JP6187107B2 - Digital printer, printing system, image processing program, and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital printer, a printing system, an image processing program, and an image processing method, and more particularly to a digital printer that controls RIP processing, a printing system that includes the digital printer, an image processing program that controls RIP processing, and an image processing method.

  When printing document data with a printer, the document data is rasterized using a RIP (Raster Image Processor) to create bitmap data, and the bitmap data is printed on paper using a print engine. Here, the RIP provided in the printer has different characteristics depending on the type of the printer. For example, offset printers that perform offset printing often have general-purpose output, so a CTP (Center To Plate) -RIP (so-called general-purpose RIP) excellent in processing for general-purpose output is provided. On the other hand, since a digital printer that performs on-demand printing requires various outputs, Digital-RIP (so-called dedicated RIP) that can be customized for various outputs is provided.

  As a technique relating to such RIP operation, for example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a printer server on which a RIP program, which is a computer program for executing a RIP process for converting a vector image into a raster image, is mounted. RIP verifying means for comparing the first raster image generated by the RIP program with the second raster image designated by the printer server and outputting the difference between the first raster image and the second raster image. A printer server provided is disclosed.

  Further, as a technique related to a preview using RIP, for example, Patent Document 2 listed below is a display control method used for a display device that displays image data before and after a predetermined process. When the display data instruction before and after the predetermined process is received and the display change instruction is received, the display change instruction is received according to the received display change instruction. A display control method is disclosed in which the display of one image data is changed and the display of the other image data is changed in conjunction with the change.

JP 2012-108821 A JP 2003-58138 A

  As described above, Digital-RIP can be customized specifically for the printer. A specific example of this customization is the Tag bit output function. With the Tag bit output function, processing suitable for each object can be realized by outputting object attributes such as text attributes, graphic attributes, and image attributes in units of pixels during RIP processing. For example, by installing this Tag bit output function, it is possible to perform thinning processing for text attributes, image processing using different tone curves for each object, and the like.

  However, since Digital-RIP performs special processing specialized for printers, for example, an unexpected image (such as an abnormal image and an abnormal image) such as changing the color of a specific object by applying a different tone curve for each object. May be output). Therefore, I do not like the case where such an abnormal image is output, and when outputting with a digital printer, the RIP provided in another printer (for example, CTP-RIP provided in an offset printer) may be used. However, since CTP-RIP is a general-purpose RIP, there are cases where the original performance of a digital printer cannot be achieved.

  Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that there is no difference in the results of both CTP-RIP RIP processing and Digital-RIP RIP processing, and that no abnormal images are output, in order to be able to demonstrate the original performance of a digital printer. is there. However, in order to confirm the result of each RIP process, it is necessary to output each RIP once, and there is a problem that the result of the RIP process cannot be easily compared.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object of the present invention is a digital printer capable of executing RIP processing using an appropriate RIP in a system including a plurality of RIPs having different characteristics. And a printing system, an image processing program, and an image processing method.

  One aspect of the present invention is a printer having a predetermined RIP in a printing system having a plurality of RIPs having different characteristics, and a determination unit that determines whether to compare the results of RIP processing of the plurality of RIPs. When the determination unit determines to compare the results of the RIP process, the RIP process is performed on the specific target in the job for the own apparatus using the predetermined RIP, and the specific target A comparison unit that obtains a result of RIP processing performed by another RIP and compares a result of RIP processing of the predetermined RIP with a result of RIP processing of the other RIP, and based on a comparison result of the comparison unit And a use RIP determination unit that makes it possible to determine the RIP used for processing the job.

  One aspect of the present invention is a first printer having a first RIP having a first feature, and a second printer having a second RIP having a second feature different from the first feature. , In the printing system connected by a communication network, the first printer determines whether to compare the results of the RIP processing of the first RIP and the second RIP, and the determination When the unit determines to compare the results of the RIP process, the RIP process is performed on the specific target in the job for the first printer using the first RIP, and the specific target A comparison unit that obtains a result of the RIP process performed by the second RIP and compares a result of the RIP process of the first RIP with a result of the RIP process of the second RIP; Comparison result Based on, characterized in that it comprises, the use RIP determination unit that allows determining the RIP used to process the job.

  One aspect of the present invention is an image processing program that operates on a printer having a predetermined RIP among a plurality of RIPs having different characteristics, and whether to compare the RIP processing results of the plurality of RIPs with the printer. When comparing the results of the determination process and the RIP process, the RIP process is performed on the specific target in the job for the own apparatus using the predetermined RIP, and the specific target Based on the comparison result of acquiring the result of the RIP process performed by another RIP and comparing the result of the RIP process of the predetermined RIP with the result of the RIP process of the other RIP, A use RIP determination process that makes it possible to determine the RIP used for processing the job is executed.

  One aspect of the present invention is a first printer having a first RIP having a first feature, and a second printer having a second RIP having a second feature different from the first feature. , Is an image processing method in a printing system connected via a communication network, wherein the first printer determines whether to compare the results of RIP processing of the first RIP and the second RIP. When comparing the result of the determination process and the RIP process, the RIP process is performed on the specific target in the job for the first printer using the first RIP, and the specific target is A comparison process for acquiring a result of the RIP process performed by the second RIP and comparing a result of the RIP process of the first RIP with a result of the RIP process of the second RIP; Comparison Based on the result, and executes a a use RIP determination process that allows determining the RIP used to process the job.

  According to the digital printer, the printing system, the image processing program, and the image processing method of the present invention, it is possible to execute RIP processing using an appropriate RIP in a system including a plurality of RIPs having different characteristics.

  The reason is that in a printing system having a plurality of RIPs with different characteristics, a printer (image processing program) having a predetermined RIP determines whether to compare the results of RIP processing of a plurality of RIPs, and When comparing the results of RIP processing, RIP processing is performed on a specific target (arbitrary page or object, object of arbitrary resolution) using a predetermined RIP, and for a specific target. A comparison unit that obtains the result of RIP processing using another RIP and compares the result of RIP processing of a predetermined RIP with the result of RIP processing of another RIP, and based on the comparison result, This is because it includes a use RIP determination unit that makes it possible to determine the RIP used for processing.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically the other structural example of the printing system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the other structural example of the printing system which concerns on one Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print instruction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an offset printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically operation | movement of the printing system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically other operation | movement of the printing system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the digital printer which concerns on one Example of this invention.

  As shown in the background art, CTP-RIP, which is a general-purpose RIP, is used for an offset printer, and Digital-RIP, which is a dedicated RIP, is used for a digital printer. Here, since Digital-RIP performs special processing specialized for a printer, an abnormal image may be output. Therefore, CTP-RIP may be used when outputting with a digital printer. However, since CTP-RIP is a general-purpose RIP, the original performance of a digital printer may not be exhibited.

  Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that there is no difference in the results of both CTP-RIP RIP processing and Digital-RIP RIP processing, and that no abnormal images are output, in order to be able to demonstrate the original performance of a digital printer. However, in order to confirm the results of the respective RIP processes, it is necessary to output each RIP once, and there is a problem that the results of the RIP processes cannot be easily compared.

  Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, in a printing system including a plurality of RIPs having different characteristics such as CTP-RIP and Digital-RIP, a result of RIP processing is transmitted to a printer (digital printer) having Digital-RIP. Performs RIP processing with Digital-RIP for a specific target (arbitrary page or object, object of arbitrary resolution) in a job and a determination unit that determines whether to compare or not. RIP processing results obtained by CTP-RIP, and a comparison unit that compares the results of both RIP processing, and RIP determination that determines the RIP to be used for job processing based on the RIP processing comparison results The output results of each RIP are compared at an arbitrary timing so that a more advantageous RIP can be selected easily.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a digital printer, a printing system, an image processing program, and an image processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. . 1 to 3 are diagrams schematically illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. 4 to 6 are block diagrams showing configurations of a print instruction apparatus, an offset printer, and a digital printer, respectively. 7 and 8 are diagrams schematically showing the operation of the printing system of FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital printer of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 of this embodiment includes a print instruction device 20 that instructs printing and a plurality of printers (in this embodiment, an offset printer 30 and a digital printer 40) that include RIPs having different characteristics. It consists of. These are connected to each other via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) defined by standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Token Ring, and FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface). The

  In FIG. 1, the digital printer 40 is connected to the offset printer 30. However, as shown in FIG. 2, both the offset printer 30 and the digital printer 40 are connected to the print instruction apparatus 20 via the communication network. It is good also as a structure to be made. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the printing system 10 is provided with a RIP controller 50 having both a general-purpose RIP CTP-RIP and a dedicated RIP Digital-RIP, and the RIP controller 50 performs RIP processing. Printing may be executed by the offset printer 30 or the digital printer 40 based on the bitmap data. Hereinafter, each device constituting the printing system 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described in detail.

[Printing instruction device]
The print instruction device 20 is a computer device such as a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, the communication I / F unit 23, the display unit 24, the operation unit 25, the document input unit 26, and the like. Consists of.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21a and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21b and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21c, which are connected via a bus. The CPU 21a performs overall control of the print instruction apparatus 20 by reading a program from the ROM 21b and the storage unit 22, and developing and executing the program on the RAM 21c.

  The storage unit 22 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, and stores a program for the CPU 21a to control each unit, document data to be printed, information on the processing function of the own device, and the like. Store.

  The communication I / F unit 23 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, establishes a connection with the offset printer 30 and the digital printer 40 connected via the network, and transmits document data. .

  The display unit 24 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays a screen for creating a document, a screen for setting document printing conditions, and the like. The operation unit 25 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel integrated with the display unit 24, and the like, and enables operations such as document creation and print condition setting.

  The document input unit 26 sends document data (in this embodiment, PDF (Portable Document Format) data) to the offset printer 30 and the digital printer 40 to instruct printing. The document data may be created using an application operating on an OS (Operating System), or document data created by another device may be used.

[Offset printer]
The offset printer 30 is a printer having a RIP having the first feature. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 31, the storage unit 32, the communication I / F unit 33, the display unit 34, the operation unit 35, and the CTP- RIP 36, CTP 37, offset printing unit 38, and the like.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU 31a and memories such as a ROM 31b and a RAM 31c, which are connected via a bus. The CPU 31a performs overall control of the offset printer 30 by reading a program from the ROM 31b and the storage unit 32, and developing and executing the program on the RAM 31c.

  The storage unit 32 is configured by an HDD, an SSD, or the like, a program for the CPU 31a to control each unit, document data acquired from the print instruction apparatus 20 (document data before rasterization is referred to as vector PDF data), CTP. -Stores bitmap data rasterized by RIP 36 (the data of the document after rasterization is called raster PDF data), information on the processing function of the own apparatus, and the like.

  The communication I / F unit 33 includes a NIC, a modem, and the like, establishes a connection with the print instruction apparatus 20 and the digital printer 40 connected via a network, and receives document data (vector PDF data) from the print instruction apparatus 20. ), Document data (vector PDF data or raster PDF data) is transmitted to the digital printer 40, or a raster PDF data acquisition request is received from the digital printer 40.

  The display unit 34 is configured by an LCD or the like, and displays various screens related to printing. The operation unit 35 includes a hard key, a touch panel integrated with the display unit 34, and the like, and enables various operations related to printing.

  The CTP-RIP 36 rasterizes the document data (vector PDF data) acquired from the print instruction apparatus 20 and converts it into bitmap data (raster PDF data). This CTP-RIP 36 is a general-purpose RIP that is excellent in processing such as drawing transparent objects, drawing objects with overlapping objects, adding gradation, drawing special font objects, etc. It has the characteristics of. The CTP-RIP 36 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as a program that causes the control unit 31 to function as the CTP-RIP 36 and cause the CPU 31a to execute the program.

  The CTP 37 forms a PS plate (Pre-Sensitized Plate) in which a photosensitive agent is applied to aluminum based on the bitmap data acquired from the CTP-RIP 36.

  The offset printing unit 38 transfers the PS plate ink to the blanket, and transfers the blanket ink to the paper to form an image on the paper. Specifically, ink is adhered to the PS plate attached to the plate cylinder, the PS plate ink is transferred to a resin or rubber blanket attached to the blanket cylinder, the blanket ink is transferred to a paper medium, and ultraviolet rays are transferred. The ink is fixed by irradiating.

[Digital printer]
The digital printer 40 is a printer provided with a RIP having a second feature different from the first feature. As shown in FIG. 6A, a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication I / F unit. 43, a display unit 44, an operation unit 45, a Digital-RIP 46, a digital printing unit 47, and the like.

  The control unit 41 includes a CPU 41a and memories such as a ROM 41b and a RAM 41c, and these are connected via a bus. The CPU 41a performs overall control of the digital printer 40 by reading a program from the ROM 41b and the storage unit 42, and developing and executing the program on the RAM 41c.

  The storage unit 42 is configured by an HDD, an SSD, or the like, a program for the CPU 41a to control each unit, document data acquired from the offset printer 30 (or the print instruction device 20), bitmap data rasterized by the Digital-RIP 46, Stores history information related to abnormal images (such as RIP information used for job processing and object information when an abnormality occurs), information related to processing functions of the device itself, and the like.

  The communication I / F unit 43 includes a NIC, a modem, and the like, establishes a connection with the print instruction apparatus 20 and the offset printer 30 connected via a network, and receives a document from the digital printer 40 (or the print instruction apparatus 20). Data (vector PDF data) is received, a raster PDF data acquisition request is transmitted to the digital printer 40, and raster PDF data is received from the digital printer 40.

  The display unit 44 is configured by an LCD or the like, and displays various screens related to printing. The operation unit 45 includes a hard key, a touch panel integrated with the display unit 44, and the like, and enables various operations related to printing.

  The Digital-RIP 46 rasterizes document data (vector PDF data) acquired from the digital printer 40 (or the print instruction apparatus 20) and converts it into bitmap data (raster PDF data). This Digital-RIP 46 is a dedicated RIP for the digital printer 40. By adding a tag bit, an optimal image can be created for each object, and it supports printer-specific functions such as screen processing and shading. It has the 2nd characteristic that it can do. As shown in FIG. 6B, the Digital-RIP 46 functions as a determination unit 46a, a comparison unit 46b, a use RIP determination unit 46c, and the like.

  The determination unit 46a determines whether to compare the results of the RIP process. Specifically, for example, when a predetermined character type / object type (for example, a transparent object) is detected from a job to be processed, or when the same object is detected as when an abnormal image has occurred in the past, etc. It is determined that the results of RIP processing are compared.

  When the determination unit 46a determines to compare the results of the RIP processing, the comparison unit 46b performs digital-processing on a predetermined specific target (an arbitrary page or object, an object of an arbitrary resolution) of the job to be processed. Results of RIP processing using RIP 46, requesting raster PDF data to CTP-RIP 36, RIP processing using Digital-RIP 46, and results of RIP processing using CTP-RIP 36 And compare. Specifically, an image that has been subjected to RIP processing using Digital-RIP 46 and an image that has been subjected to RIP processing using CTP-RIP 36 are compared for each pixel to determine whether there is a difference.

  The use RIP determination unit 46c determines the RIP to be used for job processing based on the result of comparison by the comparison unit 46b. Specifically, when the number of pixels having a difference (referred to as a pixel having a difference) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, Digital-RIP 46 is determined as a RIP used for job processing, or which RIP is determined. Or notify the user of whether or not In addition, when the number of pixels with difference exceeds the threshold, the RIP (usually CTP-RIP36) set as a default in advance is determined as the RIP used for job processing, or the result of RIP processing is different. Or notify. In addition, when the operation mode in which the user selects the RIP used for job processing is set, the pixel with difference is highlighted (the results of both RIP processes are displayed side by side, or the portion of the pixel with difference is framed. The user can select a RIP to be used for job processing by generating a preview image that is identifiable by surrounding it or the like, and displaying the preview image on the display unit 44. To.

  The Digital-RIP 46 (determination unit 46a, comparison unit 46b, use RIP determination unit 46c) may be configured as hardware, or the control unit 41 may be configured as Digital-RIP 46 (determination unit 46a, comparison unit 46b, use The image processing program may be configured to function as the RIP determination unit 46c), and the CPU 41a may be caused to execute the image processing program.

  The printing unit 47 includes elements necessary for image formation using an image forming process such as an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method, that is, a charging device, a photosensitive drum, an exposure device, a transfer roller, a transfer belt, and a fixing device. Etc. Specifically, the photosensitive drum charged by the charging device is irradiated with light corresponding to the print data from the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image, and the charged toner is attached and developed by the developing device. The toner image is transferred to a paper medium via a primary transfer roller and a secondary transfer belt, and is fixed by a fixing device.

  As described above, the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of types of RIPs having different characteristics such as the CTP-RIP 36 that is a general-purpose RIP that does not depend on the printer and the Digital-RIP 46 that is a dedicated RIP specialized for the printer. It has. In such a printing system 10, processing using one RIP is suitable for a specific input, and processing using the other RIP is suitable for another specific input. By using these RIPs appropriately according to the input, the optimum print output can be obtained.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, an optimum RIP can be determined from a plurality of types of RIPs having different characteristics. For example, if the structure of the object is simple, compare the results of RIP processing for any page, object, resolution, etc., and if the number of pixels with difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, The RIP set as RIP is determined as the RIP to be used, or the preview image highlighting the differential pixels is displayed so that the user can determine which RIP to use.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the printing system 10 will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 shows the main part of the printing system 10 of FIG. First, the CTP-RIP 36 of the offset printer 30 receives vector PDF data that is a job for the digital printer 40 from the document input unit 26 of the print instruction apparatus 20 (see (1)). In this case, the CTP-RIP 36 inputs the vector PDF data into the Digital-RIP 46 of the digital printer 40 without performing RIP processing on the vector PDF data (see (2)).

  The Digital-RIP 46 starts RIP processing of the vector PDF data, and whether or not the comparison execution timing conditions set in advance during the RIP processing are met (for example, a predetermined character type / object type (for example, a page in the RIP) , Transparent object), or the same object as when an abnormal image occurred in the past is included. When the comparison execution timing condition is met, a request for acquisition of raster PDF data of the page or object is made to the CTP-RIP 36 (see (3)). If the same object as that in the past when an abnormal image occurred is included, the RIP determined as the RIP to be used at that time may be used as it is without comparing the results of the RIP processing.

  When the CTP-RIP 36 receives a raster PDF data acquisition request from the Digital-RIP 46, the CTP-RIP 36 performs RIP processing of the page or object, and transmits the raster PDF data after the RIP processing to the Digital-RIP 46. When the Digital-RIP 46 receives the raster PDF data (see (4)), the CTP-RIP 36 compares the raster PDF data subjected to the RIP process with the raster PDF data subjected to the RIP process by the Digital-RIP 46. Then, the comparison result is compared according to the state of the following use RIP determination mode (use RIP manual determination mode or use RIP automatic determination mode) to finally determine the RIP to be used.

[Use RIP manual determination mode]
It is determined whether there is a difference for each pixel of the compared raster PDF data. If the number of pixels with difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, an alert is issued to the user and the function of Digital-RIP 46 is used. Then, the preview image in which the pixel with difference is highlighted is displayed. The user receives an alert, confirms the result of each RIP process in the preview image, and determines the RIP to be used.

[Use RIP automatic determination mode]
Similarly, it is determined whether there is a difference with respect to each pixel of the compared raster PDF data. If the number of pixels with difference is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the Digital-RIP 46 is automatically selected. On the other hand, when the number of pixels with difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, a preset RIP is automatically selected. Basically, a highly reliable CTP-RIP 36 is selected as a default.

  When the comparison of the raster PDF data is completed, the RIP information used for job processing and the object information at the time of abnormal image occurrence are registered in the storage unit 42 as abnormal image history information, and the RIP processing is performed with the determined RIP. The implemented bitmap data is transferred to the digital printing unit 47 to complete the job.

In FIG. 7, the CTP-RIP 36 of the offset printer 30 has received vector PDF data, which is a job for the digital printer 40, from the document input unit 26 of the print instruction apparatus 20, but in the case of the printing system 10 having the configuration shown in FIG. The digital printer 40 receives the vector PDF data. The operation of the printing system 10 in that case will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the Digital-RIP 46 of the digital printer 40 receives vector PDF data, which is a job for the own apparatus, from the document input unit 26 of the print instruction apparatus 20 (see (1)). The Digital-RIP 46 starts RIP processing of the vector PDF data, and determines whether or not a preset comparison execution timing condition is met during the RIP processing. When the comparison execution timing condition is met, a request for acquisition of raster PDF data of the page or object is made to the CTP-RIP 36 (see (2)).

  Here, since the offset printer 30 has not acquired vector PDF data, when the CTP-RIP 36 receives a raster PDF data acquisition request from the Digital-RIP 46, the CTP-RIP 36 receives vector PDF data from the document input unit 26 of the print instruction apparatus 20. Receive (see (3)). Then, RIP processing of the page or object is performed, and the raster PDF data after the RIP processing is transmitted to the Digital-RIP 46. When the Digital-RIP 46 receives the raster PDF data (see (4)), the CTP-RIP 36 compares the raster PDF data subjected to the RIP process with the raster PDF data subjected to the RIP process by the Digital-RIP 46. In the same manner as described above, the comparison result is compared according to the state of the use RIP determination mode (use RIP manual determination mode or use RIP automatic determination mode), and the RIP to be used is finally determined.

  When the comparison of the raster PDF data is completed, the RIP information used for job processing and the object information at the time of abnormal image occurrence are registered in the storage unit 42 as abnormal image history information, and the RIP processing is performed with the determined RIP. The implemented bitmap data is transferred to the digital printing unit 47 to complete the job.

  In this configuration, the document input unit 26 of the print instruction apparatus 20 needs to transmit the vector PDF data to the digital printer 40 and then to the offset printer 30 again. Therefore, it can be said that it is more efficient that the CTP-RIP 36 of the offset printer 30 receives the vector PDF data and transmits it to the Digital-RIP 46 of the digital printer 40 as shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the digital printer 40 will be described. The CPU 41a of the digital printer 40 executes each process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 by reading the image processing program from the ROM 41b, developing it in the RAM 41c, and executing it. The following flow is based on the configuration of the printing system 10 in FIG.

  First, when the CTP-RIP 36 of the offset printer 30 receives a job for the digital printer 40 from the document input unit 26 of the print instruction apparatus 20, the CTP-RIP 36 transmits vector PDF data to the Digital-RIP 46 of the digital printer 40. When the Digital-RIP 46 of the digital printer 40 receives vector PDF data from the CTP-RIP 36 (S101), the Digital-RIP 46 performs RIP processing, and the Digital-RIP 46 (determination unit 46a) meets the comparison execution timing condition. It is determined whether or not to perform (S102). Specifically, the comparison execution timing when a predetermined character type / object type (for example, a transparent object) is included in a predetermined page in the job, or when the same object or the like as in the past occurrence of an abnormal image is included. Judge that the condition is met.

  When it is determined that the comparison execution timing condition is met, the Digital-RIP 46 (comparison unit 46b) requests the raster PDF data of the page or object that matches the comparison execution timing condition to the CTP-RIP 36 (S103). . Then, the Digital-RIP 46 (comparison unit 46b) receives the raster PDF data from the CTP-RIP 36, compares the result of performing the RIP process with the Digital-RIP 46, and the result of performing the RIP process with the CTP-RIP 36, As described above, the Digital-RIP 46 (use RIP determination unit 46c) performs comparison according to the state of the use RIP determination mode (use RIP manual determination mode or use RIP automatic determination mode) and determines an appropriate RIP ( S104). At that time, if necessary, notify the user that the result of the RIP process is different, or display a preview image with highlighted differential pixels so that the user can determine the RIP to be used for job processing. .

  Then, the processing of S102 to S104 is repeatedly performed until the job is completed (S105). When the job is completed, the RIP information used in the job and the object information at the time of occurrence of the abnormality are stored as abnormal image history information in the storage unit 42. (S106).

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a predetermined comparison execution timing condition is satisfied, the result of the RIP processing of the Digital-RIP 46 is compared with the result of the RIP processing of the CTP-RIP 36, and the job is determined based on the comparison result. Since it is possible to determine the RIP to be used for this process, the user can select an appropriate RIP without taking a complicated procedure. Further, since it is possible to select an appropriate RIP without actually performing printing, it is possible to contribute to the suppression of printing accidents and the reduction of printing costs. Furthermore, since the result of the RIP process is compared with a page or object that matches a predetermined comparison execution timing condition, it is possible to minimize a decrease in performance.

  In addition, when the difference between the results of both RIP processes is small (the number of pixels with a difference is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value), since the RIP using the Digital-RIP 46 is determined, the load on the CTP-RIP 36 is reduced, and CTP- RIP 36 and Digital-RIP 46 can be processed in parallel, and the productivity of the entire hybrid workflow system can be improved. Further, when output is performed by the digital printer 40, the original performance of the digital printer can be exhibited by preferentially using the Digital-RIP 46.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configuration and control of the printing system 10 can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the RIP processing result is compared on the Digital-RIP 46 side of the digital printer 40, but the RIP processing result may be compared on the CTP-RIP 36 side of the offset printer 30. It may be performed by a control unit, other functional units, a RIP controller, another device (for example, a Web server) connected to a communication network, or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CTP-RIP 36 of the offset printer 30 and the Digital-RIP 46 of the digital printer 40 are exemplified as the plurality of types of RIP. However, a plurality of RIPs having different characteristics (advantages) may be used. For example, when the printing system 10 includes a plurality of offset printers 30, the results of RIP processing of the first CTP-RIP of one offset printer 30 and the second CTP-RIP of the other offset printer 30 are compared. The control of the present invention can be similarly applied to cases.

  The present invention relates to a system including a plurality of RIPs having different characteristics, a printer that controls RIP processing, an image processing program that operates on the printer, a recording medium that records the image processing program, and an image in a system including a plurality of RIPs It can be used for the processing method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing system 20 Print instruction | indication apparatus 21 Control part 22 Storage part 23 Communication I / F part 24 Display part 25 Operation part 26 Manuscript input part 30 Offset printer 31 Control part 32 Storage part 33 Communication I / F part 34 Display part 35 Operation part 36 CTP-RIP
37 CTP
38 Offset printing section 40 Digital printer 41 Control section 42 Storage section 43 Communication I / F section 44 Display section 45 Operation section 46 Digital-RIP
46a determination unit 46b comparison unit 46c use RIP determination unit 47 digital printing unit 50 RIP controller

Claims (25)

A printer having a predetermined RIP in a printing system having a plurality of RIPs having different characteristics,
A determination unit that determines whether or not to compare RIP processing results of the plurality of RIPs;
When the determination unit determines to compare the results of the RIP processing, the RIP processing is performed on the specific target in the job for the own apparatus using the predetermined RIP, and the other is performed on the specific target. A comparison unit that obtains the result of the RIP process performed by the RIP of the other RIP and compares the result of the RIP process of the predetermined RIP with the result of the RIP process of the other RIP;
A use RIP determination unit that makes it possible to determine a RIP used for processing the job based on a comparison result of the comparison unit;
A printer characterized by that. The determination unit determines to compare the result of the RIP process when a predetermined character type or object type is included in the job;
The printer according to claim 1. The printer includes a storage unit that stores a result of RIP processing as history information;
The determination unit refers to the history information to determine whether the same object is included in the job when the result of the RIP process is an abnormal image, and the object is included in the job. If the result of RIP processing is compared,
The printer according to claim 1. The comparison unit determines whether there is a difference between each pixel of an image that has undergone RIP processing using the predetermined RIP and an image that has undergone RIP processing using the other RIP.
When the number of pixels with the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the use RIP determination unit determines the predetermined RIP as a RIP used for processing the job, and the number of pixels with the difference When the threshold value is exceeded, the RIP set by default in advance is determined as the RIP used for processing the job.
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The use RIP determination unit notifies the user that the result of the RIP process is different when the number of pixels with the difference exceeds the threshold.
The printer according to claim 4. When the number of pixels with the difference exceeds the threshold, the use RIP determination unit displays a preview image highlighting the pixel with the difference on the display unit, and selects a RIP to be used for processing the job to enable,
The printer according to claim 4. A first printer having a first RIP having a first characteristic and a second printer having a second RIP having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic are connected by a communication network. In the printing system
The first printer is
A determination unit that determines whether to compare the results of RIP processing of the first RIP and the second RIP;
When the determination unit determines to compare the results of the RIP processing, the RIP processing is performed on the specific target in the job for the first printer using the first RIP, and the specific target A comparison unit that obtains the result of the RIP process performed by the second RIP and compares the result of the RIP process of the first RIP with the result of the RIP process of the second RIP;
A use RIP determination unit that makes it possible to determine a RIP used for processing the job based on a comparison result of the comparison unit;
A printing system characterized by that. The determination unit determines to compare the result of the RIP process when a predetermined character type or object type is included in the job;
The printing system according to claim 7. The first printer includes a storage unit that stores a result of RIP processing as history information;
The determination unit refers to the history information to determine whether the same object is included in the job when the result of the RIP process is an abnormal image, and the object is included in the job. If the result of RIP processing is compared,
The printing system according to claim 7. The comparison unit determines whether there is a difference between the pixels of the image that has undergone RIP processing using the first RIP and the image that has undergone RIP processing using the second RIP,
The use RIP determination unit determines the first RIP as the RIP used for processing the job when the number of pixels having the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and the number of pixels having the difference is If the threshold is exceeded, the RIP set as a default in advance is determined as the RIP used for processing the job.
The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the printing system is a printing system. The use RIP determination unit notifies the user that the result of the RIP process is different when the number of pixels with the difference exceeds the threshold.
The printing system according to claim 10. When the number of pixels with the difference exceeds the threshold, the use RIP determination unit displays a preview image highlighting the pixel with the difference on the display unit, and selects a RIP to be used for processing the job to enable,
The printing system according to claim 10. An image processing program that operates on a printer having a predetermined RIP among a plurality of RIPs having different characteristics,
In the printer,
A determination process for determining whether to compare the results of the RIP processes of the plurality of RIPs;
When comparing the results of the RIP processing, the RIP processing is performed on the specific target in the job for the own apparatus using the predetermined RIP, and the RIP performed by another RIP on the specific target A comparison process for obtaining a result of the process and comparing the result of the RIP process of the predetermined RIP and the result of the RIP process of the other RIP;
Based on a comparison result of the comparison process, a use RIP determination process that enables determination of a RIP to be used for processing the job is executed.
An image processing program characterized by that. In the determination process, when a predetermined character type or object type is included in the job, it is determined that the result of the RIP process is compared.
The image processing program according to claim 13. The printer stores the result of RIP processing as history information,
In the determination process, the history information is referenced to determine whether the job includes the same object as when the RIP processing result is an abnormal image, and the job includes the object. If the result of RIP processing is compared,
The image processing program according to claim 13. In the comparison process, it is determined whether there is a difference between the pixels of the image that has been subjected to the RIP process using the predetermined RIP and the image that has been subjected to the RIP process using the other RIP.
In the use RIP determination process, when the number of pixels with the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the predetermined RIP is determined as a RIP to be used for processing the job, and the number of pixels with the difference is When the threshold value is exceeded, the RIP set by default in advance is determined as the RIP used for processing the job.
An image processing program according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein In the use RIP determination process, when the number of pixels having the difference exceeds the threshold, the user is notified that the result of the RIP process is different.
The image processing program according to claim 16. In the use RIP determination process, when the number of pixels with the difference exceeds the threshold, a preview image highlighting the pixel with the difference is displayed on the display unit, and the RIP used for the job processing is selected. to enable,
The image processing program according to claim 16. A first printer having a first RIP having a first characteristic and a second printer having a second RIP having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic are connected by a communication network. An image processing method in a printing system,
The first printer is
A determination process for determining whether to compare the results of the RIP processes of the first RIP and the second RIP;
When comparing the results of the RIP processing, the RIP processing is performed on the specific target in the job for the first printer using the first RIP, and the second target is applied to the specific target. A comparison process for obtaining a result of the RIP process performed by the RIP of the first RIP and comparing a result of the RIP process of the first RIP with a result of the RIP process of the second RIP;
A use RIP determination process that enables determination of a RIP to be used for processing the job based on a comparison result of the comparison process;
An image processing method. The first printer further includes:
When the second RIP is determined as the RIP to be used for the job processing in the use RIP determination processing, the bit that has performed the RIP processing of the job from the second printer using the second RIP Obtain map data and execute print processing using the bitmap data.
The image processing method according to claim 19. In the determination process, when a predetermined character type or object type is included in the job, it is determined that the result of the RIP process is compared.
The image processing method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein The first printer stores the result of RIP processing as history information;
In the determination process, the history information is referenced to determine whether the job includes the same object as when the RIP processing result is an abnormal image, and the job includes the object. If the result of RIP processing is compared,
The image processing method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein In the comparison process, it is determined whether there is a difference between the pixels of the image that has been RIP-processed using the first RIP and the image that has been RIP-processed using the second RIP;
In the use RIP determination process, when the number of pixels having the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the first RIP is determined as a RIP used for processing the job, and the number of pixels having the difference is If the threshold is exceeded, the RIP set as a default in advance is determined as the RIP used for processing the job.
The image processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, In the use RIP determination process, when the number of pixels having the difference exceeds the threshold, the user is notified that the result of the RIP process is different.
24. The image processing method according to claim 23. In the use RIP determination process, when the number of pixels with the difference exceeds the threshold, a preview image highlighting the pixel with the difference is displayed on the display unit, and the RIP used for the job processing is selected. to enable,
24. The image processing method according to claim 23.

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