JP5804981B2 - Printing condition determining apparatus, printing condition determining method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing condition determination apparatus, a printing condition determination method, and a program for determining a printing condition that combines two or more condition items related to printing.

  Recently, in the printing field, CTP (Computer to Plate), which directly forms a printing plate with electronic data without generating an intermediate product, has become widespread. For example, when the order contents newly requested by the production company are similar to the order contents requested in the past, it is convenient to execute the print job while adopting the print conditions used in the past as they are. Various user interface techniques for determining a desired printing condition from a plurality of selectable printing conditions by a search operation by an operator have been proposed.

  Patent Document 1 includes a database in which printing conditions are associated with features of a printed matter, and the printing conditions suitable for the target printed matter are determined by searching the database using features extracted from the target printed matter. A system has been proposed.

  Patent Document 2 proposes an apparatus that presents optimum print condition candidates by referring to a database related to determination information based on a print setting instruction. It also describes that the automatic determination function may be learned based on past printing conditions.

  Patent Document 3 proposes a system that includes a database in which printing conditions and content information are associated with each other and displays a list of condition items (related entries) that match a predetermined search condition.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-315247 (see paragraph [0050], FIG. 8, etc.) JP 2001-158082 A (paragraph [0007]) JP 2011-118644 A (refer to paragraphs [0046] to [0051] etc.)

  By the way, for example, in the printing conditions in CTP, there are various kinds of condition items associated with these, in addition to various items for creating a printing plate. In other words, there can be an infinite number of combinations of search conditions for selecting and determining a predetermined number (finally one) of printing conditions from a vast number of printing conditions. Therefore, there is a potential need for an operator who wants to confirm the validity of the finally determined printing conditions by grasping the process for narrowing down the printing conditions.

  However, in the systems proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since only one printing condition determined to be optimal is presented, the operator himself checks the validity of the result of automatic determination by the system etc. could not.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 3 describes a specific example in which a plurality of printing conditions (printing conditions input / stored in the past) close to the currently input printing conditions are displayed in a list. For this reason, the worker can be said to be a system that partially responds to the needs of the worker in that it can determine whether or not to accept the currently input printing conditions based on the past determination results. However, in this system, only the material for determining whether or not to accept one printing condition is presented. If the printing condition is not adopted, the operator performs another confirmation after entering another printing condition again. There must be. For this reason, the determination operation is complicated for the operator.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and a printing condition determination apparatus capable of efficiently determining appropriate printing conditions while clarifying a process for narrowing down printing conditions from a large number of printing conditions. Another object is to provide a printing condition determination method and program.

  The printing condition determination device according to the present invention is a device that determines a printing condition that is a combination of two or more condition items related to printing, and includes two or more printing conditions that satisfy an input search condition from a plurality of printing conditions. A condition candidate acquisition unit for acquiring candidates, an item group setting unit for setting at least two condition items common to the print condition candidates acquired by the condition candidate acquisition unit as item groups, and the item group setting unit An array that evaluates the contents of each of the condition items that respectively constitute the item group set in accordance with a predetermined evaluation condition relating to the policy for determining the printing condition, and that specifies the order of arrangement of the printing condition candidates according to the evaluation result In accordance with the arrangement order designated by the order designation unit and the arrangement order designation unit, the visible information regarding each of the print condition candidates is arranged. Characterized in that it comprises a list image creation unit that creates a list image location.

  As described above, the condition candidate acquisition unit that acquires two or more print condition candidates that satisfy the input search condition from the plurality of print conditions, and the contents of the condition items that respectively configure the set item group Since there is provided an array order designating section that performs evaluation according to a predetermined evaluation condition relating to the printing condition determination policy and designates the array order of each of the print condition candidates according to the evaluation result, primary processing by search and secondary by evaluation Through the processing, it is possible to execute stepwise extraction for a plurality of printing conditions. In addition, since the list image creation unit is provided that creates a list image in which the visible information regarding each of the print condition candidates is arranged in accordance with the specified arrangement order, the operator looks at the contents of the visualized list image. Only the extraction result by the primary and secondary processing can be easily grasped. That is, it is possible to efficiently determine appropriate printing conditions while clarifying a process for narrowing down printing conditions from a large number of printing conditions.

  In addition, it is preferable that the item group setting unit sets the item group including condition items relating to past usage results for the printing condition candidates.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the item group setting unit determines the item group including at least one of the total number of use times, the final use time, the color reproduction characteristics, and the suitability of the printed matter for each of the print condition candidates.

Furthermore, the sequence order specifying section, based on the evaluation criteria, including the consistency with respect to the search condition evaluates the contents of each of the condition items, it is preferable to specify the arrangement order.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to further include a display unit that displays the list image created by the list image creation unit.

  The printing condition determination method according to the present invention is a method for determining a printing condition by combining two or more condition items related to printing, and two or more printing conditions satisfying an input search condition from a plurality of printing conditions. An acquisition step of acquiring candidates, a setting step of setting at least two condition items common to the acquired printing condition candidates as item groups, and each of the condition items constituting the set item groups, respectively The content is evaluated according to a predetermined evaluation condition related to the determination policy of the printing condition, and a designation step of designating an arrangement order of the printing condition candidates according to an evaluation result, and the printing condition candidates according to the designated arrangement order And a creation step of creating a list image in which visible information relating to the image is arranged.

  A program according to the present invention is a program for determining a printing condition that is a combination of two or more condition items related to printing, and the computer is configured to select two or more satisfying an input search condition from a plurality of printing conditions. A condition candidate acquisition unit that acquires a printing condition candidate, an item group setting unit that sets at least two condition items common to the printing condition candidates acquired by the condition candidate acquisition unit as item groups, and the item group setting unit An array that evaluates the contents of each of the condition items that respectively constitute the item group set in accordance with a predetermined evaluation condition relating to the policy for determining the printing condition, and that specifies the order of arrangement of the printing condition candidates according to the evaluation result In accordance with the arrangement order designated by the order designation unit and the arrangement order designation unit, each of the print condition candidates Characterized in that to function as a list image creation unit that creates a list image arranged side by side visual information.

  According to the printing condition determination apparatus, method, and program according to the present invention, two or more printing condition candidates that satisfy an input search condition are acquired from a plurality of printing conditions, and each set item group is configured. Since the contents of each of the condition items are evaluated according to a predetermined evaluation condition regarding the policy for determining the printing conditions, and the order of arrangement of the printing condition candidates is designated according to the evaluation result, the primary processing by the search and the evaluation Stepwise extraction for a plurality of printing conditions can be performed through secondary processing. Then, since the list image in which the visible information on each of the printing condition candidates is arranged is arranged according to the specified arrangement order, the operator lists the contents of the visualized list image along the arrangement order. Only the extraction result by the primary and secondary processing can be easily grasped. That is, it is possible to efficiently determine appropriate printing conditions while clarifying a process for narrowing down printing conditions from a large number of printing conditions.

It is a schematic block diagram of the printed matter production system incorporating the RIP device as the printing condition determining device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the RIP device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining operations of the RIP device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the list of printing condition databases. It is an image figure showing an example of the 1st setting screen. It is a 1st image figure showing an example of a search screen. It is a 2nd image figure showing an example of a search screen. It is an image figure showing an example of the 2nd setting screen. It is a 3rd image figure showing an example of a search screen.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a printing condition determination method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings by giving preferred embodiments in relation to a printing condition determination apparatus, a program, and a printed material production system for executing the method.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printed matter production system 10 incorporating a RIP device 20 as a printing condition determination device according to the present embodiment.

  In the printed product production system 10, a router 14 that is a device that relays connection to the network 12, a server device 16 that can be accessed from each terminal device (not shown) belonging to the external network via the network 12, a server device 16 and the like A DTP terminal 18 for performing DTP (Desktop Publishing) processing including editing of content data acquired from the data, and rasterization processing, color conversion processing, etc. based on proof data (or plate making data) created by the DTP terminal 18 RIP device 20 (printing condition determination device) that executes each image processing, proofreader 24 that can print proof 22 based on processed calibration data transmitted from RIP device 20, and RIP device 20 The plate setter 28 for producing the printing plate 26 based on the plate making data and the printing plate 26 are mounted. An offset printing press 32 prints 30 is printable Te, respectively.

  The server device 16 is a device that forms the core of workflow management in the printed material production system 10. The server device 16 is communicably connected to each terminal device included in a designer and / or a production company (not shown) via the router 14 and the network 12. The server device 16 is communicably connected to the DTP terminal 18, the RIP device 20, and the platesetter 28 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 34 built in the printed product production system 10.

  That is, the server device 16 functions as a file server that manages storage and transfer of various data files, functions as an authority management server that manages task authority executable in each terminal device, each user, or each print job, or The function as a mail server that generates and distributes a notification mail at a predetermined timing such as the start / end of each process is configured to be executable. Various data files that can be managed as a file server include, for example, content data, proofreading data, plate making data, job ticket {eg, JDF (Job Definition Format) file}, ICC (International Color Consortium) profile, color sample data. , History information of printing conditions used in the past (hereinafter referred to as a printing condition database), and the like.

  The DTP terminal 18 performs preflight processing on content data composed of characters, graphics, patterns, photographs, and the like, and then creates edit data for each page. The DTP terminal 18 performs imposition processing according to the designated binding method or paper folding method while referring to the tag information of the job ticket.

  The RIP device 20 functions as a print processing server for at least one printing machine. In the example of FIG. 1, the RIP device 20 is connected to a calibrator 24 and a platesetter 28 so as to communicate with each other. In this case, the RIP device 20 converts the completion data described in the page description language into print data suitable for each printing machine, and supplies the printing data to the proofing machine 24 (or the plate setter 28).

  The proofing machine 24 prints the proof 22 based on the print data supplied from the RIP device 20. As the proofing machine 24, DDCP (Direct Digital Color Proofing), an inkjet color proofer, a low resolution color laser printer (electrophotographic system), an inkjet printer, or the like may be used.

  The offset printer 32 forms a printed matter 30 by depositing ink on a printing medium (medium) via the printing plate 26 and an intermediate transfer member (not shown). Instead of the offset printer 32, a digital printer for direct printing may be provided. As the digital printing machine, an inkjet color proofer, a color laser printer (electrophotographic system), or the like may be used.

  FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the RIP device 20 shown in FIG.

  The RIP device 20 includes a control unit 36, a communication I / F 38, a display control unit 40, a display unit 42, an input unit 44, a print I / F 46, and a memory 48 (storage medium).

  The communication I / F 38 is an interface that transmits and receives electrical signals from an external device. For example, it is possible to acquire various types of information such as calibration data, plate making data, printing condition database, and ICC profile managed and stored in the server device 16 (see FIG. 1).

  The display control unit 40 is a control circuit that drives and controls the display unit 42 according to the control of the control unit 36. The display control unit 40 drives the display unit 42 by outputting a display control signal to the display unit 42 via an I / F (not shown). Thereby, the display unit 42 can display various images including the window W1 (see FIG. 5 and the like) and the window W2 (see FIG. 8).

  The print I / F 46 is an interface that transmits an electrical signal as print data. Thereby, the proofreading machine 24 can print the desired proof 22.

  The memory 48 stores a program and data necessary for the control unit 36 to control each component. The memory 48 may be a storage medium such as a nonvolatile memory or a hard disk.

  The control unit 36 is configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 36 can realize the functions of the printing condition determination unit 50, the display data creation unit 52, and the rasterization processing unit 54 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 48.

  The print condition determination unit 50 determines one print condition suitable for the print job from a plurality of print conditions stored in the external device (for example, the server device 16) or the memory 48. Specifically, the print condition determination unit 50 has been input with a search policy determination unit 56 that determines a search policy for print conditions, and a condition search unit 58 that instructs the print condition database to perform a search process for print conditions. A condition candidate acquisition unit 60 that acquires two or more print condition candidates that satisfy the search condition.

  The display data creation unit 52 includes a screen creation unit 62 that creates a setting screen 80 (see FIG. 5), a search screen 90 (see FIG. 6), and the like, and at least two condition items common to each printing condition candidate (hereinafter collectively referred to as generic names). An item group setting unit 64 for setting an item group), an arrangement order designating unit 66 for designating the arrangement order of each printing condition candidate based on a predetermined evaluation, and a list of search results and sort results. A list image creating unit 68 for creating an image for the purpose (hereinafter referred to as a list image).

  Note that “list display” in this specification is a method of displaying visible information about predetermined condition items included in each printing condition side by side. As will be described later, this is a particularly effective display method when comparing between printing conditions having a relatively small number of conditions.

  The rasterization processing unit 54 performs rasterization processing on the calibration data (including school completion data). This rasterization process includes a data format conversion process for converting a PDL (Page Description Language) format into a raster format, and a color matching process using an ICC profile.

  The input unit 44 includes various input devices such as a mouse, a trackball, and a keyboard. The input unit 44 includes a search information input unit 70 for inputting search information for executing a search process for the print condition database, an evaluation information input unit 71 for inputting evaluation information for evaluating each print condition candidate, and 2 It functions as a determination instruction unit 72 that instructs to determine one printing condition from the above printing condition candidates.

  The RIP device 20 as the printing condition determination device according to the present embodiment is configured as described above. Next, the operation of the RIP device 20 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Prior to the description of the operation, the printing condition database will be described. In the description of the present specification and claims, it should be noted that “printing condition” means a composite condition in which two or more condition items relating to printing are combined.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a list of printing condition databases. Here, it is assumed that a plurality of printing conditions are stored in a file format. Two or more condition items are associated with each file name “printing condition A” to “printing condition F” (notation of file extension is omitted). In this example, in addition to the file name, the printer name, paper type, paper size, plate size, color plate, binding method, target (target profile type), customer name, job type, number of uses, The last use date is listed. The condition items may include not only data directly related to the printing process such as the printing press name, color plate, profile, but also data (so-called metadata) associated with these data. In the case of offset printing, for example, color conversion conditions such as a printing machine, paper, ink, mesh type, resolution, number of screen lines, angle set, dot gain curve, printing profile, device link profile, and the like can be mentioned.

  This printing condition database is a database in which, for example, printing conditions used in the past in the printing company in which the printed material production system 10 is constructed are sequentially stored. That is, each time a print job is generated in the printed product production system 10, the server device 16 sequentially updates the printing conditions and management information thereof. The management information of the database may include, for example, the total number of times that the printing conditions have been used (total number of times of use), the date and time of last use (last usage time), and the like.

  In step S <b> 1 of FIG. 3, the search information input unit 70 inputs various types of information related to the print condition search policy to the RIP device 20 side according to the operation of the operator (user).

  First, in response to an instruction to start a search, the screen creation unit 62 creates display data for the setting screen 80 and then supplies the display data to the display control unit 40. Then, the display control unit 40 causes the display unit 42 to display the window W1 (including the setting screen 80).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the setting screen 80 includes six combo boxes 82 a to 82 f, one pull-down menu 84, a button 86 written as “Next”, and a “Cancel” from the upper left to the lower right of the screen. ] Buttons 87 are arranged respectively. Here, the combo boxes 82 a to 82 f and the pull-down menu 84 serve as the search information input unit 70.

  Each combo box 82a to 82f is provided so that one condition item used for search processing can be designated and input for each box. Here, two or more condition items constituting the printing condition may be arbitrarily designated.

  On the left side of each of the combo boxes 82a to 82f, arithmetic numbers 88 expressed as “1” to “6” are respectively displayed. The arithmetic numeral 88 represents the priority order of the condition items in the search process. Specifically, the priority is higher as the value of the arithmetic numeral 88 is smaller, and the priority is lower as the value of the arithmetic numeral 88 is larger.

  The pull-down menu 84 is provided so that a maximum value of the number of print condition candidates that can be displayed (hereinafter referred to as the maximum display number) can be specified and input when a list of search results to be described later is displayed. In this example, the maximum display number is designated as five.

  The worker designates at least one condition item used for the search process via the setting screen 80 and assigns a priority to these condition items. According to the input operation by the operator, for example, a printing machine (printer name in FIG. 4), paper (paper type in FIG. 4), number of colors (color plate in FIG. 4), target (target in FIG. 4), customer It is assumed that the name (customer name in FIG. 4) and the job type (job type in FIG. 4) are selected in priority order.

  In response to the click operation of the “Next” button 86, the search policy determination unit 56 determines the search policy for the printing conditions and also causes the screen creation unit 62 to input search according to this search policy. Instruct. On the other hand, in response to the click operation of the [Cancel] button 87, the RIP device 20 ends this search process.

  In step S <b> 2, the search information input unit 70 inputs search conditions in the print condition database to the RIP device 20 side in accordance with the operator's operation. In response to the click operation of the “Next” button 86, the screen creation unit 62 creates display data for the search screen 90 and then supplies the display data to the display control unit 40. Then, the display control unit 40 causes the display unit 42 to display the window W1 (including the search screen 90).

  As shown in FIG. 6, an input field 92 and a button 94 labeled “Search” are arranged on the upper half side of the search screen 90. Here, the input field 92 functions as the search information input unit 70 (see FIG. 2).

  The input field 92 is composed of six combo boxes 92a to 92f. Each of the combo boxes 92a to 92f is provided so that a search condition regarding one condition item designated via the setting screen 80 (see FIG. 5) can be designated / input for each box. The search condition may be input by selecting one of a plurality of predetermined items or inputting it in a text format according to a keyboard operation or the like.

  The operator designates at least one search condition via the search screen 90 in order to determine a print condition suitable for the print job scheduled to be executed. Depending on the input operation by the operator, for example, “printing machine 1” as the printing machine (printing machine name in FIG. 4), “art paper” as the paper (paper type in FIG. 4), and the number of colors (color plate in FIG. 4). ) As “CMYK”, “Japan Color” as the target (target in FIG. 4), “Company A” as the customer name (customer name in FIG. 4), and “Magazine” as the job type (job type in FIG. 4). Suppose.

  In step S3, the server device 16 searches for printing conditions based on the search conditions input in step S2. In response to a click operation of the [Search] button 94, the condition search unit 58 starts executing search processing. This search process may be started immediately after the change of the search condition by the combo boxes 92a to 92f is accepted without requiring the above click operation.

  The RIP device 20 transmits a notification to the effect of the search request and the specified condition item to the server device 16 side. The server device 16 executes a search process within the range of the print condition database, and returns information about the obtained search result to the RIP device 20 side. Then, the condition search unit 58 acquires a search result (for example, a list of print conditions) in the print condition database. The search process is not limited to an external device such as the server device 16 but may be executed by the RIP device 20 itself (condition search unit 58). It is assumed that three print condition groups that do not exceed the maximum display number (five) specified via the setting screen 80 (see FIG. 5) are hit by this search.

  Thereafter, the condition candidate acquisition unit 60 refers to the search result obtained by the condition search unit 58, and data files corresponding to the print condition candidates (for example, “print condition A”, “print condition C”, and “print condition E”). )).

  In step S4, the list image creation unit 68 creates a list image 100 as a search result. Here, the list image 100 is an image in which information regarding printing conditions (here, printing condition candidates) satisfying the search condition input from the search information input unit 70 is arranged. Note that “the search condition is satisfied” ideally means that the contents of all the condition items (six in the example of FIG. 6) completely match. However, in the present embodiment, the case where the matching of the search is higher than a predetermined level is also included in the case where “the search condition is satisfied”.

  In step S5, the RIP device 20 displays a list of search results for print conditions. The screen creation unit 62 creates display data of the search screen 90 (including the search result list image 100), and then supplies the display data to the display control unit 40. Then, the display control unit 40 causes the display unit 42 to display the window W1 (including the search screen 90).

  As shown in FIG. 6, on the lower half side of the search screen 90, a search result list image 100, a button 102 labeled “Return”, a button 104 labeled “OK”, and “Cancel” Button 106 and a button 108 labeled [Help] are arranged. Here, the [OK] button 104 functions as a determination instruction unit 72 (see FIG. 2) for instructing to determine one print condition from a predetermined number of print condition candidates obtained based on the search process. Bear.

  In the search result list image 100, three printing condition candidates and “printing condition A”, “printing condition C”, and “printing condition E” are listed in order from the top. The contents (attributes) of the five condition items relating to each printing condition candidate are displayed. Specifically, the list image 100 includes a sub-column 100a indicating the name of the printing condition (file name), a sub-column 100b indicating the evaluation result of the color reproduction stability, a sub-column 100c indicating the customer name, A small field 100d indicating the job type, a small field 100e indicating the number of uses, and a small field 100f indicating the last use date are provided. Each condition item displayed in each of the small columns 100a to 100f may be the same as or different from the condition item used for the search.

  By the way, the operation of the RIP device 20 when the search is not sufficiently narrowed down will be described. As shown in the example of FIG. 7, the input items in the combo boxes 92a to 92c are the same as those in FIG. 6, but as the target (combo box 92d), customer name (combo box 92e), and job type (combo box 92f). It is assumed that “None” is specified. Here, if the target (priority is fourth) is specified as “None”, the condition items (customer name, job type) whose priority is lower than this are also linked to “None”. It is specified. Then, it is assumed that 15 print condition groups that exceed the maximum display number (5) specified via the setting screen 80 (see FIG. 5) are hit by the search of the print conditions in step S3.

  Then, a message image 110 is arranged in the lower half of the search screen 90 in FIG. 7 instead of the search result list image 100 shown in the search screen 90 in FIG. The message image 110 represents the number of hits (15 cases) and the maximum number of displays (5 cases) by the current search. As a result, the search condition can be changed to further narrow down the number of hits, and the operator can be prompted to instruct another search.

  In step S <b> 6 of FIG. 3, the control unit 36 determines whether there is an instruction to sort the display order of the list image 100. Specifically, the control unit 36 determines whether or not there has been a click operation at a predetermined position (specifically, a downward triangle) in the index field 100g in the list image 100. When it is determined that there has been a click operation (step S6: YES), the list image creation unit 68 sorts the print condition candidates according to a predetermined arrangement rule regarding characters, numbers, etc., and creates a new list image 100. The screen creation unit 62 creates display data of the search screen 90 including the new list image 100 and supplies the display data to the display control unit 40. As a result, the contents of the list image 100 are updated and displayed following the click operation described above.

  By the way, it is relatively easy for a highly skilled operator to select a printing condition suitable for a print job after narrowing down a predetermined number of printing condition candidates from a huge number of printing conditions in advance. It is. However, an operator with a low level of skill may be confused by a lack of experience when selecting one printing condition from a predetermined number of printing condition candidates. Therefore, by presenting the evaluation result obtained in accordance with a preset decision policy for each printing condition candidate extracted first, it helps the decision making by the operator. A specific operation of the RIP device 20 for realizing this function will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  On the search screen 90 in FIG. 6, the worker performs a click operation of the [Help] button 108. Then, the display control unit 40 causes the display unit 42 to display another window W2 (including the setting screen 120).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the setting screen 120 includes a combo box 122, four pull-down menus 124 a to 124 d, a setting image 126, a button 128 labeled “Update”, and a button 130 labeled “Close”. Are arranged respectively. Here, the pull-down menus 124 a to 124 d and the setting image 126 function as the evaluation information input unit 71.

  The combo box 122 is provided so that the number of condition items constituting the item group can be designated and input. In this example, the maximum number is specified as four.

  Each of the pull-down menus 124a to 124d can specify and input one condition item used for evaluation of printing conditions, for example, a condition item related to past usage records after the construction of the printing condition database. Is provided. Specific examples of condition items related to past usage results include the total number of uses, final use time, color reproduction characteristics (eg, gamut range, color stability over time, etc.), and suitability of the printed material 30 (eg, job type, post-processing) Or at least one of customer preferences, etc.). In the present embodiment, “matching of search” at the time of print condition search processing (see step S3) can also be input as one evaluation condition.

  The setting image 126 includes one stacked bar graph 132 composed of a plurality of colors (four colors in this example) and a plurality (four in this example) of balloon images 134a to 134d arranged on the left side of the stacked bar graph 132. And a plurality of (three in this example) triangular pointers 136 arranged on the right side of the stacked bar graph 132.

  In the balloon image 134a, the same content as the content (number of times of use) currently input in the pull-down menu 124a is written. In the balloon image 134b, the same content as the content (last use date) currently input in the pull-down menu 124b is written. In the balloon image 134c, the same content as the content (color stability) currently input in the pull-down menu 124c is written. In the balloon image 134d, the same content as the content (search match) currently input in the pull-down menu 124d is written.

  Each pointer 136 indicates the boundary position of each adjacent color in the stacked bar graph 132. Each pointer 136 is provided so that its arrangement position can be moved in accordance with a drag operation along the extending direction of the stacked bar graph 132 (vertical direction in the figure). Further, following the movement of the position of each pointer 136, the boundary position (that is, the length of each color component bar) in the stacked bar graph 132 is immediately changed.

  The stacked bar graph 132 is a graph that visualizes the weight (ratio) of each condition item that is used for evaluation of each printing condition candidate. Here, it is assumed that the weighting of the evaluation is set to be large in proportion to the length of the bar of each color component.

  The operator sets a printing condition determination policy, specifically, an evaluation condition for each printing condition candidate via the setting screen 120. Depending on the input operation on the setting screen 120, for example, the number of items constituting the item group is four, specifically, the number of uses, the last use date, color stability, and search consistency are selected. Suppose. Further, according to the input operation on the setting screen 120, for example, the number of uses (40%), the last use date (30%), color stability (15%), and search consistency (15%) are weighted. Are set respectively.

  Thereafter, in response to the click operation of the [Update] button 128, the item group setting unit 64 displays the four condition items, specifically, the number of uses, the last use date, the color stability, and the search consistency, Set as. When receiving this operation, the control unit 36 determines that there is an instruction to sort the display order of the list image 100 (step S6: YES), and proceeds to the next step (S7).

  In step S7, the arrangement order designating unit 66 designates the arrangement order of each printing condition candidate acquired in step S3. Prior to the specification, the arrangement order specifying unit 66 acquires the data contents of each printing condition candidate from the condition candidate acquiring unit 60 and the item group from the item group setting unit 64. Then, the arrangement order designating unit 66 quantifies the contents of each item condition (usage count, last use date, color stability, and search consistency), and sets and inputs each weight (40%, 30%). , 15%, and 15%), the respective printing condition candidates are comprehensively evaluated.

  Here, in order to quantify the contents of each condition item, various calculation methods may be employed. For example, as an example of evaluating the “number of times of use”, a higher evaluation score may be given as the value (number of times) increases. Further, as an example of evaluating the “last use date”, a higher evaluation score may be given as the use date is more recent. Furthermore, the above-described priority order (see the arithmetic numeral 88 in FIG. 5) may be considered in the evaluation of “search consistency”.

  As a result of comprehensive evaluation, it is assumed that the evaluation is high in the order of “printing condition C”, “printing condition A”, and “printing condition E” among the three printing condition candidates. In this case, the arrangement order designating unit 66 designates the arrangement order of the printing condition candidates as “printing condition C”, “printing condition A”, and “printing condition E”.

  Returning to step S4, the list image creating unit 68 creates a newly sorted list image 100s according to the arrangement order designated in step S7.

  In step S5, the RIP device 20 displays a list of search results for print conditions. The screen creation unit 62 creates display data of the search screen 90 (including the list image 100s), and then supplies the display data to the display control unit 40. Then, the display control unit 40 causes the display unit 42 to display the window W1 (including the search screen 90). Then, instead of the list image 100 shown in FIG. 6, it is updated and displayed on a new list image 100s shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the list image 100 of search results displays a list of three printing condition candidates, “printing condition C”, “printing condition A”, and “printing condition E” in order from the top. For example, the “printing condition C” having the highest evaluation is rearranged to the uppermost side, and the column “printing condition C” (the hatched area) is highlighted. In this way, the recommended printing conditions are presented in order along one direction (from the top to the bottom) from among the printing condition candidates that are primarily extracted, thereby helping the operator to make a decision. Become. Further, the list image 100s reflecting the change of the evaluation condition is immediately updated and displayed in response to the click operation of the [Update] button 128 in the window W2 (see FIG. 8), which is convenient for the operator. Further, in response to a click operation of the [Close] button 130 shown in FIG. 8, the window W2 is closed and hidden.

  If it is determined that no sort instruction operation has been performed (step S6 in FIG. 3: NO), in step S8, the control unit 36 is instructed to determine (determine) one print condition from among a plurality of print condition candidates. It is determined whether or not there was. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the [OK] button 104 has been clicked with one printing condition candidate selected on the search screen 90 of FIG.

  If it is determined that there is no operation, the process returns to step S2 (input of search information) or step S5 (display of search result list), and steps S2 to S8 are sequentially repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an operation, the process proceeds to the next step (S9).

  In step S9, the printing condition determination unit 50 determines one printing condition suitable for the print job scheduled to be executed. Then, the rasterization processing unit 54 performs rasterization processing on the calibration data (or school completion data) based on the determined printing conditions. Thereafter, as described above, the process proceeds to the calibration process (or printing process).

  As described above, the condition candidate acquisition unit 60 that acquires two or more print condition candidates that satisfy the input search condition from the plurality of print conditions, and each of the condition items that constitute the set item group, respectively. Since the content is evaluated according to a predetermined evaluation condition related to the policy for determining the printing condition, and the arrangement order designating unit 66 for designating the arrangement order of the respective printing condition candidates according to the evaluation result, the primary processing and evaluation by the search are provided. Stepwise extraction for a plurality of printing conditions can be executed through the secondary processing according to. In addition, since the list image creation unit 68 is provided that creates the list image 100 (s) in which the visible information regarding each of the printing condition candidates is arranged in accordance with the specified arrangement order, the operator can visualize the list image visualized. The extraction result by the primary and secondary processing can be easily grasped only by listing the contents of 100 (s) along the arrangement order. That is, it is possible to efficiently determine appropriate printing conditions while clarifying a process for narrowing down printing conditions from a large number of printing conditions.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Of course, it can change freely in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printed product production system 20 ... RIP apparatus 30 ... Printed matter 36 ... Control part 42 ... Display part 44 ... Input part 48 ... Memory 50 ... Printing condition determination part 52 ... Display data creation part 60 ... Condition candidate acquisition part 64 ... Item group setting Unit 66 ... Arrangement order designation unit 68 ... List image creation unit 70 ... Search information input unit 71 ... Evaluation information input unit 72 ... Determination instruction unit 80, 120 ... Setting screen 90 ... Search screen 100, 100s ... List image W1, W2 ... window

Claims (7)

A printing condition determination device that determines a printing condition combining two or more condition items related to printing,
A condition candidate acquisition unit that acquires two or more print condition candidates that satisfy an input search condition from a plurality of print conditions;
An item group setting unit that sets at least two condition items common to the print condition candidates acquired by the condition candidate acquisition unit as item groups;
The content of each of the condition items that configure the item group set by the item group setting unit is evaluated according to an evaluation condition related to the policy for determining the printing condition, and the arrangement order of the printing condition candidates is determined according to the evaluation result. An array order specification part to be specified;
A printing condition determining apparatus, comprising: a list image creating unit that creates a list image in which visible information relating to each of the printing condition candidates is arranged according to the arrangement order designated by the arrangement order designating unit. The printing condition determining apparatus according to claim 1,
The said item group setting part sets the said item group containing the condition item regarding the past utilization performance about each said printing condition candidate, The printing condition determination apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The printing condition determining apparatus according to claim 2,
The item group setting unit determines the item group including at least one of the total number of uses, the final use time, the color reproduction characteristics, and the suitability of the printed matter for each of the print condition candidates. apparatus. In the printing condition determination apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The sequence order specifying section, based on the evaluation criteria, including the consistency with respect to the search condition evaluates the contents of each of the condition items, the printing condition determining apparatus characterized by specifying the arrangement order. In the printing condition determination apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A printing condition determination apparatus, further comprising a display unit that displays the list image created by the list image creation unit. A printing condition determination method for determining a printing condition combining two or more condition items related to printing,
An acquisition step of acquiring two or more print condition candidates that satisfy an input search condition from a plurality of print conditions;
A setting step of setting at least two condition items common to the acquired printing condition candidates as item groups;
A designating step of evaluating the contents of each of the condition items constituting the set item group according to a predetermined evaluation condition relating to the policy for determining the printing condition, and designating the arrangement order of the printing condition candidates according to the evaluation result When,
And a creation step of creating a list image in which visible information relating to each of the printing condition candidates is arranged in accordance with the specified arrangement order. A program for determining printing conditions combining two or more condition items relating to printing,
Computer
A condition candidate acquisition unit that acquires two or more print condition candidates that satisfy an input search condition from a plurality of print conditions;
An item group setting unit that sets at least two condition items common to the printing condition candidates acquired by the condition candidate acquisition unit as item groups;
The content of each of the condition items that configure each of the item groups set by the item group setting unit is evaluated according to a predetermined evaluation condition related to the policy for determining the printing condition, and an array of each of the printing condition candidates according to the evaluation result An array order specification part that specifies the order,
A program that functions as a list image creation unit that creates a list image in which visible information about each of the print condition candidates is arranged in accordance with the arrangement order designated by the arrangement order designation unit.

Images