JP4324460B2 - Plate image creation device, halftone gain correction data association device, association pattern designation device, gain correction processing device, plate creation system, printing system, plate image creation method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for creating image data for creating a printing plate from image data to be printed.

  In color offset printing, a manuscript image such as a photographic image is separated into four color separation images corresponding to four color inks of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), A printed matter is created by overprinting the color separation images of each ink. An image on a printing plate or film corresponding to each ink is expressed by minute dots on which ink is placed. In addition, although this micro dot arrangement may be periodic or non-periodic, in the present specification, these dots are collectively referred to as “halftone dots” to express one color separation image. A set of halftone dots is referred to as a “net”. Furthermore, the shading of the image can be realized by a plurality of rules that change the size of each halftone dot or the density of the halftone dots, and the rule representing the shading is referred to as “net type”.

  Currently, RIP (Raster Image Processor) that can use different types of meshes for each object (pattern, tint, ruled line, etc.) on image data in which a plurality of objects to be printed are laid out. ) The system exists. Furthermore, in a printing press that uses a printing plate output from a CTP (Computer to Plate), the magnitude of the dot gain that changes depending on the type of mesh changes, resulting in a color difference in the printing result. There is an RIP system that performs data correction in consideration of dot gain as a method of absorbing (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Prior art documents relating to such technology include the following.

JP-A-7-333822

  However, in the RIP system described above, because one type of network has a specification in which one predetermined adjustment value for data correction is applied to each area ratio (net percentage) occupied by halftone dots, When the printing conditions such as the type of printing machine and the type of paper and ink used in the printing machine differ, the size of the generated dot gain changes, and there are various types of printing results, including differences in color shading. There was a problem that a difference occurred.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for suppressing a difference in printing result that occurs according to printing conditions.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a printing plate image creating apparatus that creates a printing plate image from an original image in which a type of a network used in the printing plate image is specified, From the association pattern group that stores, for each printing condition, a condition accepting unit that accepts printing condition information related to an operator's input, and an association pattern that associates each network type with dot gain correction data. A designation unit that designates a corresponding designated association pattern, and a dot gain correction process for the original image based on the dot gain correction data associated with each type of network while referring to the designated association pattern And performing image processing to create a printing plate image, and the printing condition is determined by the image creation unit. Characterized in that it comprises a kind of a printing press for performing printing by using the printing plate to be created based on the printing plate image created, and a condition of the environment in which printing is performed using the press plate Te.

The invention according to claim 2 is the printing plate image creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the original image is one in which a type of a mesh is designated for each object, and the image creating means , Recognizing the type of halftone specified for each object included in the original image, executing the dot gain correction processing for each object, and performing the halftone processing .

The invention according to claim 3 is the printing plate image creating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the printing condition is based on a printing plate image created by the printing plate image creating apparatus. Including the conditions of the recording medium used when printing is performed using the printing plate prepared in this manner.

The invention according to claim 4 is executed by a computer included in the plate image creating apparatus, so that the plate image creating apparatus is the plate according to any one of claims 1 to 3. This is a program that functions as an image creation apparatus.

The invention described in claim 5 is a printing plate image creating method for creating a printing plate image from an original image in which the type of a halftone used in the printing plate image is specified, and printing conditions relating to input by an operator A designation receiving pattern corresponding to the printing condition information is specified from a group of association patterns storing a condition receiving step for receiving the information and an association pattern in which each network type and dot gain correction data are associated for each printing condition. And performing a dot gain correction process on the original image based on the dot gain correction data associated with each type of the network, with reference to the specified association pattern, An image creating step for creating a printing plate image by performing processing, and the printing conditions are created in the image creating step. Characterized in that it comprises a kind of a printing press for performing printing by using the printing plate to be created on the basis of the printing plate image, and a condition of the environment in which printing is performed using the press plate.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing plate image creation apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, and a printing plate image produced by the printing plate image creation apparatus. And a plate making apparatus for making the plate.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing plate image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, and a printing plate image based on the printing plate image created by the printing plate image creating apparatus. It is characterized by comprising a printing plate creation device to be created and a printing machine that performs printing using the printing plate.

Further, the invention described in claim 8 is a signal receiving means for receiving an input signal, and an operator input when creating a printing plate image from an original image in which the type of screen used in the printing plate image is specified. In order to perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing condition information, an association pattern that associates the type of each mesh with dot gain correction data for each printing condition is created based on the input signal. A pattern creating means for creating an association pattern group, and the printing condition is a type of a printing machine that performs printing using a printing plate created based on the printing plate image, and printing using the printing plate Including the conditions of the environment in which

The invention according to claim 9 is executed by a computer included in the network gain component correction data associating device, whereby the network gain component correction data associating device according to claim 8 is used. It is a program that functions as an associating device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a printing plate image is created from a condition receiving means for receiving printing condition information relating to an input by an operator, and an original image in which the type of screen used in the printing plate image is specified. In order to perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing conditions, an association pattern in which each network type and dot gain correction data are associated is stored for each printing condition. A designation means for designating a designation association pattern corresponding to the information, and the printing condition uses a type of printing machine that performs printing using a printing plate created based on the printing plate image, and uses the printing plate And environmental conditions for printing .

The invention according to claim 11 is a program for causing the association pattern designating device to function as the association pattern designating device according to claim 10 by being executed by a computer included in the association pattern designating device.

The invention according to claim 12 is based on information on printing conditions relating to an input from an operator from an association pattern group in which an association pattern in which the type of each network is associated with dot gain correction data is stored for each printing condition. Referencing the designated association pattern designated by the reference means, referring to the designated association pattern by the reference means, and based on the dot gain correction data associated with the type of each network, Data processing means for performing dot gain correction processing on the image, and the printing condition is created based on the plate image created by the dot gain correction processing and shading processing by the data processing means including the type of printing machine that performs printing using a printing plate, and a condition of the environment in which printing is performed using the press plate And wherein the door.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, a program for causing the gain correction processing device to function as the gain correction processing device according to claim 12 when executed by a computer included in the gain correction processing device. It is.

According to the first to seventh aspects of the invention, for each printing condition, a pattern in which the type of each network is associated with dot gain correction data for correcting data in anticipation of dot gain generated during printing is obtained. Prepare the pattern corresponding to the printing condition related to the operator's input from the plurality of patterns, refer to the specified pattern, and correct the dot gain correction data associated with each type of network The dot gain correction process for the original image is executed based on the image, and the shading process is performed, so that the dot gain correction process corresponding to the printing condition can be performed. Difference in printing results can be suppressed. In particular, because the printing conditions include the type of printing press, dot gain correction processing according to the type of printing press can be performed, so the difference in printing results that occurs depending on the type of printing press Can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the printing conditions include the conditions of the printing environment, it is possible to perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing environment conditions, so depending on the environment such as temperature and temperature at the time of printing. Differences in print results that occur can be suppressed.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 3 , the printing conditions include the conditions of the recording medium used at the time of printing, so that the recording by printing such as the type of paper, ink or printing plate used at the time of printing can be performed. Since it is possible to perform dot gain correction processing according to various media used, it is possible to suppress differences in printing results that occur according to various recording medium conditions.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 4 , the same effects as those of the invention described in claims 1 to 3 can be obtained.

According to the invention described in claim 8 and claim 9 , in order to perform the dot gain correction processing according to the printing condition according to the operator input when creating the printing plate image from the original image, the printing condition By associating the type of each mesh with dot gain correction data for correcting the data in anticipation of the dot gain that occurs during printing, a configuration that creates a plurality of association patterns allows the printing conditions to be met. Since the corresponding dot gain correction process can be selectively performed, it is possible to suppress the difference in the printing result that occurs according to the printing conditions. In particular, because the printing conditions include the type of printing press, dot gain correction processing according to the type of printing press can be performed, so the difference in printing results that occurs depending on the type of printing press Can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the printing conditions include the conditions of the printing environment, the dot gain correction process according to the printing environment conditions can be performed, so depending on the environment such as the temperature and temperature during printing. Differences in print results that occur can be suppressed.

According to the invention described in claim 10 and claim 11 , in order to perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing condition according to the operator's input when creating a printing plate image from the original image, the printing condition A pattern corresponding to the printing condition relating to the input from the operator is selected from a pattern group storing patterns in which the type of each network is associated with dot gain correction data for data correction in anticipation of dot gain generated during printing. By designating, it is possible to selectively perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing conditions, and thus it is possible to suppress differences in printing results that occur according to the printing conditions. In particular, because the printing conditions include the type of printing press, dot gain correction processing according to the type of printing press can be performed, so the difference in printing results that occurs depending on the type of printing press Can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the printing conditions include the conditions of the printing environment, it is possible to perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing environment conditions, so depending on the environment such as temperature and temperature at the time of printing. Differences in print results that occur can be suppressed.

According to the invention of claim 12 and claim 13 , the pattern in which the type of each network is associated with the dot gain correction data for correcting the data in anticipation of the dot gain generated during printing for each printing condition From the pattern group storing the reference to the pattern designated based on the printing condition information relating to the input by the operator, and to the original image based on the dot gain correction data associated with each network type. By executing the dot gain correction process, it is possible to selectively execute the dot gain correction process according to the printing conditions, so that it is possible to suppress the difference in the printing results that occur according to the printing conditions. In particular, because the printing conditions include the type of printing press, dot gain correction processing according to the type of printing press can be performed, so the difference in printing results that occurs depending on the type of printing press Can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the printing conditions include the conditions of the printing environment, it is possible to perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing environment conditions, so depending on the environment such as temperature and temperature at the time of printing. Differences in print results that occur can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Overview of printing system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The printing system 100 includes a printing plate image creation apparatus 1, an output machine 3, and a printing machine 4. The printing plate image creation apparatus 1 and the output machine 3 have a communication line 50 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The data is transmitted and received through the network. Here, the data transfer between the printing plate image creating apparatus 1 and the output machine 3 is performed via the communication line 50, but is performed via a readable / writable portable storage medium. An aspect may be sufficient.

  The plate image creating apparatus 1 is realized by a general-purpose personal computer (personal computer), and includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, a display unit 30, and an operation input unit 40.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU 10a, a RAM 10b, and a ROM 10c. The CPU 10a executes a program stored in the storage unit 20 to perform operations for creating printing plate image data (printing plate image) and other various functions. Realize.

  The storage unit 20 is composed of, for example, a hard disk and stores various programs and various data for creating plate image data.

  The display unit 30 is configured by a general CRT, a liquid crystal display, or the like, and displays various images based on various signals from the control unit 10.

  The operation input unit 40 includes a general keyboard, mouse, and the like, and is controlled by selecting various commands on various screens displayed on the display unit 30 while the operator operates the operation input unit 40 in various ways. Various signals are output to the unit 10.

  The output device 3 is a device for creating a general printing plate such as CTP, and the image data (pressing plate image data) created by the printing plate image creating device 1 and a job ticket described later are transmitted through the communication line 50. The printing plate is created based on the printing plate image data and the job ticket. That is, here, a system (press plate creating system) for creating a press plate is realized by linking the press plate image creating apparatus 1 and the output device 3.

  The printing machine 4 performs printing using a printing plate created by the output machine 3 and paper and ink.

<Plate image creation device>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the plate image creating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for mainly explaining functions realized in the control unit 10 of the printing plate image creating apparatus 1.

  In the control unit 10, by executing a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 20, an original image creation unit 11, an association pattern creation unit 12, a job ticket creation unit are operated by the operations of the CPU 10 a, the RAM 10 b, and the ROM 10 c. 13, an association pattern designation unit 14, a data reception unit 15, a data processing unit 16, an association pattern reference unit 17, and a data output unit 18 are realized.

  The main function of the original image creation unit 11 is realized by a program P1 which is so-called layout software, and an association pattern creation unit 12, a job ticket creation unit 13, an association pattern designation unit 14, a data reception unit 15, and a data processing unit. 16, the function of creating and outputting the printing plate image data (the printing plate image data creation function) including the association pattern reference unit 17 and the data output unit 18 is realized by the program P2.

  The original image creation unit 11 creates data to be printed (original image data), which is the basis of a printing plate image, according to the operation of the operator. In the plate image creating apparatus 1, a predetermined operation such as an operator dragging and dropping the thumbnail image with the mouse while displaying the original image data being edited on the display unit 30 using the thumbnail image or the like. A so-called GUI (Graphical User Interface) capable of laying out a printed material by giving an instruction is realized by the functions of the control unit 10, the display unit 30, and the operation input unit 40.

  Specifically, the original image creating unit 11 lays out object data corresponding to each element (character, photograph, line drawing) constituting the printed material while displaying the editing state on the display unit 30 for each page of the printed material. To implement the layout process. For example, the flow of a character original, the setting of a font / paragraph, the enlargement / reduction of a photo original, color correction, line drawing, and the like correspond to this. The layout of the printed material can be achieved by placing various objects stored in the storage unit 20 at desired positions by dragging and dropping with a mouse, or by directly creating and inputting data with a mouse or keyboard. Done.

  In addition, in the stage of creating the original image data, the original image creation unit 11 allows the operator to specify what type of network to represent the object as a print result for each object simultaneously with the layout process. Can be done. In other words, the original image creation unit 11 creates original image data (original image) in which the type of the network used in the printing plate image is designated. For example, since a photographic image representing a kimono or the like needs to be expressed in a delicate color, the operator can select the type of net suitable for the application by the operation input unit 40.

  The storage unit 20 stores the above-described programs P1 and P2, an association pattern group PG described later, a dot gain correction data group AG described later, a job ticket JT, a network data group NG, and the like. The association pattern group PG is sequentially updated and stored every time it is created by the association pattern creation unit 12, and the job ticket JT is sequentially updated and stored every time it is created by the job ticket creation unit 13.

  The dot gain correction data group AG is for executing, for example, gradation conversion of the density of the original image data in order to perform data correction that cancels the dot gain in anticipation of the dot gain generated during printing. A plurality of pieces of data (hereinafter referred to as “dot gain correction data”) are stored. The correction data for each dot gain is appropriately created based on the data related to the generation of dot gain accumulated by the user or the like, and stored in the storage unit 20.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of characteristics of dot gain correction data. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the gradation level representing the density of the color before adjustment, and the vertical axis represents the gradation level representing the density of the color after adjustment. The curve G1 represents the levels before and after the adjustment. The relationship between the key levels is shown. In FIG. 3, plate image data is created by performing tone conversion to reduce the tone level of the middle tone in advance for the type of halftone dot dot that tends to generate under certain printing conditions. The dot gain correction data for canceling the influence of dot gain by creating a printing plate is shown.

  The network data group NG is configured by storing data (network data) indicating a network in accordance with gradations representing shades corresponding to each ink for each type of network.

  Next, each unit for realizing the printing plate image data creation function will be described.

  The associating pattern creating unit 12 creates an associating pattern associating the type of dot gain with the correction data for dot gain by designating and associating which dot gain correction data is applied to which type of mesh. To do. The association pattern creation unit 12 creates an association pattern in response to the operation of the operation input unit 40 by the operator.

  Here, the association pattern creation unit 12 functions as a unit that receives a signal (input signal) input from the operation input unit 40 in response to an operation by the operator. The association pattern creation unit 12 can create association patterns according to printing conditions (printer, ink, paper type, etc.), and associates association patterns according to a plurality of printing conditions with each printing condition. And stored in the storage unit 20 as the association pattern group PG.

  That is, the association pattern creation unit 12 creates an association pattern that associates the type of each network with the dot gain correction data for each printing condition based on the input signal from the operation input unit 40, thereby creating an association pattern group. It functions as a means for creating a PG. Here, the reason why the association pattern group PG is created is that when a printing plate image is created from the original image, a dot gain correction process, which will be described later, is performed in accordance with the printing condition information relating to the input by the operator. is there.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the association pattern group PG in which the type of halftone and dot gain correction data are associated for each printing condition. As shown in FIG. 4, the association pattern group PG includes halftone types (halftones A, B, C,...) And dot gain correction data (correction data 1, correction data 2, correction data 3,. ) Are described for each printing condition (a, b,...). For example, the association pattern PT1 indicates an association pattern corresponding to a condition for performing printing using the printing press X, ink A, and paper A. The association pattern group PG including a plurality of association patterns can be described in, for example, an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format.

  The job ticket creation unit 13 creates data (job ticket) describing setting contents related to job contents in order to instruct what kind of processing (job) is performed using the original image data or the printing plate image data. To do. The job ticket created by the job ticket creation unit 13 is stored in the storage unit 20 and associated with a predetermined folder (hot folder) stored in the storage unit 20.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the description contents of the job ticket. As shown in FIG. 5, the job ticket JT1 includes a plurality of records R1 to R5,..., Each record item name (index) and its setting content are separated by tabs, and each record is a line feed code. Is given as a text file separated by. In the output device 3 and the like, the index and the setting content that follows it are searched, and the processing according to the setting content of each record is executed. Therefore, the arrangement order of the records may be changed. Alternatively, the description format of the job ticket is not limited to the example of FIG. 5, and a CSV (Comma Separeted Value) format or the like may be used as long as predetermined rules are defined. The description contents of the job ticket are set to be selectable by various operations of the operation input unit 40 by the operator from a plurality of setting contents candidates prepared for each index.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the job ticket includes, for example, a model name of CTP, which is an output machine that creates a printing plate based on printing plate image data, and a dpi (dots per inch) value indicating the density of the image. In addition to the photosensitive material name used in CTP, the name of the association pattern designated by the association pattern designation unit 14 is described.

  The association pattern designation unit 14 is for designating one association pattern from the association pattern group PG stored in the storage unit 20. The association pattern designating unit 14 receives information on the printing condition related to the input in response to an input operation in which the operator selects the printing condition, and responds to the information on the printing condition based on the received information on the printing condition. It functions as a means for specifying an association pattern to be performed. Note that one association pattern is specified here because dot gain correction processing according to printing conditions is performed when creating a printing plate image from an original image in which the type of halftone used in the printing plate image is specified. To do.

  Then, information on the designated association pattern (designated association pattern) is transmitted to the job ticket creation unit 13, and the association pattern name is described in the job ticket. That is, the job ticket creation unit 13 functions as a means for creating a job ticket for designating an association pattern corresponding to the printing condition information related to the operator input from the association pattern group PG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen (print condition selection screen) displayed on the display unit 30 for the operator to select a print condition. As shown in FIG. 6, the print condition selection screen lists a plurality of print conditions a to f,... Described in the association pattern group PG, and the operator operates the operation input unit 40 in various ways. One print condition can be selected by matching the cursor KS with a desired print condition. That is, here, the operator can select a printing condition while confirming a combination of a printing machine, ink, paper, and the like on the printing condition selection screen.

  The data accepting unit 15 accepts the original image data created by the original image creating unit 11 or the like to the plate image data creating function. The data receiving unit 15 receives the original image data by inputting the original image data to the hot folder associated with the job ticket JT stored in the storage unit 20. The data receiving unit 15 sends the received original image data and a job ticket associated with the hot folder as a set of data (also referred to as “job ticket-original image data”) to the data processing unit 16. To do.

  The data processing unit 16 performs processing (hereinafter referred to as “dot gain correction processing”) for canceling the influence of dot gain for each object with respect to the original image data input from the data receiving unit 15. The image data for printing plate creation (printing) is performed by performing data conversion processing (hereinafter referred to as “shading processing”) so that it is expressed in the type of halftone specified in the original image data. Plate image data).

  The data processing unit 16 recognizes the type of network designated for each object by analyzing the original image data among the input job ticket-original image data. Further, the shading process is performed while performing the dot gain correction process based on the dot gain correction data extracted for each type of halftone in the association pattern reference unit 17.

  The dot gain correction processing is performed by performing gradation conversion processing of the original image data based on the characteristics of the dot gain correction data as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the shading process, the object after dot dot correction processing is represented by a net corresponding to the gradation indicating the shade for each color based on the net data group NG stored in the storage unit 20. This is implemented by performing a data conversion process.

  That is, the data processing unit 16 executes the dot gain correction processing for the original image based on the dot gain correction data associated with each type of halftone, and performs the shading processing to thereby perform the original image. It functions as means for creating data (press image data) in which each object is expressed by halftone dots from the original image created by the creating unit 11.

  The association pattern reference unit 17 recognizes the designated association pattern by analyzing the job ticket out of the job ticket-original image data input to the data processing unit 16, and uses it for dot gain correction processing for each object. The dot gain correction data is extracted from the dot gain correction data group AG in the storage unit 20. That is, the association pattern reference unit 17 refers to the association in the designated association pattern from the association pattern group PG, and corrects the dot gain correction data corresponding to the type of network specified for each object by the dot gain correction in the storage unit 20. It functions as means for extracting from the data group AG.

  That is, here, the data processing unit 16 and the association pattern reference unit 17 cooperate with each other to refer to the designated association pattern, execute the dot gain correction process, and execute the shading process. It functions as a means for creating a printing plate image.

  Then, the data processing unit 16 outputs the printing plate image data created by performing the shading process as data (job ticket-printing plate image data) combined with the job ticket via the data output unit 18. Output to machine 3. The data output unit 18 outputs job ticket-pressed plate image data to the output device 3 via the I / F.

<Press plate image creation operation flow>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow for creating a plate image in the plate image creating apparatus 1.

  First, in step S1, the operator operates the operation input unit 40 in various ways, so that the association pattern creation unit 12 creates an association pattern in which the network type and dot gain correction data are associated with each printing condition. Then, the process proceeds to step S2. Here, an association pattern for each printing condition is created, and the association pattern group PG is stored in the storage unit 20.

  In step S2, the operator operates the operation input unit 40 in various ways, whereby the job ticket creation unit 13 creates a job ticket JT, and the process proceeds to step S3. Here, when the operator selects a print condition while looking at the print condition selection screen displayed on the display unit 30, the association pattern specifying unit 14 receives information on the print condition related to the operator's input. The association pattern designation unit 14 then designates one association pattern name corresponding to the received print condition information from the association pattern group PG stored in the storage unit 20. Further, the job ticket creation unit 13 creates the job ticket JT by describing the designated association pattern name in the job ticket.

  In step S3, the original image data to be printed is input to the predetermined hot folder associated with the job ticket JT created in step S2 and stored in the storage unit 20, whereby the data reception unit 15 causes the original image data to be printed. The image data is received, the job ticket associated with a predetermined hot folder and the received original image data are sent as a set of data (job ticket-original image data) to the data processing unit 16, and the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the data processing unit 16 analyzes the original image data out of the job ticket-original image data input from the data receiving unit 15, recognizes the type of network specified for each object, Proceed to S5.

  In step S5, the association pattern reference unit 17 searches for dot gain correction data assigned to the type of half designated by the original image data, and proceeds to step S6. Here, the association pattern reference unit 17 analyzes the job ticket out of the job ticket-original image data, recognizes the designated association pattern (designated association pattern), and refers to this designated association pattern. The dot gain correction data associated with the network type designated for each object is retrieved and extracted.

  In step S6, the data processing unit 16 executes dot gain correction processing on the original image data based on the type of mesh recognized in step S4 and the dot gain correction data extracted in step S5. By performing the shading process, plate image data is created, and the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, the plate image data created in step S6 is sent to the output device 3, and the plate image creation operation flow ends.

  Steps S1 and S2 are not required every time plate image data is created based on the original image data by the plate image creation function. When the association pattern is to be increased, an operator input operation is performed. The association pattern creation process in step S1 may be performed, and the job ticket creation process in step S2 may be performed by an operator's input operation when it is desired to create or change the setting contents of the job ticket JT.

  On the other hand, in step S3 and subsequent steps, in step S3, the original image data is input to the predetermined hot folder associated with the job ticket JT, so that the printing image creating function accepts the original image data by the data receiving unit 15. Then, a series of operations from steps S3 to S7 are automatically performed by the printing plate image creation function.

  That is, the plate image creating operation flow in the plate image creating apparatus 1 corresponds to the first stage (preliminary preparation stage) for creating the plate image data corresponding to steps S1 and S2 and steps S3 to S7. And a second stage (press plate image creating stage) for actually creating press plate image data based on the original image data to be processed.

  In the plate image creation operation flow described above, analysis of the type of halftone specified for each object in step S4, search for dot gain correction data associated with each type of halftone in step S5, and step The dot gain correction process and the shading process in S6 are sequentially performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the type of the net is analyzed and recognized for each object, the type of the recognized net is recognized. The dot gain correction processing and the shading processing may be executed by performing an operation of searching for and extracting dot gain correction data corresponding to. In other words, the processes in steps S4 to S6 may be performed as a single step by appropriately performing in parallel.

  As described above, in the printing plate image creating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the association that associates the type of each mesh with the dot gain correction data for data correction that suppresses the influence of the dot gain for each printing condition. A pattern group PG is created and prepared. Then, from the prepared association pattern group PG, a job ticket designating an association pattern corresponding to the printing condition selected by the operator (such as a user) is created. Then, for the original image data in which the network type is specified for each object, the association pattern specified by the job ticket is referred to, and based on the dot gain correction data associated with each network type Dot gain correction processing is executed, and shading processing is executed. As a result, since the dot gain correction process according to the printing conditions can be performed, it is possible to suppress a difference in printing results that occurs according to the printing conditions.

  The printing conditions include the model name of the printing machine that performs printing using the printing plate created by the output machine 3 based on the printing plate image created by the printing plate image creating apparatus 1, that is, the type of printing machine. It is. As a result, since the dot gain correction process corresponding to the type of printing press can be performed, it is possible to suppress the difference in printing result that occurs according to the difference in the type of printing press.

  In addition, the printing condition includes a printing operation (that is, recording) in a printing machine such as a type of paper as a medium on which printing contents are recorded by ink in a printing machine and a type of ink as a medium on which printing contents are recorded on paper. The conditions of a medium (hereinafter referred to as “recording medium”) used for (operation) are included. Note that the recording medium is not limited to paper and ink, and may include a medium used for recording by printing such as a printing plate. That is, the printing conditions include the conditions of the recording medium used when printing is performed using the printing plate created by the output machine 3 based on the printing plate image created by the printing plate image creating apparatus 1. As a result, dot gain correction corresponding to various media used for printing such as paper and ink used in a printing press can be performed, so printing that occurs according to various recording media Differences in results can be suppressed.

  Here, the dot gain correction processing method according to the plate image creating apparatus 1 is compared with the conventional dot gain correction processing method.

  In the conventional method, as shown in FIG. 8, dot gain correction data corresponding to each type of network is specified by the job ticket JT ′, and the original data in which the type of network is specified for each object. The image data PD and the job ticket JT ′ are input as a set to the data processing unit 16A that performs data correction that cancels the influence of dot gain. When a combination of the original image data PD and the job ticket JT ′ is input to the data processing unit 16A, the original image data PD and the job ticket JT ′ are input based on the dot gain correction data corresponding to each network type specified by the job ticket JT ′. Data correction is performed on the image data. In other words, according to the conventional method, although only one dot gain correction data is associated with one type of mesh even though the dot gain is different for each printing condition, the printing result depends on the printing condition. There was a difference.

  Here, at the stage where the operator performs layout processing of the printed material and creates the original image data while specifying the type of the net for each object (original image creation stage), printing is performed for each type of net. It may be possible to specify which dot gain correction data to apply in consideration of the conditions, but in the original image creation stage, at the stage of printing (printing stage), the printer model to be used and the printing In many cases, printing conditions such as ink and paper cannot be specified. Therefore, it is difficult for the operator to set dot gain correction data corresponding to the type of halftone in the form corresponding to the printing conditions at the original image creation stage.

  On the other hand, in the method using the printing plate image creating apparatus 1, the job ticket JT for designating one associated pattern from the associated pattern group PG is created by the associated pattern designating unit 14 based on the printing condition selection operation by the operator. . Then, the original image data PD in which the type of network is designated for each object and the job ticket JT are input as a set to the data processing unit 16 that performs dot gain correction processing. When the combination of the original image data PD and the job ticket JT is input to the data processing unit 16, the association pattern reference unit 17 refers to the designated association pattern (here, pattern b) designated by the job ticket JT. The data processing unit 16 performs dot gain correction processing on the original image data PD based on dot gain correction data associated with each type of network.

  That is, according to the method using the printing plate image creating apparatus 1, it is possible to select dot gain correction data corresponding to each network type according to the printing conditions for each data process set by one job ticket. Even if the printing conditions in the printing stage are not known in the original image creation stage, if the printing conditions are known by the stage of creating the printing plate (pressing board creation stage), a job ticket is created in consideration of the printing conditions. This makes it possible to perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing conditions. In this method, since the creation of the original image data and the creation and selection / designation of the association pattern can be performed independently without being particularly linked to each other, whichever may be performed first and in parallel. You may go.

  In addition, since the printing plate image creating apparatus 1 performs dot gain correction processing in consideration of printing conditions for each type of network, the output device 3 side particularly relates to features of original image data and dot gain correction processing. Without recognizing the information, it is possible to suppress the difference in the printing result that occurs according to the printing conditions simply by creating the printing plate based on the printing plate image data created by the printing plate image creating apparatus 1. .

<Modification>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the thing of the content demonstrated above.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the printing conditions include the type of printing machine and the conditions of the recording medium used in the printing machine. However, the printing conditions are not limited to this. Conditions relating to the environment such as various temperatures such as the temperature of the hour and humidity may be included. In other words, the printing conditions may include an environmental condition in which printing is performed using the printing plate created by the output machine 3 based on the printing plate image created by the printing plate image creating apparatus 1. As a result, it is possible to perform dot gain correction processing according to the environmental conditions during printing, and thus it is possible to suppress differences in printing results that occur according to the environment such as temperature and temperature during printing.

  In the above-described embodiment, the type of printing machine is included as the printing condition. However, the printing condition is specified by a condition related to individual differences of the printing machine (for example, a number specifying an individual printing machine). That is, the characteristics of the individual printing press may be included. Here, the individual difference between printing presses means that, for example, even if the same type of printing press is used, when printing an image in which a halftone dot occupies 50% for a certain type of screen, , + 2% dot gain characteristic, and the other individual has a characteristic of + 5% dot gain characteristic, such as a difference of individual characteristics of the printing press. Therefore, by including the individual characteristics of the printing press in the printing conditions, it is possible to perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing conditions, thereby including the characteristics of the individual printing press. Differences in print results that occur according to print conditions can be suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the association pattern group PG, the dot gain correction data group AG, and the network data group NG are stored in the storage unit 20 built in the printing plate image creating apparatus 1 to create a printing plate image. The apparatus 1 includes the association pattern creation unit 12 that creates the association pattern. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the host computer 200 executes the program in the control unit 210 including the CPU, and the association is performed. An association pattern creation unit 12A having the same function as that of the pattern creation unit 12 is realized, and the association pattern group PG, the dot gain correction data group AG, and the network data group NG are stored in the storage unit 220 of the host computer 200. You may do it. Hereinafter, this modification will be specifically described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a printing system 100A according to a modification. In FIG. 10, the same parts, functions, and stored contents as those of the printing system 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the printing system 100A includes a printing plate image creating apparatus 1A, a host computer 200, an output machine 3, and a printing machine 4. The printing plate image creating apparatus 1A, the host computer 200, and an output machine. 3 is connected via a communication line 50A such as a LAN so that data can be transmitted and received.

  The printing plate image creating apparatus 1A includes a control unit 10A corresponding to the control unit 10 of the printing plate image creating apparatus 1 except the association pattern creating unit 12, and an association pattern from the storage unit 20 of the printing plate image creating apparatus 1. A storage unit 20A corresponding to a group PG, dot gain correction data group AG, and halftone data group NG.

  The host computer 200 executes a program stored in the storage unit 220 by a built-in CPU or the like, thereby causing the association pattern creating unit 12A having the same function as the function of the association pattern creating unit 12 of the printing plate image creating apparatus 1 to be executed. A control unit 210 to be realized, and an association pattern group PG that stores association patterns created by the association pattern creation unit 12A, a dot gain correction data group AG, and a storage unit 220 that stores a network data group NG are included.

  That is, in the host computer 200, the control unit 210 functions as a unit that receives an input signal corresponding to the operation of the operation input unit by the operator in the host computer. Further, when the association pattern creating unit 12A creates the printing plate image data from the original image data in which the type of the network to be used in the printing plate image is created, the dot gain component corresponding to the printing condition information related to the input by the operator is used. In order to perform correction processing, an association pattern group PG is created by creating an association pattern that associates the type of each network and dot gain correction data for each printing condition based on an input signal from the operation input unit. Functions as a means to

  In other words, the host computer 200 may be configured as an apparatus (network / gain correction data associating apparatus) that associates each type of network with dot gain correction data for each printing condition.

  By adopting such a configuration, the plate image creating apparatus 1A can selectively perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing conditions. Can be suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the process for creating original image data (original image creation process), the process for associating the network type with the dot gain correction data (association process), and the process for creating a job ticket The (job ticket creation process), the dot gain correction process, and the shading process are executed in the printing plate image creation apparatus 1 which is one apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to share the data among these devices and exchange data between the devices. Hereinafter, this modification will be specifically described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a printing system 100B according to a modification. In FIG. 11, parts, functions, and stored contents similar to those of the printing system 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the printing system 100B includes an original image creation apparatus 400 that performs an original image creation process, a network / gain correction data association apparatus 500 that performs an association process, a job ticket creation apparatus 600 that performs a job ticket creation process, The apparatus includes a gain correction / shading device 700 that performs dot gain correction processing and shading processing, an output device 3, and a printing press 4. The original image creation device 400, the network / gain correction association device 500, the job ticket creation device 600, the gain correction / shading device 700, and the output device 3 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive data via a communication line 50B such as a LAN. Is done.

  In the original image creation apparatus 400, the control unit 410 executes a program stored in the storage unit 420 by a built-in CPU or the like, so that functions similar to the functions of the original image creation unit 11 of the plate image creation apparatus 1 are performed. Is realized.

  In the network / gain correction data associating device 500, the control unit 510 executes a program stored in the storage unit 520 by a built-in CPU or the like, whereby the function of the association pattern creating unit 12 of the printing plate image creating device 1 is executed. The association pattern creating unit 12B having the same function as is realized. Further, the storage unit 520 stores the association pattern group PG created by the association pattern creation unit 12B.

  In the job ticket creation device 600, the control unit 610 executes a program stored in the storage unit 620 by a built-in CPU or the like, whereby the job ticket creation unit 13 and the association pattern designation unit 14 of the printing plate image creation device 1 are executed. The job ticket creating unit 13B and the association pattern designating unit 14B having the same functions as the above functions are realized. That is, a job ticket is created in response to an input related to printing conditions and various setting conditions from the operation input unit by the operator. Further, the storage unit 620 stores the job ticket JT created by the job ticket creation unit 13B. Note that in the job ticket creation apparatus 600, the association pattern designation unit 14B can designate one association pattern according to the print condition selection result from a plurality of association patterns. Can also be referred to as a device (association pattern designating device) that selectively designates.

  In the gain correction / shading device 700, the control unit 710 executes a program stored in the storage unit 720 by a built-in CPU or the like, whereby the data receiving unit 15 and the data processing unit of the printing plate image creating apparatus 1 are executed. 16, the data reception unit 15B, the data processing unit 16B, the association pattern reference unit 17B, and the data output unit 18B having functions similar to those of the association pattern reference unit 17 and the data output unit 18, respectively. Further, the storage unit 720 stores a dot gain correction data group AG necessary for dot gain correction processing and a halftone data group NG required for shading processing.

  The printing system 100B including the original image creation apparatus 400, the network / gain correction data association apparatus 500, the job ticket creation apparatus 600, the gain correction / shading apparatus 700, and the output device 3 described above uses the communication line 50B. Thus, the same operation as that of the printing system 100 is executed while data is transmitted / received to / from each other. That is, the printing system 100B performs a printing plate image creation operation flow similar to the printing plate image creation operation flow in the printing system 100.

  As described above, in the printing system 100B according to this modification, in order to perform dot gain correction processing according to the selection result of the printing condition by the operator when creating a printing plate image from an original image, In the correction data associating apparatus 500, an association pattern group PG composed of a plurality of association patterns is created by associating the type of each dot with dot gain correction data for each printing condition. As a result, since the dot gain correction process according to the printing conditions can be selectively performed, it is possible to suppress the difference in the printing results that occurs according to the printing conditions.

  In addition, in order to perform dot gain correction processing corresponding to the printing conditions on the original image when creating a printing plate image from the original image, the job ticket creation apparatus 600 uses each network type and dot for each printing condition. An association pattern corresponding to the printing condition selected by the operator is designated from an association pattern group PG storing association patterns associated with gain correction data. As a result, since the dot gain correction process according to the printing conditions can be selectively performed, it is possible to suppress the difference in the printing results that occurs according to the printing conditions.

  Further, in the gain correction / shading apparatus 700, based on the selection result of the printing condition by the operator from the association pattern group PG storing the association pattern in which the type of each mesh and the dot gain correction data are associated for each printing condition. And the dot gain correction processing for the original image is executed based on the dot gain correction data associated with each network type. As a result, dot gain correction corresponding to the printing conditions can be selectively performed, so that a difference in printing results that occurs according to the printing conditions can be suppressed.

  In addition, here, when the original image data is generated in the original image generating apparatus 400, the original image data is not considered without particularly considering information relating to dot gain such as the contents of the association pattern group PG for preparing a plurality of association patterns. Can be created.

1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of a printing plate image creating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the characteristic of dot gain correction data. It is a figure which illustrates the content of the correlation pattern group which linked | related the kind of net | network and dot gain correction data for every printing condition. It is a figure which illustrates the description content of a job ticket. It is a figure which shows the screen for selecting printing conditions. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of creating a printing plate image. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the conventional dot gain correction process. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the dot gain correction process which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the printing system which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the printing system which concerns on the modification of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A Plate image production apparatus 3 Output machine 4 Printing machine 10,10A, 210,410,510,610,710 Control part 20,20A, 220,420,520,620,720 Storage part 11,11B Original image creation Unit 12, 12A, 12B Association pattern creation unit 13, 13B Job ticket creation unit 14, 14B Association pattern designation unit 15, 15B Data reception unit 16, 16B Data processing unit 17, 17B Association pattern reference unit 18, 18B Data output unit 100 , 100A, 100B Printing system 400 Original image creation device 500 Network / gain correction data association device 600 Job ticket creation device (association pattern instruction device)
700 Gain correction / shading device P1, P2 Program PG Association pattern group AG Dot gain correction data group JT Job ticket NG Network data group

Claims (13)

A printing plate image creating apparatus for creating a printing plate image from an original image in which a type of screen used in the printing plate image is specified,
Condition accepting means for accepting printing condition information relating to operator input;
A designation means for designating a designation association pattern corresponding to the printing condition information from an association pattern group storing association patterns in which the types of each network and dot gain correction data are associated for each printing condition;
Performing the shading process by referring to the designated association pattern and executing a dot gain correction process on the original image based on the dot gain correction data associated with each type of halftone An image creation means for creating a printing plate image,
With
The printing conditions are
Including a type of a printing machine that performs printing using a printing plate created based on a printing plate image created by the image creating means, and environmental conditions for printing using the printing plate. A printing plate image creation device. The printing plate image creating apparatus according to claim 1,
The original image is
The type of net is specified for each object,
The image creating means
Recognizing the type of halftone specified for each object included in the original image, executing the dot gain correction processing for each object, and performing the halftone processing, the printing plate image creation apparatus. The printing plate image creating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The printing conditions are
A printing plate image creating apparatus comprising conditions for a recording medium used when printing is performed using a printing plate created based on a printing plate image created by the printing plate image creating apparatus. A program for causing the plate image creating apparatus to function as the plate image creating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 by being executed by a computer included in the plate image creating apparatus . A printing plate image creation method for creating a printing plate image from an original image in which a type of screen used in the printing plate image is specified,
A condition accepting step for accepting printing condition information relating to operator input;
A designation step for designating a designated association pattern corresponding to the printing condition information from an association pattern group storing association patterns in which the types of each network and dot gain correction data are associated for each printing condition;
Performing the shading process by referring to the designated association pattern and executing a dot gain correction process on the original image based on the dot gain correction data associated with each type of halftone In the image creation step to create a plate image,
With
The printing conditions are
Including a type of a printing machine that performs printing using a printing plate created based on a printing plate image created in the image creation step, and environmental conditions for printing using the printing plate. How to make a printing plate image . A printing plate image creating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A plate making device for creating a plate based on the plate image created by the plate image creating device;
Plate making system, characterized in that it comprises a. A printing plate image creating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A plate making device for creating a plate based on the plate image created by the plate image creating device;
A printing machine that performs printing using the printing plate;
A printing system comprising: Signal receiving means for receiving an input signal;
In order to perform dot gain correction processing according to printing condition information relating to operator input when creating a printing plate image from an original image in which the type of screen used in the printing plate image is specified, the input A pattern creating means for creating an association pattern group by creating an association pattern that associates the type of each net and dot gain correction data for each printing condition based on the signal;
With
The printing conditions are
Network gain correction data association characterized by including a type of a printing machine that performs printing using a printing plate created based on the printing plate image and an environmental condition for printing using the printing plate Equipment . The program which makes the said network gain correction data correlation apparatus function as a network gain correction data correlation apparatus of Claim 8 by being performed by the computer contained in a network gain correction data correlation apparatus . Condition accepting means for accepting printing condition information relating to operator input;
In order to perform dot gain correction processing according to the printing conditions when creating a printing plate image from an original image in which the type of halftone used in the printing plate image is specified, correction of each halftone type and dot gain is performed. Designation means for designating a designated association pattern corresponding to the information of the printing condition from an association pattern group storing association patterns associated with data for each printing condition;
With
The printing conditions are
An association pattern designating apparatus comprising: a type of a printing machine that performs printing using a printing plate created based on the printing plate image; and an environmental condition for performing printing using the printing plate . The program which makes the said association pattern designation | designated apparatus function as an association pattern designation | designated apparatus of Claim 10 by being performed by the computer contained in an association pattern designation | designated apparatus . A reference that refers to a designated association pattern that is designated based on printing condition information related to an operator input from an association pattern group that stores an association pattern that associates dot types and dot gain correction data for each printing condition. Means,
Data processing means for referring to the specified association pattern by the reference means and for performing dot gain correction processing on the original image based on the dot gain correction data associated with each type of network; ,
With
The printing conditions are
The type of printing machine that performs printing using the printing plate created based on the printing plate image created by the dot gain correction processing and the shading processing by the data processing means, and printing using the printing plate And a gain correction processing apparatus characterized by including an environment condition to be performed . A program for causing the gain correction processing device to function as the gain correction processing device according to claim 12 when executed by a computer included in the gain correction processing device .