JP2015036219A - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program, which faithfully reflect the intention of a user editing a print setup in a print result.SOLUTION: A digital image forming apparatus 30 includes: a job input part 130 for receiving input of a print job including a job ticket and externally rasterized PDL data; an edit reception part 134 for receiving editing to the job ticket; and a rasterization request part 135 for requesting an input source of the PDL data for rasterization based on a job ticket edited at the edit reception part 134.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Recent image forming apparatuses (for example, printing presses) have been used for output of final products in the printing business as printing speed and quality have been improved.

  In order to further increase the speed, not only the processing speed of individual image forming apparatuses is improved, but also a technique for printing by distributing the same print job to a plurality of image forming apparatuses has been developed.

  In addition to simply distributing print jobs, it is possible to speed up printing, and it is also possible to use different image forming apparatuses according to delivery time, quality, quantity, cost, and the like. As a representative technique, there is a hybrid workflow system constructed by combining various types of image forming apparatuses (for example, Patent Document 1). Some hybrid workflow systems are constructed by combining, for example, an offset printing machine that requires plate making and a digital printing machine that does not require plate making. Offset printing machines are mainly used when you want to reduce the total cost when printing large lots or when you want high-quality printing. Digital printing machines are mainly used to reduce initial costs when printing small lots. It is used when you want to make a delivery or if you want to speed up delivery.

  In a system capable of printing using a plurality of image forming apparatuses as described above, a print job including rasterized images is stored in one image forming apparatus, and the print settings are edited later. The image can be printed (reprinted). In this case, rasterization may be necessary in the image forming apparatus.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-268817

  However, if an image included in a print job has already been rasterized before being input to the image forming apparatus, even if the image is rasterized and printed by the image forming apparatus, editing of print settings may not be reflected. For example, attribute information representing the attributes of each pixel, such as text and graphics, is lost by rasterization, so editing of print settings is reflected when attribute information is required when rasterizing a rasterized image with an image forming apparatus. Can not.

  In addition, different rasterization methods may be used for a device that has been rasterized before being input to the image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus that performs rasterization after editing print settings. In this case as well, when a rasterized image is rasterized by the image forming device, the print result will not be as intended from the viewpoint of the user who has edited the print settings assuming that the rasterized image will be rasterized by the first rasterized device. There is.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program in which an intention of a user who has edited print settings is accurately reflected in a print result. With the goal.

  (1) A job input unit that receives an input of a print job including a job ticket and externally rasterized PDL data, an edit reception unit that receives an edit for the job ticket, and the contents of the edit An image forming apparatus comprising: a rasterization requesting unit that requests rasterization based on a job ticket edited by the editing accepting unit to an input source of the PDL data when the image is included in the PDL data.

  (2) The job input unit can also accept input of a print job including PDL data that has not been rasterized externally, and the rasterization request unit can receive PDL data whose editing content has not been rasterized externally. The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the image forming apparatus requests the apparatus to perform rasterization based on the job ticket edited by the edit receiving unit.

  (3) The rasterization request unit includes a job ticket in which an image including only an image area is included in the PDL data included in the print job input to the job input unit, and the print job includes (1) or (2) in which it is determined that the PDL data is rasterized externally when the URL data indicating the storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized is included. Image forming apparatus.

  (4) When the rasterization request unit includes at least one of a character region and a graphic region in the PDL data included in the print job input to the job input unit, the PDL data is external The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the image forming apparatus determines that the image is not rasterized.

  (5) The rasterization request unit includes a job ticket in which an image composed only of an image area is included in the PDL data included in the print job input to the job input unit, and the print job includes If the URL data indicating the storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized is not included, any of the above (1) to (4) is determined that the PDL data is not rasterized externally. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  (6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), which is included in a hybrid workflow system that realizes unified management of offset printing and digital printing.

  (7) (a) receiving an input of a print job including a job ticket and externally rasterized PDL data, (b) receiving edits for the job ticket, (c) And a step of requesting rasterization based on the job ticket edited by the editing accepting unit from the input source of the PDL data when the content of the editing relates to an image included in the PDL data.

  (8) In step (a), an input of a print job including PDL data that has not been rasterized externally can be accepted. In step (c), the contents of the editing are not rasterized externally. In the case of an image included in PDL data, the image forming method according to (7), wherein the apparatus requests rasterization based on the job ticket edited by the editing accepting unit.

  (9) In step (c), the PDL data included in the print job input in step (a) includes an image composed only of an image area, and is included in the print job. (7) or (8) determining that the PDL data is rasterized externally when the job ticket includes URL data indicating a storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized. The image forming method described in 1.

  (10) In the step (c), when the PDL data included in the print job input in the step (a) includes at least one of a character area and a graphic area, the PDL data The image forming method according to any one of (7) to (9), wherein it is determined that is not rasterized externally.

  (11) In step (c), the PDL data included in the print job input in step (a) includes an image composed only of an image area, and is included in the print job. When the job ticket does not include URL data indicating the storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized, it is determined that the PDL data is not rasterized externally (7) to (10) The image forming method according to any one of the above.

  (12) receiving a print job including (a) a job ticket and externally rasterized PDL data in a computer; (b) receiving edits for the job ticket; (C) When the content of the editing relates to an image included in the PDL data, a step of requesting rasterization based on the job ticket edited by the editing reception unit from the input source of the PDL data is executed. Image forming program.

  (13) In step (a), an input of a print job including PDL data that has not been rasterized externally can be accepted. In step (c), the content of the editing is not rasterized externally. In the case of an image included in PDL data, the image forming program according to (12), wherein the apparatus requests rasterization based on the job ticket edited by the editing accepting unit.

  (14) In step (c), the PDL data included in the print job input in step (a) includes an image including only an image area, and is included in the print job. When the job ticket includes URL data indicating the storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized, it is determined that the PDL data is rasterized externally (12) or (13) The image forming program described in 1.

  (15) In the step (c), when the PDL data included in the print job input in the step (a) includes at least one of a character area and a graphic area, the PDL data The image forming program according to any one of (12) to (14), wherein the image forming program is determined not to be rasterized externally.

  (16) In step (c), the PDL data included in the print job input in step (a) includes an image composed only of an image area, and is included in the print job. When the job ticket does not include URL data indicating the storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized, it is determined that the PDL data is not rasterized externally (12) to (15) The image forming program according to any one of the above.

  According to the present invention, when a job ticket input together with externally rasterized PDL data is edited, rasterization necessary for printing is requested from the input source of the PDL data. As a result, even if the job ticket is edited, it can be rasterized again by the first rasterized apparatus if necessary. That is, rasterization is always performed by the same apparatus. As a result, the intention of the user who has edited the print settings is accurately reflected in the print result.

  Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of an external device. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of a management apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a printing system. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen and a job ticket. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of raster data and attribute information. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the preservation | save process of job data. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the determination process of re-RIP. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating re-RIP execution processing. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of job data storage processing;

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may be different from the actual ratios.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the external device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the management apparatus. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, a schematic configuration, particularly a hardware configuration, of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Printing system 1>
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes an external device 5 and a hybrid workflow system 10. The hybrid workflow system 10 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses (30, 50) having different printing methods, and realizes, for example, unified management of offset printing and digital printing. When a print job is input (transmitted) from the external apparatus 5 to the hybrid workflow system 10, the image forming apparatus (30, 50) is sent according to the delivery date, quality, quantity, cost, etc. of the print (printed material) based on the print job. ) Can be used properly.

  The external device 5 and the hybrid workflow system 10 are connected to be communicable with each other via a computer network (hereinafter simply referred to as “network 6”). The network 6 is a LAN (Local Area Network) in which computers and network devices are connected according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), FDDI (Fibre Distributed Data Interface), token ring, etc. Are composed of WAN (Wide Area Network) or the like connected by a dedicated line.

(External device 5)
Next, the external device 5 will be described.

  The external device 5 is a device that generates a print job, and is a general computer that functions as a printer driver. The external device 5 can submit (send) the generated print job to the hybrid workflow system 10.

  As the external device 5, a desktop PC (personal computer) as shown in FIG. 1 may be used, or a portable terminal such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a mobile phone may be used.

  In the print job generated in the external device 5, in addition to the data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as “print target data”), the basics related to the number of copies, paper size, single side / double side, monochrome / color, etc. Setting information (hereinafter referred to as “job ticket”) is included. Further, the job ticket includes information indicating attributes (text, graphic, image, etc.) for each object.

  Further, the print target data may be, for example, PDL data described in a page description language (PDL) that can be interpreted by the hybrid workflow system 10. Hereinafter, PDL data including only an image attribute area (also referred to as “image area”) is referred to as raster PDL, and PDL data having an attribute area other than the image attribute is referred to as vector PDL. Instead of PDL data, PDF (Portable Document Format) data or the like may be used.

(Hybrid workflow system 10)
Next, a specific configuration of the hybrid workflow system 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hybrid workflow system 10 includes a management device 20, a digital image forming device 30, a plate making device 40, and an analog image forming device 50.

  Each device (20, 30, 40, 50) is connected to be communicable with each other via the network 6 as shown in FIG. However, the types and the number of devices connected to the network 6 are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  The management device 20 is a device that manages the hybrid workflow system 10 (for example, a device in which a management application is installed), and is a general computer. For example, the management apparatus 20 determines a transmission destination of a print job from apparatuses (such as the digital image forming apparatus 30) included in the hybrid workflow system 10, and transmits the print job to the determined apparatus.

  The management apparatus 20 has a function of rasterizing data to be printed independently, and can transmit a rasterized image (raster data) in a print job. Here, rasterization refers to processing for developing raster data that can be printed at the destination of a print job, and includes, for example, color space conversion processing and image processing such as density adjustment.

  The management device 20 may be a desktop PC (personal computer) as shown in FIG. 1, or may be a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a mobile phone.

  The digital image forming apparatus 30 has at least a printing function and executes printing based on a print job transmitted from the external device 5 or the management device 20. However, the digital image forming apparatus 30 is suitable for on-demand printing because it does not require plate making at the time of printing, and can directly input digital data to be printed. It is used to reduce initial costs when printing small lots or to shorten delivery times. Further, the digital image forming apparatus 30 may be used as a proofreading printer (proofer) at the time of printing that requires plate making.

  The digital image forming apparatus 30 can store the received print job and execute printing based on the print job at an arbitrary timing (for example, a timing instructed by the user). At this time, the digital image forming apparatus 30 accepts editing for the job ticket, and performs rasterization based on the edited job ticket if necessary. However, if the contents of the editing for the job ticket relate to an image included in the PDL data, a rasterization request is made to the input source of the PDL data (for example, the management apparatus 20).

  The digital image forming apparatus 30 may be an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a copy function, a scan function, a facsimile function, etc. in addition to the print function.

  The plate making apparatus 40 produces a printing plate for executing printing based on the print job transmitted from the external apparatus 5 or the management apparatus 20. For example, the plate making apparatus 40 is an ink jet type plate making apparatus for producing a printing plate by discharging ink onto a plate material.

  The analog image forming apparatus 50 has at least a printing function, and executes printing based on a print job transmitted from the external apparatus 5 or the management apparatus 20. However, the analog image forming apparatus 50 requires plate making at the time of printing, and performs printing using the printing plate produced in the plate making apparatus 40. Used when you want to reduce the total cost when printing large lots or when you want high-quality printing. For example, offset printing (lithographic printing), screen printing (stencil printing), flexographic printing (letter printing), gravure Printing (intaglio printing) is performed.

  The analog image forming apparatus 50 may be an MFP having a copy function, a scan function, a facsimile function, and the like in addition to the print function.

<External device 5 (hardware configuration)>
Next, the hardware configuration of the external device 5 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the external device 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a network interface (I / F) 14, and an input / output device 15. Are connected to each other via a bus for exchanging signals.

  The CPU 11 is a control circuit composed of a multi-core processor or the like that executes control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program. Each function of the external device 5 is executed by the CPU 11 executing a corresponding program. Demonstrated.

  The memory 12 is a high-speed accessible main storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. As the memory 12, for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or the like is adopted.

  The storage 13 is a large-capacity auxiliary storage device that stores various programs including an operating system and various data. As the storage 13, for example, a flash memory, a solid state drive, a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like is employed.

  The network I / F 14 is an interface for communicating with another system (for example, the hybrid workflow system 10) via the network 6, and standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, FDDI, and token ring are used. .

  The input / output device 15 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, or an output device such as a liquid crystal display.

<Management device 20 (hardware configuration)>
Next, the hardware configuration of the management apparatus 20 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the management device 20 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a network interface (I / F) 24, and an input / output device 25, which exchange signals. Are connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 21 is a control circuit composed of a multi-core processor or the like that executes control of the above-described units and various arithmetic processes according to a program. Each function of the management device 20 is executed by the CPU 21 executing a corresponding program. Demonstrated.

  The memory 22 is a high-speed accessible main storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. As the memory 22, for example, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, or the like is employed.

  The storage 23 is a large-capacity auxiliary storage device that stores various programs including an operating system and various data. As the storage 23, for example, a flash memory, a solid state drive, a hard disk, a ROM, or the like is employed.

  The network I / F 24 is an interface for communicating with other devices (5, 30, 40, 50) via the network 6, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, FDDI, and token ring. It is done.

  The input / output device 25 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, or an output device such as a liquid crystal display.

<Digital Image Forming Apparatus 30 (Hardware Configuration)>
Next, the hardware configuration of the digital image forming apparatus 30 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the digital image forming apparatus 30 includes a CPU 31, a memory 32, a storage 33, a network interface (I / F) 34, a print engine 35, and an operation panel 36. Are connected to each other via a bus for exchanging signals.

  The CPU 31 is a control circuit composed of a microprocessor or the like that executes control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program. Each function of the digital image forming apparatus 30 is realized by the CPU 31 executing a corresponding program.

  The memory 32 is a high-speed accessible main storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. For the memory 32, for example, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, or the like is employed.

  The storage 33 is a large-capacity auxiliary storage device that stores various programs including firmware and various data. As the storage 33, for example, a flash memory, a ROM, a solid state drive, a hard disk, or the like is employed.

  The network I / F 34 is an interface for communicating with other devices (5, 20, 40, 50) via the network 6, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, FDDI, and token ring. It is done.

  The print engine 35 prints a rasterized image (raster data). For example, the print engine 35 includes a cartridge filled with toner, a photosensitive drum, a laser beam irradiation mechanism, a paper feeding mechanism, a paper supply / discharge mechanism, and the like, and performs printing by transferring the toner to a printing medium such as printing paper. This is a laser unit.

  The operation panel 36 has a touch panel, is configured to display a progress status of a print job and an error occurrence status, and to allow various operations (inputs).

  Hereinafter, in order to facilitate understanding of the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, only a case where a print job is input to the digital image forming apparatus 30 will be described. Therefore, it is assumed that the plate making apparatus 40 and the analog image forming apparatus 50 can be realized by a general hardware configuration, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The external device 5, the management device 20, and the digital image forming device 30 having the above hardware configuration each have the following functional configuration.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the printing system. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen and a job ticket. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of raster data and attribute information. FIG. 7A is an example 1 of raster data and attribute information, and FIG. 7B is an example 2 of raster data and attribute information.

<Printing system 1 (functional configuration)>
First, the functional configuration of the external device 5 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the external device 5 includes a document creation unit 110 and a print control unit 111 as functional configurations.

  The document creating unit 110 operates in accordance with a general program that creates document data installed in the external device 5. For example, document data (vector data) is created according to a program for creating a document, a program for drawing graphics, a program for editing images, and the like. Further, the document creation unit 110 can also acquire image data (raster data) by a scan function. However, the document data and the image data may be created by a device other than the external device 5 and input via a portable recording medium or the Internet.

  The print control unit 111 reads document data or image data, converts it into print target data (for example, PDL data) that can be interpreted by the digital image forming apparatus 30, and transmits it as a print job to the hybrid workflow system 10. Here, the print control unit 111 can designate a specific image forming apparatus (for example, the digital image forming apparatus 30) in the hybrid workflow system 10 and transmit a print job. Further, the print control unit 111 may transmit a print job to the management apparatus 20 so that the management apparatus 20 determines a transmission destination of the print job.

  For example, a print job includes a job ticket and PDL data. The job ticket is created based on the contents set on the print setting screen 200 as in the example shown in FIG. For example, a job ticket consists of a set of PJL (Printer Job Language) commands. When the PDL data is created based on the document data (vector data), the vector PDL has an area other than the image attribute. However, even in the case of document data, if all areas are composed of images, raster PDL is used. When PDL data is created based on image data (raster data), it becomes a raster PDL consisting only of an image attribute area.

  The document creation unit 110 and the print control unit 111 are realized by the CPU 11 reading out an OS or a program installed in the storage 13 to the memory 12 and executing it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and hardware such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) may be used.

  Next, the functional configuration of the management apparatus 20 will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the management apparatus 20 includes a RIP unit 120, a print control unit 121, and a storage unit 122.

  The RIP unit 120 extracts print target data (for example, vector PDL) from the print job input to the management apparatus 20 and stores it in the storage unit 122. At this time, the RIP unit 120 generates data indicating a storage location (for example, URL: Uniform Resource Locator). At the same time, the RIP unit 120 rasterizes the extracted print target data to generate raster data.

  The print control unit 121 analyzes a job ticket included in the input print job, and determines an optimum device (transmission destination) to which the print job is to be transferred. Further, the print control unit 121 converts the raster data generated by the RIP unit 120 into print target data (for example, raster PDL) that can be interpreted by the determined transmission destination, and generates a print job. A job ticket including data (for example, URL) indicating a storage location of print target data (for example, vector PDL) before rasterization by the RIP unit 120 is added to the print job. Then, the print control unit 121 transmits the generated print job to the determined transmission destination (for example, the digital image forming apparatus 30).

  The storage unit 122 is accessible from the outside via the network 6 and stores the print target data described above.

  The RIP unit 120 and the print control unit 121 are realized by the CPU 21 reading out and executing the OS and programs installed in the storage 23 to the memory 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be realized by hardware such as ASIC. The storage unit 122 is realized by the storage 23.

  Next, the functional configuration of the digital image forming apparatus 30 will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the digital image forming apparatus 30 includes a job input unit 130, a RIP unit 131, an image forming unit 132, a storage unit 133, an edit reception unit 134, and a RIP request unit 135. .

  The job input unit 130 receives an input of a print job. For example, a print job transmitted from the external device 5 includes a job ticket and PDL data (vector PDL or raster PDL) that has not been rasterized externally (external device 5). The print job transmitted from the management apparatus 20 includes a job ticket and PDL data (raster PDL) rasterized externally (management apparatus 20). Here, the unrasterized PDL data refers to PDL data generated from document data or image data that has never been rasterized. The rasterized PDL data refers to PDL data generated from rasterized raster data. When the job input unit 130 receives the print job as described above, the job input unit 130 stores it in the storage unit 133 as job data.

  The RIP unit 131 extracts print target data from the print job input to the digital image forming apparatus 30, rasterizes the extracted print target data, and generates raster data. At this time, the RIP unit 131 refers to information indicating the attribute for each object from the job ticket included in the print job, and generates attribute information that can be specified for the attributes of all the pixels of the raster data. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, for raster data generated based on a raster PDL consisting only of an image attribute area, attribute information in which all pixels have an image attribute is generated. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, for raster data generated based on a vector PDL having an attribute area other than the image attribute, attribute information having different attributes at the corresponding positions is generated. Is done. The RIP unit 131 stores the generated raster data and attribute information in association with the previously stored job data.

  The image forming unit 132 prints the raster data generated in the RIP unit 131. Specifically, the image forming unit 132 controls the print engine 35 and the print head (not shown) according to the contents of the job ticket stored in association with the raster data, and executes the printing process.

  The storage unit 133 stores the above-described job data (job ticket and PDL data), attribute information, and raster data. By storing each data, printing based on the same job ticket (setting contents) and the same raster data can be repeatedly executed.

  The edit accepting unit 134 accepts editing for the job ticket stored in the storage unit 133. The contents of editing are classified into “image editing” related to an image (may be raster data) included in the PDL data, and “non-image editing” other than that. Examples of “image editing” include halftone expression adjustment, resolution adjustment, image quality adjustment for a specific object, adjustment for color conversion, and adjustment for color space mapping. Here, adjustment of halftone expression refers to editing when the raster PDL is already screened. The resolution adjustment particularly refers to an adjustment for increasing the resolution. The image quality adjustment for a specific object includes thinning, contour enhancement, trapping, and the like. Adjustment relating to color conversion refers to a change in a color conversion profile to be used. Adjustment relating to color space mapping refers to a change in the color space mapping method. “Non-image editing” includes, for example, changes related to the number of copies, paper size, single-sided / double-sided, allocation, finishing, and stapling.

  The RIP request unit 135 refers to the contents of editing the job ticket and, if necessary, requests rasterization based on the edited job ticket from the input source of the PDL data. For example, when the content of the accepted editing corresponds to the “image editing”, the RIP request unit 135 requests rasterization based on the edited job ticket from the input source of the PDL data. In addition, when the content of the received editing corresponds to the above “non-image editing”, the RIP request unit 135 requests the RIP unit 131 in the own apparatus to perform rasterization based on the edited job ticket.

  The job input unit 130 is realized by the network I / F 34. The RIP unit 131, the image forming unit 132, the edit receiving unit 134, and the RIP request unit 135 are realized by the CPU 31 reading out a program installed in the storage 33 to the memory 32 and executing it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be realized by hardware such as ASIC. The storage unit 133 is realized by the storage 33 and the memory 32.

<Operation of printing system 1>
Next, a characteristic operation of the printing system 1 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining job data storage processing. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining re-RIP determination processing. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the re-RIP execution process.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, job data storage processing, re-RIP determination processing, and re-RIP execution processing will be described.

(Job data storage process: FIG. 8)
For example, when the power is turned on, the management device 20 starts job data storage processing.

  When the job data storage process is started, the management apparatus 20 stands by until a print job execution request is made.

(Step S11)
For example, when receiving a print job transmitted from the external device 5, the management device 20 regards it as a print job execution request. The present invention is not limited to this, and print target data (for example, PDL data) may be input to the management apparatus 20 and may be regarded as a print job execution request when a print instruction is received from a user.

(Step S12)
The management apparatus 20 functions as the RIP unit 120, extracts print target data from the received print job, and stores it in the storage unit 122. At this time, the management apparatus 20 generates information (for example, URL) indicating the storage location of the print target data.

(Step S13)
Subsequently, the management apparatus 20 functions as the RIP unit 120 and extracts print target data from the print job. Then, the management device 20 rasterizes the extracted print target data to generate raster data.

(Step S14)
Next, the management apparatus 20 functions as the print control unit 121, analyzes the job ticket included in the print job, and determines the optimum apparatus (transmission destination) to which the print job is to be transferred. For example, if there is a description specifying the transmission destination of the print job in the job ticket, the management apparatus 20 may determine according to the description. Further, if the job ticket specifies the number of lots, the delivery date, and the like, the transmission destination of the print job may be determined based on the specification. More specifically, the management apparatus 20 determines the transmission destination of the print job to the digital image forming apparatus 30 when the number of lots is specified to be less than a predetermined number (for example, 100). Further, the management apparatus 20 may determine the transmission destination of the print job to the digital image forming apparatus 30 when the delivery date is designated within one week.

  In this sequence, the management apparatus 20 determines the digital image forming apparatus 30 as the transmission destination of the print job. Thereafter, the management apparatus 20 converts the raster data generated in step S13 into print target data (for example, raster PDL) that can be interpreted by the digital image forming apparatus 30, and generates a print job. Here, the print job includes a job ticket including at least information (such as a URL) indicating the storage location of the print target data generated in step S12, and the print target data.

(Step S15)
Subsequently, the management apparatus 20 functions as the print control unit 121, and transmits (submits) the print job generated in step S14 to the digital image forming apparatus 30.

  At this time, the digital image forming apparatus 30 stands by until a print job is input. The digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the job input unit 130 and receives the print job transmitted from the management apparatus 20.

(Step S16)
Upon receiving a print job, the digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the job input unit 130 and analyzes a job ticket included in the received print job. For example, the digital image forming apparatus 30 analyzes the job ticket and determines that a process for storing a print job has been instructed.

(Step S17)
At this time, the digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the job input unit 130 and stores the received print job in the storage unit 133 as job data.

(Step S18)
Subsequently, the digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the RIP unit 131, extracts print target data from the received print job, and rasterizes the extracted print target data. Thereby, raster data that can be printed by the print engine 35 is generated.

  At the same time, the digital image forming apparatus 30 generates attribute information as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B with reference to the job ticket included in the print job. Thereafter, the digital image forming apparatus 30 stores the generated raster data and attribute information in the storage unit 133 in association with the previously stored job data.

(Step S19)
When the process of step S18 is completed, the digital image forming apparatus 30 notifies the management apparatus 20 that the process of saving the print job is completed.

  Following the notification in step S19, the digital image forming apparatus 30 ends the job data storage process. Further, upon receiving the notification in step S19, the management apparatus 20 ends the job data storage process.

  By executing the job data storage process described above, the job data is stored in the digital image forming apparatus 30, and printing based on the job data can be executed any number of times later.

(Re-RIP determination processing: FIG. 9)
For example, the digital image forming apparatus 30 starts re-RIP determination processing when job data is stored by the above-described job data storage processing.

(Step S21)
When the re-RIP determination process is started, the digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the editing reception unit 134 and determines whether an editing operation has been performed on the job ticket stored in the storage unit 133. If no editing operation is performed on the job ticket (step S21: No), the digital image forming apparatus 30 stands by until the editing operation is performed. When an editing operation is performed (step S21: Yes), the digital image forming apparatus 30 advances the process to step S22.

(Step S22)
The digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the RIP request unit 135, and when printing based on the job ticket edited by the editing operation in step S21 is performed, a condition that requires re-RIP (referred to as “re-RIP condition”). It is determined whether or not For example, the digital image forming apparatus 30 refers to the edited contents of the job ticket, and determines that the re-RIP condition is satisfied when the raster data needs to be processed. That is, the digital image forming apparatus 30 determines that the re-RIP condition is satisfied when the contents of the job ticket editing correspond to the above-mentioned “image editing”. The digital image forming apparatus 30 determines that the re-RIP condition is not satisfied when the raster data does not need to be processed and corresponds to the “non-image editing”.

  If it is determined in step S22 that the re-RIP condition is satisfied (step S22: Yes), the digital image forming apparatus 30 advances the process to step S23. On the other hand, when it is determined that the re-RIP condition is not satisfied (step S22: No), the process proceeds to step S26.

(Step S23)
The digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the RIP request unit 135 and determines whether or not the print target data associated with the job ticket for which editing has been received is a raster PDL. Specifically, the digital image forming apparatus 30 reads the attribute information associated with the job ticket for which editing has been received from the storage unit 133. If the digital image forming apparatus 30 includes only the image area, the print target data is rasterized. Judged to be PDL. If the image data area includes an area other than the image area, it is determined that the print target data is a vector PDL.

  If it is determined in step S23 that the print target data is raster PDL (step S23: Yes), the digital image forming apparatus 30 advances the process to step S24. On the other hand, when it is determined that the print target data is the vector PDL (step S23: No), the digital image forming apparatus 30 determines that the print target data is not rasterized externally, and the process proceeds to step S25. Proceed.

(Step S24)
The digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the RIP request unit 135, and the original data (vector PDL) before rasterization of the raster PDL is input to the input source (for example, the management apparatus 20) of the print target data that is the raster PDL. Determine if it exists. For example, when the URL exists in the job ticket, the digital image forming apparatus 30 determines that the vector PDL exists at the input source of the print target data. If the URL does not exist in the job ticket, it is determined that the vector PDL does not exist at the input source of the print target data.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the vector PDL is present at the input source of the print target data (step S24: Yes), the digital image forming apparatus 30 determines that the print target data is rasterized externally. Then, the process proceeds to the re-RIP execution process shown in FIG. 10 in order to request re-RIP from the input source of the print target data.

  Here, the reason why the re-RIP is requested from the input source of the print target data is that only the raster PDL (substantially the same data as the raster data) is stored in the digital image forming apparatus 30. This raster PDL has already been rasterized before being input to the digital image forming apparatus 30, and even if the digital image forming apparatus 30 is rasterized (re-RIP), the editing of the job ticket may not be reflected. For example, all the attributes for each object such as text attributes and graphic attributes are converted into image attributes by rasterization. Therefore, when the rasterized raster PDL is rasterized by the digital image forming apparatus 30, if the original attribute is required, the editing of the job ticket cannot be reflected as intended by the user. In addition, the management device 20 rasterized at the stage before being introduced into the digital image forming apparatus 30 and the digital image forming apparatus 30 basically use different rasterization methods. Therefore, when the raster PDL rasterized by the management apparatus 20 is rasterized by the digital image forming apparatus 30, the result is contrary to the intention of the user who edited the job ticket assuming that the rasterization is performed by the management apparatus 20. End up. In order to solve such a problem, in this embodiment, if necessary (step S24: Yes), a re-RIP is requested to the input source of the print target data.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the vector PDL does not exist at the input source of the print target data (step S24: No), the digital image forming apparatus 30 determines that the print target data is not rasterized externally and performs processing. Advances to step S25.

(Step S25)
The digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the RIP unit 131 and rasterizes (re-RIPs) again the print target data associated with the edited job ticket. Here, the digital image forming apparatus 30 performs rasterization based on the contents of the edited job ticket.

  Note that when the process proceeds from step S23 to step S25, the print target data is a vector PDL. Therefore, the print target data stored in the storage unit 133 is not data transmitted (input) from the management apparatus 20. For example, the data is transmitted (input) from the external device 5 that does not have the rasterization function, and the data is rasterized only after being input to the digital image forming apparatus 30. Accordingly, the apparatus that has executed rasterization for the first time after being inserted into the digital image forming apparatus 30 and the apparatus that executes rasterization in step S25 are the same (RIP unit 131). It will be rasterized. Therefore, the intention of the user who edited the print settings is accurately reflected in the print result.

  In addition, when the process shifts from step S24 to step S25, since the URL does not exist in the job ticket, the print target data stored in the storage unit 133 is transmitted from the management device 20 (in this case as well) ( It is not input data. For example, the data is transmitted (input) from the external device 5 that does not have the rasterization function, and the data is rasterized only after being input to the digital image forming apparatus 30. Accordingly, the apparatus that has executed rasterization for the first time after being inserted into the digital image forming apparatus 30 and the apparatus that executes rasterization in step S25 are the same (RIP unit 131). It will be rasterized. Therefore, the intention of the user who edited the print settings is accurately reflected in the print result.

(Step S26)
The digital image forming apparatus 30 updates data stored in the storage unit 133. For example, if re-RIP is performed in step S25, the data is updated to raster data generated by re-RIP. At the same time, the job ticket is updated to the job ticket edited in step S21. In addition, when the process proceeds from step S22 to step S26, re-RIP has not been performed, so only the job ticket needs to be updated.

  After the data update, the digital image forming apparatus 30 ends the re-RIP determination process.

  By executing the above re-RIP determination process, it is possible to determine whether or not re-RIP of the print target data is necessary when the job ticket is edited. Further, according to the steps from Step S22 to Step S24, it is possible to select whether the re-RIP is executed by the own device (Step S25) or the input source (for example, the management device 20) (Step 10).

(Re-RIP execution process: FIG. 10)
For example, when the digital image forming apparatus 30 determines that the input source of the print target data is to be re-RIPed by the re-RIP determination process (step S24: Yes), the digital image forming apparatus 30 starts the re-RIP execution process.

(Step S31)
When the re-RIP execution process is started, the digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the RIP request unit 135 and requests rasterization based on the job ticket edited in step S21 from the input source of the print target data. Specifically, the digital image forming apparatus 30 accesses the storage location (the address of the management apparatus 20 and the folder name storing the original data before rasterization) indicated by the URL existing in the job ticket. Request. In response to this request, the digital image forming apparatus 30 transmits the job ticket edited in step S21 to the management apparatus 20.

  At this time, the management apparatus 20 stands by until rasterization (re-RIP) is requested.

(Step S32)
Upon receiving a request from the digital image forming apparatus 30, the management apparatus 20 functions as the RIP unit 120 and analyzes the job ticket transmitted from the digital image forming apparatus 30 in step S31. For example, the management apparatus 20 analyzes the job ticket and performs the above-described “image editing” (adjustment of halftone expression, adjustment of resolution, image quality adjustment for a specific object, adjustment for color conversion, and color space mapping). It is determined that editing such as (adjustment) has been instructed.

(Step S33)
After analyzing the edited job ticket, the management device 20 functions as the RIP unit 120, and stores the storage location (storage unit 122) indicated by the URL of the original data (vector PDL) for which re-RIP is requested from the digital image forming device 30. ).

(Step S34)
Then, the management apparatus 20 rasterizes the original data (vector PDL) read in step S33 based on the edited job ticket, and generates raster data.

(Step S35)
Next, the management apparatus 20 functions as the print control unit 121, converts the raster data generated in step S34 into print target data (for example, raster PDL) that can be interpreted by the digital image forming apparatus 30, and print job Is generated. Here, the print job includes the job ticket used for the re-RIP and the print target data generated in step S35.

(Step S36)
Subsequently, the management apparatus 20 functions as the print control unit 121, and transmits (submits) the print job generated in step S35 to the digital image forming apparatus 30.

  At this time, the digital image forming apparatus 30 stands by until a print job including print target data re-RIPed as requested is input. The digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the job input unit 130 and receives the print job transmitted from the management apparatus 20.

(Step S37)
Upon receiving a print job, the digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the job input unit 130 and analyzes a job ticket included in the received print job. For example, the digital image forming apparatus 30 analyzes the job ticket and determines that printing based on the print job is instructed.

(Step S38)
Subsequently, the digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the RIP unit 131, extracts print target data from the received print job, and rasterizes the extracted print target data. Thereby, raster data that can be printed by the print engine 35 is generated.

(Step S39)
The digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the image forming unit 132 and prints the raster data generated in step S38. Specifically, the image forming unit 132 controls the print engine 35 and the print head (not shown) according to the contents of the job ticket included in the print job received in step S36, and executes print processing.

(Step S40)
When the process of step S39 is completed, the digital image forming apparatus 30 notifies the management apparatus 20 that the printing based on the print job is completed.

  With the notification in step S40, the digital image forming apparatus 30 ends the re-RIP execution process. In addition, the management apparatus 20 receives the notification in step S40 and ends the re-RIP execution process.

  When the above-described re-RIP execution process is executed, if rasterization (re-RIP) of print target data is necessary due to an editing operation in the digital image forming apparatus 30, the first rasterized apparatus (management apparatus 20) Can be rasterized again. This prevents rasterization by different devices before and after editing the job ticket. As a result, the intention of the user who edited the job ticket is accurately reflected in the print result.

  Further, the same PDL data rasterized by the management apparatus 20 is input to a plurality of image forming apparatuses (30, 40), and print settings (jobs) are later performed by some image forming apparatuses (for example, the digital image forming apparatus 30). Ticket) may be changed. According to the above embodiment, even in such a case, rasterization can always be performed by the same device (management device 20). Therefore, the print quality can be made uniform among a plurality of image forming apparatuses (30, 40).

  Each processing unit of each flowchart and each sequence described above is divided according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the printing system 1. The invention of the present application is not limited by the method of classification of the processing steps and the names thereof. The processing performed in the printing system 1 can be divided into more processing steps. One processing step may execute more processes.

<Modification>
Moreover, said embodiment intends to illustrate the summary of this invention, and does not limit this invention. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, in the above embodiment, job data based on all print jobs is stored in the storage unit 133 in the job data storage process (step S17). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a print job received by the digital image forming apparatus 30 may include raster PDL as print target data. In this case, if the original data (vector PDL) before rasterization of the raster PDL is stored in the management device 20, the raster PDL can be generated from the original data at any time. Therefore, the digital image forming apparatus 30 may not store the raster PDL redundantly.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the job data storage process.

(Modification of Job Data Saving Process S17: FIG. 11)
For example, when the process proceeds to step S17, the digital image forming apparatus 30 starts the process shown in FIG.

(Step S51)
When the processing shown in FIG. 11 is started, the digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the job input unit 130 and determines whether or not the print target data included in the print job received in step S15 is a raster PDL. . Specifically, the digital image forming apparatus 30 specifies information indicating an attribute for each object from the job ticket included in the print job. It is determined that it is a raster PDL. If the image data area includes an area other than the image area, it is determined that the print target data is a vector PDL.

  If it is determined in step S51 that the print target data is the raster PDL (step S51: Yes), the digital image forming apparatus 30 advances the process to step S52. On the other hand, when it is determined that the print target data is the vector PDL (step S51: No), the digital image forming apparatus 30 advances the process to step S53.

(Step S52)
The digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the job input unit 130, and the original data (vector PDL) before rasterization of the raster PDL is stored in the input source (for example, the management apparatus 20) of the print target data that is the raster PDL. Determine if it exists. For example, when the URL exists in the job ticket, the digital image forming apparatus 30 determines that the vector PDL exists at the input source of the print target data. If the URL does not exist in the job ticket, it is determined that the vector PDL does not exist at the input source of the print target data.

  If it is determined in step S52 that the vector PDL exists at the input source of the print target data (step S52: Yes), the digital image forming apparatus 30 determines that the raster PDL can be generated from the vector PDL that is the original data at any time. To do. Therefore, the digital image forming apparatus 30 proceeds with the process to step S18 without storing the raster PDL in the apparatus itself. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vector PDL does not exist at the input source of the print target data (step S52: No), the digital image forming apparatus 30 advances the process to step S53.

(Step S53)
The digital image forming apparatus 30 functions as the job input unit 130 and stores the print job received in step S15 in the storage unit 133 as job data.

  Thereafter, the digital image forming apparatus 30 advances the process to step S18.

  By executing the processing shown in FIG. 11, the raster PDL having a larger storage size than the vector PDL need not be stored as much as possible, and the storage unit 133 can be used effectively. For example, the capacity of the storage unit 133 can be saved by about 630 MB per page with A4 / 8 bpp / CMYK / 1200 dpi.

  In the above embodiment, in the re-RIP execution process shown in FIG. 10, after step S38 is completed, printing based on the print job is executed in step S39. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the print job may be stored as job data as in step S17 without executing printing in step S39.

  In the embodiment and the modification, the electrophotographic system is adopted for the print engine 35, but an ink jet system or a thermal transfer system may be used in addition to the electrophotographic system.

  The configuration of the printing system 1 described above is the main configuration in describing the features of the above-described embodiment, and is not limited to the above-described configuration. Further, the configuration of the general printing system 1 is not excluded.

  Each functional configuration of the printing system 1 shown in FIG. 5 is classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the functional configuration. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. Each functional configuration can be classified into more components according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes.

  Further, the processing of each functional configuration shown in FIG. 5 can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, it may be executed by one hardware or a plurality of hardware.

  The program for operating the printing system 1 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. . In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in the memory (12, 22, 32), the storage (13, 23, 33) or the like. Further, this program may be provided as, for example, a single application software, or may be incorporated in the software of each apparatus as one function of the printing system 1.

1 printing system,
5 external devices,
10 Hybrid workflow system,
20 management device,
30 Digital image forming apparatus,
40 plate making equipment,
50 analog image forming apparatus,
110 Manuscript preparation part,
111 Print control unit (external device),
120 RIP section (management device),
121 Print control unit (management device),
122 storage unit (management device),
130 Job input section,
131 RIP section (digital image forming apparatus),
132 Image forming unit,
133 Storage unit (digital image forming apparatus),
134 Editing reception department,
135 RIP request section.

Claims (16)

A job input unit for receiving an input of a print job including a job ticket and externally rasterized PDL data;
An edit accepting unit that accepts editing for the job ticket;
When the content of the editing relates to an image included in the PDL data, a rasterization request unit that requests rasterization based on the job ticket edited by the editing reception unit to the input source of the PDL data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The job input unit can accept input of a print job including PDL data that has not been rasterized externally,
The rasterization requesting unit requests the device to perform rasterization based on the job ticket edited by the editing accepting unit when the content of editing relates to an image included in PDL data that has not been rasterized externally. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The rasterization request unit includes an image composed only of an image area in PDL data included in a print job input to the job input unit, and a job ticket included in the print job includes the job ticket The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the URL data indicating a storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized is included, the PDL data is determined to be rasterized externally.   The rasterization request unit externally rasterizes the PDL data when the PDL data included in the print job input to the job input unit includes at least one of a character area and a graphic area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus determines that the image is not present.   The rasterization request unit includes an image composed only of an image area in PDL data included in a print job input to the job input unit, and a job ticket included in the print job includes the job ticket 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the URL data indicating the storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized is not included, the PDL data is determined not to be rasterized externally. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, which is included in a hybrid workflow system that realizes unified management of offset printing and digital printing. (A) receiving an input of a print job including a job ticket and externally rasterized PDL data;
(B) accepting editing for the job ticket;
(C) If the content of the editing relates to an image included in the PDL data, requesting rasterization based on the job ticket edited by the editing accepting unit to the input source of the PDL data;
An image forming method. The step (a) can also accept an input of a print job including PDL data that has not been rasterized externally.
The step (c) requests a self-rasterization based on a job ticket edited by the editing reception unit when the contents of editing relate to an image included in PDL data not rasterized externally. 8. The image forming method according to 7.   In step (c), the PDL data included in the print job input in step (a) includes an image including only an image area, and the job ticket included in the print job includes 9. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein when the URL data indicating the storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized is included, it is determined that the PDL data is rasterized externally. .   In the step (c), when the PDL data included in the print job input in the step (a) includes at least one of a character area and a graphic area, the PDL data is externally transmitted. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein the image forming method is determined not to be rasterized.   In step (c), the PDL data included in the print job input in step (a) includes an image including only an image area, and the job ticket included in the print job includes 11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein when the URL data indicating the storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized is not included, the PDL data is determined not to be rasterized externally. The image forming method described. On the computer,
(A) receiving an input of a print job including a job ticket and externally rasterized PDL data;
(B) accepting editing for the job ticket;
(C) If the content of the editing relates to an image included in the PDL data, requesting rasterization based on the job ticket edited by the editing accepting unit to the input source of the PDL data;
An image forming program for executing The step (a) can also accept an input of a print job including PDL data that has not been rasterized externally.
The step (c) requests a self-rasterization based on a job ticket edited by the editing reception unit when the contents of editing relate to an image included in PDL data not rasterized externally. 12. The image forming program according to 12.   In step (c), the PDL data included in the print job input in step (a) includes an image including only an image area, and the job ticket included in the print job includes 14. The image forming program according to claim 12, wherein when the URL data indicating the storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized is included, it is determined that the PDL data is rasterized externally. .   In the step (c), when the PDL data included in the print job input in the step (a) includes at least one of a character area and a graphic area, the PDL data is externally transmitted. The image forming program according to claim 12, wherein the image forming program is determined not to be rasterized.   In step (c), the PDL data included in the print job input in step (a) includes an image including only an image area, and the job ticket included in the print job includes 16. When the URL data indicating the storage location of the original data before the image is rasterized is not included, it is determined that the PDL data is not rasterized externally. The image forming program described.