JP2016110657A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus which reduces the difference in output results due to the difference in rendering engines of respective companies.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 32 which can communicate with drawing data creation means for creating drawing data used in image formation in a printer comprises: a job reception part 51 which receives a print job having setting information and print data to be used in creation of the drawing data; a RIP part 57 which creates the drawing data by using a print job by using the print data and setting information when predetermined setting is included in the setting information; and a job control part 55 which creates control data for making the RIP part create the drawing data and makes a printer control part 61 perform printing. The job control part outputs the first control data for creating the first drawing data and the second control data for creating the second drawing data using the first drawing data to the RIP part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that creates drawing data using a print job having print data and setting information.

  So-called production printing for printing and binding a large amount of business-use documents is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system capable of notifying a user whether or not post-processing is available in consideration of the entire printing system.

  In production printing, a printing process is often handled as a workflow, but in the printing workflow, the printing workflow is being opened. With the opening, it becomes possible for each company's software (workflow application to be described below) and printing devices to describe settings of print jobs in the main printing process using a common description method. A standard format called JDF (Job Definition Format) is known as a format for describing the entire process of a print workflow.

  The print workflow process includes various processes such as document and content creation, print method designation, printing, and post-processing. Each of these processes is performed by various workflow applications and printing devices, but JDF enables cooperation between printing devices and management of printing processes regardless of differences in the manufacturers of workflow applications and printing devices.

  However, each workflow application or printing device may extend JDF. In this case, the JDF created by each company's workflow application may include a description unique to the workflow application. In this case, it is known that a situation occurs in which the workflow application or the printing device in the downstream process cannot analyze and process the JDF.

  As a method for solving such inconvenience, it is conceivable that the workflow application or printing device in the downstream process converts the JDF created by the upstream workflow application into a format that can be handled by itself.

  However, even if the JDF created by the upstream workflow application is converted into a format that can be handled by itself, the output result may differ. That is, the JDF is transmitted as a print job together with PDL (Page Description Language) from the upstream workflow application to the downstream workflow application or printing device.

  Here, even if the format of the print job (JDF + PDL) is the same among the companies, there is a problem that the output result may change due to the difference in the rendering engine of the printing device of each company.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that reduces differences in output results due to differences in rendering engines of different companies.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with drawing data creating means for creating drawing data used for image formation in a printing apparatus, wherein setting information and print data used for creating the drawing data Receiving means for accepting a print job, and when the setting information includes a predetermined setting, the drawing data creation for creating drawing data using the print job using the print data and the setting information First control data for causing the means to create drawing data and control data creating means for creating second control data, wherein the control data creating means converts the first control data into the drawing data creating means. The first drawing data is generated and the second control data is output to the drawing data generating means to use the first drawing data. And thereby creating a second rendering data, wherein the.

  It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that reduces a difference in output results due to a difference in rendering engine of each company.

It is an example of the figure explaining the inconvenience when JDF is extended. It is an example of the figure explaining "RIP control mode". It is an example of the figure explaining the process with respect to a sheet surface. It is an example of the figure which illustrates typically the process with respect to the sheet | seat surface of the consolidated printing by A company RIP engine. 1 is an example of an overall configuration diagram of a printing system. It is an example of the hardware block diagram of DFE. It is an example of a functional block diagram of DFE. It is an example of the figure explaining a part of description of JDF. FIG. 10 is an example of a diagram illustrating determination of whether or not a sheet attribute is included in “Page Mode”. It is a figure which shows an example of a conversion table. FIG. 10 is an example of a diagram illustrating creation of “job attributes within DFE”. It is a figure which shows an example of the "job attribute in DFE". A difference between “for job attributes” for “sheet” and “for page” will be described. It is a figure which shows an example of "RIP Parameter List." It is an example of the figure explaining the change of the image output destination of "RIP Parameter List" for the page It is an example of a sequence diagram showing an operation procedure of the printing system.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Outline of the printing system of the present application]
FIG. 1 is an example of a diagram illustrating inconvenience when the JDF is extended. It should be noted that FIG. 1 is a comparative example and not a conventional example. In response to the situation where JDF has been expanded and cannot be analyzed and processed, as shown in FIG. 1A, the workflow application and printing device in the downstream process analyze the JDF and create the JDF. It is considered to judge. For example, the print processing apparatus of company C analyzes the JDF in the format of company A (company B) created by the workflow application of company A (company B) using, for example, the JDF analysis unit 56, and prints data from company A (company B). Judged to be a job. If it can be determined that the JDF is in Company A (Company B) format, the extended format is known, so the print processing apparatus converts JDF of Company A (Company B) into setting information corresponding to Company C, and Company A (Company B). ) Print jobs can be rendered.

  However, depending on the print job, not only JDF but also PDL may be uniquely expanded by each company. In this case, a situation may occur in which the print processing apparatus of company C cannot absorb the difference in PDL.

  In addition, the output result may change due to differences in the workflow application of each company or the rendering engine of the printing device.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1B, it is considered that the print processing apparatus of company C has a rendering engine (hereinafter referred to as RIP engine) corresponding to the workflow application of each company. As a result, the print processing apparatus of company C can render the print job with a finish intended by the user.

  Further, when a plurality of RIP engines are installed, PDL differences can be absorbed by operating in an optimal control mode according to the RIP engine used. Specifically, in aggregate printing, there are one that operates in “Page Mode” and one that operates in “Sheet Mode” by the RIP engine. This operation mode is referred to as “RIP control mode”.

FIG. 2 is an example for explaining the “RIP control mode”. FIG. 2A shows rendering control by “Page Mode”, and FIG. 2B shows rendering control by “Sheet Mode”. A description will be given by taking four sheets of integrated printing (four pages of number up) as an example. In the case of Company A, the PDL is created in “Page Mode” that describes the page image page by page. Therefore, the PDL has a page image for four pages. On the other hand, in the case of Company B, the PDL is created in “Sheet Mode” that describes a page image in a state where the four pages to be aggregated are imposed. Therefore, the PDL has only one page image.
"Page Mode" ... RIP processing is instructed for each page to create raster data aggregated into one sheet. "Sheet Mode" ... Each part of one page where a plurality of pages are already aggregated (this part is called a cell) RIP processing is instructed every time and the raster data is created. The print processing apparatus of company C controls the RIP engine of company A or the RIP engine of company B according to the “RIP control mode” of the RIP engine, respectively. It is possible to deal with the difference in “control mode”.

  However, there is a problem that the entire sheet surface may not be processed due to the difference in the “RIP control mode”. A sheet is a recording medium such as paper that is output as printed matter.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a diagram for explaining processing on the sheet surface. As shown in FIG. 3A, an expected output result is obtained by collecting four pages into one sheet and processing (stamp) “α” on the entire sheet surface.

  Company A's RIP engine operates in "Page Mode" and Company B's RIP engine operates in "Sheet Mode". As shown in FIG. 3C, in “Sheet Mode”, as described above, rendering is performed in a state where a plurality of pages are aggregated, so that the B company RIP engine can process the sheet surface.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, the A company RIP engine operating in the “Page Mode” renders in units of pages, so rendering processing across a plurality of pages on one sheet surface is difficult. It was.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the RIP engine of Company A operates in order in “Page Mode” and “Sheet Mode” to enable processing on the sheet surface.

FIG. 4 is an example of a diagram for schematically explaining processing on the sheet surface of the aggregate printing by the company A RIP engine.
(1) The RIP engine of Company A renders from the first page to the fourth page in “Page Mode”, and outputs the four-page image as one image. At this point, the stamp is not drawn.
(2) Next, the RIP engine of Company A adds a stamp in “Sheet Mode” to an image in which four pages are aggregated.

  As a result, the RIP engine operating in the “Page Mode” can perform processing across a plurality of pages on one sheet surface.

[Configuration example]
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an overall configuration diagram of the printing system 200 according to the present embodiment. The printing system 200 according to the present embodiment includes one or more end user environments 1 and a POD (Print On Demand) printing system environment 2 connected via a network 3 such as a LAN or the Internet.

  A client PC 11 is arranged in the end user environment 1. The client PC 11 is equipped with a workflow application (hereinafter simply referred to as an application) 12 for POD printing work, and can generate a print job in response to a user operation.

  The application 12 executes an aggregate imposition function (Number Up imposition function) for pasting a plurality of logical page images on the paper surface, and an image editing function for adding a header, footer, page number, and the like. Can do. Further, the application 12 can designate instructions such as punching (punching) and stapling (stapling) for bookbinding. These instructions and settings are described in JDF. JDF is sometimes called a job ticket, work instruction, print instruction, or the like.

  The POD printing system environment 2 includes a process management unit 20, a digital printing unit 30, and a post press unit 40 connected via a network 3. The process management unit 20 instructs the processes of the digital printing unit 30 and the post press unit 40 in the POD printing system environment 2 to centrally manage the workflow of the POD printing system environment 2.

  The process management unit 20 receives a print job (JDF and PDL) from the end user environment 1 and stores the print job. The JDF is an example of setting information for claims. PDL is an example of print data in the claims. PDL is a language for instructing the drawing contents of a page image (rasterized image), but here, it means data described in PDL. PDL includes PDF (Portable Document Format), PostScript, PCL, RPDL, and the like.

  Further, the process management unit 20 assembles work in each process as a workflow based on a print job from the end user environment 1, efficiently schedules the work of the digital printing unit 30, the post press unit 40, and each worker, When an error occurs during automatic operation, the operator can be notified as necessary. Generally, the process management unit 20 is configured to include one or more PC servers 21.

  The process management unit 20 transmits a print job to the digital printing unit 30 to perform printing. Further, the printed material is conveyed to the post press unit 40, and the post press unit 40 performs bookbinding or the like according to an instruction from the process management unit 20. Note that the print job may be transmitted directly from the digital printing unit 30 to the post press unit 40.

  The digital printing unit 30 is configured to include various printers (printer devices such as a printer for production, a high-speed color inkjet printer, and a color / monochrome MFP) 31. In the digital printing unit 30, a DFE (Digital Front End) 32 is arranged. The DFE 32 is also called a print processing apparatus, and controls printing by the printer 31. The DFE 32 may be separate from the printer 31 as illustrated, or may be integrated with the printer 31. When the DFE 32 obtains a print job from the process management unit 20, the DFE 32 uses the JDF and PDL to generate raster data (an example of the drawing data in the claims) for forming a toner image or an image using ink. It is generated and transmitted to the printer 31.

  The digital printing unit 30 has various printers 31. The digital printing unit 30 is a printer directly connected to a finisher (post-processing device) for post-processing (post-processing) such as paper folding, saddle stitching, case binding, punching, etc., on the printed recording paper. 31 may be included.

  The post-press unit 40 performs post-processing such as a paper folding machine, saddle stitch binding machine, case binding machine, cutting machine, sealing machine, and bookbinding machine in accordance with the work instruction of the printed matter (post-press job) received from the process management unit 20. Configured to include devices. Further, the post-press unit 40 performs finishing processing such as paper folding, saddle stitching, case binding, cutting, enclosing, and packing on the printed matter output from the digital printing unit 30. The post press unit 40 includes post-processing devices for performing post-processing (post-processing) after digital printing, such as a stapler 401 and a punch punching machine 402.

  The end user of the end user environment 1 uses the application 12 for POD printing work from the client PC 11 to perform image editing, imposition, text insertion, post-processing instruction, etc. A print job is transmitted to the management unit 20.

  The PC server 21 of the process management unit 20 instructs printing to the digital printing unit 30 and instructs post-processing to the postpress unit 40 in accordance with JDF.

[Hardware configuration]
In this embodiment, the process management unit 20 receives a print job created by the end user environment 1, and the process management unit 20 transmits the print job to the DFE 32. The function of the DFE 32 according to the present embodiment is not necessarily performed by the DFE 32 as long as a device on the network performs. However, in the present embodiment, the DFE 32 performs processing on the sheet surface according to the difference in the “RIP control mode”. explain.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the DFE 32. The DFE 32 is realized by a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 6, for example. That is, the DFE 32 has a function as an information processing apparatus (computer). The DFE 32 includes a CPU 321, a RAM 322, an auxiliary storage device 323, a communication device 324, an input device 325, a display control unit 326, and a recording medium I / F 327 that are mutually connected via a bus 329.

  The CPU 321 controls the entire DFE 32 by executing a program using the RAM 322 as a work memory. The auxiliary storage device 323 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The auxiliary storage device 323 stores a program 328 having a function of converting a print job.

  The communication device 324 is a modem, a LAN card or the like, and is connected to the network 3 to communicate with the end user environment 1, the process management unit 20, or the post press unit 40. In addition, it communicates with the printer 31. The input device 325 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The input device 325 is a device that receives user operations, and is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The display control unit 326 is connected to the display 330 and displays a screen on the display 330 according to an instruction from the CPU 321. The display 330 may be a touch panel.

  The recording medium I / F 327 is detachable from a portable recording medium, and writes data to the recording medium 331 or reads data from the recording medium 331 according to an instruction from the CPU 321. The recording medium 331 electrically records information like an optical, electrical, or magnetic recording medium such as a CD-ROM, optical disk, USB memory, SD card (registered trademark), or a flash memory. Various types of semiconductor memories can be used.

  The program 328 is distributed in a state stored in the recording medium 331, or is distributed by being downloaded from a server (not shown) via the network 3.

  The hardware configuration diagram of the client PC 11 in the end user environment 1 and the PC server 21 in the process management unit 20 can also be realized with the same configuration as that in FIG.

[DFE functions]
FIG. 7 is an example of a functional block diagram of DFE. The DFE 32 performs job control, RIP (Raster Image Processor) control, and printer control in the print workflow. As described above, the DFE 32 operates as a server that provides the main functions of printing to the end user environment 1 and the process management unit 20. Note that job control refers to a series of control of print job procedures such as print job reception, JDF analysis, raster data creation, and printing by the printer 31. The RIP control refers to control in which a “RIP Parameter List” is created and raster data is created by the RIP engine 59 after creating the “job attribute in DFE” described below. “RIP” is an abbreviation for “Raster Image Processor”, and refers to creating dedicated IC and raster data for creating raster data. Printer control refers to control that causes the printer 31 to transmit raster data and a part of “job attributes within DFE” (“Finishing information” described later) to perform printing.

  The DFE 32 includes a job reception unit 51, a system control unit 52, a UI control unit 54, a job control unit 55, a JDF analysis unit 56, a RIP unit 57, a RIP control unit 58, a RIP engine 59, and a printer control unit 61. ing. These are realized by the CPU 321 executing the program 328 and cooperating with various types of hardware including FIG. The DFE 32 also includes a job data storage unit 53 and an image storage unit 60 that are built in the auxiliary storage device 323, the RAM 322, the recording medium 331, and the like.

  The job receiving unit 51 receives a print job from the application 12 or the like via the network 3. As the log, for example, a unique job number, reception date / time, end date / time, status, and the like are recorded in association with the print job. In addition to being input from the application 12, the print job may be input from a USB memory or the like. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that JDF is included in the print job. However, when JDF is not included, the job receiving unit 51 creates a dummy JDF to enable rendering.

  The system control unit 52 stores the received print job in the job data storage unit 53 or outputs it to the job control unit 55. For example, if the DFE 32 is set in advance to store a print job in the job data storage unit 53, the system control unit 52 stores the print job in the job data storage unit 53. For example, when the JDF describes whether or not to store in the job data storage unit 53, the description is followed.

  Further, the system control unit 52 outputs the JDF from the job data storage unit 53 to the UI control unit 54 when the user performs an operation to display the contents of the print job stored in the job data storage unit 53 on the display 330, for example. . When the user changes the JDF, the UI control unit 54 receives the change contents, and the system control unit 52 stores the changed JDF in the job data storage unit 53 again.

  When the system control unit 52 receives an instruction to execute a print job from the user, the end user environment 1 or the process management unit 20, the system control unit 52 outputs the print job stored in the job data storage unit 53 to the job control unit 55. To do. For example, when the print time is set in the JDF, the print job stored in the job data storage unit 53 is output to the job control unit 55 when the print time is reached.

  The job data storage unit 53 is a storage area for storing a print job as described above, and is provided in the auxiliary storage device 323 or the recording medium 331 of the DFE 32. Further, it may be provided in a storage device (not shown) on the network.

  The UI control unit 54 interprets the JDF and displays the contents of the print job on the display 330. Further, raster data created by the RIP engine 59 can be displayed on the display 330.

  The job control unit 55 causes the RIP control unit 58 to create raster data and causes the printer control unit 61 to perform printing. Specifically, first, the JDF of the print job is transmitted to the JDF analysis unit 56 and a JDF conversion request is output to the JDF analysis unit 56.

  The JDF analysis unit 56 acquires a JDF and a JDF conversion request from the job control unit 55. The JDF analysis unit 56 analyzes the description of the JDF and determines the manufacturer of the application 12 that created the JDF. Determining the manufacturer of the application 12 that created the JDF has almost the same meaning as determining the RIP engine 59 that is supposed to render the print job.

  The JDF analysis unit 56 converts the JDF into “job attributes within DFE” that can be handled by the DFE 32 by using a conversion table 64 prepared for each manufacturer of the application 12. That is, if the DFE 32 is created by the company C, the JDF created by the application of the company A or B as well as the company C is converted into “job attributes within DFE” that can be handled by the company DFE 32 To do. “Job attributes within DFE” is an example of apparatus setting information in the claims.

  When it is determined that the application 12 that created the print job does not have the RIP engine 59 that is assumed to be rendered, the JDF analysis unit 56 converts the conversion table 64 for company A and the conversion table for company B. 64 and the conversion table 64 for company C create “job attributes within DFE”. Then, the attribute value of JDF and the item value of “job attribute in DFE” are compared to give a larger evaluation value as the difference is smaller, and the RIP engine 59 of “job attribute in DFE” having a larger evaluation value is selected as the optimum RIP. Select as engine 59.

  When creating the “job attributes within DFE”, the JDF analysis unit 56 sets “RIP control mode” to “job attributes within DFE”. Whether each company's print job is created in “Page Mode” or “Sheet Mode” is investigated in advance. Therefore, if the manufacturer of the application 12 that created the JDF is determined, the “RIP control mode” can also be determined. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the DFE 32 handles the setting of the aggregate print of print jobs in “Page Mode” (Page Mode is the default operation mode).

  Further, the JDF analysis unit 56 has a PageMode sheet attribute generation unit 63. The PageMode sheet attribute generation unit 63 analyzes the JDF and determines whether or not aggregate printing and sheet attributes are set for the RIP engine 59 operating in “Page Mode”. When a JDF in which aggregate printing and sheet attributes are set is created for a RIP engine that operates in “Page Mode”, the following processing is performed. The sheet attribute is a processing setting (stamp, header, footer, background pattern, etc.) for the entire sheet surface.

  The page mode sheet attribute generation unit 63 sets “job attributes in DFE” of “for sheet” and “for page” when the aggregate printing and the sheet attribute are set in the JDF for the RIP engine operating in “Page Mode”. Generate. As a result, after a plurality of pages are collected in “Page Mode”, the sheet surface can be processed in “Sheet Mode”. “Job attributes in DFE” of “for sheet” and “for page” will be described with reference to FIG.

  Further, the PageMode sheet attribute generation unit 63 adds information “related information between job attributes within DFE” to the “job attribute within DFE” for the sheet, and relates to the “job attribute within DFE” for the sheet. Information uniquely indicating the “job attribute within DFE” for the page to be assigned is assigned. That is, the “job attribute in DFE” for a sheet and the “job attribute in DFE” for a page are linked by “related information between job attributes in DFE”.

  The job control unit 55 that has acquired the “job attributes within DFE” as described above converts the “job attributes within DFE” and the PDL into “RIP Parameter List”, and sends the “RIP Parameter List” to the RIP control unit 58. To output the print job. In the present embodiment, the job control unit 55 outputs a print job to the RIP control unit 58 for each print job. “RIP Parameter List” is an example of control data.

  When “job attributes in DFE” for “sheet” and “for page” are created, two “RIP Parameter List” are created for page and sheet.

  The job control unit 55 includes a PageMode sheet attribute conversion unit 62. The PageMode sheet attribute conversion unit 62 refers to “related information between job attributes within DFE” of “job attributes within DFE”, and if there is a relationship between a plurality of “job attributes within DFE”, Generate “RIP Parameter List” according to “Related Information”. That is, the image output destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the page (which is an example of the drawing data output destination of the claims) is the image input destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet (the drawing of the claims) It is an example of a data input destination). Details will be described later.

  The “RIP Parameter List” is a set of information necessary for the RIP engine 59 to perform RIP processing. The job control unit 55 determines the RIP processing instruction to the RIP engine 59 from the information of the “RIP Parameter List”. This instruction is called a RIP command. The “RIP Parameter List” includes “RIP control mode”. The RIP control unit 58 controls the RIP engine 59 in accordance with the “RIP control mode”. Therefore, the sequence is determined by the “RIP control mode”.

  The RIP unit 57 includes a RIP control unit 58 and a RIP engine 59, and creates raster data using them. The RIP control unit 58 analyzes the information of “RIP Parameter List” and determines a RIP engine 59 to be used from a plurality of RIP engines 59. The determination of the RIP engine 59 may be based on one or more items of the “RIP Parameter List” or based on RIP engine identification information specified in the “RIP Parameter List”. For example, if the job control unit 55 clearly indicates the RIP engine identification information in the “RIP Parameter List”, the RIP engine 59 indicated by the RIP engine identification information is selected. The RIP control unit 58 refers to the “RIP Parameter List” and transmits a RIP command to the selected RIP engine 59.

  Further, the RIP control unit 58 refers to the “RIP Parameter List”, and outputs the RIP command to the RIP engine 59 according to “Sheet Mode” when the “RIP control mode” is “Sheet Mode”. Thereby, it is possible to absorb the difference between the print jobs (mainly PDL).

  The RIP engine 59 is a rendering engine, and creates raster data by performing rasterization according to the RIP command. The RIP engine 59 is an example of the “drawing data creation means” in the claims. The RIP engine 59 may be implemented by either software or hardware such as LSI. When implemented in software, each RIP engine 59 renders in parallel by multitasking, and when implemented in hardware, each RIP engine 59 can render independently and can render in parallel. In the RIP engine 59, software and hardware may be mixed.

  The image storage unit 60 is a storage unit that stores created raster data. The image storage unit 60 is mounted on the auxiliary storage device 323, for example. Alternatively, it may be mounted on a storage device on the network.

  The printer control unit 61 is connected to the printer 31, and performs printing by reading raster data stored in the image storage unit 60 and transmitting the raster data to the printer 31. Also, finishing processing is performed based on “Finishing information” acquired from the job control unit 55.

  The printer control unit 61 can acquire information of the printer 31 by communicating with the printer 31 using various communication standards. For example, CIP4, which defines a print workflow standard, defines a standard called DevCaps that transmits / receives device specification information to / from the printer 31 as a JDF standard. Also known is a method of collecting information about the printer 31 using a communication protocol called SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and a database called MIB (Management Information Base). The printer control unit 61 uses these to acquire various types of information stored in the printer 31.

[Determination of JDF and the manufacturer of the application that created JDF]
JDF is described in XML (Extensible Markup Language). XML is a standard for structured text in which a tag is structured to structure a document.

FIG. 8 is an example of a diagram for explaining a part of the description of JDF. Assume that the JDF in FIG. 8A is created by the application 12 of company C. In JDF, instruction contents for a print job are described.
“JDF xmlns =“ http://www.CIP4.org/JDFSchema_1_1 ”” indicates that this is a CIP4-compliant JDF ticket.
“Xmlns: C =“ www.ccc.com/schema/ccc ”” indicates a JDF tag definition uniquely extended by each printer / vendor not conforming to CIP4. In this example, all tags starting with “C:” in the JDF are extended tags.
“ResourcePool” defines a set of attributes for realizing printing.
“LayoutPreparationParams” is one of the attributes defined in “ResourcePool” and defines imposition-related attributes.
“ResourceLinkPool” defines a set of references to commonly used attributes in “ResourcePool” for a specific range within a job, such as between pages.
“ComponentLink” is one of the definitions of references in “ResourceLinkPool”, and specifies the attribute reference and information related to the output.
“Amount” specifies the number of copies.
“Rotate” specifies the rotation angle of the image.

  FIG. 8B shows an example of the extension of company A, and FIG. 8C shows an example of the extension of company B. “Xmlns: A =“ www.aaa.com/schema/aaa ”” in FIG. 8B means that all tags starting with “A:” in the JDF become extension tags of company A. “Xmlns: B =“ www.bbb.com/schema/bbb ”” in FIG. 8C means that all tags starting with “B:” in the JDF become expansion tags for the B company.

  Therefore, the JDF analysis unit 56 can determine the manufacturer of the application 12 that created the JDF by referring to these descriptions in the JDF. The JDF can be converted into “job attributes within DFE” that can be handled by the CFE DFE 32 using a conversion table 64 described later according to the manufacturer of the application 12.

<Determining whether or not the sheet has a sheet attribute in "Page Mode">
A JDF having a sheet attribute in “Page Mode” will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9A shows an example of an output result expected in the sheet attribute of the stamp, and FIG. 9B shows an example of JDF including the sheet attribute of the stamp. FIG. 9C shows an example of an output result expected in the cell attribute of the stamp, and FIG. 9D shows an example of JDF including the cell attribute of the stamp. While the sheet attribute indicates processing across a plurality of pages aggregated in one sheet, the cell attribute indicates processing for each page aggregated in one sheet. Therefore, a sheet attribute stamp is formed with one letter α across one sheet, and a cell attribute stamp is formed with a letter α on each page.

As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9D,
In the LayouPreparationParams tab, the information of “N-up (combined printing)” is shown.
The information of the stamp “@” is indicated by “MarkObject” of the Layout tag.

  Here, ResourceLinkPool shows the connection of processing for realizing the job requested by the user. ResourcePool describes the actual processing information. Tag information in ResourceLinkPool and ResourcePool is associated in the form of <element name> in ResourcePool and <element name Link> in ResourceLinkPool. For example, LayoutLink and Layout are related.

Therefore, based on the following description, it can be determined that the stamp is not a cell attribute but a sheet attribute.
The following contents are defined independently in ResourceLinkPool.
・ Link to Layout including stamp processing is defined as LayoutLink,
-LayoutPreparationParams including N-up processing is defined as LayoutPrepareationParamsLink.

  The PageMode sheet attribute generation unit 63 determines whether or not there is a “Page Mode” sheet attribute based on such a determination criterion.

[Create job attributes in DFE]
Creation of “job attributes within DFE” will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is an example of a conversion table 64, and FIG. 11 is an example of a diagram for explaining creation of “job attributes within DFE”. The JDF analysis unit 56 converts the JDF into “job attributes within DFE” using the conversion table 64 of the manufacturer of the application 12 that created the JDF (the RIP engine 59 that is supposed to process the print job). If the manufacturer of the application 12 that created the JDF cannot be determined, the JDF may be converted into “job attributes within DFE” using all the conversion tables 64.

  FIG. 10A shows an example of the conversion table 64 of company C. The conversion table 64 of company C associates the attribute value of the attribute name “Amount” with the item value of the item name “number of copies”, and sets the attribute value of the attribute name “Rotate” to the item value of the item name “rotate”. To correspond to.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the conversion method refers to the conversion table 64 that associates the attribute in the JDF tag with the item “job attribute in DFE”, and sets the JDF attribute value to the item value of “job attribute in DFE”. It is something to arrange as.

  The JDF analysis unit 56 holds not only the conversion table 64 of company C but also the conversion table 64 of company A and the conversion table 64 of company B in advance. FIG. 10B shows the conversion table 64 of company A, and FIG. 10C shows the conversion table 64 of company B. The JDF analysis unit 56 detects the description specifying the extension tag from the JDF as described above, determines the manufacturer of the application 12, and uses the conversion table 64 corresponding to each manufacturer.

  In the case of JDF of Company A and Company B, conversion can be performed similarly. The conversion table 64 of company A associates the attribute value of the attribute name “A: Amount” with the item value of the item name “number of copies” and sets the attribute value of the attribute name “A: Rotate” to the item “rotation”. Corresponds to the name field value. The conversion table 64 of company B associates the attribute value of the attribute name “B: DeliveryAmount” with the item value of the item name “number of copies” and sets the attribute value of the attribute name “B: Rotate” to the item “rotation”. Corresponds to the name field value. In the conversion table 64 of company B, rotation is valid only when the attribute value of the attribute name “B: AlternateRotation” is “false”. Therefore, if it is determined that the JDF is from Company A or Company B, the “job attribute in DFE” can be created in the same manner as Company J's JDF.

  If the JDF analysis unit 56 determines that the print job format in the aggregate printing is created by the application 12 of a company different from the company (C company), the item “RIP control mode” of “Job attribute in DFE” Set “Sheet Mode” to. If the application 12 is an in-house manufactured application or the application 12 of the same company as the company (C company) in the print job format in aggregate printing, “Page Mode” is set in the item “RIP control mode”. Thereby, the RIP control unit 58 can control the RIP command output to the RIP engine 59 in accordance with the “RIP control mode”.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of “job attributes within DFE”. The “job attributes within DFE” are broadly divided into “Job information” relating to job execution, “Edit information” relating to raster data, and “Finishing information” relating to finishing processing.
-The item “number of copies” of the job information specifies the number of copies to be output.
The item “number of pages” in the job information specifies the number of pages.
The item “RIP control mode” of the job information designates “RIP control mode”.
The item “related information between job attributes within DFE” of the job information stores information associating a plurality of “job attributes within DFE”. For example, information that uniquely associates the “job attributes in DFE” for sheets and the “job attributes in DFE” for pages is stored.
The item “Orientation Information” in the Edit information specifies the printing direction.
The item “printing surface information” in the Edit information specifies the printing surface.
-The item "Rotation" in the Edit information specifies the page rotation angle.
-The item "Enlarge / Reduce" in Edit information specifies enlargement / reduction and scaling.
-The item “image position: offset” in the Edit information specifies an offset of the image.
The item “image position: position adjustment information” in the Edit information specifies image position adjustment.
-The item "layout information: custom in-position arrangement" in the Edit information specifies the arrangement of the custom surface.
The item “layout information: number of pages” of the Edit information designates the number of pages of one sheet.
The item “layout information: imposition information” in the Edit information specifies information related to the surface layout.
The item “layout information: page order information” in the Edit information specifies information related to the order of pages to be printed.
The item “layout information: creep position adjustment” of the Edit information specifies information related to the adjustment of the creep position.
-The item "margin information" in Edit information specifies information about margins such as fit box and gutter.
The item “mark information: center / crop / mark information” in the Edit information specifies information about the center / crop / mark.
The item “mark information: corner / crop / mark information” in the Edit information designates information related to the corner / crop / mark information.
Edit information “sheet attribute”: Designates information such as stamp, header, footer, and background pattern.
The item “Collate information” of the Finishing information specifies information on whether to print in units of pages or in units of documents when a plurality of copies of a document are printed.
The item “staple / bind information” of the finishing information designates information related to stapling / binding.
-The item "punch information" in the Finishing information specifies information related to punching.
-The item "folding information" of the Finishing information specifies information about folding.
-The item "Trim" in the Finishing information specifies information related to trim.
-The item "output tray information" of the Finishing information specifies information about the output tray.
-The item "input tray" in the Finishing information specifies information related to the input tray.
-The item "cover / sheet information" of the Finishing information specifies information about the cover / sheet.

  Further, as shown in the figure, “RIP control mode” is set in “job attribute within DFE”. In “RIP control mode”, “Page Mode” or “Sheet Mode” is set. In the case of a dummy JDF, “Page Mode” is set to “RIP control mode”.

<"Job attributes in DFE" for "Sheet" and "For page">
A difference between “job attribute in DFE” between “for sheet” and “for page” will be described with reference to FIG.

  The “job attributes within DFE” for a page includes attributes for aggregate printing, and therefore attributes of enlargement / reduction (reduction due to aggregation) and rotation are set. In FIG. 13, pages 1 to 4 are rotated 90 degrees to the left in order to combine them into one sheet according to the shape of the paper. In addition, the page is reduced to consolidate four pages into one sheet. For this reason, attributes for reduction (reduction ratio, etc.) and rotation (revolution angle, etc.) are set in the “job attributes within DFE” for a page.

  On the other hand, since the “DFE job attributes” for sheets do not require reduction or rotation attributes, there is no setting for these attributes. In addition, each attribute including an image input destination is set in a state where each page is aggregated. The image input destination is information for designating four cells (images of each page reduced and rotated).

  In the “job attribute within DFE” for a sheet, information indicating a stamp or the like is included in the “sheet attribute” of Edit information. On the other hand, in the “job attribute within DFE” for the page, the “sheet attribute” of the Edit information does not include an instruction such as a stamp.

[RIP Parameter List]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a “RIP Parameter List”.
• Input / output data type information specifies the type of input and output data. (For input and output data, not only PDL but also text files and image data such as JPEG are designated.
-The input / output data read / write position designation method information designates the method for designating the input / output data offset (read / write position). For example, from the specified position, from the current position, from the tail, etc. can be specified.
-The input / output data read / write position information specifies the current processing position of input and output data.
The execution mode information for reading and writing input / output data is information for specifying the execution mode. For example, READ, WRITE, READ_WRITE, etc. are specified.
-Unit information (dimension) specifies the unit to be used in the “RIP Parameter List”. For example, “mm”, “inch”, “pel”, “point”, and the like are designated.
-Input / output data compression method information specifies the compression method for input and output data. For example, “UNCOMPRESSED”, “PACKBITS”, etc. are specified.
“RIP control mode” designates a control mode in aggregate printing. For example, “Page Mode” or “Sheet Mode” is designated.

The input / output image information section includes “information relating to an output image”, “information relating to an input image”, and “information relating to image handling”.
-The image format type specifies the format type of the output image. For example, raster or the like is designated.
-The image format / dimension specifies the dimension of the output image format.
・ Image format / resolution specifies the resolution of the output image format.
-The position of the image specifies the position of the output image.
-Color separation information specifies color separation (color separation). For example, “k”, “cmyk”, “separation” and the like are designated.
The color plane fit policy information specifies the color plane development method.
The plane shift information specifies the color plane shift amount.
-The number of color bits of the image format specifies the number of color bits of the output image format.
The image orientation information specifies the page orientation of the output image.
-The image forming position information specifies the position information of the crop area.
-Image formation size information specifies size information of the crop area.
-The image formation method information specifies the clip policy.
-Color ICC information specifies information related to the color ICC profile.
-Font substitution information specifies information about font substitution.
-The image formation origin point specifies the image formation origin. For example, “center”, “upper right”, etc. are designated.
-Flat K black information specifies information about flat K black.
Rendering information specifies information related to rendering (rasterization).
Image format type specifies the format type of the input image. For example, raster or the like is designated.
-The image format / dimension specifies the dimension of the input image format.
-The image format / resolution specifies the resolution of the input image format.
-The position of the image specifies the position of the input image.
-Input data specifies input data.
・ Page range information specifies page numbers.
-Color ICC information specifies information related to the color ICC profile.
-Scaling offset information specifies the offset of the scaling algorithm. For example, a horizontal offset, a vertical offset, etc. are designated.
Object / area information specifies the width and height of the object area.
-Halftone information specifies halftone offset. For example, a horizontal direction offset and a vertical direction offset are designated.
• Scaling algorithm information specifies the scaling method.

Information related to PDL specifies a data area, size information, and a data arrangement method.
The data area specifies area information in which PDL is stored. Font information, information on the number of pages, and the like are included in the PDL existing in this data area.
-The size information specifies the size of the PDL.
-The data arrangement method specifies the data arrangement method. For example, little endian or big endian is specified.

<"RIP Parameter List" when there is a sheet attribute in Page Mode>
The PageMode sheet attribute conversion unit 62 changes the image output destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the page to the image input destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet. Since there is related information between job attributes within DFE in “job attributes within DFE”, it is possible to determine the “RIP Parameter List” to which the image output destination should be converted.

  The image output destination of “RIP Parameter List” designates the position of each page with respect to the sheet. In the present embodiment, since the “RIP Parameter List” for pages is subjected to image processing for each page, the “RIP Parameter List” for pages can be used for the sheets in which the pages are aggregated. Change the image output destination of the “RIP Parameter List” to the image input destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet.

  Specifically, the following attributes of the “RIP Parameter List” for the page are changed.

-I / O data type information-I / O data read / write position specification method information-I / O data read / write position information
Execution Mode Information for Reading / Writing Input / Output Data FIG. 15 is an example of a diagram illustrating the change of the image output destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for a page. FIG. 15A schematically shows the image output destination of each page of the “RIP Parameter List” for the page before the change, and FIG. 15B shows the image input of the “RIP Parameter List” for the page after the change. The figure changed previously is shown typically.

  In FIG. 15A, the image output destination of each page is set so that the apex of each page corresponds to the apex of the sheet (actually a position in which margins are considered).

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, an image in which four pages are aggregated in the “RIP Parameter List” for pages is created, and this image is used as the image input destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for sheets. As shown in FIG. 15B, the apex of each page is associated with a predetermined position of the sheet (determined by the number of aggregations, the arrangement order, etc.).

  Thus, by changing the image output destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the page, the RIP control unit 58 sets the image in which the four pages are aggregated as the image input destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet. it can.

  In the “input / output data type information”, for example, four BMPs (raw data) are set, and in the “input / output data read / write position designation method information”, a predetermined position of the sheet (for example, FIG. 15B). Of black circle) is set.

  The “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet is not shown, but the “Job Attributes in DFE” for the sheet is set in a state where each page is aggregated, so the “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet is set. The image input destination is an image in which four pages are already aggregated. Therefore, in the “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet, the image output destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the page in FIG. 15B is the image input destination.

[Operation procedure]
FIG. 16 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure of the printing system 200.
S1: The application 12 sends a print job (JDF + PDL) to the DFE 32.
S2: The job receiving unit 51 outputs the print job (JDF + PDL) to the system control unit 52.
S3: The system control unit 52 outputs the print job to the job control unit 55. When the DFE 32 is set to store the print job in the job data storage unit 53, the system control unit 52 stores the print job in the job data storage unit 53.
S4: The job control unit 55 outputs a JDF and a JDF conversion request to the JDF analysis unit 56.
S5: The JDF analysis unit 56 causes the PageMode sheet attribute generation unit 63 to determine whether or not there is a sheet attribute.
S6: The PageMode sheet attribute generation unit 63 outputs the determination result of the presence or absence of the sheet attribute to the JDF analysis unit 56.

One of steps S7 to S9 and step S10 is executed.
S7: When it is determined that “Page Mode (consolidated printing)” and a sheet attribute are present, the JDF analysis unit 56 instructs the “PageMode sheet attribute generation unit 63” to use the “job attribute in DFE” for the page and the sheet. “Job attribute in DFE” is created.
S8: The PageMode sheet attribute generation unit 63 creates a “job attribute within DFE” for the page and a “job attribute within DFE” for the sheet, and sets the related information between the job attributes within DFE of the “job attribute within DFE” for the sheet. Information uniquely indicating the “job attribute within DFE” for the page is assigned. The PageMode sheet attribute generation unit 63 analyzes the JDF to determine the manufacturer (RIP engine 59) of the application 12 that created the JDF, and creates a “job attribute within DFE” using the conversion table 64 corresponding to the RIP engine 59. To do.
S9: The PageMode sheet attribute generation unit 63 outputs the “job attribute in DFE” for the page and the “job attribute in DFE” for the sheet to the JDF analysis unit 56.
S10: When it is not determined that there is a sheet attribute (for example, when “Page Mode (aggregate printing)” but no sheet attribute), the JDF analysis unit 56 creates a “job attribute within DFE”. The JDF analysis unit 56 analyzes the JDF to determine the manufacturer (RIP engine 59) of the application 12 that created the JDF, and creates a “job attribute within DFE” using the conversion table 64 corresponding to the RIP engine 59. .
S 11: The JDF analysis unit 56 outputs “job attribute within DFE” to the job control unit 55.
S12: The job control unit 55 creates a “RIP Parameter List” using “Job Attributes in DFE” and PDL for each page. If there are “DFE job attributes” for pages and sheets, two “RIP Parameter Lists” are created.

S13: The job control unit 55 determines whether the “related information between job attributes within DFE” is set in the “job attributes within DFE”.
S14: When there is a setting of the DFE job attribute related information, the job control unit 55 causes the PageMode sheet attribute conversion unit 62 to change the “RIP Parameter List” for the page and the “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet.
S15: The PageMode sheet attribute conversion unit 62 changes the image output destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the page to the image input destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet.
S16: The PageMode sheet attribute conversion unit 62 outputs the “RIP Parameter List” for pages and sheets to the job control unit 55.

After the “RIP Parameter List” is created, the “RIP Parameter List” for the page and the “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet are output to the RIP control unit 58 in order. When “Page Mode (collective printing)” is set but there is no sheet attribute, either “Page Mode” or “Sheet Mode” sequence is selected and executed according to the RIP control mode.
S 17: First, the job control unit 55 outputs the “RIP Parameter List” for the page to the RIP control unit 58.
S18: The RIP control unit 58 initializes the RIP engine 59.
S19: The job control unit 55 makes a RIP execution request to the RIP control unit 58.
S20: The RIP control unit 58 outputs a RIP command instead of the job control unit 55. When the “RIP control mode” is “Page Mode”, the RIP control unit 58 outputs a RIP command in a sequence suitable for “Page Mode”.
S21: The RIP engine 59 performs rasterization.
S22: The RIP engine 59 stores raster data in the image storage unit 60. Thereby, for example, raster data in which four pages are integrated into one sheet is created.

Next, the job control unit 55 performs “Sheet Mode” rendering.
S23: The job control unit 55 makes a RIP execution request to the RIP control unit 58.
S24: The RIP control unit 58 initializes the RIP engine 59.
S25: The job control unit 55 makes a RIP execution request to the RIP control unit 58.
S26: The RIP control unit 58 outputs the RIP command in a sequence suitable for “Sheet Mode”. Since the image input destination of the “RIP Parameter List” for the sheet is each aggregated cell (each page in one sheet), it is processed in units of cells.
S27: The RIP engine 59 performs rasterization.
S28: The RIP engine 59 stores raster data in the image storage unit 60.
S29: The job control unit 55 outputs a print execution request to the printer control unit 61 together with the Finishing information.
S30: The printer control unit 61 reads raster data from the image storage unit 60 and executes printing.

  As described above, when the JDF of the RIP engine 59 operating in “Page Mode” includes aggregate printing and sheet attributes, the DFE 32 according to the present embodiment performs rendering in “Page Mode” and then performs “Sheet A stamp is formed in “Mode”. As a result, the RIP engine 59 operating in “Page Mode” can perform processing across a plurality of pages on one sheet surface.

[Preferred modification]
The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. And substitutions can be added.

  For example, although the DFE 32 has all the functions in FIG. 7, these functions may be arranged in separate devices that can communicate via the network 3. For example, each company's RIP engine 59 and JDF analysis unit 56 need only exist on a network accessible by the DFE 32.

  The same applies to the image storage unit 60 and the job data storage unit 53 as long as they exist on a network accessible by the DFE 32.

1 End user environment 2 POD printing system environment 11 Client PC
12 Application 20 Process Management Department 30 Digital Printing Department 31 Printer 32 DFE
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 51 Job reception unit 52 System control unit 53 Job data storage unit 54 UI control unit 55 Job control unit 56 JDF analysis unit 57 RIP unit 58 RIP control unit 59 RIP engine 60 Image storage unit 61 Printer control unit 62 PageMode sheet attribute conversion unit 63 PageMode sheet attribute generator 64 Conversion table

JP 2012-238188 A

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with drawing data creating means for creating drawing data used for image formation in a printing apparatus,
Accepting means for accepting a print job having setting information and print data used to create the drawing data;
When the setting information includes a predetermined setting, using the print data and the setting information, the drawing data creating means for creating the drawing data using the print job creates the drawing data. Control data creating means for creating the first control data and the second control data,
The control data creating means outputs the first control data to the drawing data creating means for creating the first drawing data, and creates the second drawing data using the first drawing data. Therefore, the information processing apparatus is characterized in that the second control data is output to the drawing data creating means. A plurality of drawing data creating means;
A determination unit that analyzes the print job and determines the drawing data generation unit that generates the drawing data using the print job;
When the drawing data creating means determined by the judging means creates drawing data in a predetermined operation mode, the control data creating means includes the first setting when the preset information is included in the setting information. Control data and the second control data are created,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Control data output destination changing means for changing the drawing data output destination of the first control data to the drawing data input destination of the second control data;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. Conversion means for converting the setting information into apparatus setting information;
The control data creating means creates the first control data and the second control data using the print data and the apparatus setting information.
When the predetermined setting is included in the setting information, the conversion unit creates first apparatus setting information and second apparatus setting information, and the second apparatus setting information and the first apparatus Information associated with the first apparatus setting information is added to the second apparatus setting information;
The control data output destination changing means, when there is the information to be associated with the second apparatus setting information, the drawing data output destination of the first control data as the drawing data output destination of the second control data The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is changed to: The predetermined setting is to form an image across a plurality of pages aggregated into one drawing data,
When the predetermined setting is included in the setting information, the conversion unit creates the first apparatus setting information including a setting for consolidating the plurality of pages into the one drawing data, The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein second apparatus setting information including a setting for forming the image in one drawing data is created. The control data creating means creates the first control data that aggregates the plurality of pages into the one drawing data using the print data and the first apparatus setting information.
Using the print data and the second apparatus setting information, creating the second control data for forming the image on the one drawing data,
The control data output destination changing means changes the drawing data output destination of the plurality of pages of the first control data to the drawing data input destination of the second control data.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5. An information processing method performed by an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with drawing data creating means for creating drawing data used for image formation in a printing apparatus,
A step of receiving a print job having setting information and print data used for creating the drawing data;
When the setting information includes a predetermined setting, the control data creation unit uses the print data and the setting information to create the drawing data using the print job. Creating first control data and second control data for creating
The control data creating means outputting the first control data to the drawing data creating means for creating first drawing data;
Outputting the second control data to the drawing data creating means for creating the second drawing data using the first drawing data;
An information processing method characterized by comprising: In an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with drawing data creating means for creating drawing data used for image formation in a printing apparatus,
Receiving a print job having setting information and print data used to create the drawing data;
When the setting information includes a predetermined setting, the drawing data creating means for creating the drawing data using the print job by using the print data and the setting information is used to cause the drawing data creating unit to create the drawing data. A control data creation step for creating 1 control data and 2nd control data;
Outputting the first control data to the drawing data creating means for creating first drawing data;
Outputting the second control data to the drawing data creating means for creating the second drawing data using the first drawing data;
A program that executes

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