JP3743048B2 - Color separation printing device for screen printing - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a color printing apparatus for screen printing, and more specifically, color printing for screen printing capable of confirming whether or not moire is generated by superposition of halftone dot printing for screen printing. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, in the generation of color separation in screen printing, when an original image is printed with, for example, four color materials (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), the halftone angle of each plate is determined from the density information of the original image. A halftone dot (screen) generation process is performed with an appropriate number of lines, and color separations (C plate, M plate, Y plate, K plate) are obtained. In recent years, with the advancement of input devices, image editing devices, etc., original image data has been generated on a computer. Along with this, halftone dot generation calculation processing is performed on the computer based on the original image data, and each color is separated. Plate data is generated, and each color separation data is printed by a printing device to create a color separation.
[0003]
However, when a screen printing color separation (C plate, M plate, Y plate, K plate) is created by printing with a printing apparatus, whether or not moire occurs is determined based on the actually printed plate. It will be revealed only after repeated. Therefore, in order to obtain a color separation that does not cause moire, there has been a problem that trial and error must be repeated many times. Here, “moire” refers to interference fringes generated when the angle and the number of lines of the halftone dots of each plate are inappropriate when printing with four color plates.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and color printing for screen printing in which color separation for screen printing that does not cause moiré can be easily obtained without trial and error. An object is to provide a plate printing apparatus. As a result, the labor for creating color separation for screen printing is reduced and the creation time is shortened.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a screen printing color separation printing apparatus that generates and prints each color separation for screen printing based on original image data, and performs dot generation processing on the original image data. and the separation data generating means for generating a separation data of each color, and before Symbol indication possible moire confirmation mode setting means the generated separation data in the moire confirmation mode to print to match it heavy, set the moire confirmation mode A moiré confirmation printing unit that performs moiré confirmation printing on a print medium when the moiré confirmation mode is set by the means, and the moiré confirmation printing unit is configured to display each color when the moiré confirmation mode is set. In this case, all of the two color separation data are printed on a print medium, and the information indicating the combination is displayed along with the two color separation data superimposed. It is an Abstract that includes information printing means for printing are given the.
[0006]
According to the color separation printing apparatus for a screen configured as described above, the separation of each color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black) is printed based on the original image data. When the moiré confirmation mode is set, moiré confirmation printing is performed by the moiré confirmation printing means, and all the color separation data of each color among the color separation data is all printed on the print medium by the information printing means of the moiré confirmation printing means. Printing, it is determined whether or not moire occurs in the final screen image. Further, the information printing means attaches information representing the combination of the plates to the two-plate composite printed material, The history of the second edition composite printed matter will be confirmed without depending on the memory.
[0007]
[0008]
Further, it is preferable to print the result of superimposing and printing all the color separation data by the moire confirmation printing unit and the result of superposing and printing the two color separation data on the same printing medium.
By moiré confirmation printing means, two colors of various color separation data are printed, so that it is determined which color causes moiré.
[0009]
[0010]
[0011]
[0012]
In addition, after all the color separation data are overlaid and printed by the moire confirmation printing means, there is further provided a color separation composition print instruction means for instructing whether or not to execute printing with the color separation data of two colors superimposed. It is preferable. Then, if no moire is generated in the result of superimposing and printing all the color separation data by the moire confirmation printing means, it is not necessary to perform the two-color composite printing. If it is instructed not to execute the second plate composite printing, the two plate composite printing is not performed and the time for performing the moire confirmation printing is shortened.
[0013]
Alternatively, it is preferable to have mode interruption instructing means for instructing interruption of the moire confirmation mode before all the printing in which the two color separation data is superimposed by the moire confirmation printing means is completed.
Then, when moire is generated, when it is determined during the two-plate composite printing which color separation data has generated moire, the mode interruption instruction means instructs the moire confirmation mode interruption. Further, moire confirmation is not performed, and the time for performing moire confirmation printing is shortened.
[0014]
The result of superimposing and printing all the color separation data by the moire confirmation printing means and the result of superimposing and printing the two color separation data are printed on the printing medium on the same surface , and the two color separations are printed. When the plate data is overlaid and printed, the original image data is preferably printed entirely or partially. Then, the presence / absence of moire and the color in which moire is generated are determined clearly.
In addition, it is preferable that the printing apparatus further includes a printing area changing unit that changes a partial printing area when the printing by superimposing the two color separation data by the moire confirmation printing unit is partial printing.
As a result, when a moiré is partially generated in the entire image, the printing area changing means can change the partial printing area and print by narrowing down the area where the moiré is generated.
[0015]
[0016]
On the other hand, in the color separation printing apparatus for a screen of the present invention, it is also preferable to perform moiré confirmation printing by superimposing gray scale data corresponding to the separation data instead of the original image data.
Here, grayscale data used in place of the original image data is a gradation image filled with gradation data created by changing the density from 0% to 100% as one plane (surface). This is the data prepared for the plane. When grayscale data is used, halftone dot generation processing is performed with a predetermined number of lines and angles, and is divided into plates.
[0017]
Furthermore, it is preferable to include a confirmation data selection unit that sets whether to perform moire confirmation based on the color separation data generated by the original image data or grayscale data. If the moiré check is performed based on the separation data generated from the original image data, the operator can determine that there is no need to correct the plate depending on the location of the moiré. The
In this case, it is preferable that the setting by the confirmation data selection unit is automatically performed based on the data amount. When the amount of separation data generated from the original image data is large, the moire check using grayscale data greatly contributes to shortening the moire check printing time.
[0018]
In this case, however, it is preferable to further include an automatic selection restricting means for restricting the setting by the confirmation data selecting means from being automatically performed.
Depending on the location of moiré, correcting the plate may have priority over shortening the moire confirmation printing time. In this case, the automatic selection restricting means may be activated.
In general, color separation printing is performed on a transparent film, but it is preferable that inexpensive paper can be selected in the moire confirmation mode. For this purpose, it is preferable to include a print medium designating unit for designating at least one print medium from among a plurality of print media.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a screen color separation printing apparatus of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the screen color separation printing apparatus 10 is connected to a host computer 14 via an interface 12 and a communication cable, and has a central processing unit (CPU) 16, a ROM 18, and a RAM 20 in terms of its internal configuration. The mode change switch 22 and the printing device (printer) 24 are connected to each other via a data bus. Here, the changeover switch 22 is a changeover switch for determining whether or not the “moire confirmation mode” is set, and it is also possible to use a keyboard or a panel input device.
[0020]
The ROM 18 has a procedure for sequentially performing 4-plate composite printing and 2-plate composite printing, which will be described later, when the “moire confirmation mode” is designated by the mode changeover switch 22, and a predetermined process when the “moire confirmation mode” is not designated. A procedure for printing a screen printing cyan (C) plate, a magenta (M) plate, a yellow (Y) plate, and a black (K) plate that have been subjected to halftone dot generation processing at an angle and the number of lines is stored.
The RAM 20 stores rewritable cyan, magenta, yellow, and black color separation data created by halftone dot generation processing of screen printing original image data at a predetermined angle and number of lines. It is like that. This halftone dot generation process is performed by the CPU 16 in accordance with the halftone dot generation process procedure stored in advance in the ROM 18, or may be performed by the host computer 14 or the printing apparatus 10.
[0021]
FIG. 2 shows an arrangement state of key switches and the like arranged on the operation panel of the color separation printing apparatus. On the surface of the operation panel 26, in addition to the above-described moire confirmation mode switching switch 22, a mode confirmation lamp 28 that blinks when the “moiré confirmation mode” is set, a color separation printing execution key 30, and the like are arranged.
[0022]
In addition to this, the operation panel is instructed to interrupt the moire confirmation mode in the middle of the second plate composite printing stop switch 32 for instructing not to continue the second plate composite printing after the fourth plate composite printing. Moire confirmation mode interruption switch 34, grayscale setting switch 36 for setting moire confirmation to be performed using grayscale data, and a color separation sheet for switching between printing on transparent film or plain paper A selection switch 38 and the like are also arranged. Accordingly, although not shown in the drawing, a cassette on which a transparent film is mounted and a cassette on which plain paper is mounted are set.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a control flowchart of the color separation printing apparatus having the moire confirmation mode according to the present invention. First, it is determined whether or not the moire confirmation mode is set (S1), and if it is determined that the moire confirmation mode is set (S1. “YES”), the printing device 24 performs the moire confirmation printing on the paper. (S2). If it is determined in S1 that the moire confirmation mode is not set (S1. “NO”), printing of cyan plate (C plate), printing of magenta plate (M plate), printing of yellow plate (Y plate), Black plate (K plate) printing is sequentially performed (S3 to S6).
[0024]
FIG. 4 is a control flowchart in a case where the 4th plate composite printing and the 2nd plate composite printing are continuously performed when the moire confirmation mode is set.
When the “moiré confirmation mode” is not designated at first (S1. “NO”), the printing of the cyan plate (C plate) and the printing of the magenta plate (M plate) are performed as in the case of normal color separation printing. As described above, yellow plate (Y plate) printing and black plate (K plate) printing are sequentially performed (S3 to S6).
[0025]
Therefore, when the “moiré confirmation mode” is designated (S1. “YES”), the separation data of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are superimposed. A halftone image is printed (S11). Next, composite printing (CM plate, CY plate, CK plate, MY plate, MK plate, YK plate) in which two colors of these four color separation data are superimposed is performed (S12).
[0026]
Thus, when creating color separations for screen printing, in order to confirm whether or not moire occurs when the color separations are overlaid, the moire confirmation mode switch 22 is first turned on and cyan (C) first. In addition, it is confirmed whether or not moire occurs by performing the four-plate composite printing based on the color separation data of magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K).
[0027]
Then, the color separation data that causes the moire generation is as follows: cyan (C) and magenta (M), cyan (C) and yellow (Y), cyan (C) and black (K), magenta ( M) and yellow (Y), magenta (M) and black (K), and yellow (Y) and black (K) color separation data are prepared as composite printing plates. This is confirmed by checking for the presence of moiré.
[0028]
For example, if there is a cause of moire in the color separation data of cyan (C), moire is generated in the CM composite version, the CY composite version, the CK composite version, and the like. For example, when there is a cause of moiré in halftone dot data of two color images (for example, cyan and magenta), moiré is also generated in the MY composite version, the MK composite version, and the like.
[0029]
Therefore, it is immediately confirmed which color separation data has a cause of moiré and whether it is limited to one color separation data. If this is confirmed, it becomes possible to change the angle and the number of lines of the halftone dot of the color causing the moire by the operation of the host computer 14.
[0030]
Then, after confirming that moire does not occur by moire confirmation printing, if the moire confirmation mode switch 22 is turned off (turned off) and the color separation printing execution key 30 is pressed, the cyan (C) plate for screen printing in sequence, Magenta (M) plate, yellow (Y) plate, and black (K) plate data are sequentially generated on the RAM 20 and printed by the printing device (printer) 24.
[0031]
FIG. 5 is a control flowchart of the second edition composite printing. The C, M, Y, and K versions correspond to 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. First, COLOR1 is set to 0 (S21), and then COLOR2 is set to COLOR1 + 1 (S22). These two color separation data (COLOR1 and COLOR2) are combined and printed (S23).
[0032]
Next, COLOR2 is replaced with COLOR2 + 1 (S24), and if the value of COLOR2 does not exceed 3 (S25, "NO"), the process returns to S23 and the combined printing of COLOR1 and COLOR2 is performed again (S23).
[0033]
If it is determined in S25 that the value of COLOR2 exceeds 3 (S25, “YES”), COLOR1 is replaced with COLOR1 + 1 (S26), and the value of COLOR1 is smaller than 3 (S27, “NO”). As long as it is determined, the process returns to S22, and composite printing is performed with a combination of colors that have not yet been subjected to two-plate composite printing (S23 to S25).
[0034]
Specifically, for example, if the C separation data is set in S21 and the M separation data is set in S22, the combined printing of the C separation data and the M separation data is performed. Next, the Y plate is set in place of the M plate (S24), and the CY plate is combined and printed.
[0035]
Then, when the two-version composite printing based on the C-plate separation data is completed (S25 “YES”), the C-plate is replaced with the M-plate (S26), and this time, the M-plate and other colors are replaced. Synthetic printing is performed. Here, composite printing of the MY and MK plates is performed. Further, when the two-layer composite printing based on the M-plate separation data is completed (S25 “YES”), the YK-version composite printing is performed based on the Y-plate separation data. In this way, a total of six types of two-plate composite printing (CM plate, CY plate, CK plate, MY plate, MK plate, YK plate) are performed.
[0036]
FIG. 6 shows a control flowchart in which, in the case of the two-plate composite printing, which color separation data combination is printed as information by a character string or the like. The same steps (steps) as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 are given the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted. For example, in S23, the composite printing of the C plate and the M plate was performed. At the same time, it is written alongside the printed image, for example, “CM version” (S28). As a result, notations such as “CM version”, “CY version”, “CK version”, “MY version”, “MK version”, “YK version” are printed on the above-described six types of two-version composite print images. Thus, it is possible to determine at a glance which two-version composite print image is displayed.
[0037]
FIG. 7 shows a screen color separation printing apparatus that executes 4-plate composite printing and 2-plate composite printing, and determines whether 2-plate composite printing is to be executed after 4-plate composite printing. . If moire does not occur as a result of the four-plate composite printing, it is no longer necessary to perform the two-plate composite printing.
[0038]
Therefore, as shown in the control flow chart of FIG. 7, after executing the 4th edition composite printing (S31), the 2nd edition composite printing stop switch 32 is OFF, and the 2nd edition composite printing is executed (S32 “YES”). If it is determined ")", two-plate composite printing is performed (S33).
[0039]
By making it possible to omit the synthesis of two plates, it is possible to improve the efficiency of creating a screen printing separation and reduce the consumption of paper for confirming moire.
[0040]
FIG. 8 clarifies whether there is a cause of moire in the separation data of the C plate, the M plate, and the Y plate while the two-plate composite printing is executed according to the control flowchart shown in FIG. In some cases, the moire confirmation mode is interrupted by turning on the moire confirmation mode interruption switch 34 or turning off the moire confirmation mode switching switch 22.
[0041]
For example, if there is a cause of moiré in the C-plate separation print data while printing is executed in order of the CM plate, CY plate, CK plate, MY plate, MK plate, and YK plate by the two-plate composite printing. In this case, moire is confirmed in both the CY and CK plates, and moire does not occur when the composite printing of the MY plate is performed. If the operator instructs to interrupt the moire check, whether or not an interruption instruction is input (S29). [YES]), the second edition composite printing is interrupted and the program ends.
[0042]
FIG. 9 shows an example of a state in which a printed version of 4th edition and a printed version of 2nd edition are printed on one sheet. In this example, the two-plate composite printing is shown in a state where a part of the entire image is partially printed. If an area for two-color composite printing is designated on the computer display, printing in the designated area is executed.
[0043]
FIG. 10 shows an example of gray scale data used in the screen color separation printing apparatus of the present invention. The grayscale data used as a substitute for the original image data is a gradation image filled with gradation data created by changing the density from 0% to 100% as 1 plane (surface), and this is 4 planes (surface). ) This is data prepared in a divided manner. When it is used, halftone dot generation processing is performed with a predetermined number of lines and angles, and it is divided into each version. If the gray scale setting switch 36 on the operation panel 26 is pressed, the moire confirmation is performed based on the gray scale data. If the moiré check is performed based on the separation data generated from the original image data, the operator can determine that there is no need to correct the plate depending on the location of the moire, and the printing time can be shortened if it is performed based on the grayscale data. Is done.
[0044]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, whether or not to perform moiré confirmation based on the grayscale data described above may be determined by the data amount of the original image data. However, it greatly contributes to shortening the moire confirmation time.
In some cases, the correction of the plate may have priority over the reduction of the moire confirmation time depending on the location where the moire occurs, and in this case, it may not be switched depending on the data amount. In addition, color separation printing is generally performed on a transparent film, but it is preferable that cheap paper can be specified in the moire confirmation mode. Therefore, it is effective to select whether to print on a transparent film or on paper by operating the color separation sheet selection switch 38 of the operation panel 26.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
According to the color separation printing apparatus for screen printing of the present invention, the four-color composite printing of each data of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black without separating each color separation data one by one. And the two-plate composite printing, the separation data that causes moire can be immediately identified. Therefore, it is possible to quickly create a color separation for screen printing that does not cause moiré by correcting the separation data that causes the moiré, and the effects of reducing labor and saving time are extremely large. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a color printing apparatus for screen printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement state of switches and the like on an operation panel surface of the color separation printing apparatus for a screen according to the present exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a control flowchart for confirming moire in the screen color separation printing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a control flowchart in which 4-plate composite printing and 2-plate composite printing are performed when the moire confirmation mode is set.
FIG. 5 is a specific control flowchart of two-plate composite printing.
FIG. 6 is a control flowchart in the case where the combination information of the separation data is printed at the same time in the two-plate composite printing.
FIG. 7 is a control flowchart for determining whether or not to execute two-plate composite printing after four-plate composite printing.
FIG. 8 is a control flowchart for interrupting two-plate composite printing halfway.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which various printed materials based on color separation data are expressed on one sheet.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of grayscale data used in the color printing apparatus for screen printing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Separation printing device 14 Host computer 22 Moire confirmation mode switch 24 Printing device (printer)
32 2nd edition composite printing stop switch 34 Moire confirmation mode stop switch 36 Gray scale setting switch 38 Separation sheet selection switch

Claims (11)

In a screen color separation printing apparatus for generating and printing each color separation for screen printing based on original image data,
A color separation data generating means for generating a color separation data of each color by performing a halftone dot generation process on the original image data ;
And moire confirmation mode setting means capable of instructing the moire confirmation mode to print a separation data that has been pre-Symbol generated in accordance with it heavy,
Moiré confirmation printing means for performing moiré confirmation printing on a print medium when the moiré confirmation mode is set by the moire confirmation mode setting means ,
The moiré confirmation printing unit prints all the two color separation data on the printing medium among the color separation data when the moiré confirmation mode is set, and the superimposed two colors A color color separation printing apparatus for screen printing, comprising information printing means for printing information with a combination of the color separation data attached to the color separation data. The moiré confirmation printing unit prints the result of superimposing and printing all the color separation data and the result of superimposing and printing two color separation data on the same printing medium. The color separation printing apparatus for screen printing according to claim 1. The moiré confirmation printing means has a color separation composition print instruction means for instructing whether or not to execute printing with two color separation data superimposed after all the color separation data are overlaid and printed. The color separation printing apparatus for screen printing according to claim 2. 3. The screen according to claim 2, wherein the moiré confirmation printing unit includes a mode interruption instruction unit that instructs to suspend the moiré confirmation mode before all of the two color separation data are overlaid. Color separation printing device for printing. The moire confirmation printing means, all separations result data printed by superimposing the results of printing by superimposing separation data of two colors and are printed on a print medium on the same plane, the two-color minute The color separation printing apparatus for screen printing according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the plate data is overlaid and printed, the original image data is printed entirely or partially. The said moire confirmation printing means further has a printing area changing means for changing the area of the partial printing when the printing in which the color separation data of two colors are overlapped is partial printing. Color separation printing device for screen printing. The color separation printing apparatus for screen printing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the moire confirmation printing unit superimposes and prints gray scale data corresponding to each separation data.  8. The screen printing according to claim 7, further comprising confirmation data selecting means for setting whether to perform moiré confirmation based on color separation data generated from the original image data or based on the grayscale data. Color separation printing device.  9. The color separation printing apparatus for screen printing according to claim 8, wherein the confirmation data selection means is automatically performed based on a data amount of separation data generated from the original image data.  10. The color separation printing apparatus for screen printing according to claim 9, further comprising automatic selection restriction means for restricting setting by the confirmation data selection means from being automatically performed.  The color separation printing apparatus for screen printing according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a printing medium designating unit for designating at least one printing medium from among a plurality of printing media.

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