JP3625164B2 - Preflight check method and apparatus for page description data, and recording medium recording a computer program used for the processing - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a preflight check apparatus and method for page description data expressed in a page description language, and a recording medium on which a computer program used for the processing is recorded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Based on page description data expressed in a page description language (for example, Adobe System Postscript (trademark) or PDF (portable document format, etc.)), such as laser printer, inkjet printer, imagesetter or platesetter When recording with an output device, a raster conversion process for converting page description data into raster format page data is usually performed. This process is sometimes referred to as RIP processing.
[0003]
The page description language includes information on resources used in raster conversion processing. The resource information is, for example, the name of a font to be used, the file name of actual image data to be replaced when raster conversion, or the level (version) of the described page description language. The page description data is converted into raster format page data by referring to resources used during RIP processing in which various font data and real image data to be replaced are stored in the raster conversion processing unit.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional raster conversion process, an expected output result may not be obtained. This is a case where the font or actual image data used for page description described in the page description data does not exist in the resources used by the raster conversion processing unit. For example, in the page description data, it is described that characters are expressed in the font “Gothic”, but there is no “Gothic” font data in the resources of the raster conversion processing unit. . In this case, raster conversion processing is stopped, or the font is replaced with a font other than the designated font and output. Further, for example, when the page description is subjected to raster conversion processing, an image with a low resolution (for example, a file name “tflower.jpg”) used when creating the page description data is converted into an image with a high resolution (for example, a file name). “Flower.tiff”) is described so as to be output, but the resource used by the raster conversion processing unit does not store a high-resolution image. In this case as well, the raster conversion process is stopped or output with a coarse resolution.
[0005]
As described above, when not all the resources that the page description data intends to use are provided in the resource storage unit that can be used by the raster conversion processing unit, the expected output cannot be obtained or the raster conversion processing is stopped. Will end up. Therefore, it is necessary to make up for the insufficient resources and then perform the raster conversion process again. Since the raster conversion process takes a relatively long time, performing the raster conversion process many times takes a lot of time, and therefore requires a great deal of cost.
[0006]
The present invention solves the above problems and predicts a conversion abnormality that occurs when converting to page data in raster format, thereby reducing unnecessary raster conversion processing time and improving output product productivity. For the purpose.
[0007]
[Means for solving the problems and their functions and effects]
As means for solving at least a part of the problems described above, the following configuration is adopted.
[0008]
In the first invention, a conversion error occurs when page description data expressed in a page description language and including resource name information is converted into raster format page data using a resource based on the resource name information. In a page description data preflight check method for predicting whether to perform in advance, (a) a step of storing the resource in a resource storage unit, and (b) included in the page description dataAll ofExtract resource names and create the first resource name listAnd storing the first resource name list in the storage unit in association with the unique information of the page description data(C) stored in the resource storage unitAll ofA step of extracting a resource name of the resource and creating a second resource name list; and (d) comparing the first resource name list with the second resource name list and including them in the first resource name list Resource corresponding to each resource nameAll ofIs included in the resource storage unitAnd (e) a conversion error occurs when it is determined in step (d) that there is a resource that is not included in the resource storage unit.A process of predictingWhen creating the first resource name list in the step (b), the same resource name list is already stored in the storage unit by referring to the storage unit based on the unique information of the page description data. If it is determined that the resource name is not extracted from the page description data, the same resource name list is adopted as the first resource name list.It is characterized by that.
[0009]
According to the present invention, since it is possible to predict whether or not a conversion abnormality will occur before the raster conversion processing, it is not necessary to perform unnecessary raster conversion processing, and output product productivity can be improved.In addition, since a resource name list that has already been created can be used, it is not necessary to create a resource name list for page description data, and therefore the processing time can be shortened.
[0010]
In the above method invention, the page description data preflight check method may further include:f) Said process (e), The page description data is converted to raster-format page data using the resources stored in the resource storage unit, while the conversion abnormality is predicted to occur. In this case, it is preferable that the method includes a step of notifying information on a resource name that is determined not to be included in the resource storage unit.
[0011]
According to this, since the operator can recognize the cause resource that can be predicted that the conversion abnormality occurs, it is possible to quickly take a countermeasure for removing the cause.
[0014]
In the method invention, the step (c) preferably updates the second resource name list when the content of the resource in the resource storage unit changes.
[0015]
According to this, since the second resource name list is constantly updated to the latest information, it is not necessary to create the second resource name list every time new page description data is received, and accordingly processing time is increased. Can be shortened.
[0016]
In another invention, when page description data expressed in a page description language and including resource name information is converted into raster format page data using resources based on the resource name information, a conversion error occurs. In a preflight check device for page description data for predicting whether or not to occur in advance, a resource storage unit for storing the resource and the page description data are included in the page description dataAll ofA first list creation unit for extracting a resource name and creating a first resource name list;A storage unit in which the generated first resource name list is stored in association with the unique information of the page description data;Stored in the resource storageAll ofThe resource name of the resource is extracted, the second list creation unit that creates the second resource name list, the first resource name list and the second resource name list are compared, and the first resource name list is obtained. Resources corresponding to each included resource nameAll ofIs included in the resource storage unit,When a conversion error occurs when it is determined that there are resources that are not included in the resource storage unitA check section for predictingWhen it is determined that the same resource name list is already stored in the storage unit by referring to the storage unit based on the unique information of the page description data, the first list creation unit Adopting the same resource name list as the first resource name list without extracting the resource name from the description data;It is characterized by that.
[0017]
In the device invention, the page description data preflight check device further includes:
If the check unit predicts that no conversion abnormality will occur, the page description data is instructed to be converted into raster format page data using the resources stored in the resource storage unit, If it is predicted that a conversion abnormality will occur, an instruction unit for notifying information on a resource name determined not to be included in the resource storage unit,
It is preferable to provide.
[0019]
In the above device invention, it is preferable that the second list creation unit updates the second resource name list when the content of the resource in the resource storage unit changes.
[0020]
According to these device inventions, the same effects as those of the method invention can be obtained.
[0021]
In another invention, when page description data expressed in a page description language and including resource name information is converted into raster format page data using resources based on the resource name information, a conversion error occurs. A recording medium that records a computer program for realizing in advance whether or not to occur, (a) storing the resource in a resource storage unit, and (b) included in the page description dataAll ofExtract resource names and create first resource name listAnd storing the first resource name list in the storage unit in association with the unique information of the page description data(C) stored in the resource storage unitAll ofThe resource name of the resource is extracted to create a second resource name list, and (d) the first resource name list and the second resource name list are compared and included in the first resource name list Resources corresponding to each resource nameAll ofIs included in the resource storage unit,(E) When it is determined that there is a resource that is not included in the resource storage unit, a conversion error occurs.predictionThen, when creating the first resource name list, it is determined that the same resource name list is already stored in the storage unit by referring to the storage unit based on the unique information of the page description data If it is, the same resource name list is adopted as the first resource name list without extracting a resource name from the page description data.A computer program for causing a computer to execute this is recorded.
[0022]
According to this recording medium invention, the same effects as those of the apparatus invention and method invention can be obtained.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image output system according to the present invention. The image output system includes an output device 2, a controller 1, and a plurality of front end computers 3. The front-end computer 3 generates page description data PD recorded by the output device 2, and the page description data PD is described in a page description language represented by, for example, Postscript (trademark) of Adobe Systems. Is done.
[0024]
The controller 1 receives the page description data PD via the network 4 and performs raster conversion processing for converting the page description data PD into raster format page data (hereinafter referred to as “raster data RD”). Then, the output device 2 is controlled so as to record an image based on the page description data PD. The output machine 2 is, for example, a laser printer, an inkjet printer, an image setter, a plate setter, or the like. Note that the controller 1 performs preflight check processing (whether the page description data PD is rasterized as to whether the page description data PD can normally perform raster conversion processing as instructed by the page description data PD). The process of predicting whether or not a conversion abnormality will occur when converting to data RD is also performed before the raster conversion process.
[0025]
FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of the page description data PD and an example of the page expression expressed thereby. In FIG. 2A, the page description data PD is saved or updated at “18:25 on Oct. 1, 1999” with the file name “ABC.pdl” (“pdl” is an extension). The description Des0 at the top of the page description data PD describes a page description language name indicating the type of page description language and its level (or version). In this example, the page description language name is “PDLNAME” and its level is “2”. Descriptions Des1, Des3, and Des4 are descriptions for expressing a specific character string in a specific font. For example, the description Des1 is an example in which the character string “ABCDE” is expressed by the font “Courier”. The description Des2 is an example of expressing a red circle having a radius of 15 with the coordinates (30, 30) as the center.
[0026]
The description Des5 is a description for replacing the image having the file name “tflower.jpg” with the image having the file name “flower.tiff” during the raster conversion process. That is, since the front-end computer 3 uses a coarse-resolution image (for example, the file name “tflower.jpg”) when creating the page description data, the raster conversion is performed when the output is actually performed by the output device 2. It describes that the rough image is replaced with an image with a high resolution (for example, file name “flower.tiff”) and output at the time of processing. At the time of such raster conversion processing or image output, replacing a rough image for layout with a real image having a high resolution may be referred to as OPI (Open Press Interface). Hereinafter, the coarse image and the high-resolution real image are referred to as “OPI coarse image” and “OPI real image”, respectively.
[0027]
FIG. 2B shows a page expression example expressed by the page description data PD of FIG. The expressions Exp1 to Exp5 correspond to the descriptions Des1 to Des5, respectively. Note that the page description data PD generally includes information such as character string size, color, position, and modification, image position, layer information, color space information, and the like. Therefore, it is omitted here.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a diagram functionally explaining the steps of the raster conversion process and the preflight check process executed by the controller 1. The raster conversion process is a process for converting page description data PD expressed in a page description language into raster data RD. This raster conversion process is realized in the flow indicated by the thick line in the input unit 11, the storage units 51 and 53, the RIP unit 16 and the output unit 17. When receiving an instruction to output page description data PD from the front-end computer 3, the page description data PD is stored in the storage unit 53 via the input unit 11. The stored page description data PD has, for example, the contents shown in FIG. On the other hand, various resources (hereinafter referred to as “RIP resources”) are stored in the storage unit 51. For example, font data and real image data to be replaced when raster conversion is performed. The RIP unit 16 raster-converts the page description data PD into the raster data RD. At this time, the RIP resource stored in the storage unit 51 is used. Then, the raster data RD is output via the output unit 17. For example, when the description Des1 of the page description data PD shown in FIG. 2A is raster-converted, the characters “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E” “Courier” Font data (data indicating the shape of the font) is read from the RIP resource and converted into raster data RD.
[0029]
In the controller 1, a preflight check process is performed before the raster conversion process. The preflight check process is to predict whether or not a conversion abnormality occurs when converting the page description data PD into the raster data RD, that is, to determine in advance.
[0030]
The preflight check process is performed by the preflight check unit 10. The preflight check unit 10 includes a resource name list creation unit 12 for page description data PD, a resource name list creation unit 13 for RIP resources, a check unit 14, a RIP instruction unit 15, a storage unit 52, and a storage unit 54. .
[0031]
The resource name list creation unit 12 creates a resource name list RL1 based on the page description data PD. As shown in FIG. 4A, first, the file name and save or update date of the page description data PD are described as identification information FID. Subsequently, the type and level of the page description language of the description Des0 at the top of the file are described as a level list LL1. Further, a character string “FONT” or “OPI” is searched from the file, and the subsequent parameters are extracted as the resource name of the font and the resource name of the OPI actual image, respectively, and the font list LF1 and the OPI actual image list LO1. And finally create a resource name list RL1. Of course, the resource name list is divided for each resource type (font or OPI actual image).
[0032]
On the other hand, the resource name list creation unit 13 creates the resource name list RL2 based on the RIP resource stored in the storage unit 51. As shown in FIG. 4B, for example, when font data such as “Courier” and “Helvetica” is stored in the storage unit 51, a font name list LF2 for identifying the font data is created. . Similarly, the file names of OPI real images stored in the storage unit 51 are extracted, and a list LO2 of the file names is created. Further, the type of page description language that can be interpreted by the RIP unit 16 and the level information are also created as the level list LL2. By adding the date and time DT when the RIP resource was last updated to these lists, the resource name list RL2 of the RIP resource in the storage unit 51 is finally created.
[0033]
Although there is basically only one resource name list RL2 for the RIP resource in the storage unit 51, the resource name list RL1 of the page description data PD is stored for each file name of the input page description data PD. Stored in the unit 54. For example, the resource name list RL1 of the page description data PD with the file name “ABC.pdl” is stored as the file name “ABC.lor” changed to only the extension.
[0034]
Returning to FIG. 3, the check unit 14 sequentially checks whether or not each resource name listed in the resource name list RL1 is included in the resource name list RL2. In the case of a font name or an OPI actual image, it is checked whether or not the corresponding resource name is included. On the other hand, in the case of the level, it is checked whether the level listed in the resource name list RL1 is the same as or lower than the level of the RIP resource.
[0035]
FIG. 5 shows the contents of the check file CF created as a result of the check by the check unit 14. The check file CF includes, in the resource name list RL1, a header portion CH including an individual determination CB in which a determination code for each resource name is indicated, a RIP name (Name) indicating the type of raster conversion processing, and a comprehensive determination (Result). And are added. The check file CF is stored in the storage unit 54 as the file name “ABC.chk”. The check file CFa shown in FIG. 5A shows the result when the resource name lists RL1 and RL2 shown in FIG. 4 are compared. In this case, since all the resources for all the resource names listed in the resource name list RL1 are stored in the storage unit 51, the individual determination CB for each resource name is all “True”, and as a result, the comprehensive determination Result is also “OK”.
[0036]
On the other hand, the check file CFb shown in FIG. 5B is an example of a file created when resources for at least one resource name listed in the resource name list RL1 are not stored in the storage unit 51. . In this case, the page description data PD is described so as to express the page using the font “Impact”, but the font data “Impact” is not stored in the storage unit 51. Accordingly, only the determination for the resource name “Impact” is “False”, and as a result, the overall determination is also “NG”. As described above, when it is determined that one resource name is not satisfied, the overall determination is “NG”, and it can be recognized that an abnormality occurs if raster conversion processing is performed.
[0037]
The controller 1 is composed of a computer and a workstation. Furthermore, the storage units 51 to 54 are configured by a hard disk, a DVD-RAM, or the like, and the processing units 11 to 17 are realized by a program, a CPU that executes the program, a memory, and the like. The program is stored in advance on a CD-ROM or the like, and is installed on the hard disk of the computer when used in a computer. In FIG. 3, the storage units 51 to 54 are illustrated as being separated and independent, but may be realized using a common storage unit.
[0038]
FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of a program for controlling the operation of the controller 1. In step S 1, page description data PD is received from the front-end computer 3 via the input unit 11. In step S2, the resource name list creation unit 12 creates the resource name list RL1 based on the page description data PD stored in the storage unit 53 by the procedure described with reference to FIG. In step S3, the resource name list of the RIP resource stored in the storage unit 51 is acquired from the storage unit 52. In step S4, the check unit 14 compares the resource name list RL1 and the resource name list RL2. In step S 5, the check result is output as a check file CF and stored in the storage unit 54.
[0039]
In step S6, if the RIP instruction unit 15 predicts that no conversion abnormality will occur, that is, if the overall determination of the check file CF is “OK”, the raster data is converted into raster data RD by raster conversion processing in step S7. In step S9, the data is output to the output device 2 via the output unit 17. On the other hand, if it is predicted in step S6 that a conversion abnormality will occur, that is, if the overall determination is “NG”, the process proceeds to step S8, and a message is sent to the front-end computer 3 to notify that a conversion abnormality will occur. The raster conversion process is not performed and the process ends. At this time, since the resource name “FALSE” is included in the message, the operator of the front-end computer 3 sees the message and updates the RIP resource in the storage unit 51 or corrects the page description data. The necessary part can be recognized.
[0040]
FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of two methods for realizing creation of the resource name list RL1 of the page description data PD in step S2. One method shown in FIG. 7A is a method of creating the resource name list RL1 in step S31 according to the procedure described in FIG. When page data is input, the resource name list RL1 is unconditionally created regardless of the contents of the file.
[0041]
In another method shown in FIG. 7B, in step S36, the file name of the received page description data PD and the file save / update time are recognized, and the resource name list RL1 for this file has already been created. It is judged whether or not. That is, referring to the unique identification information FID (see FIG. 4A) of each resource name list already stored in the storage unit 54, the resource name list having the same file name and the same storage / update time is obtained. It is determined whether it exists. If it is determined that a list saved and updated with the same file name at the same time has already been created, the resource name list stored in the storage unit 54 is used in step S37. On the other hand, if not, a resource name list RL1 is created and stored in the storage unit 54 as in the case of FIG. Thus, when the same page description data PD is received, the processing time for creating the resource name list can be shortened by using the resource name list RL1 that has already been created.
[0042]
Next, the update timing of the resource name list RL2 in the storage unit 51 will be described. The resource name list RL2 is preferably based on the latest information of the RIP resource stored in the storage unit 51. Accordingly, the resource update in the storage unit 51 is constantly monitored, and if there is a change in the content of the resource, the resource name list RL2 may be updated at that time. Further, the change of the resource may be checked every certain time, and if there is a change at that time, the resource name list RL2 may be updated.
[0043]
[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the raster conversion process and the preflight check process are realized by the same computer or workstation. However, the raster conversion process and the preflight check process may be realized by separate computers. It may be configured to be realized by the end computer 3. In any of the above cases, the RIP resource name list RL2 is transmitted from the computer that realizes the raster conversion process to the computer that performs the preflight check process.
[0044]
Further, in the above embodiment, when it is determined that there is no abnormality in the raster conversion process, the raster conversion process is automatically performed, but the raster conversion process is not performed, and the result of the preflight check process is simply notified to the operator. Just do it.
[0045]
In the above embodiment, the raster conversion process is not performed when there is at least one resource deficiency, but the execution / non-execution of the raster conversion process is switched depending on the deficiency level (abnormality level). You may control to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image output system according to the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams respectively showing an example of page description data PD and an example of page expression expressed thereby.
FIG. 3 is a diagram functionally explaining steps of raster conversion processing and preflight check processing executed by the controller 1;
FIG. 4A shows an example of a resource name list RL1 created based on page description data PD. FIG. 4B shows an example of a resource name list RL2 of RIP resources stored in the storage unit 15.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of a check file CF as a result of the preflight check process;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the controller 1;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of a resource name list creation routine;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Controller
2 output machine
3 Front-end computer
4 network
10 Preflight check section
11 Input section
12 Resource name list creation part
13 Resource name list creation part
14 Check section
15 RIP indicator
16 RIP Department
17 Output section
51 Storage unit
52 Memory unit
53 Memory unit
54 Memory
CB individual judgment
CF check file
CFa check file
CFb check file
FID identification information
PD page description data
RD raster data
RL1 resource name list
RL2 resource name list

Claims (7)

Whether or not a conversion error will occur in advance when page description data expressed in page description language and including resource name information is converted into raster format page data using resources based on the resource name information. In the preflight check method of the predicted page description data,
(A) storing the resource in a resource storage unit;
(B) All resource names included in the page description data are extracted, a first resource name list is created, and the first resource name list is associated with unique information of the page description data in the storage unit. Storing , and
(C) extracting resource names of all resources stored in the resource storage unit and creating a second resource name list;
(D) Comparing the first resource name list with the second resource name list , all of the resources corresponding to the respective resource names included in the first resource name list are included in the resource storage unit. The process of determining whether or not
(E) predicting that a conversion abnormality will occur when it is determined in step (d) that there is a resource that is not included in the resource storage unit ;
Equipped with a,
When creating the first resource name list in the step (b), the same resource name list is already stored in the storage unit by referring to the storage unit based on the unique information of the page description data. If it is determined that the resource name is not extracted from the page description data, the same resource name list is adopted as the first resource name list.
A preflight check method for page description data. The preflight check method for the page description data further includes:
( F ) If it is predicted that no conversion abnormality will occur in the step ( e ), the page description data is converted into raster format page data using the resources stored in the resource storage unit, If it is predicted that a conversion abnormality will occur, a step of notifying information on the resource name determined not to be included in the resource storage unit;
The page flight data preflight check method according to claim 1. Wherein step (c), wherein when the contents of the resource of the resource storage unit is changed, preflight check how the page description data according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein updating the second resource name list. Whether or not a conversion error will occur in advance when page description data expressed in page description language and including resource name information is converted into raster format page data using resources based on the resource name information. In the preflight check device for page description data to be predicted,
  A resource storage unit for storing the resource;
  A first list creation unit that extracts all resource names included in the page description data and creates a first resource name list;
  A storage unit in which the generated first resource name list is stored in association with the unique information of the page description data;
  A second list creation unit that extracts resource names of all resources stored in the resource storage unit and creates a second resource name list;
  Whether or not all of the resources corresponding to the respective resource names included in the first resource name list are included in the resource storage unit by comparing the first resource name list with the second resource name list Determine that there is a resource not included in the resource storage unit Check section that predicts that conversion abnormality will occur,
With
  When it is determined that the same resource name list is already stored in the storage unit by referring to the storage unit based on the unique information of the page description data, the page description is generated in the first list creation unit. Adopting the same resource name list as the first resource name list without extracting the resource name from the data;
A preflight check device for page description data. The preflight check device for the page description data further includes:
If the check unit predicts that no conversion abnormality will occur, the page description data is instructed to be converted into raster format page data using the resources stored in the resource storage unit, If it is predicted that a conversion abnormality will occur, an instruction unit for notifying information on a resource name determined not to be included in the resource storage unit,
The preflight check device for page description data according to claim 4 . The page description data preflight check device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second list creation unit updates the second resource name list when the content of the resource in the resource storage unit changes . Whether or not a conversion error will occur in advance when page description data expressed in page description language and including resource name information is converted into raster format page data using resources based on the resource name information. A recording medium on which a computer program for realizing the prediction is recorded,
  (A) storing the resource in a resource storage unit;
  (B) Extracting all resource names included in the page description data, creating a first resource name list, and associating the first resource name list with unique information of the page description data, a storage unit Stored in
  (C) Extracting resource names of all resources stored in the resource storage unit to create a second resource name list;
  (D) Comparing the first resource name list with the second resource name list, all of the resources corresponding to the respective resource names included in the first resource name list are included in the resource storage unit. To determine whether
  (E) When it is determined that there is a resource that is not included in the resource storage unit, a conversion abnormality is predicted to occur,
  When creating the first resource name list, it is determined that the same resource name list is already stored in the storage unit by referring to the storage unit based on the unique information of the page description data. In this case, a computer-readable recording of a computer program for causing a computer to execute the same resource name list as the first resource name list without extracting a resource name from the page description data. Possible recording media.

Images