JP6350091B2 - Image processing apparatus, RIP processing control program, and RIP processing control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing device, an RIP processing control program, and an RIP processing control method, and more particularly, to an image processing device that performs RIP (Raster Image Processing) processing, an RIP processing control program that controls RIP processing in the image processing device, and RIP The present invention relates to a processing control method.

  When printing based on a job, a printer controller (image processing apparatus) that controls the printer analyzes job settings, performs color conversion using a color conversion profile, etc., and then performs rendering to obtain raster data. The raster data is generated (this series of processing is called RIP processing), and the generated raster data is transferred to the print engine (image forming apparatus) and printed on paper. On the other hand, in the printing process, in order to confirm whether the color designated in the job is accurately reproduced, the image processing apparatus performs color verification at a predetermined timing, and reflects the result of color verification to correct the color (for example, , Update color conversion profile, etc.). The job processing and color verification can be performed independently, and the result of color verification may affect the job processing. Control such as interruption is necessary.

  As a technique related to such job control, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151820 discloses a receiving unit that receives a job in a printing apparatus with a special paper discharge device such as a sorter that performs printing in units of jobs, and the receiving unit. Development means for developing the received job into job information and image information, processing means for printing the image information developed by the development means, and analyzing the job information developed by the development means, Analyzing means for acquiring a designated paper discharge device destination, storage means for storing the job information and the image information developed by the developing means, and whether or not paper is accumulated in the special paper discharge device or a paper jam Detecting means for detecting whether or not the paper is unusable, and the detection when the paper discharge device destination acquired by the analysis means is the special paper discharge device. Determining means for determining whether or not the job can be processed by the special paper discharge device based on the detection result of the stage, and when the determination means determines that the job cannot be processed by the special paper discharge device; A control for developing a job using a paper device to an image by the developing means and storing it in the storage means, and for a job not using the special paper discharge device to print the image by the processing means as it is after the image is developed by the developing means. A printing apparatus comprising the means.

JP 2000-026017 A

  Conventionally, an administrator often performs color verification manually. In that case, the administrator notifies other users that the color verification is being performed. It is possible to prevent the job from being submitted, and it is possible to prevent redoing of the RIP process. However, when the image processing apparatus automatically performs color verification, color verification may be performed during job processing. As a result of color verification, if it is determined that color correction is necessary, the raster data generated before color correction cannot guarantee the color, so the RIP process must be performed again. As a result, the job is processed efficiently. It becomes impossible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object thereof is an image processing apparatus, a RIP processing control program, and a RIP that can efficiently process a job by preventing re-execution of RIP processing. It is to provide a processing control method.

  One aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that performs RIP processing on a received job, and includes: a job management unit that manages the job; and a RIP processing unit that performs the RIP processing. A first processing unit that analyzes the setting of the job, and a second processing unit that performs color conversion and rendering according to the setting of the job to generate raster data, and the job management unit includes: After the job is analyzed by the first processing unit and before color conversion and rendering is performed by the second processing unit, the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing based on the job setting. If it is determined that the job may involve re-execution of the RIP process, the RIP process of the job is interrupted, and the job is accompanied by the re-execution of the RIP process. After it is determined that there is no potential, characterized in that to resume the RIP processing of the job has been interrupted.

  One aspect of the present invention is a RIP processing control program that operates on a device that performs RIP processing on a received job, the RIP processing including a first RIP processing for analyzing the job settings, and the job A second RIP process for generating raster data by performing color conversion and rendering in accordance with the settings of the first RIP process and the job based on the job settings. The second RIP process is executed in this order in order to determine whether there is a possibility that the job will be re-executed, and in the determination process, it is determined that the job may be accompanied by the re-execution of the RIP process. In such a case, the RIP process of the job is interrupted, and after it is determined that the job is not likely to be re-executed, the RIP process of the interrupted job is resumed. It is characterized in.

  One aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling RIP processing in a system including an image processing apparatus that performs RIP processing on a received job, wherein the RIP processing includes first RIP processing for analyzing the setting of the job, and A second RIP process for generating raster data by performing color conversion and rendering according to the job settings, and the job is RIP processed based on the first RIP process and the job settings. In this order, the determination process for determining whether there is a possibility of re-execution of the process and the second RIP process are performed, and in the determination process, the job may be re-executed of the RIP process. If it is determined that the RIP process of the job is interrupted, and it is determined that the job is not likely to be re-executed, the RIP process of the interrupted job is performed. Characterized in that it opens.

  According to the image processing apparatus, the RIP processing control program, and the RIP processing control method of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently process a job by preventing re-execution of the RIP processing.

  The reason is that an image processing apparatus that performs RIP processing divides the RIP processing into job setting analysis processing and color conversion / rendering processing, performs job setting analysis processing, and then performs color conversion / rendering processing. Before performing the process, is there a possibility that the job may involve re-execution of the RIP process (for example, it is necessary to perform color conversion / rendering process using a color conversion profile updated to reflect the result of color verification? If it is determined that there is a possibility that the RIP process may be re-executed, the RIP process of the job is interrupted, and after determining that there is no possibility that the RIP process is re-executed (for example, This is because, after the color conversion profile is updated, control for restarting the RIP processing of the interrupted job from the color conversion / rendering processing is performed.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other structure of the image processing system which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other structure of the image processing system which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other structure of the image processing system which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a color verification / color correction apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the job processed with the image processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention.

  As shown in the background art, RIP processing is performed when printing is performed based on a job. In addition to the job processing, color verification for ensuring color reproducibility is performed, and when the color verification result is NG, color correction such as updating of a color conversion profile is performed. Here, since RIP processing is conventionally performed as a series of processes, when color verification is performed and color correction is performed during job processing, it is necessary to perform a series of RIP processes again and efficiently. There was a problem that the job could not be processed.

  Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the RIP processing is composed of job setting analysis processing and color conversion / rendering processing, and the job being executed may involve re-execution of the RIP processing. (For example, whether it is necessary to perform color conversion / rendering processing using a color conversion profile that is updated to reflect the result of color verification) is not known unless job setting analysis processing is performed. Paying attention to that, after performing job setting analysis processing, before performing color conversion / rendering processing, it is determined whether there is a possibility that the job being performed may be re-executed with RIP processing, The RIP process is controlled to be interrupted or continued according to the determination result.

  Specifically, for example, when color verification is performed during job processing, the job setting analysis processing is performed to determine whether the paper type used in the job is the paper type subject to color verification. If the paper type used in the job is the color verification target paper type, the job is interrupted (for example, moved from the job queue to the temporary save queue) without performing color conversion / rendering processing, and the job queue Run another job. After the color verification is completed (after the color verification result is determined to be OK, or after the color verification result is determined to be NG and the color conversion profile is updated, etc.). The RIP processing of the interrupted job (temporary save queue job) is restarted from the color conversion / rendering processing. As a result, the RIP process is not performed again on the job that has undergone the color conversion / rendering process, so that the job can be processed efficiently by preventing the RIP process from being re-executed.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, the image processing apparatus, the RIP processing control program, and the RIP processing control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. explain. 1 to 4 are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of the image processing system of this embodiment, and FIGS. 5 to 7 show the configurations of a color verification / color correction device, an image processing device, and an image forming device, respectively. It is a block diagram. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 9 illustrates a job.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system of this embodiment includes a color verification / color correction device 10, an image processing device (printer controller) 20, an image forming device (print engine) 30, and the like. The image processing apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 30 are individually connected by IEEE1394, Parallel, or the like, and the image processing apparatus 20 and the color verification / color correction apparatus 10 can perform data communication via a communication network such as an intranet. It is connected.

  Although FIG. 1 shows a case where the color verification / color correction apparatus 10, the image processing apparatus 20, and the image forming apparatus 30 are configured as separate apparatuses, any one of the apparatuses is included in another apparatus. You may make it do. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 20 may be included in the image forming apparatus 30 (the RIP process is performed in the image forming apparatus 30). Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the image processing device 20 may include the color verification / color correction device 10, or as shown in FIG. 4, the color verification / color correction may be included in the image forming device 30. The apparatus 10 may be included. Hereinafter, each device will be described in detail on the premise of the system configuration of FIG.

[Color verification and color correction device]
The color verification / color correction apparatus 10 is a colorimeter or profiler, and includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a color measurement unit 13, and the like as shown in FIG.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11b and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11c. The ROM 11b stores a control program and data necessary for control. The RAM 11c stores data necessary for control by the CPU 11a and data that needs to be temporarily stored during the control operation. The CPU 11a controls the overall operation of the color verification / color correction apparatus 10 in cooperation with the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the control unit 11 also functions as a color determination unit 14, a color correction unit 15, and the like. The color determination unit 14 determines whether the measured color is within the reference range (color gamut) of a predetermined certification authority based on the color measurement data output from the color measurement unit 13. When the determination result of the color determination unit 14 is NG (when the measured color does not fall within the reference range (color gamut)), the color correction unit 15 enters the reference range (color gamut) of a predetermined certification authority. Then, color correction such as updating the color conversion profile for the paper type to be color verified is performed. The color conversion profile is association information used to convert the color used for each page of the job into a color suitable for the image forming apparatus 30.

  The communication unit 12 is a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, or the like, and receives a color verification start instruction from the image processing apparatus 20, or notifies the image processing apparatus 20 of a color verification start notification or a color verification target paper. Sends seed information, updated color conversion profile, etc. The color measurement unit 13 measures the color of an object such as a character or a figure (for example, each color patch constituting a color chart) printed on a sheet of a predetermined paper type by the image forming apparatus 30, and the color measurement data is obtained. Output to the color determination unit 14.

[Image processing device]
The image processing apparatus 20 is an apparatus that performs RIP processing on a job, and includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, an operation unit 25, and the like as shown in FIG. Is done.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU 21a and a memory such as a ROM 21b and a RAM 21c. The ROM 21b stores a control program and data necessary for control. The RAM 21c stores data necessary for control by the CPU 21a and data that needs to be temporarily stored during the control operation. The CPU 21a controls the operation of the entire image processing apparatus 20 in cooperation with the ROM 21b and the RAM 21c, and issues a print instruction to the image processing apparatus 30 and a color verification instruction to the color verification / color correction apparatus 10.

  The control unit 21 functions as a job management unit 26, a RIP processing unit 27, and the like as shown in FIG.

  The job management unit 26 stores and manages jobs received via the network and the like. The job management unit 26 interrupts RIP processing and temporarily saves jobs by storing a job queue 26a that stores jobs waiting for normal RIP processing. And a temporary save queue 26b. When the job management unit 26 executes a job stored in the job queue 26a, the job management unit 26a causes the job setting analysis unit 27a (to be described later) to perform job setting analysis processing. If it is determined that there is a possibility that the process will be re-executed, and if it is determined that there is a possibility that the RIP process will be re-executed, the RIP process of the job is interrupted (the color conversion / rendering unit 27b described later is After determining that there is no possibility of re-implementing the RIP process without performing the color conversion / rendering process), the RIP process of the interrupted job is restarted (the color conversion / rendering unit 27b performs the color conversion / rendering process). To implement).

  Specifically, the job management unit 26 determines, for example, whether the paper type used in the job is a paper type that is a target of color verification of the color verification / color correction apparatus 10 based on the job setting analysis result. When the paper type used in the job is the paper type that is the target of color verification, it is determined that the job may involve re-implementation of the RIP process. Then, the RIP process of the job is interrupted and saved in the temporary save queue 26b, and the RIP process unit 27 performs the RIP process (job setting analysis process) of the next job stored in the job queue 26a. After the verification is completed (after the color verification result is determined to be OK, or after the color verification result is determined to be NG and color correction such as updating the color conversion profile is performed), the temporary save queue Control for resuming the RIP processing of the job saved in 26b from the color conversion / rendering processing is performed.

  The case where the job may be accompanied by re-execution of the RIP process includes not only the case where the re-execution of the RIP process is confirmed, but also the case where the re-execution of the RIP process is possible. That is, even if the paper type used in the job is the paper type that is the target of color verification, if the color verification result is OK and color correction is not performed, it is not necessary to re-execute the RIP process. However, if it is determined that the color verification result is NG and the color conversion profile is updated, it is necessary to re-execute the RIP process. Therefore, it is determined that the RIP process may be re-executed. RIP processing of the job is interrupted. Similarly, in a state where the color verification / color correction apparatus 10 performs color correction and updates the color conversion profile, it is not determined whether the RIP process needs to be performed again, but the paper type used in the job is In the case of a paper type that is subject to color verification, it is necessary to re-execute the RIP process. Therefore, it is determined that there is a possibility that the RIP process is re-executed, and the RIP process of the job can be interrupted. Similarly, in the state where the color verification / color correction apparatus 10 is performing color verification, it is not determined whether or not the RIP process needs to be re-executed, but the paper type used in the job is the target of color verification. If the result of color verification is determined to be NG and the color conversion profile of the paper type is updated, it is necessary to re-execute the RIP process. Therefore, it is possible to interrupt the RIP processing of the job.

  The RIP processing unit 27 is a part that performs RIP processing on a job managed by the job management unit 26, and includes a job setting analysis unit 27a and a color conversion / rendering unit 27b. The job setting analysis unit 27a divides the job into a PDL (Page Description Language) command and data of each page, interprets the PDL command, generates intermediate data, and sets the paper type used in the job to the job The management unit 26 is notified. The color conversion / rendering unit 27b performs color conversion on the intermediate data using a color conversion profile, performs rendering, and generates raster data (bitmap data).

  The operation of the control unit 21 will be outlined. When a job is received via a network or the like, the job management unit 26 newly registers the received job in the job queue 26a. When the RIP processing unit 27 is in an idle state (when the RIP processing is not performed), the job management unit 26 causes the RIP processing unit 27 to perform the RIP processing of the first job in the job queue. When the job management unit 26 determines that there is a possibility that the job in the RIP process needs re-RIP (for example, the paper type used in the job is the paper type to be color verified) The current RIP process is temporarily interrupted, and the job is newly registered in the temporary save queue 26b. Thereafter, when the color verification is completed and the job in the temporary save queue 26b is ready for RIP, the job is taken out of the temporary save queue 26b, and the RIP processing unit 27 restarts the RIP process from the color conversion / rendering process.

  The job management unit 26 and the RIP processing unit 27 (job setting analysis unit 27a and color conversion / rendering unit 27b) may be configured as hardware, or the control unit 21 may be configured as the job management unit 26 and the RIP processing unit 27. It may be configured as a RIP processing control program that functions as the (job setting analysis unit 27a and color conversion / rendering unit 27b), and the CPU 21a may execute the RIP processing control program. When the image processing apparatus 20 includes the color verification / color correction apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 21 is replaced with a job management unit 26 and an RIP processing unit 27 (a job setting analysis unit 27a and a color conversion / rendering unit). 27b) may be configured as a RIP processing control program that functions as the color determination unit 14 and the color correction unit 15, and the CPU 21a may execute the RIP processing control program.

  The storage unit 22 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and stores job data, raster data after RIP processing, a color conversion profile, and the like. The communication unit 23 includes a NIC, a modem, and the like, and performs data communication with the image forming apparatus 30 and the color verification / color correction apparatus 10. The display unit 24 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays a print instruction screen for the image forming apparatus 30, a color verification instruction screen for the color verification / color correction apparatus 10, and the like. The operation unit 25 is a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and enables various operations on the print instruction screen and the color verification instruction screen.

[Image forming apparatus]
The image forming apparatus 30 is a printing apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), and includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, a display operation unit 34, a print processing unit 35, and the like as shown in FIG. Is done.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU 31a and a memory such as a ROM 31b and a RAM 31c. The ROM 31b stores a control program, data necessary for control, and the like. The RAM 31c stores data necessary for control by the CPU 31a and data that needs to be temporarily stored during the control operation. The CPU 31a controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 30 in cooperation with the ROM 31b and the RAM 31c.

  The storage unit 32 is an HDD or the like, and stores raster data received from the image processing apparatus 20. The communication unit 33 is a NIC or a modem and performs data communication with the image processing apparatus 20. The display operation unit 34 is a touch panel in which an operation unit such as a touch sensor is arranged on a display unit such as an LCD, and enables various displays and operations related to printing.

  The print processing unit 35 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. It consists of devices. 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.

  1 to 7 are examples of the image processing system of the present embodiment, and the configuration and function of each device can be changed as appropriate.

  Next, an example of the operation of the control unit 21 of the image processing apparatus 20 configured as described above will be described. The CPU 21a executes the process of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 by developing and executing the RIP process control program stored in the ROM 21b or the storage unit 22 on the RAM 21c. Hereinafter, job processing when color verification is started in the color verification / color correction apparatus 10 will be described.

  The control unit 21 acquires paper type information to be color verified from the color verification / color correction apparatus 10 and specifies the paper type (S101). Next, the job management unit 26 checks whether there is a RIP waiting job (whether there is a job stored in the job queue 26a) (S102). If there is no RIP waiting job, the process skips to S108, and if there is a RIP waiting job, the RIP processing unit 27 (job setting analysis unit 27a) analyzes the job setting, and selects the paper type to be used in the job. Specify (S103).

  The job management unit 26 determines whether or not the paper type specified by the job setting analysis unit 27a is the paper type currently undergoing color verification (S104). Since the color conversion / rendering process is wasted when the paper type used in the job currently being executed is under color verification (there is a possibility of re-implementing the RIP process), the job management unit 26 performs color conversion. The job setting analysis result is saved without causing the rendering unit 27b to perform color conversion and rendering, and the job is newly registered in the temporary save queue 26b (S105). On the other hand, if the paper type used in the job currently being executed is not being verified, there is no possibility of re-implementing the RIP process. Therefore, the job management unit 26 sends the color conversion and rendering unit 27b to the color conversion and rendering. Rendering is performed, and the RIP process is completed as usual (S106).

  Next, when the processing of one job is completed, the job management unit 26 determines whether the color verification / color correction is completed (the result of the color verification is determined to be OK, or the result of the color verification is determined to be NG). Whether color correction such as updating of the color conversion profile has been performed) is determined (S107). If the color verification / color correction is not completed, the process returns to S102 to check whether there is a RIP waiting job. If there is another RIP waiting job, the same processing is repeated for the other job. When the color verification / color correction is completed, the job management unit 26 sequentially resumes the jobs saved in the temporary save queue 26b, and causes the color conversion / rendering unit 27b to perform color conversion and rendering.

  FIG. 9 shows the state of the job queue 26a and the temporary save queue 26b.

  In state 1 of FIG. 9A, four jobs (JOB1 to JOB4) are registered in the job queue 26a, and the first JOB1 is being rasterized (color conversion / rendering).

  State 2 in FIG. 9B shows a state in which color verification is started for the paper type (plain paper) in the color verification / color correction apparatus 10, and after the color conversion / rendering processing of JOB1 is completed. JOB2 job setting analysis processing is completed, and it is found that the paper type is plain paper.

  In the state 3 of FIG. 9C, since the paper type used in JOB2 is the paper type being color verified, the RIP processing of JOB2 is temporarily interrupted and moved to the temporary save queue 26b, and the job queue 26a. Job 3 job setting analysis processing is started.

  The state 4 in FIG. 9D shows a state where the color verification of the color verification / color correction apparatus 10 is completed and the color conversion profile is updated. After the RIP processing of JOB3 is completed, the temporary save queue 26b. JOB2 saved in step S3 is returned to the job queue 26a, and rasterization (color conversion / rendering) is started.

  As described above, when a job is executed during color verification, job setting analysis processing is performed, and whether or not the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing (the paper type used in the job is color verification) If there is a possibility that re-execution of the RIP process may be involved, the job is interrupted, and after color verification is completed, the color conversion / rendering process is resumed. Even if the result of verification is NG, RIP processing is not wasted and job processing can be performed efficiently. In addition, since color conversion / rendering processing is executed using the updated color conversion profile, color reproducibility can be ensured.

  Next, an image processing apparatus, a RIP process control program, and a RIP process control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  In the first embodiment described above, the RIP process is controlled in order to avoid the necessity of re-execution of the RIP process depending on the result of the color verification. However, when the color conversion setting is manually edited, the RIP process is also performed. It may be necessary to re-execute. For example, replace special colors (special colors such as fluorescent colors and metallic colors) specified by the application with output color values that are defined separately, or convert any input color value to any output color value (alternative color) In some cases, color conversion settings are edited, such as editing a tone curve that defines the output density of an image or editing a profile that is used to determine an output color during color conversion. Since these color conversion settings are settings that are mainly applied during RIP processing, when the RIP processing and the editing operation of the color conversion settings are performed simultaneously, the latest color conversion settings are applied to perform the RIP processing. Need to be implemented.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, control of RIP processing when the color conversion setting of the color conversion setting is manually edited will be described. In the control of this embodiment, the color verification / color correction apparatus 10 is not necessary. Further, the configurations of the image processing apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 30 are the same as those in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the first embodiment, but the control unit 21 (job management unit 26) of the image processing apparatus 20 has a job queue 26a. When the color conversion setting editing operation is performed by the operation unit 25 when the job stored in the job is executed, the job setting analysis unit 27a performs job setting analysis processing, and the job is analyzed based on the analysis result. It is determined whether the color conversion setting to be used is being edited. If the color conversion setting is being edited, the RIP processing of the job is interrupted and saved in the temporary save queue 26b. Control for resuming the RIP processing of the job saved in 26b from the color conversion / rendering processing is performed.

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the control unit 21 of the image processing apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. The CPU 21a executes the processing of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 by developing and executing the RIP processing control program stored in the ROM 21b or the storage unit 22 on the RAM 21c.

  The control unit 21 monitors the operation unit 25 and, when editing of the color conversion setting is started, specifies the color conversion setting type to be edited (S201). Next, the job management unit 26 checks whether there is a RIP waiting job (whether there is a job stored in the job queue 26a) (S202). If there is no RIP waiting job, the process skips to S208. If there is a RIP waiting job, the RIP processing unit 27 (job setting analysis unit 27a) analyzes the job setting and uses the color conversion setting (for example, Whether or not a spot color is used is specified (S203).

  The job management unit 26 determines whether the color conversion setting specified by the job setting analysis unit 27a is the color conversion setting currently being edited (S204). When the currently executing job uses the color conversion setting being edited, the color conversion / rendering process is wasted (there is a possibility of re-implementing the RIP process). The rendering unit 27b does not perform color conversion and rendering, saves the job setting analysis result, and newly registers the job in the temporary save queue 26b (S205). On the other hand, if the job currently being executed does not use the color conversion setting being edited, there is no possibility that the RIP process will be re-executed. Therefore, the job management unit 26 sends color conversion and rendering to the color conversion / rendering unit 27b. Rendering is performed, and the RIP process is completed as usual (S206).

  Next, when the processing of one job is completed, the job management unit 26 determines whether editing of the color conversion setting is completed (S207). If the editing of the color conversion setting has not been completed, the process returns to S202 to check whether there is a job waiting for RIP. If there is another job waiting for RIP, the same processing is repeated for the other job. When the editing of the color conversion settings is completed, the job management unit 26 sequentially resumes the jobs saved in the temporary save queue 26b, and causes the color conversion / rendering unit 27b to perform color conversion and rendering.

  In this way, when a job is executed while editing the color conversion settings, the job setting analysis process is performed to determine whether the currently executing job uses the color conversion settings being edited. When color conversion settings are used, the job is interrupted and restarted from the color conversion / rendering process after editing of the color conversion settings is completed, so that the RIP processing is not wasted and the job processing is efficiently performed. It becomes possible to do. In addition, since the RIP is executed using the latest color conversion setting, color reproducibility can be ensured.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, The structure and control of each apparatus can be suitably changed unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in the first embodiment, in order to determine whether or not there is a possibility of re-implementing the RIP process, the paper type used in the job is compared with the paper type to be subjected to color verification. However, the comparison target is not limited to the paper type. In the second embodiment, addition of a special color, editing of a substitute color, editing of a tone curve, and editing of a profile are exemplified as color conversion settings. However, the items of color conversion settings are not limited to these.

  The present invention is applicable to an image processing apparatus that performs RIP processing, a RIP processing control program that operates in the image processing apparatus, a recording medium that records the RIP processing control program, and a RIP processing control method in the image processing apparatus.

10 Color Verification / Color Correction Device 11 Control Unit 11a CPU
11b ROM
11c RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Communication part 13 Colorimetry part 14 Color determination part 15 Color correction part 20 Image processing apparatus (printer controller)
21 control unit 21a CPU
21b ROM
21c RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 Memory | storage part 23 Communication part 24 Display part 25 Operation part 26 Job management part 26a Job queue 26b Temporary save queue 27 RIP processing part 27a Job setting analysis part 27b Color conversion / rendering part 30 Image forming apparatus (print engine)
31 control unit 31a CPU
31b ROM
31c RAM
32 storage unit 33 communication unit 34 display operation unit 35 print processing unit

Claims (18)

An image processing apparatus that performs RIP processing on a received job,
A job management unit for managing the job;
A RIP processing unit for performing the RIP processing,
The RIP processing unit
A first processing unit for analyzing the setting of the job;
A second processing unit that generates raster data by performing color conversion and rendering according to the setting of the job,
The job management unit performs RIP processing on the basis of the job setting after the first processing unit analyzes the job setting and before the second processing unit performs color conversion and rendering. If the job is likely to involve re-execution of RIP processing, the RIP processing of the job is interrupted and the job is re-executed by RIP processing. Resuming the RIP processing of the interrupted job after determining that there is no possibility of accompanying execution;
An image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus that performs RIP processing on a received job,
A job management unit for managing the job;
A RIP processing unit for performing the RIP processing,
The RIP processing unit
A first processing unit for analyzing the setting of the job;
A second processing unit that generates raster data by performing color conversion and rendering according to the setting of the job,
The job management unit performs RIP processing on the basis of the job setting after the first processing unit analyzes the job setting and before the second processing unit performs color conversion and rendering. If the job is likely to involve re-execution of RIP processing, the RIP processing of the job is interrupted and the job is re-executed by RIP processing. If it is determined that there is no possibility of execution, the RIP processing of the job is continued.
An image processing apparatus. If the job management unit determines that the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing, the job management unit saves the job and performs RIP processing of another job, and the job re-executes RIP processing. After determining that there is no possibility of accompanying the job, the second processing unit performs color conversion and rendering of the saved job,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus. The second processing unit refers to a color conversion profile during the color conversion,
The job management unit determines that the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing when color verification including color correction for updating the color conversion profile is performed.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus. In the image processing apparatus or a device connected to the image processing apparatus,
A colorimetric unit for measuring the color of an object printed on paper of a predetermined paper type;
A color determination unit that determines whether the colorimetric color is within a predetermined reference range;
A color correction unit that updates the color conversion profile for the predetermined paper type when the measured color is outside the reference range;
The job management unit determines that the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing when the color correction unit updates the color conversion profile.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4.   The job management unit identifies a paper type to be used in the job based on the setting of the job, and when the paper type to be used in the job is the predetermined paper type, the job re-executes RIP processing. It may be accompanied by,
  The image processing apparatus according to claim 5. A RIP processing control program that operates on a device that performs RIP processing on a received job,
The RIP process includes a first RIP process for analyzing the setting of the job, and a second RIP process for generating raster data by performing color conversion and rendering according to the setting of the job,
In the device,
The first RIP process;
A determination process for determining whether the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing based on the setting of the job;
The second RIP process is executed in this order,
In the determination process, when it is determined that the job may be accompanied by re-execution of RIP processing, the RIP processing of the job is interrupted, and it is determined that the job is not likely to be performed again. And restarting the RIP processing of the interrupted job,
An RIP processing control program characterized by the above . A RIP processing control program that operates on a device that performs RIP processing on a received job,
The RIP process includes a first RIP process for analyzing the setting of the job, and a second RIP process for generating raster data by performing color conversion and rendering according to the setting of the job,
In the device,
The first RIP process;
A determination process for determining whether the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing based on the setting of the job;
The second RIP process is executed in this order,
In the determination process, when it is determined that the job may be accompanied by re-execution of RIP processing, the RIP processing of the job is interrupted, and it is determined that the job is not likely to be performed again. If so, continue the RIP processing of the job,
An RIP processing control program characterized by the above . In the determination process, when it is determined that the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing, the job is saved and RIP processing of another job is performed, and the job re-executes RIP processing. After determining that there is no possibility of accompanying, executing the second RIP process;
The RIP processing control program according to claim 7 or 8, wherein In the second RIP process, a color conversion profile is referred to during the color conversion,
In the determination process, when color verification including color correction for updating the color conversion profile is performed, it is determined that the job may involve re-execution of the RIP process.
The RIP processing control program according to any one of claims 7 to 9 .   In addition to the device,
  A color determination process for determining whether a color obtained by measuring an object printed on a paper of a predetermined paper type is within a predetermined reference range;
  A color correction process for updating the color conversion profile for the predetermined paper type when the measured color is outside the reference range;
  In the determination process, when the color conversion profile is updated in the color correction process, it is determined that the job may involve re-execution of the RIP process.
  The RIP processing control program according to claim 10. In the determination process, the paper type used in the job is specified based on the setting of the job, and when the paper type used in the job is the predetermined paper type, the job re-executes the RIP process. Judge that there is a possibility,
The RIP processing control program according to claim 11, wherein: A RIP processing control method in a system including an image processing apparatus that performs RIP processing on a received job,
The RIP process includes a first RIP process for analyzing the setting of the job, and a second RIP process for generating raster data by performing color conversion and rendering according to the setting of the job,
The first RIP process;
Determination processing for determining whether or not the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing based on the setting of the job;
Performing the second RIP process in this order;
In the determination process, when it is determined that the job may be accompanied by re-execution of RIP processing, the RIP processing of the job is interrupted, and it is determined that the job is not likely to be performed again. And restarting the RIP processing of the interrupted job,
An RIP processing control method characterized by the above . A RIP processing control method in a system including an image processing apparatus that performs RIP processing on a received job,
The RIP process includes a first RIP process for analyzing the setting of the job, and a second RIP process for generating raster data by performing color conversion and rendering according to the setting of the job,
The first RIP process;
Determination processing for determining whether or not the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing based on the setting of the job;
Performing the second RIP process in this order;
In the determination process, when it is determined that the job may be accompanied by re-execution of RIP processing, the RIP processing of the job is interrupted, and it is determined that the job is not likely to be performed again. If so, continue the RIP processing of the job,
An RIP processing control method characterized by the above . In the determination process, when it is determined that the job may involve re-execution of RIP processing, the job is saved and RIP processing of another job is performed, and the job re-executes RIP processing. After determining that there is no possibility of accompanying, executing the second RIP process;
The RIP process control method according to claim 13 or 14,   In the second RIP process, a color conversion profile is referred to during the color conversion,
  In the determination process, when color verification including color correction for updating the color conversion profile is performed, it is determined that the job may involve re-execution of the RIP process.
  The RIP process control method according to claim 13, wherein the RIP process control method is performed.   In the system,
  A color determination process for determining whether or not a color obtained by measuring an object printed on a sheet of a predetermined paper type is within a predetermined reference range;
  A color correction process for updating the color conversion profile for the predetermined paper type when the measured color is outside the reference range; and
  In the determination process, when the color conversion profile is updated by the color correction process, it is determined that the job may involve re-execution of the RIP process.
  The RIP process control method according to claim 16, wherein:   In the determination process, the paper type used in the job is specified based on the setting of the job, and when the paper type used in the job is the predetermined paper type, the job re-executes the RIP process. Judge that there is a possibility,
  The RIP processing control method according to claim 17, wherein:

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