on the recording medium, the color image specified by the color plane data received by the DFE 50 from the host device 49 or the spot color plane data is stored on the recording medium. In addition to the spot color area specified by the clear toner and formed by the clear toner, an image indicating at least information on the print condition of the clear toner is recorded on the recording medium in color.

  FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image formed on a recording medium.

  As shown in FIG. 27, on the recording medium 300, the color image 300A specified by the color plane data received by the DFE 50 from the host device 49 is formed with the color toner, and the spot color area 300B specified by the spot color plane data is cleared. For example, at least information 300C regarding the printing condition of the clear toner is formed with the color toner in the blank area Q of the recording medium 300.

  For this reason, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily present the printing conditions when the clear toner is attached to the recording medium.

  Further, the information regarding the printing conditions formed in a color on the recording medium is the apparatus configuration information of the post-processing device 40, “gloss priority” or “type priority” as information regarding the printing conditions when applying clear toner to the recording medium. ”Indicating priority information, replacement rules, apparatus configuration information, identification information of setting table corresponding to priority information, identification information of surface effect selection table corresponding to apparatus configuration information, and spot color area specified by spot color data It includes at least one of information (formation position and type).

  Therefore, the clear toner printing conditions can be presented in detail.

  In addition, the information regarding the printing conditions when the clear toner is applied to the recording medium, which is formed in a color on the recording medium, includes the replacement rule, the identification information of the setting table, etc. The surface effect replaced according to the priority information can be easily provided.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the print data is generated by the host device 49, the print condition plane data generation unit 560 is provided in the DFE 50, and the print condition plane data generation processing is performed by the DFE 50. It is not limited.

  In other words, 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 printing system according to the present embodiment, a part of the DEF function is mounted on a server device on the network.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the printing system according to 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 has the function of the clear processing 56 of the DFE 50 according to the first 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 first embodiment.

  Specifically, in the second 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 first embodiment. The function of the printing condition plane data generation unit 560 of the DFE 50 is provided, and the server apparatus 3060 is configured to perform generation processing of printing condition plane data.

  First, the server device 3060 will be described. FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a server device 3060 according to the second embodiment. The server device 3060 mainly includes a storage unit 3070, a printing condition plane data generation unit 3062, and a communication unit 3065.

  The storage unit 3070 is a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory. The communication unit 3065 exchanges various data and requests with the DFE 3050. More specifically, the communication unit 3065 receives the first data from the DFE 3050. Further, the communication unit 3065 transmits the printing condition plate data generated by the printing condition plate data generation unit 3062 to the DFE 3050.

  Next, the DFE 3050 will be described. FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the DFE 3050 according to the first embodiment. The DFE 3050 according to the present embodiment includes a rendering engine 51, a si1 unit 52, a TRC 53, a si2 unit 54, a halftone engine 55, a si3 unit 57, a device configuration acquisition unit 58, a UI unit 59, and a communication. Part 3051. Here, the functions and configurations of the rendering engine 51, the si1 unit 52, the TRC 53, the si2 unit 54, the halftone engine 55, the si3 unit 57, the device configuration acquisition unit 58, and the UI unit 59 are first described. This is the same as the DFE 50 in the embodiment.

  The communication unit 3051 transmits / receives various data to / from the server device 3060 via an interface (not shown).

  Next, the procedure of the gloss control process performed by the printing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the DFE 3050 of the printing system according to the present embodiment, the processes in steps S1 to S8 are executed in the same manner as the DFE 50 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 23).

  Next, the communication unit 3051 transmits the first data used for generating the printing condition data to the server device 3060 (step S800). The first data is the same as in the first embodiment. Next, the communication unit 3051 receives print condition plane data from the server device 3060 (step 810).

  Next, the si3 unit 57 defines the same color (colored toner color) as the 2-bit printing condition plane data received from the server device 3060 among the 2-bit color plane data of CMYK received from the halftone engine 55. The combined color plane data is generated by combining the color plane data and the printing condition plane data. Then, the si3 unit 57 generates the color composition data of the same color (at least one of CMYK) as the generated composite color data among the CMYK color data received from the halftone engine 55. Replace with colored plate data. Then, the image data obtained by integrating the CMYK color plane data including the replaced composite color plane data and the clear toner plane data received from the clear processing 56, and information indicating the glosser 80 on or off are output to the MIC 60. (Step S11).

  Thus, this routine is finished.

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

  In server device 3060, first, communication unit 3065 receives first data from DFE 3050 (step S900).

  Next, the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 acquires vector format color plane data, vector format spot color plane data (clear plane data, gloss control plane data), and a job command from the first data (step S910). ). Note that the processing of step 910 to step S924 executed by the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 is the functional units of the printing condition plane data generation unit 560 of the first embodiment, except that each information is acquired or read from the first data. It is the same as the process executed in

  Next, the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 acquires apparatus configuration information of the post-processing device 40 from the first data (step S912). Next, the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 reads identification information (surface effect selection table name) uniquely identifying the surface effect selection table corresponding to the apparatus configuration information from the first data (step S914).

  Next, the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 acquires identification information (setting table name) that uniquely identifies the setting table from the first data (step S915). Next, the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 acquires the replacement rule indicated by the setting table from the first data (step S916).

  Next, the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 and the first data determine the formation position and type of the spot color area to be given to the recording medium (step S918). Next, the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 acquires priority information indicating “gloss priority” or “type priority” from the first data (step S920).

  Next, the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 generates printing condition data based on the acquired information (step S922). Next, the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 generates printing condition plane data (step S914). Through the above processing, printing condition plane data is generated. Then, the printing condition plane data generation unit 3062 transmits the printing condition plane data to the DFE 3050 (step S926).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the function of the printing condition plane data generation unit is provided in the server apparatus 3060, and the generation of printing condition plane data is performed by the server apparatus 3060 on the cloud. For this reason, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even when there are a plurality of DFE 3050, the printing condition plane data can be generated all at once, which is convenient for the administrator.

  In this embodiment, the single server device 3060 on the cloud is provided with the function of the printing condition version data generation unit, and the server device 3060 is configured to generate the printing condition version data. It is not limited to.

  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. 33 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. 33, the first server device 3860 and the second server device 3861 are configured to perform the generation processing of printing condition plane data 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 second 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. 34 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the DFEs 50 and 3050, the server device 3060, the first server device 3860, and the second server device 3861 of the present embodiment. The DFEs 50 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 main storage device 1020 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM, 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 are provided, and a hardware configuration using a normal computer is provided. .

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

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

  The programs executed by the DFEs 50 and 3050, the server device 3060, the first server device 3860, and the second server device 3861 according to the present embodiment have a module configuration including the above-described units. When the (processor) reads out and executes the control program from the storage medium, the respective units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the respective units are generated on the main storage device. In the above-described embodiment, the DFE 50, 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 device that executes the process is arbitrary, and for example, the process can be executed by a PC.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing system is configured to include the DFE 50, 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 constitute a single image forming apparatus, or may be formed as an image forming apparatus including a glosser 80 and a post-processing device 90. It may be.

  In the printing system of the above-described embodiment, an image is formed using a plurality of CMYK toners, but an image may be formed using one color toner.

10 Printing System 30 Printing Device 50, 3050 DFE
58 device configuration acquisition unit 59 UI unit 560 printing condition version data generation unit 560A first acquisition unit 560B second acquisition unit 560C third acquisition unit 560D fourth acquisition unit 560E reading unit 560F determination unit 560G first generation unit 560H second generation Part 560X acquisition part

JP 2003-345577 A

Claims (9)

A print control device for generating the image data to be used in a printing device that includes a colored toner and a colorless clear toner, and uses the colored toner and the clear toner to form an image based on image data on a recording medium. There,
An acquisition unit for acquiring first data including color plane data defining a color area to which the colored toner is applied and spot color plane data defining a special color area to which the clear toner is applied;
A first generation unit that generates printing condition plane data specifying a color image indicating a printing condition when the clear toner is attached to a recording medium based on the first data;
A second generation unit that generates the image data based on the combined color plane data obtained by combining the printing condition plane data and the color plane data and the spot color plane data;
A printing control apparatus. The first data further includes device configuration information indicating a device configuration of the printing device,
The first generation unit generates the printing condition plane data specifying a colored image indicating the printing condition including the apparatus configuration information based on the first data.
The print control apparatus according to claim 1.   The second generation unit is configured to print the printing condition specified by the printing condition plate data in a blank area other than the colored area specified by the colored plate data on a recording medium. The composite color plane data obtained by combining the plate data and the color plane data is generated, and the image data is generated based on the composite color plane data and the spot color plane data. Print control device. A storage unit that stores a surface effect selection table that defines a density value corresponding to the type of surface effect to be applied to the recording medium for each device configuration information,
The first data further includes identification information for uniquely identifying the surface effect selection table corresponding to device configuration information indicating a device configuration of the printing device,
The first generation unit generates the printing condition plane data specifying a colored image indicating the printing condition including the identification information based on the first data.
The printing control apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. The first data further includes priority information indicating a replacement condition of the surface effect type,
The first generation unit generates the printing condition plane data specifying a colored image indicating the printing condition including the priority information based on the first data.
The printing control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The first generation unit generates the printing condition plane data specifying a colored image indicating the printing condition including information indicating a spot color area defined by the spot color plane data based on the first data. The printing control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Colored color toner and colorless clear toner are mounted, and the color toner and the clear toner are used to form an image based on image data on a recording medium, and the image data used in the printing device is generated A printing control system comprising:
The print control device includes:
An acquisition unit for acquiring first data including color plane data defining a color area to which the colored toner is applied and spot color plane data defining a special color area to which the clear toner is applied;
A first generation unit that generates printing condition plane data specifying a color image indicating a printing condition when the clear toner is attached to a recording medium based on the first data;
A second generation unit that generates the image data based on the combined color plane data obtained by combining the printing condition plane data and the color plane data and the spot color plane data;
A printing control system comprising: A print control device for generating the image data to be used in a printing device that includes a colored toner and a colorless clear toner, and uses the colored toner and the clear toner to form an image based on image data on a recording medium. There is a print control method that can be realized.
An acquisition step of acquiring first data including color plane data defining a color area to which the color toner is applied and spot color data defining a spot color area to which the clear toner is applied;
A first generation step of generating printing condition plane data specifying a colored image indicating a printing condition when the clear toner is attached to a recording medium based on the first data;
A second generation step of generating the image data based on the combined color plane data obtained by combining the printing condition plane data and the color plane data and the spot color plane data;
A printing control method. A colored colored toner and a colorless clear toner are mounted, and the computer that generates the image data used in a printing apparatus that forms an image based on the image data on a recording medium is executed by using the colored toner and the clear toner. A program for
An acquisition step of acquiring first data including color plane data defining a color area to which the color toner is applied and spot color data defining a spot color area to which the clear toner is applied;
A first generation step of generating printing condition plane data specifying a colored image indicating a printing condition when the clear toner is attached to a recording medium based on the first data;
A second generation step of generating the image data based on the combined color plane data obtained by combining the printing condition plane data and the color plane data and the spot color plane data;
For causing the computer to execute.

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