JP3670564B2 - Printing plate recording apparatus, printing apparatus provided with printing plate recording apparatus, and image data creation apparatus used for printing plate recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing plate recording device that creates a printing plate based on image data, a printing device that includes the printing plate recording device, and an image data creation device that is used in the printing plate recording device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a printing apparatus having a printing plate recording apparatus for recording an image on a printing plate on a plate cylinder to make a plate has been put into practical use, and is called a “digital printing machine” or the like. In this digital printing machine, complicated plate making operations are automated, so that even a relatively inexperienced operator can easily obtain printed matter.
[0003]
On the other hand, offset printing, particularly offset printing using fountain solution, has a problem of ink emulsification. That is, dampening water is mixed in the ink and the ink is emulsified, and if this emulsification becomes excessive, proper printing cannot be performed. Such excessive emulsification occurs, for example, when the ink consumption is small. That is, if the ink on the ink roller is not consumed by printing, excessive dampening water will be mixed in, and since it will continue to be kneaded excessively, emulsification due to air mixing is likely to occur.
[0004]
Various methods are conceivable for preventing such emulsification. For example, the simplest method is to remove ink that has been emulsified excessively for each operation. However, this method is troublesome because the ink must be changed for each operation. Moreover, excessive emulsification during the work cannot be prevented.
[0005]
As other methods, it is conceivable to change the supply amount of dampening water for each region where the ink consumption is different, or to change the supply amount of ink and the amount of ink kneading. However, this method is difficult for an inexperienced operator, and the printing apparatus must also have a mechanism that can change the amount of dampening water for each region and a mechanism that changes the amount of ink kneading.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As a method that can be easily solved even by an inexperienced operator with respect to the above problems, it is conceivable that a minimum amount of ink is consumed in each printing area. That is, as described above, excessive emulsification occurs when the consumption of ink is small. Therefore, in order to prevent emulsification, a certain amount or more of ink may be consumed during printing.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. When recording a printing plate based on image data, an area that consumes a predetermined amount or more of ink is prevented in order to prevent excessive emulsification of ink. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing plate recording apparatus which is automatically formed in the upper margin, a printing apparatus provided with the printing plate recording apparatus, and an image data creation apparatus used for the printing plate recording apparatus.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the printing plate recording apparatus for recording an image on a printing plate based on image data, the ink supply amount is calculated for each of a plurality of regions in the printing plate width direction based on the image data. Ink supply amount calculation means, determination means for determining whether or not there is a small amount of ink area where the ink supply amount is a predetermined value or less for each color of ink, and the determination means determines that the small amount of ink area exists If so, the appropriate color printing plate Margins And an ink consumption area forming means for forming an ink consumption area for consuming a certain amount or more of ink on the top. The ink consumption area is an image area provided at a position corresponding to the small amount of ink area in the width direction of the printing plate and having a width for consuming a certain amount or more of ink in the printing direction. The
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printing plate recording apparatus according to the first aspect, the ink consumption region is formed of a solid portion or a flat mesh portion provided along the width direction of the printing plate. .
[0010]
A third aspect of the present invention is the printing plate recording apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the ink consumption area is on the printing plate on which ink is supplied. In the width direction of the printing plate Almost all Area It is formed over the area.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printing plate recording apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the ink consumption area is formed, an additional ink supply amount corresponding to the ink consumption area is set to the ink supply area. It is characterized by being added to the quantity.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printing plate recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the ink consumption area is formed in a printing plate margin corresponding to the paper bottom side of the printing paper. It is characterized by.
[0013]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printing plate recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the ink consumption area is arranged on each printing plate so that the colors do not overlap during printing. Features.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 7 includes a printing plate recording apparatus that records an image on a printing plate based on image data, and supplies ink to each of a plurality of regions in the printing width direction with respect to the printing plate on which the image is recorded. In a printing apparatus that performs printing with a predetermined amount, ink supply amount calculation means for calculating an ink supply amount for each region based on the image data, and the ink supply amount for each ink color is equal to or less than a predetermined value Determining means for determining whether or not there is a small amount of ink area, and if the determination means determines that there is the small amount of ink area, the printing plate recording device is a printing plate of the corresponding color. Margins Up And provided in a position corresponding to the small amount of ink area in the width direction of the printing plate, For consuming more than a certain amount of ink As an image area with width An ink consumption area is formed.
[0015]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the ink consumption region is formed of a solid portion or a flat mesh portion provided along the width direction of the printing plate.
[0016]
A ninth aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the ink consumption area is on the printing plate on which ink is supplied. In the width direction of the printing plate Almost all Area It is formed over the area.
[0017]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, when the ink consumption region is formed, an additional ink supply amount corresponding to the ink consumption region is set to the ink supply amount. It is characterized by adding.
[0018]
The invention according to claim 11 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the ink consumption area is formed in a printing plate margin corresponding to the paper bottom side of the printing paper. And
[0019]
A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, wherein the ink consumption area is arranged on each printing plate so that the colors do not overlap during printing. To do.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 13 is an image data creation device used in a printing plate recording apparatus for recording an image on a printing plate based on image data, wherein the image data is printed for each printing color and in the printing plate width direction. Ink supply amount calculation means for calculating an ink supply amount for each region by calculating for each of a plurality of regions, and whether there is a small amount of ink region where the ink supply amount is a predetermined value or less for each printing color A judging means for judging, and if the judging means judges that the small amount of ink area exists, the printing plate of the corresponding color Margins And an ink consumption area adding means for adding ink consumption area data related to the ink consumption area to the image data so as to arrange an ink consumption area that consumes a predetermined amount or more of ink. The ink consumption area is an image area provided at a position corresponding to the small amount of ink area in the width direction of the printing plate and having a width for consuming a certain amount or more of ink in the printing direction. You The
[0021]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data creating apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the ink consumption area is composed of a solid portion or a flat mesh portion provided along the width direction of the printing plate. .
[0022]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data creation device according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the ink consumption area is on the printing plate on which ink is supplied. In the width direction of the printing plate Almost all Area It is formed over the area.
[0023]
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data creating device according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, when the ink consumption area is formed, an additional ink supply amount corresponding to the ink consumption area is set as the ink supply area. It is characterized by being added to the quantity.
[0024]
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data creation device according to any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the ink consumption area is formed in a printing plate margin corresponding to the paper bottom side of the printing paper. It is characterized by.
[0025]
According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data creation device according to any one of the thirteenth to seventeenth aspects, the ink consumption area is arranged on each printing plate so that the colors do not overlap during printing. Features.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First, the principle of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of printing on the printing paper P. In this embodiment, on the printing paper P, an image IM and an ink consumption area S composed of a long solid area along the printing width direction are printed. In the figure, the direction from the top to the bottom is the printing direction, and the lower side of the figure is the paper bottom side.
[0027]
For example, if the color of “flower” in this example is magenta, relatively magenta (M color) ink is consumed in the area A where “flower” is printed in the print width direction. On the other hand, in the areas B and C without “flowers”, magenta (M color) ink is hardly consumed unless there is an image of a color related to magenta (M color). In this case, since the ink is continuously consumed without being consumed on the magenta (M color) ink rollers in the regions B and C, the emulsification of the ink proceeds excessively. In the region where excessive emulsification has occurred, the ink characteristics change, so that, for example, an appropriate print quality cannot be obtained when the next job is printed.
[0028]
In the present invention, in the above case, a solid area of magenta (M color) is provided as the ink consumption area S. Accordingly, at least a certain amount of magenta (M color) ink is consumed by the ink consumption region S, and therefore, excessive emulsification on the ink roller can be prevented.
[0029]
Next, a preferred embodiment of the ink consumption area S will be described. First, the ink consumption area S is about 1.3 to 2.5% in an A3 size horizontal printing device when converted to printing density as the minimum amount of ink to be consumed, and the short side is about 5 to 10 mm. Those having a width of If the short side size is too small, such as 5 mm or less, the effect of preventing emulsification is not obtained. Conversely, if it is 10 mm or more, ink and printing paper are wasted. The long side of the ink consumption area S may be automatically set according to the length of the image area, but is preferably provided over the maximum printable width (paper width size). This is to prevent the area where the ink is emulsified in the next job.
[0030]
Further, the ink consumption area S can be provided independently for each of the YMCK colors. For example, depending on the image, it may be possible to provide an ink consumption area of two or more colors. Further, when a plurality of ink consumption areas S are provided, it is preferable that the ink consumption areas S are not overlapped on the printing paper as much as possible. That is, if two or more solids with 100% density are printed in layers, the problem of ink trapping and the color may become cloudy. However, this is not the case when there are no margins for providing a large number of ink consumption regions S. In general, any one to three colors of YMC are designated as the ink consumption area S. However, if there is a character line drawing area or the like, a K ink consumption area may be set. The same can be done when using a spot color other than YMCK.
[0031]
In addition, the ink consumption area S may be set to a solid area so that ink can be efficiently consumed with a small width, or a flat mesh may be used. However, if the density of the flat mesh is low, the short side width of the ink consumption area needs to be set large.
[0032]
About the position which arrange | positions the ink consumption area | region S, it is preferable to provide in the margin part on the paper bottom side. In other words, when the ink is provided on the upstream side of printing, the printing density on the leading end side of the image IM may be affected by the printing of the ink consumption region S, and a ghost of the roller pitch tends to appear in the image IM.
[0033]
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a printing apparatus provided with a printing plate recording apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the printing apparatus and an image data creating apparatus for creating image data in the preceding stage of the printing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the processing structure of the image data in the printing system which becomes.
[0034]
First, as shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus includes, as printing mechanisms, first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2 for holding a printing plate, and first and second plates for transferring an ink image from each plate cylinder. Second blanket cylinders 3, 4, an impression cylinder 5 that holds the printing paper and abuts both blanket cylinders 3, 4, and a feed cylinder 6 and a discharge cylinder 7 that supply or discharge the printing paper to and from the impression cylinder 5 A dampening water supply means 8 and an ink supply means 9 for supplying dampening water or ink to the printing plates on the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2, and a stacked unprinted printing sheet. A paper supply unit 10 that sequentially supplies and a paper discharge unit 11 that sequentially stacks printed printing sheets are provided.
[0035]
On the other hand, this printing apparatus has, as a plate making mechanism, a printing plate supply unit 12 that supplies an unexposed printing plate to the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2, and an image on the printing plate on the plate cylinder. An image recording unit 13 for recording, a developing unit 14 for developing a printing plate on which an image is recorded, and a printing plate discharge unit 15 for discharging a used printing plate are provided.
[0036]
In addition, the printing apparatus captures an image on the printed printing paper and measures the positional deviation amount, color density, and the like of the printed image, and printing that controls each part of the printing apparatus. And a control unit 17 (shown in FIG. 2). Details of each part will be described below.
[0037]
The first plate cylinder 1 is configured to be movable between a first printing position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1 and an image recording position indicated by a two-dot chain line by a plate cylinder driving mechanism (not shown). Similarly, the second plate cylinder 2 is configured to be movable between a second printing position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1 and an image recording position indicated by a two-dot chain line by a plate cylinder driving mechanism (not shown). That is, the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2 are respectively arranged at the first or second printing position when the printing operation is executed, and are alternately arranged at the image recording position when the plate making operation is executed. The plate making process of the printing plate is performed on each plate cylinder.
[0038]
Each of the first plate cylinder 1 and the second plate cylinder 2 has a circumferential surface capable of holding printing plates for two colors, and the printing plates of each color are fixed at positions facing each other by 180 degrees on the circumferential surface. Two sets of holding means (not shown) are provided. In the above description, two printing plates having one printing area are mounted on the plate cylinder two by two. However, a single printing plate in which two printing areas are arranged may be mounted. . Further, for example, a predetermined polymer or the like may be applied and cured to make the surface of the plate cylinder itself a printing plate surface.
[0039]
The first blanket cylinder 3 is configured to rotate in contact with the first plate cylinder 1 at the first printing position, and the second printing is similarly applied to the second blanket cylinder 4. It is configured to rotate in contact with the second plate cylinder 2 at the position. The first and second blanket cylinders 3 and 4 have the same diameter as the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2, and blankets capable of transferring ink images of two colors from the respective plate cylinders. It is mounted on the circumference.
[0040]
The impression cylinder 5 has a diameter half that of the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2 and is configured to rotate in contact with both the first and second blanket cylinders 3 and 4. ing. The impression cylinder 5 is provided with a holding means (not shown) capable of holding one printing sheet having a size corresponding to the printing area on the printing plate. The gripping means can be opened and closed at a predetermined timing by an opening / closing mechanism (not shown) to hold the printing paper.
[0041]
The paper feed cylinder 6 and the paper discharge cylinder 7 have the same diameter as the impression cylinder 5, and are provided with a gripping means (not shown) similar to the gripping means provided on the impression cylinder 5. The gripping means for the paper feed cylinder 6 and the paper discharge cylinder 7 are arranged so as to be able to deliver printing paper in synchronization with the gripping means for the impression cylinder 5.
[0042]
The first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2 disposed at the first and second printing positions, the first and second blanket cylinders 3 and 4, the impression cylinder 5, the paper feed cylinder 6 and the discharge cylinder. The paper cylinder 7 is provided with a driving gear (not shown), which is substantially the same as the diameter of each cylinder, at each cylinder end, and the gears mesh with each other. Therefore, by driving this gear by a print driving motor (not shown), the cylinders can be driven to rotate synchronously.
[0043]
In the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the plate cylinders 1 and 2 and the blanket cylinders 3 and 4 have a circumferential length twice that of the impression cylinder 5, so that the plate cylinders 1 and 2 and the blanket cylinders 3 and 4 are 1 Each time it rotates, the impression cylinder rotates twice. Accordingly, when the impression cylinder 5 is rotated twice while holding the printing paper, a total of four colors can be printed from the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2 for each of the two colors.
[0044]
Two sets of dampening water supply means 8 are arranged for each of the plate cylinders 1 and 2 at the first and second printing positions, and are selective to the two printing plates on each of the plate cylinders 1 and 2. Can be supplied with dampening water. The dampening water supply means 8 includes a water boat that stores dampening water and a dampening water roller group that pumps up the dampening water in the water boat and passes it to the printing plate surface. The roller that contacts the plate surface is configured to contact or separate from the plate cylinder surface by a cam mechanism (not shown). If the printing plate is a type of printing plate that does not require fountain solution, the fountain solution supply means 8 is not necessary.
[0045]
Two sets of ink supply means 9 are arranged for each of the plate cylinders 1 and 2 in the first and second printing positions, and are selectively different for the two printing plates on the plate cylinders 1 and 2. Color ink can be supplied. For example, in this embodiment, black (K color) and magenta (M color) ink supply means 9 are arranged for the first plate cylinder 1, and cyan for the second plate cylinder 2. (C color) and yellow (Y color) ink supply means 9 are arranged.
[0046]
The ink supply means 9 includes a plurality of ink keys along the printing width direction, an ink fountain means that can be supplied by varying the ink supply amount for each region corresponding to the ink key, and an ink fed from the ink fountain means. The roller that contacts the printing plate surface among the ink rollers is configured to contact or separate from the plate cylinder surface by a cam mechanism (not shown).
[0047]
It should be noted that some of the dampening water supply means 8 and the ink supply means 9 are configured so that they can be withdrawn from their movement paths as the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2 move.
[0048]
The paper feeding unit 10 takes out printing paper one by one from a pile on which unused printing paper is stacked and passes it to the paper feeding cylinder 6. In this embodiment, the paper feeding unit 1 is turned on every two rotations of the paper feeding cylinder. Operates to supply twice-printed paper. The paper discharge unit 11 receives printed sheets from the paper discharge cylinder 7 and stacks them.
[0049]
Next, the plate making mechanism of this printing apparatus will be described. In this printing apparatus, when the plate making operation is executed, the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2 are alternately moved to the image recording position. At this image recording position, a friction roller (not shown) is brought into direct or indirect contact with the plate cylinder so as to be driven to rotate.
[0050]
The printing plate supply unit 12 includes a cassette roll in which a roll-shaped unexposed printing plate is shielded and stored, a conveyance roller and a conveyance guide for conveying the drawn printing plate to the plate cylinders 1 and 2, and the printing plate in a sheet form Cutting means. In this embodiment, a silver salt sensitive material that exposes and records an image with a laser beam is used as the printing plate. However, for example, a thermal type printing plate that is melted or ablated by a laser beam may be used.
[0051]
The printing plate supply operation procedure is as follows. First, the front end of the printing plate drawn out from the cassette roll is sandwiched between gripping means (not shown) of the printing cylinders 1 and 2, and the printing cylinders 1 and 2 are rotated in this state to perform printing. The plate is wound on the plate cylinders 1 and 2, and then the printing plate is cut to a predetermined length and the rear end of the printing plate is held by the other gripping means.
[0052]
The image recording unit 13 records the image by exposing the printing plate by turning on / off the laser beam. The image recording unit 13 scans the laser beam emitted from the laser light source based on the image data in the axial direction of the plate cylinder by a deflecting unit such as a polygon mirror. The scanning by the deflecting unit and the rotation of the plate cylinder are performed. Thus, an image can be recorded on the printing plate. Alternatively, one or more laser irradiation means are arranged in a line along the axial direction of the plate cylinder, and the laser irradiation means is moved in parallel along the axial direction of the plate cylinder and scanned while rotating the plate cylinder. May be.
[0053]
The developing unit 14 develops the printing plate exposed by the image recording unit 13. In this embodiment, the developing unit 14 is configured to draw up the processing liquid stored in a processing tank (not shown) by a coating roller and apply the processing liquid to the printing plate to perform the developing process. And a lifting means (not shown) that moves to a position close to the plate cylinder. If an image recording method that does not require development processing is employed, the developing unit 14 may be omitted.
[0054]
The printing plate discharge unit 15 is a device that discharges a printing plate used for printing, a peeling unit that peels the printing plate from a plate cylinder at an image recording position, and a conveyance unit that conveys the peeled printing plate. And a discharge cassette for discharging the transported used printing plate.
[0055]
The imaging unit 16 reads an image or a color chart on the printing paper to be discharged. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 16 includes an RGB line sensor provided along the width direction of the printing paper, and transports the printing paper. As a result, images on the printing paper can be taken line-sequentially. The image data read by the imaging unit 16 is subjected to image processing by the print control unit 17, and measurement data such as a color shift amount and a color density of the printed matter is calculated. Based on the measurement data, the mechanism of each part of the printing apparatus is controlled to adjust the registration and the ink supply amount.
[0056]
In this printing apparatus, the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2 are moved to the image recording position, and the plate making operation is performed by supplying the printing plate and recording and developing the image. When the plate making operation is completed, the first and second plate cylinders 1 and 2 can be arranged at the first and second printing positions, respectively, to perform the printing operation.
[0057]
Next, a description will be given of the print control unit 17 shown in FIG. 2 and the image data creation device 20 that creates image data used for printing plate printing in the preceding stage of the printing device.
[0058]
The image data creation device 20 includes hardware of a computer system including display means such as a monitor, input means such as a keyboard and a mouse, storage means such as a hard disk, and communication means connected to a LAN. And software programmed to function as an image data creation device.
[0059]
When viewed functionally, the image data creation device 20 includes an image data input editing unit 21, a RIP processing unit 22, a PPF data creation unit 23, an ink supply amount calculation unit 24, an ink supply unit, as shown in FIG. A small area determination unit 25, an ink consumption area data storage unit 26, an ink consumption area data reading unit 27, a synthesis unit 28, and a transmission unit 29 are provided.
[0060]
The image data input / editing unit 21 inputs image data created by another DTP device or the like, and edits or sets printing conditions as necessary. The RIP processing unit 22 converts the multivalued image data D0 created or edited by the image data input editing unit 21 into binary image data D1 by RIP processing (raster-image-processing).
[0061]
The PPF data creation unit 23 creates PPF (print production format) data D2 based on the created image data D0. The PPF data D2 is a data format standardized by the CIP3 (International Cooperation for Integration of Prepress, Press, and Postpress) system so that it can be used consistently from the pre-printing process to the post-printing process. This is multivalued image data having a resolution lower than that of the image data D0. In the present embodiment, the PPF data D2 is used for calculating the ink supply amount X in the printing process.
[0062]
The ink supply amount X referred to here is proportional to the image area value calculated from the image data, and corresponds to the ink consumption during printing.
[0063]
The ink supply amount calculation unit 24 calculates the ink supply amount X based on the PPF data D2, and cumulatively calculates the image data for each ink color, for each of a plurality of regions along the print width direction. Calculate the ink supply amount. For example, FIG. 5 is an example in which the result of calculating the ink supply amount X for each of the plurality of regions for each ink color is represented by a histogram. The number of regions is determined to be an appropriate number depending on the number of ink supply regions of the ink supply means 9. The ink supply amount X calculated here is used for determination by the ink small amount region determination unit 25 in the next stage, but is also used for ink supply control in the printing apparatus, and therefore is also transmitted to the print control unit 17. The
[0064]
The small ink area determination unit 25 determines whether there is an area where the calculated ink supply amount X is equal to or less than a predetermined value Q. Here, the predetermined value Q (dotted line level in FIG. 5) is a value experimentally obtained in advance, and if the ink supply amount is less than or equal to this predetermined value Q, the ink consumption is small and excessive emulsification is caused. And Here, the small ink region determination unit 25 sequentially compares the ink supply amount X of each region and the predetermined value Q to determine the presence or absence of the small ink region. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, since there is an area that is lower than the predetermined value Q in C color, it is determined that a small amount of ink area exists in C color. The predetermined value Q may be set for each ink color if necessary.
[0065]
The ink consumption area data storage unit 26 is configured by storage means such as a hard disk, and stores a plurality of ink consumption area data D3 as binary data in advance. For example, the ink consumption area data D3 may be stored in combination with the ink consumption area S set for each color and other marks such as a color chart area. A plurality of ink consumption regions S having different shapes and sizes may be stored as appropriate. In this embodiment, the ink amount consumed by the ink consumption region is stored as the additional ink supply amount XD corresponding to each ink consumption region data D3.
[0066]
The ink consumption area data reading unit 27 determines the ink consumption area data D3 of the corresponding color based on the ink color determined by the low ink area determination unit 25 as having the low ink area. Is sent out to the next synthesizing unit 28. The ink consumption area data reading unit reads the additional ink supply amount XD corresponding to the corresponding ink consumption area data D3 and transmits it to the printing control unit 17.
[0067]
The synthesizer 28 synthesizes ink consumption area data D3 with the binary image data D1. Here, the image data D4 synthesized by adding the ink consumption area data D3 to the paper bottom side of the image data D1 may be generated. As a result of the synthesis, the image data D4 may have a size that does not fit on the printing plate. As processing in this case, when an error warning is given and the operator specifies the ink consumption area S again, or when the overflowing ink consumption area S is not recorded on the printing plate, The case where the ink consumption area | region S is piled up, etc. can be considered, and what is necessary is just to perform an appropriate process.
[0068]
The transmission unit 29 transmits the combined image data D4 to the print control unit 17 of the printing apparatus. Regarding the transmission of the image data D4, the data may be transmitted in a lump, or may be divided and transmitted as appropriate. Further, in response to an instruction from the print control unit 17, the corresponding image data D4 may be transmitted.
[0069]
The print control unit 17 of the printing apparatus receives the image data D4 transmitted from the transmission unit 29 and sends it to the image recording unit 13. The image recording unit 13 records a printing plate based on the image data D4. As a result, a printing plate to which an ink consumption area is added can be created.
[0070]
The print control unit 17 adds the ink supply amount X and the additional ink supply amount XD to determine a final ink supply amount, and controls the ink supply unit 9. For example, when a constant ink consumption region is formed in the entire region in the print width direction, a constant additional ink supply amount XD may be added to the entire region. Thus, even when the ink consumption area is added, appropriate ink supply can be performed in consideration of the added amount.
[0071]
Next, the procedure for adding the ink consumption area S according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S1, the ink supply amount calculation unit 24 calculates the ink supply amount for each ink color. This calculation is performed for each ink supply area of the ink supply means 9 as described above.
[0072]
In step S2, the ink supply amount calculated by the small ink region determination unit 25 is compared with a predetermined value set in advance, and it is determined whether or not there is a small ink region for each ink color.
[0073]
If there is a small amount of ink area, the ink consumption area data reading unit 25 reads the ink consumption area data of the corresponding color in the next step S3. In the next step S3, the image data of the image to be printed is synthesized. In step S4, the combined image data is sent to the printing apparatus, and the image recording unit 13 records the image on the printing plate.
[0074]
If necessary, the operator may input the short side size of the ink consumption area S or set the position to add the ink consumption area S prior to the step S1. Further, the arrangement order in the case where a plurality of ink consumption areas S are arranged, the presence / absence of overprinting, and the like may be set. Further, when the ink consumption area is constituted by a flat mesh, the density% may be set.
[0075]
As described above, in this embodiment, since ink consumption area data can be easily added based on image data, a minimum amount of ink is consumed by at least the added ink consumption area during a printing operation. This can prevent an excessive emulsification phenomenon that occurs when ink consumption is low.
[0076]
[Other embodiments]
(1) Although the printing apparatus and the image data creation apparatus are separately shown in the above embodiment, the printing apparatus may be integrated including both. Further, the image recording unit 13 may be separated from the printing apparatus and used as an independent printing plate recording apparatus.
[0077]
(2) In the above embodiment, the ink consumption area data related to the ink consumption area S is added by the image data creation apparatus 20 in the preceding stage of the printing apparatus. You may make it add.
[0078]
(3) Although the printing apparatus using the fountain solution has been described in the above embodiment, since the emulsification is promoted also by the ink kneading that comes into contact with air, the present invention can also be applied to a printing apparatus that does not use the fountain solution.
[0079]
(4) The ink consumption area S only needs to be provided so as to consume ink substantially along the printing width direction. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing various ink consumption areas S. FIG. For example, FIG. 6A shows an example in which a plurality of divided regions are provided along the print width direction. FIG. 6B shows an example in which the divided areas are arranged in a staggered manner but substantially along the printing direction. FIG. 6C is an example in which the ink consumption area to be represented in a row is divided into a plurality of areas, and is substantially equivalent to the ink consumption area S provided along the print width direction. FIG. 6D shows an example in which the ink consumption area S is composed of characters and symbols. In addition to characters and symbols, flat nets or other line drawing solids may be added. Characters and symbols may record meaningful print information.
[0080]
(5) In the above embodiment, the ink consumption area data D3 is stored in advance in the ink consumption area data storage unit 26 as binary data, but the image data input editing unit 21 creates an image related to the ink consumption area S. Then, the image may be superimposed on the image constituting the printed matter, and then the RIP processing unit 22 may perform the RIP processing. In this case, the ink supply amount may be calculated again from the image data D0 to which the ink consumption area S is added. However, the process is easier if the ink consumption area data is stored in advance in the form of binary data and synthesized.
[0081]
(6) In the above embodiment, the ink supply amount X is calculated from the PPF data, but may be calculated from the image data D0 before RIP or the image data D1 after RIP. For example, since the image data after RIP is binary data, the number of dots forming the image can be counted to calculate the image area value of the portion where the ink is placed. Since the ink supply amount X is determined by the image area value, the ink supply amount X in this specification includes the image area value itself.
[0082]
(7) In the above embodiment, the ink supply amount X and the additional ink supply amount XD are added together by the print control unit 17, but may be processed on the image data creation device 20 side.
[0083]
(8) In the above embodiment, the ink consumption area is uniformly added to the entire area in the printing width direction. However, the ink consumption area is added only to the position corresponding to the area where the ink supply amount is small. May be.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since an ink consumption area is automatically added based on image data, it is possible to easily prevent ink emulsification without complicated control.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a configuration of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram relating to the printing apparatus and the image data creation apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adding an ink consumption area S;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an ink consumption area on a printing paper.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of distribution of ink supply amount in each region.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another form of the ink consumption area S;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 First plate cylinder
2 Second plate cylinder
3 The first blanket cylinder
4 Second blanket cylinder
5 impression cylinder
6 Feeding cylinder
7 Discharge cylinder
9 Ink supply means
11 Paper discharge unit
13 Image recording unit
17 Print controller
20 Image data creation device
21 Image data input editor
22 RIP processing section
23 PPF data generator
24 Ink supply amount calculation section
25 Ink small quantity area judgment section
26 Ink consumption area data storage section
27 Ink consumption area data reading section
28 Synthesizer
29 Transmitter
D0 image data
D1 RIPed image data
D2 PPF data
D3 Ink consumption area data
D4 Composite image data
IM image
P Printing paper
S Ink consumption area
X Ink supply amount
XD Additional ink supply

Claims (18)

In a printing plate recording apparatus for recording an image on a printing plate based on image data,
An ink supply amount calculating means for calculating an ink supply amount for each of a plurality of regions in the printing plate width direction based on the image data;
Determining means for determining whether there is a small amount of ink area where the ink supply amount is a predetermined value or less for each color of ink;
An ink consumption area forming means for forming an ink consumption area for consuming a predetermined amount or more of ink on a margin of a printing plate of a corresponding color when the determination means determines that there is a small amount of the ink area; , equipped with a,
Said ink consumption region is provided at a position corresponding to the ink a small amount area in the width direction of the printing plate, you characterized in that an image area having a width to consume a certain amount or more of ink in the printing direction Printing plate recording device.   The printing plate recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink consumption area includes a solid portion or a flat mesh portion provided along a width direction of the printing plate. Said ink consumption area, the printing plate recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is formed over substantially the entire range in the width direction of the printing plate on the printing plate to be subjected to the ink supply.   4. The printing plate recording according to claim 1, wherein when the ink consumption area is formed, an additional ink supply amount corresponding to the ink consumption area is added to the ink supply amount. apparatus.   5. The printing plate recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink consumption area is formed in a printing plate margin corresponding to a paper bottom side of the printing paper.   6. The printing plate recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink consumption area is arranged on each printing plate so that the colors do not overlap during printing. A printing apparatus comprising a printing plate recording device for recording an image on a printing plate based on image data, and performing printing by determining an ink supply amount for each of a plurality of regions in the printing width direction on the printing plate on which the image is recorded In
An ink supply amount calculating means for calculating an ink supply amount for each region based on the image data;
Determining means for determining whether or not there is a small amount of ink area where the ink supply amount is a predetermined value or less for each color of ink,
When the determination means determines that the small amount of ink area is present, the printing plate recording apparatus corresponds to the small amount of ink region on the margin of the printing plate of the corresponding color in the width direction of the printing plate. An ink consumption region is formed as an image region provided at a position and having a width for consuming a certain amount or more of ink in a printing direction .   The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ink consumption area includes a solid portion or a flat mesh portion provided along a width direction of the printing plate. Said ink consumption area, the printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it is formed over substantially the entire range in the width direction of the printing plate on the printing plate to be subjected to the ink supply.   10. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the ink consumption area is formed, an additional ink supply amount corresponding to the ink consumption area is added to the ink supply amount.   The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ink consumption area is formed in a printing plate margin corresponding to a paper bottom side of the printing paper.   The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ink consumption area is arranged on each printing plate so that the colors do not overlap during printing. An image data creation device used in a printing plate recording apparatus for recording an image on a printing plate based on image data,
Ink supply amount calculation means for calculating the image data for each printing color and for each of a plurality of regions in the printing plate width direction to obtain an ink supply amount for each region;
Determining means for determining whether or not there is a small amount of ink area where the ink supply amount is a predetermined value or less for each printing color;
When it is determined by the determination means that the small amount of ink is present, the image data is arranged so as to dispose an ink consumption region that consumes a certain amount or more of ink on the margin of the printing plate of the corresponding color. an ink consumption area adding means for adding the ink consumption area data according to the ink consumption area, was closed,
Said ink consumption region is provided at a position corresponding to the ink a small amount area in the width direction of the printing plate, you characterized in that an image area having a width to consume a certain amount or more of ink in the printing direction Image data creation device.   The image data creating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the ink consumption area includes a solid portion or a flat net portion provided along a width direction of the printing plate. Said ink consumption area, the image data generating apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it is formed over substantially the entire range in the width direction of the printing plate on the printing plate to be subjected to the ink supply.   The image data creation according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein when the ink consumption area is formed, an additional ink supply amount corresponding to the ink consumption area is added to the ink supply amount. apparatus.   17. The image data creation device according to claim 13, wherein the ink consumption area is formed in a printing plate margin corresponding to the paper bottom side of the printing paper.   18. The image data creation device according to claim 13, wherein the ink consumption area is arranged on each printing plate so that colors do not overlap each other during printing.

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