JP6972497B2 - Print data correction device and printing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a print data correction device and a printing system that perform printing by combining original data and special edition data.

As shown in FIG. 13, the printing system uses toner having a color such as CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) to print body data including objects that should normally be printed, and is used as glue when stamping foil. There is a method of printing a document or the like on one recording medium in combination with foil stamping data including a foil stamping object to be printed using toner (hereinafter, also referred to as foil stamping toner).

In such a printing system, the part to be printed is stamped using the toner for stamping. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the printing based on the stamping data, the stamping, and the printing based on the original data are usually performed in this order. , Documents, etc. are created. At this time, when the part to be stamped and the part where the object of the real data should be printed overlap, it is necessary to remove the overlapping area from the object of the real data at the time of rasterizing the real data as shown in FIG.

For example, in Patent Document 1, when a spot color image is printed on a full-color image, if a process color is printed on the background, the spot color image is affected by the background color, so that the spot color image is printed. In some places, a technique for always blanking out full-color image data is disclosed.

On the other hand, when an object of the original data is printed in the area to be stamped as in the final printed matter (finished image) shown in FIG. 16, in order to print the object appropriately, in the stamping data, It is necessary to outline the part where the object should be printed in advance.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique of expressing the color of a portion where objects of a specific plate overlap each other with a basic color so that the colors of the objects do not become a color synthesized in multiple layers.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-188956 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-188212

When there is an object such as variable data that changes from page to page in the real data and this object is printed in the area to be stamped, the user responds to the change of the real data object as shown in FIG. Therefore, it was necessary to prepare data for stamping page by page. As a result, the user has trouble preparing the data for stamping the foil.

The present invention is intended to solve the above problem, and when the part where the object of the original data should be printed and the part of the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data overlap, the object is concerned. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print data correction device and a printing system in which one of the special edition objects and the special edition object is appropriately outlined.

The gist of the present invention for achieving such an object lies in the inventions of the following paragraphs.

[1] To print one of the printing based on the original data by the first printing unit and the printing based on the special plate data by the second printing unit on the recording medium, and then the other printing on the recording medium. A print data correction device that corrects at least one of the original data and the special edition data of the above.
A hierarchical relationship setting unit that sets the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data.
An area specifying unit that specifies an area where each object of the real data and a special plate object to be printed based on the special plate data overlap each other.
When the overlapping area is specified by the area specifying unit, the lower of the objects of the main data and the special edition object is based on a predetermined determination condition including the hierarchical relationship set by the hierarchical relationship setting unit. A white-out judgment unit that determines whether or not to whiten the pixels in the overlapping area located in
A whiteout processing unit that corrects the body data and the special edition data so that the pixels determined to be white out by the whiteout determination unit are whitened.
Have a,
The predetermined determination condition includes the hierarchical relationship, the order of printing based on the original data and the printing based on the special plate data, and the possibility of additional printing in the order.
A print data correction device characterized by this.

In the above invention, when there is an area where the object of the real data and the special edition object overlap, the pixels in the overlapping area of the object and the special edition object located below are white based on the vertical relationship of these objects and the like. It is decided whether or not to omit it. Then, when it is determined that the pixel is outlined, the pixel in the overlapping region of the lower portion of the main data and the special edition data is outlined.

In the above invention, the object and the special edition object are based on the hierarchical relationship between each object of the main data and the special edition object, the order of printing based on the main data and the printing based on the special edition data, and the possibility of reprinting in the above order. It is determined whether or not the pixels in the overlapping area of the lower one are outlined.

[ 2 ] The whiteout determination unit is located below the object of the main data and the special edition object of the special edition data when the lower one is printed after the upper one. Judging that the pixels in the overlapping area on the other side are outlined,
When the printing of the lower position is performed before the printing of the upper position, when the additional printing is not possible in which the upper position is overlaid on the lower position. The print data correction device according to [1 ], wherein it is determined that the pixels in the overlapping area on the lower side are outlined.
[3] In the case where the first printing unit performs printing based on the original data after the second printing unit prints based on the special plate data, the special plate object is below the object. If the hierarchical relationship is set to be located
The whiteout determination unit is the said of the special plate object when the first printing unit can perform additional printing by superimposing the object on the special plate object printed by the second printing unit. Judge that the pixels in the overlapping area are not outlined,
The print data correction device according to [1].
In the above invention, when printing based on the original data is performed after printing based on the special edition data, and the special edition object is printed so as to be located below the object of the original data, the object of the original data is a special edition. When it is possible to print over the object, the pixels of the special edition object are not outlined in the area where the real data object and the special edition object overlap.

[4] To print one of the printing based on the original data by the first printing unit and the printing based on the special plate data by the second printing unit on the recording medium, and then the other printing on the recording medium. A print data correction device that corrects at least one of the original data and the special edition data of the above.
A hierarchical relationship setting unit that sets the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data.
An area specifying unit that specifies an area where each object of the real data and a special plate object to be printed based on the special plate data overlap each other.
When the overlapping area is specified by the area specifying unit, the lower of the objects of the main data and the special edition object is based on a predetermined determination condition including the hierarchical relationship set by the hierarchical relationship setting unit. A white-out judgment unit that determines whether or not to whiten the pixels in the overlapping area located in
A whiteout processing unit that corrects the body data and the special edition data so that the pixels determined to be white out by the whiteout determination unit are whitened.
Have,
In the case where the first printing unit performs printing based on the original data and then the second printing unit performs printing based on the special plate data, each object of the original data is below the special plate object. If the hierarchical relationship is set to be located at
The whiteout determination unit determines that the pixels in the overlapping region of the object are not whitened.
Print data correction device you wherein a.

In the above invention, when printing based on the special edition data is performed after printing based on the original data, and the object of the original data is printed so as to be located below the special edition object, the object of the original data and the special edition are printed. In the area where the objects overlap, the pixels of the object of the real data are not outlined.

[5] The predetermined determination condition includes the hierarchical relationship, the order of printing based on the original data and the printing based on the special plate data, and the possibility of additional printing in the order.
The print data correction device according to [4].

In the above invention, the object and the special edition object are based on the hierarchical relationship between each object of the main data and the special edition object, the order of printing based on the main data and the printing based on the special edition data, and the possibility of reprinting in the above order. It is determined whether or not the pixels in the overlapping area of the lower one are outlined.

[6] The hierarchical relationship setting unit is characterized in that it accepts the designation of the attribute of the object located above the object of the special edition data among the original data, and sets the hierarchical relationship according to the designation [6]. 1] The print data correction device according to any one of [5].

In the above invention, the hierarchical relationship between the real data object and the special edition object is set by specifying the attribute of the real data object that should be located above the special edition object.

[7] The hierarchical relationship setting unit accepts a range in which each object of the real data is located above the special edition object, and within the range, each object of the real data is positioned above the special edition object. The print data correction device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the hierarchical relationship is set so as to be performed.

In the above invention, in the specified range of the original data, the hierarchical relationship is set so that each object of the original data is located above the special edition object.

[8] The white outline determination unit is characterized in that when variable data is included in the object of the main data, it is determined that the pixels in the overlapping area of the special edition object overlapping with the variable data are outlined. The print data correction device according to any one of [1] to [7].

In the above invention, when the object of the real data is variable data, it is determined that among the special edition objects that overlap with the variable data, the pixels in the region where the variable data and the special edition object overlap are outlined.
[9] To print one of the printing based on the original data by the first printing unit and the printing based on the special plate data by the second printing unit on the recording medium, and then the other printing on the recording medium. A print data correction device that corrects at least one of the original data and the special edition data of the above.
A hierarchical relationship setting unit that sets the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data.
An area specifying unit that specifies an area where each object of the real data and a special plate object to be printed based on the special plate data overlap each other.
When the overlapping area is specified by the area specifying unit, the lower of the objects of the main data and the special edition object is based on a predetermined determination condition including the hierarchical relationship set by the hierarchical relationship setting unit. A white-out judgment unit that determines whether or not to whiten the pixels in the overlapping area located in
A whiteout processing unit that corrects the body data and the special edition data so that the pixels determined to be white out by the whiteout determination unit are whitened.
Have,
The hierarchical relationship setting unit accepts the designation of the attribute of the object located above the object of the special edition data among the original data, and sets the hierarchical relationship according to the designation.
A print data correction device characterized by this.
In the above invention, the hierarchical relationship between the real data object and the special edition object is set by specifying the attribute of the real data object that should be located above the special edition object.
[10] To print one of the printing based on the original data by the first printing unit and the printing based on the special plate data by the second printing unit on the recording medium, and then the other printing on the recording medium. A print data correction device that corrects at least one of the original data and the special edition data of the above.
A hierarchical relationship setting unit that sets the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data.
An area specifying unit that specifies an area where each object of the real data and a special plate object to be printed based on the special plate data overlap each other.
When the overlapping area is specified by the area specifying unit, the lower of the objects of the main data and the special edition object is based on a predetermined determination condition including the hierarchical relationship set by the hierarchical relationship setting unit. A white-out judgment unit that determines whether or not to whiten the pixels in the overlapping area located in
A whiteout processing unit that corrects the body data and the special edition data so that the pixels determined to be white out by the whiteout determination unit are whitened.
Have,
The hierarchical relationship setting unit accepts a range in which each object of the real data is located above the special edition object, and within the range, each object of the real data is located above the special edition object. Set the hierarchical relationship
A print data correction device characterized by this.
In the above invention, in the specified range of the original data, the hierarchical relationship is set so that each object of the original data is located above the special edition object.
[11] To print one of the printing based on the original data by the first printing unit and the printing based on the special plate data by the second printing unit on the recording medium, and then the other printing on the recording medium. A print data correction device that corrects at least one of the original data and the special edition data of the above.
A hierarchical relationship setting unit that sets the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data.
An area specifying unit that specifies an area where each object of the real data and a special plate object to be printed based on the special plate data overlap each other.
When the overlapping area is specified by the area specifying unit, the lower of the objects of the main data and the special edition object is based on a predetermined determination condition including the hierarchical relationship set by the hierarchical relationship setting unit. A white-out judgment unit that determines whether or not to whiten the pixels in the overlapping area located in
A whiteout processing unit that corrects the body data and the special edition data so that the pixels determined to be white out by the whiteout determination unit are whitened.
Have,
When the object of the real data includes variable data, the whiteout determination unit determines that the pixels in the overlapping area of the special edition object that overlaps with the variable data are whitened.
A print data correction device characterized by this.
In the above invention, when the object of the real data is variable data, it is determined that among the special edition objects that overlap with the variable data, the pixels in the region where the variable data and the special edition object overlap are outlined.

[ 12 ] Any of [1] to [11 ], wherein the special plate data is data for printing the special plate object by using a toner for applying a foil to the recording medium. The print data correction device described in one.

[ 13 ] The print data correction device according to any one of [1] to [11 ], wherein the special edition data is data in which a portion to be varnished on the recording medium is designated.

[ 14 ] The print data correction device according to any one of [1] to [ 13], and the print data correction device.
The first printing unit that prints based on the original data,
A second printing unit that prints based on the special plate data, and
A printing system characterized by having.

In the above invention, printing is performed based on the original data and the special edition data corrected by the print data correction device.

According to the print data correction device and the printing system according to the present invention, when the part where the object of the original data should be printed and the part of the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data overlap, the object and the place concerned. Any one of the special edition objects can be appropriately outlined.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the printing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of a printer. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of a printer controller. It is a figure which shows the data save setting screen for foil stamping of a printer driver. It is a figure which shows the foil stamping data selection screen of a printer driver. It is a figure which shows the foil stamping upper object selection screen of a printer driver. It is a flowchart which shows the whitening process which makes the pixel in the overlapping area of the lower part of the object of the real data and the object for foil stamping white. It is a figure which shows the main data upper setting range reception screen of a printer driver. It is a figure which shows the foil stamping order setting screen of a printer driver. It is a flowchart which shows the whitening process necessity determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the setting range belongingness determination process which determines whether or not each pixel belongs to the body data upper setting range. It is a flowchart which shows the whitening process which makes the target pixel of one page data white according to the affiliation of the body data upper setting range of the target pixel. It is a figure which shows the finished image of a body data, a foil stamping data, and a document. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of printing a document in the order of the printing based on the foil stamping data, the foil stamping, and the printing based on the original data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the area which needs to be cut in the object of the real data at the time of rasterizing the real data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of printing the document which contains variable data in the original data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the body data, the data for stamping, and the finished image of a document required when printing a document which contains variable data in the body data.

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

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a printing system 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 5 includes a printer 10 and a hot stamping machine 50. The printer 10 and the foil stamping machine 50 are physically connected so that paper (recording medium) can be conveyed between them. Further, the printing system 5 is connected to a plurality of client PCs (Personal Computers) (not shown) via a network.

As the first printing unit, the printer 10 prints the object included in the personal data on paper based on the personal data included in the job transmitted from the client PC or the personal data stored in advance in the printer 10. do. Further, as the second printing unit, the printer 10 prints a foil stamping object (special plate object) using the foil stamping toner based on the foil stamping data (special plate data) for applying foil to the paper.

The foil stamping machine 50 uses the foil stamping toner in the printer 10 to stamp the paper on which the foil stamping object is printed. Specifically, the foil stamping machine 50 heats the foil stamping toner used in the foil stamping object printed based on the foil stamping data, and uses the melted foil stamping toner as glue to make the foil into paper. To crimp. As a result, the foil is applied to the printed object for stamping based on the data for stamping.

Next, the outline of the method of printing the document to which the foil is applied in the printing system 5 of FIG. 1 will be described.

First, the printer 10 prints a hot stamping object on paper using the hot stamping toner based on the hot stamping data (step 1). At this time, the K plate is used for printing the foil stamping object. After that, the printer 10 conveys the paper on which the foil stamping object is printed to the foil stamping machine 50.

The foil stamping machine 50 heats the paper conveyed from the printer 10 to melt the foil stamping toner used for the printed foil stamping object and press the foil onto the paper. Then, by winding the foil of the portion not crimped on the paper with a roller or the like, the foil is applied to the printed portion using the toner for stamping the paper (step 2).

The foil stamping machine 50 conveys the paper to which the foil was applied in step 2 to the printer 10 (step 3).

The printer 10 performs printing based on the original data (hereinafter, also referred to as normal printing) on the paper conveyed from the foil stamping machine 50 (step 4). For normal printing, toner such as CMYK is used for color printing, and K plate is used for monochrome printing.

After that, the printer 10 outputs the normally printed paper. The printing system 5 of FIG. 1 outputs the paper normally printed by the printer 10 via the foil stamping machine 50 (step 5). At this time, the foil stamping machine 50 does not stamp the paper.

The printing system may print a document according to the following procedure. (1) After the printer prints on the paper based on the foil stamping data, the worker manually feeds the printed paper to the foil stamping machine. (2) Then, when the paper is foiled by the foil stamping machine, the operator manually feeds the foiled paper to the printer, and the printer prints on the paper based on the original data. I do.

Alternatively, in a printing system in which the printer 10 and the foil stamping machine 50 are not physically connected and are not connected via a network, a portable memory (for example, a USB memory, an SD card, etc.) is used. You may enter the personal data and the data for stamping.

In addition, the printing system may change the arrangement of the printer and the hot stamping machine as appropriate so that the document is printed in the order of normal printing, printing based on hot stamping data (hereinafter also referred to as hot stamping printing), and hot stamping. good.

Next, the configuration of the printer 10 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printer 10.

The printer 10 has a control unit 11 that controls the entire operation of the printer 10. A storage unit 12, a printer controller 13, an operation panel 14, and a print engine 15 are connected to a control unit 11 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like via a bus.

The control unit 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like on the OS (Operating System) program.

The storage unit 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile memory, a hard disk device, and the like. Various programs are stored in the ROM, and each function of the printer 10 is realized by the control unit 11 executing various processes according to these programs.

The RAM is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data, an image memory for storing image data, and the like when the control unit 11 executes processing based on a program.

The non-volatile memory is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information. The hard disk device is a large-capacity non-volatile recording device, and stores OS programs, various application programs, print data, image data, information history related to jobs, and the like.

The printer controller 13 controls the print engine 15 so as to print the object included in the personal data on paper based on the personal data included in the job or the like transmitted from the client PC. Further, the printer controller 13 controls the print engine 15 to print the foil stamping object included in the foil stamping data on the paper based on the foil stamping data. In addition, the printer controller 13 functions as a print data correction device that corrects the original data and the foil stamping data in order to perform the above printing.

The operation panel 14 includes a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. Of these, the operation unit 22 includes a switch group such as a start button and a touch panel. The display unit 21 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and fulfills a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like.

The print engine 15 fulfills a function of printing an image of an object or the like corresponding to image data such as body data or foil stamping data on paper. Here, the print engine 15 includes a paper transport device, a photoconductor drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing unit, and is an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer that forms an image by means of a laser printer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printer controller 13. The printer controller 13 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a hard disk device 33, a network I / F (Interface) unit 34 using a NIC (Network Interface Card), an engine I / F unit 35, a transfer buffer 36, and the like. Have.

The CPU 31 controls the entire operation of the printer controller 13, processes such as enlargement / reduction and rotation of the object included in the main data and the foil pressing object included in the foil pressing data, and print data as image data (page data). Performs rasterization processing, image data compression, decompression processing, etc.

The RAM 32 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 31 executes processing, an image memory for storing image data, and the like.

The hard disk device 33 is a large-capacity non-volatile recording device, and stores various application programs, personal data, foil stamping data, and the like.

The network I / F unit 34 functions to communicate data with a plurality of client PCs and other external devices through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In particular, the network I / F unit 34 receives a print job including personal data and the like from the client PC. Further, the network I / F unit 34 receives the foil pressing data from an external device or the like in order to store the foil pressing data in the hard disk device 33 or the like.

The engine I / F unit 35 transmits data necessary for causing the print engine 15 to perform printing to the print engine 15 via the control unit 11. Further, the engine I / F unit 35 receives a signal transmitted from the print engine 15 (for example, a signal indicating the remaining amount of toner, the operating state of the print engine 15, etc.). In particular, the engine I / F unit 35 transmits the main data and the foil stamping data that have been rasterized by the CPU 31 to the print engine 15.

The transfer buffer 36 is a work memory for temporarily storing various data and an image for storing image data in order to perform image processing such as rasterization processing on print data such as original data and foil stamping data. Used as memory.

Next, a method of saving the foil stamping data in the printer 10 will be described.

First, the user displays the setting screen of the printer driver shown in FIG. 4 on the display unit of the client PC or the like, and sets the saving setting in this setting screen to "foil stamping data saving". Then, the user selects the hot stamping data to be stored in the printer 10, and inputs the data name of the hot stamping data. After that, when the OK button 61 in the setting screen is pressed, the client PC or the like transmits the selected foil pressing data to the printer 10, and the printer 10 saves the foil pressing data. At this time, the printer controller 13 may save the foil stamping data in the PDL (Page-Description Language) format before the RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing, or the printer controller 13 may perform rasterization processing on the foil stamping data. It may be saved as the obtained page data.

Next, a method of selecting foil stamping data at the time of printing setting of a document to which foil is applied will be described.

When the user sends a print instruction (print job) for printing the document to which the foil is applied to the printer 10, the user causes the display unit of the client PC or the like to display the printer driver setting screen shown in FIG. , Check the foil stamping setting in this setting screen. When the foil stamping setting is checked, a list 71 of foil stamping data stored in the printer 10 is displayed on the left side of the setting screen, and the user specifies one foil stamping data from the list 71. At this time, the thumbnail 72 of the designated foil pressing data is displayed on the right side of the setting screen.

After that, when the OK button 73 in this setting screen is pressed, the foil stamping data to be used for printing is confirmed.

Next, a method of setting the hierarchical relationship between each object of the body data and the foil stamping object of the foil stamping data will be described.

First, the user displays the setting screen of the printer driver shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit of the client PC or the like, and in the selection of the foil stamping upper object in this setting screen, the real data to be located above the foil stamping object. Specify the object type (attribute) as the hierarchical relationship information.

In the example of FIG. 6, the character object and the variable data are designated as objects to be positioned above the foil stamping object. After that, when the OK button 81 in the setting screen is pressed, the client PC or the like receives the reference information of the main data and the foil stamping data, and the hierarchical relationship information between each object of the main data and the foil stamping object of the foil stamping data. And, if necessary, a print job including settings related to post-processing (staple, punch, etc.) is created, and this print job is transmitted to the printer 10.

The printer controller 13 of the printer 10 receives a print job transmitted from a client PC or the like. The CPU 31 of the printer controller 13 sets the vertical relationship between each object of the main data and the foil stamping object of the foil stamping data based on the vertical relationship information as the vertical relationship setting unit.

Next, a whitening process method for the personal data or the foil stamping data executed by the printer controller 13 will be described.

When the CPU 31 of the printer controller 13 receives the print job transmitted from the client PC or the like, the CPU 31 performs rasterization processing on the original data included in the print job. Then, the CPU 31 superimposes the page data generated by the rasterization process and the page data generated by performing the rasterization process on the foil stamping data on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and serves as an area specifying unit for each of the real data. Identify the area where the object and the foil stamping object of the foil stamping data overlap.

Then, when the CPU 31 of the printer controller 13 specifies this overlapping area, as a whiteout determination unit, the object of the real data and the foil stamping are based on the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the foil stamping object of the foil stamping data. It is determined whether or not the pixels in the overlapping area of the lower one of the objects are outlined. Then, the CPU 31 corrects the body data and the foil pressing data so that the pixels determined to be white are white as the whitening processing unit. The printer controller 13 performs this whitening process on all pages of the document.

The printer controller 13 transmits both the whitened page data to the print engine 15. After that, the print engine 15 prints based on these data, and the foil stamping machine 50 stamps the foil to create a document to which the foil is applied.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a whitening process for whitening the pixels in the overlapping region of the lower one of the real data object and the foil pressing object.

First, when the printer controller 13 receives a print job from a client PC or the like, it acquires the rasterized page data for foil stamping and performs rasterization processing on the original data included in the print job (step S001). , Generate page data of real data. At this time, the printer controller 13 stores the attributes of objects such as characters and photographs for each pixel. Further, when the object is variable data, the printer controller 13 stores that the pixel belonging to this object is the pixel belonging to the variable data.

Regarding the variable data, for example, in the case of the real data created by a standard such as PDF (Portable Document Format) / VT (Variable Transactional), the real data is for the main body PDF file and the variable in which only the variable data is stored. It is divided into PDF files. In the main body PDF file, the file name and the object number of the variable PDF file referred to by the PDF command are described. At the time of rasterization processing, for variable data, page data is created by referring to the object of the variable PDF file.

After that, when the page data of the original data and the page data of the foil pressing data are overlapped with each other, the printer controller 13 determines whether or not the pixel belonging to the foil pressing object and the pixel belonging to the object of the original data overlap at each pixel position. Is determined (step S002). At this time, the pixels belonging to the foil stamping object depend on whether or not the pixel of the page data of the main data and the pixel of the page data of the foil stamping data each have a pixel value other than 0 (white) at the pixel position to be determined. And, it is determined whether or not the pixels belonging to the object of the real data overlap.

When it is determined that both pixels do not overlap at the pixel position to be determined (step S002; No), the result of the rasterization process for the original data and the result of the rasterization process for the foil stamping data are applied as they are at this pixel position. (Step S003). That is, at the pixel position, the pixel value of the page data of the original data and the pixel value of the page data of the foil stamping data are used as they are.

When it is determined that both pixels overlap (step S002; Yes), the printer controller 13 first determines that the variable data of the main data is higher than the foil stamping object of the foil stamping data from the hierarchical relationship information included in the print job. It is determined whether or not it is set to be located in (step S004).

If the variable data is not set to be located above the foil pressing object (step S004; No), this process proceeds to step S006.

When the variable data is set to be located above the foil stamping object (step S004; Yes), the pixel belonging to the real data object determined to overlap with the pixel belonging to the foil stamping object in step S002 is variable. It is determined whether or not the pixel belongs to the data (step S005).

When the pixel is a pixel belonging to variable data (step S005; Yes), this process proceeds to step S009.

If the pixel does not belong to the variable data (step S005; No), the process proceeds to step S006.

In step S006, the printer controller 13 refers to the hierarchical relationship information included in the print job, and determines the hierarchical relationship between each object of the original data and the foil pressing object of the foil pressing data for each attribute of the object of the original data. .. For example, when the foil stamping upper object selection is set as shown in FIG. 6, when the attribute of the object of the real data is a character, it is determined that the object is set to be located above the foil stamping object. NS. On the other hand, when the attribute of the object of the body data is a photograph, it is determined that the object is set to be located below the foil pressing object.

Then, the printer controller 13 determines whether or not the hierarchical relationship determined in step S006 is effective in the whiteout process (step S007). If this hierarchical relationship is not valid (step S007; No), the printer controller 13 determines that all the objects of the original data are set to be located below the foil pressing object, and this process is a step. Proceed to S010.

On the other hand, when this hierarchical relationship is valid (step S007; Yes), the printer controller 13 determines the attribute of the object stored for each pixel of the page data of the original data and the hierarchical relationship determined in step S006. With reference to each pixel position, it is determined whether or not the pixel belonging to the object of the real data is set to be located above the pixel belonging to the foil pressing object (step S008).

When the pixel belonging to the object is set to be located above the pixel belonging to the foil pressing object at the pixel position (step S008; Yes), the printer controller 13 is at the pixel position of the page data of the foil pressing data. Pixels are outlined (step S009), and this process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the pixel belonging to the object is set to be located below the pixel belonging to the foil pressing object at the pixel position (step S008; No), the printer controller 13 has the pixel of the page data of the main data. The pixel at the position is outlined (step S010), and this process is terminated.

Next, a document printing setting method when the personal data and the stamping data are stored in the printer 10 in advance will be described.

First, the user transmits the real data to the printer 10 in order to save the real data in the printer 10 from the client PC or the like by using the printer driver or the like. When the printer 10 that has received the real data from the client PC or the like has a save instruction in PJL (Printer Job Language) or the like, the printer 10 performs rasterization processing on the real data, and the real data generated by the rasterization processing. Page data is stored in the hard disk device 33 or the like of the printer controller 13. At this time, the printer controller 13 creates a thumbnail image or the like of the real data.

When printing a document to which foil is applied using the original data saved as page data, a print instruction including post-processing settings is given through the operation panel 14 in the printer 10. First, the printer 10 displays a list of the original data and a list of foil stamping data stored in the printer 10 on the operation panel 14, and selects the original data and the foil stamping data to be used for printing from the respective lists. accept.

When each data is selected, a thumbnail image of each data is displayed in the preview display area of the setting screen displayed on the operation panel 14, as shown in FIG.

After that, the printer 10 accepts a range in which each object of the main data is located above the foil stamping object of the foil stamping data (hereinafter referred to as a main data upper setting range) by using a pointing device such as a mouse. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the main data upper setting ranges 91 and 92 are displayed as dotted lines on the thumbnail image of the main data and the thumbnail image of the foil stamping data, respectively. The original data upper setting ranges 91 and 92 displayed on the respective data may be displayed so that when one is moved, the other moves in conjunction with each other.

When the main data upper setting ranges 91 and 92 are determined, the printer 10 then accepts the printing order setting (foil stamping order setting) between the foil stamping printing and the normal printing via the setting screen shown in FIG.

Normally, when toner is used as glue when stamping foil, the foil stamping order setting is set to foil stamping → normal printing. On the other hand, when applying (glue printing) a special glue instead of toner based on the foil stamping data to perform foil stamping, or when applying varnish based on varnish printing data (special plate data) (varnish printing). Set the foil stamping order setting in the order of normal printing → foil stamping.

Further, when a foil that can be normally printed from the top of the foil is used among the types of foil, that is, when it is possible to print the object of the identity data by superimposing it on the printed foil stamping object. Check "Additional printing is possible" for the foil type.

Then, when the setting button 93 in the setting screen is pressed, a print instruction for printing the document is confirmed, and the printer 10 prints according to the print instruction.

Next, a whiteout process to be performed on one of the page data of the original data and the page data of the foil pressing data when the original data and the foil pressing data are stored in the printer 10 in advance will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a whiteout process necessity determination process.

First, when the printer 10 receives the print instruction, the printer controller 13 superimposes the page data of the original data selected in the print instruction and the page data of the foil stamping data, and forms the foil stamping object at each pixel position. It is determined whether or not the pixel belonging to the pixel and the pixel belonging to the object of the real data overlap (step S101).

When it is determined that both pixels do not overlap at the pixel position to be determined (step S101; No), the result of the rasterization process for the original data and the result of the rasterization process for the foil stamping data are applied as they are at this pixel position. (Step S102), and this process is terminated. That is, at the pixel position, the pixel value of the page data of the original data and the pixel value of the page data of the foil stamping data are used as they are, and the whitening process is not required.

On the other hand, when it is determined that both pixels overlap (step S101; Yes), this process shifts to the whitening process shown in FIG. 12 (step S103).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a setting range affiliation determination process for determining whether or not each pixel belongs to the main data upper setting ranges 91 and 92.

First, the printer controller 13 recognizes the original data upper setting ranges 91 and 92 set by the print instruction (step S201). Then, the printer controller 13 determines whether or not each pixel of the page data belongs to the main data upper setting ranges 91 and 92 (step S202).

When it is determined that the pixel to be determined belongs to the main data upper setting ranges 91 and 92 (step S202; Yes), the pixel belonging to the real data object is above the pixel belonging to the foil pressing object at the position of the pixel. It is determined that the position is set (step S203).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the pixel to be determined does not belong to the main data upper setting ranges 91 and 92 (step S202; No), at the position of the pixel, the pixel belonging to the real data object belongs to the foil pressing object. It is determined that it is set to be located below (step S204).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a whitening process for whitening the target pixel of one of the page data according to the affiliation of the main data upper setting ranges 91 and 92 of the target pixel. This whiteout process is executed for at least all the pixels in the area where each object of the real data and the foil pressing object overlap.

First, the printer controller 13 recognizes the vertical relationship between the object of the main data and the object of foil stamping of the foil stamping data at the position of the target pixel from the determination result by the setting range belongingness determination process (step S301) of FIG. 11 (step S301). Step S302).

When the object of the real data is located above the object for stamping the foil (step S302; the real data is valid), the printer controller 13 recognizes the print order set in the print instruction (step S303).

When this printing order is normal printing → stamping (step S303; normal printing), this process proceeds to step S305.

When this printing order is stamping → normal printing (step S303; foil stamping), whether or not the printer controller 13 can print the object of the original data on the foil stamping object to be printed. That is, whether or not additional printing is possible is recognized from the print instruction (step S304).

When the reprint printing is possible (step S304; Yes), the object of the real data can be printed without making the target pixel of the page data of the foil stamping data blank, so that the printer controller 13 can print the page of the stamping data. This process is terminated without blanking out the relevant pixels of the data. By not blanking out the pixels, even if there is a misalignment between the foil stamping object and the real data object when normal printing is performed after foil stamping printing, an area that is not printed due to white stamping will occur. It disappears.

On the other hand, when the reprint printing is impossible (step S304; No), the object of the real data cannot be printed on the foil stamping object, so that the printer controller 13 can print the page data of the foil stamping data. The corresponding pixel of the above is outlined (step S305), and this process is terminated.

Alternatively, when the printing order is normal printing → foil stamping (step S303; normal printing), the foil stamping is applied on the object of the original data, so that the printer controller 13 determines the pixel of the page data of the foil stamping data. Is outlined (step S305), and this process is terminated.

Further, when the object of the main data is located below the object for stamping the foil (step S302; the data for stamping the foil is valid), the printer controller 13 recognizes the printing order set in the printing instruction (step S306).

When this printing order is stamping → normal printing (step S306; foil stamping), the object of the real data is printed on the object for stamping, so that the printer controller 13 whitens the pixel of the page data of the real data. Without this (step S307), this process is terminated.

On the other hand, when this printing order is normal printing → foil stamping (step S306; normal printing), even if the object of the original data is printed, the foil stamping can be performed on the object, so that the printer controller 13 has the page of the original data. This process is terminated without blanking out the relevant pixels of the data. By not blanking out the pixels, even if there is a misalignment between the foil stamping object and the real data object when foil stamping is performed after normal printing, there will be areas that are not printed due to white stamping. It disappears.

The technique of setting the hierarchical relationship between the object of the real data and the object of the foil stamping of the foil stamping data by designating the upper setting ranges 91 and 92 of the real data is particularly effective for the variable data of the real data. The reason is that by designating the range in which the variable data is printed as the upper setting range of the main data, it is not necessary to prepare the foil stamping data for each page according to the variable data as shown in FIG.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Is also included in the present invention.

Further, the printer 10 of the printing system 5 according to the present embodiment performs both foil stamping printing and normal printing, but a printer that prints based on the foil stamping data and a printer that prints based on the original data. May be separate printers.

Further, in the present embodiment, one main data upper setting range 91 and 92 is specified, but a plurality of real data upper setting ranges may be specified.

Further, in the present embodiment, foil stamping printing is exemplified as printing based on special plate data, but spot color printing, glue printing, varnish printing and the like can also be mentioned.

Further, in the present embodiment, the object of the personal data and the object for stamping are printed on the paper, but the recording medium used for printing is, for example, cloth, plastic, wood, or the like, which can be printed. May be good.

Further, in the present embodiment, the printer 10 is configured as a separate unit for the control unit 11 and the printer controller 13, but the control unit 11 may have the function of the printer controller 13.

Further, the present invention may be a program that causes an information processing device to function as a print data correction device.

5 ... Printing system 10 ... Printer 11 ... Control unit 12 ... Storage unit 13 ... Printer controller 14 ... Operation panel 15 ... Print engine 21 ... Display unit 22 ... Operation unit 31 ... CPU
32 ... RAM
33 ... Hard disk device 34 ... Network I / F section 35 ... Engine I / F section 36 ... Transfer buffer 50 ... Foil stamping machine 61 ... OK button 71 ... List 72 ... Thumbnail 73 ... OK button 81 ... OK button 91 ... Main data top Setting range 92 ... Main data upper setting range 93 ... Setting button

Claims (14)

The main body for printing one of the printing based on the original data by the first printing unit and the printing based on the special plate data by the second printing unit on the recording medium, and then printing the other on the recording medium. A print data correction device that corrects at least one of the data and the special edition data.
A hierarchical relationship setting unit that sets the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data.
An area specifying unit that specifies an area where each object of the real data and a special plate object to be printed based on the special plate data overlap each other.
When the overlapping area is specified by the area specifying unit, the lower of the objects of the main data and the special edition object is based on a predetermined determination condition including the hierarchical relationship set by the hierarchical relationship setting unit. A white-out judgment unit that determines whether or not to whiten the pixels in the overlapping area located in
A whiteout processing unit that corrects the body data and the special edition data so that the pixels determined to be white out by the whiteout determination unit are whitened.
Have a,
The predetermined determination condition includes the hierarchical relationship, the order of printing based on the original data and the printing based on the special plate data, and the possibility of additional printing in the order.
A print data correction device characterized by this. When the whiteout determination unit prints the lower part of the original data object and the special edition data object after the upper one, the lower one is printed. Judging that the pixels in the overlapping area are outlined,
When the printing of the lower position is performed before the printing of the upper position, when the additional printing is not possible in which the upper position is overlaid on the lower position. The print data correction device according to claim 1 , wherein it is determined that the pixels in the overlapping region on the lower side are outlined. In the case where the first printing unit performs printing based on the original data after the second printing unit performs printing based on the special plate data, the special plate object is located below the object. When the above-mentioned hierarchical relationship is set in
The whiteout determination unit is the said of the special plate object when the first printing unit can perform additional printing by superimposing the object on the special plate object printed by the second printing unit. Judge that the pixels in the overlapping area are not outlined,
The print data correction device according to claim 1. The main body for printing one of the printing based on the original data by the first printing unit and the printing based on the special plate data by the second printing unit on the recording medium, and then printing the other on the recording medium. A print data correction device that corrects at least one of the data and the special edition data.
A hierarchical relationship setting unit that sets the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data.
An area specifying unit that specifies an area where each object of the real data and a special plate object to be printed based on the special plate data overlap each other.
When the overlapping area is specified by the area specifying unit, the lower of the objects of the main data and the special edition object is based on a predetermined determination condition including the hierarchical relationship set by the hierarchical relationship setting unit. A white-out judgment unit that determines whether or not to whiten the pixels in the overlapping area located in
A whiteout processing unit that corrects the body data and the special edition data so that the pixels determined to be white out by the whiteout determination unit are whitened.
Have,
In the case where the first printing unit performs printing based on the original data and then the second printing unit performs printing based on the special plate data, each object of the original data is below the special plate object. If the hierarchical relationship is set to be located at
The whiteout determination unit determines that the pixels in the overlapping region of each object of the real data are not whitened.
Print data correction device you wherein a. The predetermined determination condition includes the hierarchical relationship, the order of printing based on the original data and the printing based on the special plate data, and the possibility of additional printing in the order.
The print data correction device according to claim 4. 1. The print data correction device according to any one of 5. The hierarchical relationship setting unit accepts a range in which each object of the real data is located above the special edition object, and within the range, each object of the real data is located above the special edition object. The print data correction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hierarchical relationship is set. The claim is characterized in that, when the object of the real data includes variable data, the whiteout determination unit determines that the pixels in the overlapping region of the special edition object that overlaps with the variable data are whitened. The print data correction device according to any one of 1 to 7. The main body for printing one of the printing based on the original data by the first printing unit and the printing based on the special plate data by the second printing unit on the recording medium, and then printing the other on the recording medium. A print data correction device that corrects at least one of the data and the special edition data.
A hierarchical relationship setting unit that sets the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data.
An area specifying unit that specifies an area where each object of the real data and a special plate object to be printed based on the special plate data overlap each other.
When the overlapping area is specified by the area specifying unit, the lower of the objects of the main data and the special edition object is based on a predetermined determination condition including the hierarchical relationship set by the hierarchical relationship setting unit. A white-out judgment unit that determines whether or not to whiten the pixels in the overlapping area located in
A whiteout processing unit that corrects the body data and the special edition data so that the pixels determined to be white out by the whiteout determination unit are whitened.
Have,
The vertical relation setting unit, of the book block data, said receiving a designation of attribute of the object located above the object of the special version of the data, the hierarchical relation print data you and sets the in accordance with the designation Correction device. The main body for printing one of the printing based on the original data by the first printing unit and the printing based on the special plate data by the second printing unit on the recording medium, and then printing the other on the recording medium. A print data correction device that corrects at least one of the data and the special edition data.
A hierarchical relationship setting unit that sets the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data.
An area specifying unit that specifies an area where each object of the real data and a special plate object to be printed based on the special plate data overlap each other.
When the overlapping area is specified by the area specifying unit, the lower of the objects of the main data and the special edition object is based on a predetermined determination condition including the hierarchical relationship set by the hierarchical relationship setting unit. A white-out judgment unit that determines whether or not to whiten the pixels in the overlapping area located in
A whiteout processing unit that corrects the body data and the special edition data so that the pixels determined to be white out by the whiteout determination unit are whitened.
Have,
The hierarchical relationship setting unit accepts a range in which each object of the real data is located above the special edition object, and within the range, each object of the real data is located above the special edition object. the vertical relationship print data correcting device you and sets a. The main body for printing one of the printing based on the original data by the first printing unit and the printing based on the special plate data by the second printing unit on the recording medium, and then printing the other on the recording medium. A print data correction device that corrects at least one of the data and the special edition data.
A hierarchical relationship setting unit that sets the hierarchical relationship between each object of the real data and the special edition object to be printed based on the special edition data.
An area specifying unit that specifies an area where each object of the real data and a special plate object to be printed based on the special plate data overlap each other.
When the overlapping area is specified by the area specifying unit, the lower of the objects of the main data and the special edition object is based on a predetermined determination condition including the hierarchical relationship set by the hierarchical relationship setting unit. A white-out judgment unit that determines whether or not to whiten the pixels in the overlapping area located in
A whiteout processing unit that corrects the body data and the special edition data so that the pixels determined to be white out by the whiteout determination unit are whitened.
Have,
The white determination unit, when said book block contains variable data in the object data, sign you, characterized in that the pixels of the overlapping area of the special version of the object overlaps with the variable data is determined to be the white Printing data correction device. The one according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the special plate data is data for printing the special plate object by using a toner for applying a foil to the recording medium. Print data correction device. The print data correction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the special plate data is data in which a portion to be varnished on the recording medium is designated. The print data correction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
The first printing unit that prints based on the original data,
A second printing unit that prints based on the special plate data, and
A printing system characterized by having.

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