JPH0764276A - Image correcting device for gravure printing - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the image correcting device for gravure printing capable of exactly expressing the corrected image of gravure printing on a photosensitive material. CONSTITUTION:The image data of respective color plates, Y, M, C, K obtd. by color image data which are stored in a layout system and includes patterns, line drawing, characters, etc., are applied through a color computing circuit 2 to a chemical element adjusting LUT 3, by which color developing densities are specified according to forming conditions of cells set from a setting device 4. The color developing densities of the respective color plates are converted into voltage values to be impressed to AOM(acoutsto-optical modulators) 8Y, 8M, 8C by a signal editing circuit 5. A white line screen for gravure is stored in a dot generator 7. Whether a cell part or bank part is judged in synchronization with processing for specifying the color developing densities by an image data output start signal from the layout system. Multiplexers 6Y, 6M, 6C are so controlled that the voltage values meeting the specified color developing densities are impressed to the AOM 8Y, 8M, 8C in the case of the cell part.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image proofing apparatus for obtaining a proofreading image by exposing a halftone dot image whose color density has been adjusted according to the density gradation of an image signal on a photosensitive material, and more particularly to a gravure gravure. The present invention relates to an image proofing device for gravure printing, which records a proofing image for printing on a photosensitive material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Gravure printing is a printing method in which recesses called cells formed in a plate cylinder are filled with gravure ink and the ink is transferred to a paper or the like. It is expressed by changes and changes in area.

[0003] Conventional gravure method, net gravure method,
There are methods such as electronic engraving gravure method. The features of each method will be described below.

<(1) Conventional gravure method>
In this method, the density of gradation is expressed by keeping the cell area constant and changing the cell depth. A so-called bank for preventing ink bleeding is formed at the boundary of each cell. Specifically, the continuous exposure positive master plate, the white line screen for gravure is sequentially overlaid on the carbon fish whose permeation rate of the corrosive liquid changes depending on the exposure amount, and then the carbon fish is transferred to the plate cylinder and developed,
A cell is formed on the plate cylinder through a corrosion process.

<(2) Net Gravure Method> This method is one in which density gradation is expressed by changing the cell area while keeping the cell depth constant (also called a direct gravure method) and the cell depth method. And density are expressed by changing the area and area (for example, two-sheet positive method)
There is. In the former, a photosensitive solution is applied to a plate cylinder, a net positive master plate for gravure is superposed on the plate cylinder and exposed, and thereafter, cells are formed on the plate cylinder through a development and corrosion process. On the other hand, the latter is
A continuous positive master plate and a net positive master plate for gravure are sequentially overlaid on the carbon chipper and exposed, and thereafter, cells are formed on the plate cylinder through the transfer, development and corrosion steps as in the conventional gravure method.

The offset gravure conversion method, which is an example of a method called the TH gravure method disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-21259, expresses density gradation by changing the cell depth and area. This is one of the methods, in which a white line screen for gravure is overlaid and exposed on a carbon chiper, then a diffusion (diffusion) sheet and a net positive plate for offset are overlaid, and then exposed as in the conventional gravure method. Then, cells are formed on the plate cylinder through the development, corrosion process.

<(3) Electronic Engraving Gravure System> This system expresses a density gradation by the depth of a cell engraved according to the engraving depth and the change of the area corresponding to it.
A cell called a stylus is used to engrave cells on the plate cylinder in accordance with image signals.

By the way, in the printing operation, it is common to make a proof before the actual printing to check the quality of the printed matter finally printed. In the gravure printing, as described above, the density gradation of the printed matter is expressed by the changes in the depth and area of the cells formed on the plate cylinder. In the conventional gravure method and the net gravure method, cells are created through processes such as exposure, development, and corrosion, so for example, two plate cylinders formed with different corrosion times have a continuous tone positive or halftone positive etc. Even if the original plates are the same, the cell depths will be different, and the finished products printed by them will be different. Therefore, it is preferable to use printed materials with the same finish as much as possible for proof printing to check the quality of the final printing.Therefore, use the printing cylinder for the final printing to create the proof and the small printing cylinder for the proof printing. It is common to make a proof by doing this.

However, in the case of making a proof by using the plate cylinder for main printing, if the proof made is not the desired finish, the plate cylinder must be remade again, which is troublesome and costly. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time and cost to create the proof press small plate cylinder even when the proof press small plate cylinder is created.

Further, in the TH gravure method improved on this point, it is possible to prepare a proof by offset printing using a positive net for offset used when preparing a plate cylinder for main printing. The produced proof print does not reflect the change in density due to the depth of the cell, so that there is a problem that sufficient quality cannot be obtained.

In the electronic engraving gravure method, for example, if the type of stylus for engraving a cell is different, a plate cylinder having a different cell shape is formed. There is no choice but to make it, but in this case, it is troublesome and expensive for the same reason as above. Also, when creating a plate cylinder using a positive net for offset, it is possible to create a proof by offset printing,
In this case, sufficient quality cannot be obtained as in the TH gravure method described above.

Therefore, for example, by using a color image proofing apparatus as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-66557 proposed by the applicant of the present application, the above problems can be dealt with.

That is, this apparatus uses R (red), based on Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) image data obtained by color-separating a color original. G
Since a color calibration image is created on the color light-sensitive material while adjusting the amount of transmitted light of each of the (green) and B (blue) light beams by the voltage value applied to the acousto-optic modulator, a density gradation is added. A color proof image can be created and can be applied to proof of gravure printing that expresses density gradation. Therefore, according to this device, before creating the plate cylinder,
Since the finished state of printing can be confirmed by using the calibration image reproduced on the photosensitive material, it is possible to avoid the above problems.

[0014]

However, the conventional color image proofing device has the following problems. That is, in the gravure printing, as described above, the density gradation of the printed matter is expressed by the change of the area or the depth of the cells formed on the plate cylinder. The area and depth of the cell differ depending on the conditions for forming the cell during gravure printing, for example, the exposure time and corrosion time in the conventional gravure method and net gravure method, and the type of stylus in the electronic engraving gravure method. It becomes a thing. Therefore, even if the same original plate is used, if the conditions for forming cells are different, the cell depth of the plate cylinders created will be different, and the printed matter printed using the plate cylinders with different cell depths will be finished. Is different.

However, in the conventional color image proofing device,
The amount of transmitted light of each of the R, G, and B light beams is adjusted according to the density value of the original plate, and since the cell forming conditions are not taken into consideration, calibration images created from the same original plate always have the same finish. Become. In other words, even if the same original plate is used, if the cell formation conditions are different, in gravure printing where the finish of the printed matter is different, the proof image created by the conventional color image proofing device does not always have the same finish as the printed matter. There is a problem that the finished state of printed matter cannot always be accurately confirmed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image proofing apparatus for gravure printing, which can accurately represent a proofreading image for gravure printing on a photosensitive material. And

[0017]

The present invention has the following constitution in order to achieve such an object. That is, the present invention exposes a gravure halftone image whose color density is adjusted according to the density gradation of an image signal onto a photosensitive material according to the pattern of cells formed on a plate cylinder for gravure printing to form a gravure In an image proofing device for gravure printing to obtain a proofreading image for printing, a light amount modulating means for modulating a light amount of a light beam for exposing a halftone image on the photosensitive material, and a cell formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing. Depending on the forming conditions
A color density specifying unit for specifying a color density of the halftone image; and a modulation information specifying unit for specifying modulation information to be given to the light quantity modulating unit according to the color density specified by the color density specifying unit. It is a thing.

[0018]

The operation of the present invention is as follows. In gravure platemaking, when a plate cylinder is created through processes such as exposure, development, and corrosion, differences in the exposure time, corrosion time, etc. cause differences in the depth of cells formed, etc. In the electronic engraving gravure method, differences in the shape of the cells formed due to differences in the type of stylus and the like cause differences in the density gradation of the printed matter.

The color density determining means determines the calibration image so as to correspond to the finished state of the printed matter according to the cell forming conditions during gravure plate making, that is, the exposure time, the corrosion time, the type of stylus, etc. The color density of the composed halftone image is specified. Modulation information identification means,
The modulation information to be given to the light quantity modulating means is specified according to the color density specified by the color density specifying means. The modulation information specified by the modulation information specifying means is given to the light quantity modulating means, the light quantity of the light beam is modulated by the light quantity modulating means in accordance with the modulation information, and the halftone dot image is formed on the photosensitive material according to the cell pattern. Exposed. On the photosensitive material, a halftone image corresponding to the cell pattern is exposed with a color density corresponding to the density gradation of each cell to create a proof image.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the device of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color image proofreading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a signal editing circuit of the first embodiment apparatus. This first embodiment apparatus is an apparatus for creating a color proof image of a printed matter to be printed using a plate cylinder made by the conventional gravure method.

Image data Sy, Sm, Sc of each color plate of Y, M, C, K accumulated in a layout system (hereinafter referred to as a system) (not shown) and obtained from color image data including a picture, a line drawing, characters, etc. , Sk is the I / F
It is taken into the device through the (interface) circuit 1 and given to the color calculation circuit 2. The image data Sy, Sm, Sc, and Sk thus captured in the apparatus are data having the same density gradation as that of the continuous positive master plate used when creating the plate cylinder for main printing.

The color calculation circuit 2 performs color correction and gradation correction so that the color tone of the color image for calibration created by the apparatus of this embodiment and the color tone of the printed material of the final printing match. The data Sy ₁ , Sm ₁ , corrected by the color calculation circuit 2,
Sc ₁ and Sk ₁ are provided to the chemical element adjustment LUT (lookup table) 3.

The chemical element adjustment LUT 3 is for specifying the color density of the halftone image forming the proof image to be produced according to the conditions for forming the cells of the plate cylinder for the final printing. The depth of the cells formed on the plate cylinder basically depends on the density gradation of the continuous tone positive original plate, and the depth of the cells actually formed according to the density gradation of the original plate is, for example, , Exposure time, corrosion time and other chemical conditions. For example, even if it is a bright part with the same density on the original plate, if the corrosion time is short, the cell depth will be shallow (for example, 0.04 mm).
The longer the corrosion time, the deeper the cell depth (for example,
0.08 mm).

An example of this relationship is shown in FIG. The figure is a graph showing a state in which the concentration value of the original plate and the depth of the formed cells are changed by chemical conditions (corrosion time and exposure time in the figure). In FIG. 3A, the corrosion time is ta.
And when the exposure time is Ta, Tb, or Tc (where Ta is
>Tb> Tc), the relationship between the depths of cells formed according to the density value of the original plate is shown. FIGS. 3B and 3C show the corrosion times tb and tc, respectively, and the exposure time. Ta, T
The relationship between the cell depths formed according to the density values of the original plate in the case of b and Tc is shown. Where ta <tb <tc
Is.

When this relationship is applied to the apparatus of this embodiment, FIG.
become that way. FIG. 4 shows data Sy ₁ (or Sm ₁ and Sm ₁ , Sm ₁ and Sm ₁ which are taken into the apparatus and corrected by the color calculation circuit 2).
It shows how the color density of the photosensitive material F should be related to the density values of c ₁ and Sk ₁ ) and the cell depth. In FIG. 4, for example, the depth of the cell formed with respect to the concentration value of Sy ₁ changes in accordance with the chemical condition as in FIG. When the cell depth is determined, the left half curve shows the relationship between the cell depth and the color density of the photosensitive material F, which is uniquely determined so as to correspond to the relationship between the cell depth and the density of the printed matter. Shows. In the figure, taTa is a curve that determines the relationship between the data Sy ₁ and the cell depth when the corrosion time is ta and the exposure time is Ta, and other curves are also shown.

The chemical element adjustment LUT 3 has the relationship as shown in FIG. 4 as a table according to the chemical conditions. The chemical conditions include the exposure time in the exposure process, the concentration of the corrosive liquid in the corrosion process, the corrosion time, the temperature, the humidity, and the like. The chemical conditions are set by the setting device 4 according to the chemical conditions when forming the cells of the plate cylinder for the final printing. The chemical element adjustment LUT 3 outputs the density values of the given data Sy ₁ , Sm ₁ , Sc ₁ , Sk ₁ by specifying the color density according to the set chemical conditions.

In this embodiment, the chemical element adjustment L
Data Sy ₁ , Sm ₁ , Sc ₁ , S given to UT3
The concentration value of k ₁ and the chemical conditions correspond to the cell formation conditions in the present invention, and the chemical element adjustment LUT3
Corresponds to the color density specifying means in the present invention.

The color densities SDy, SDm, SDc, SDk specified by the chemical element adjustment LUT 3 are supplied to the signal editing circuit 5. The signal editing circuit 5 has the following functions. That is, the color photosensitive material F is
By exposing with light of three wavelength components of B, G, and R,
It is a negative photosensitive material having the property that each of the complementary colors Y, M, and C develops a color. On the other hand, in the final printing, Y, M,
Overprinting is done with the C and K plate cylinders. Therefore, in this apparatus, it is necessary to express the K plate image data with each of Y, M, and C image data to create a calibration image.

Now, let us consider the representation of the K plate image data in the Y plate with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, in the printed matter, a portion ARy where only the Y plate Hy is printed due to the overprinting state of the Y plate Hy and the K plate Hk.
And the part ARk where only the K version Hk is printed, and the Y version Hy
And the portion ARw on which the K plate Hk is printed and Y
A portion ARn in which neither the plate Hy nor the K plate Hk is printed is considered. According to these modes, the signal editing circuit 5
The image data for the K plate is converted into three-color data of Y, M, and C, and the data of the Y component in that is the data for the Y plate only, the data for the Y component of the K plate, and the data for the Y plate And K
It is configured to generate data by adding the Y component data of the plate. In addition, the same applies to the M and C plates.
Necessary data is created in consideration of superposition with the M component and C component of the plate. This is disclosed in JP-A-3-1458.
No. 76 publication.

A specific configuration of the signal editing circuit 5 will be described with reference to FIG. Of the color density SDy, SDm, SDc, SDk specified by the chemical element adjustment LUT3, Y,
The color densities SDy, SDm, SDc of the M and C plates are given to the color density / voltage value conversion table 51a, and the voltage value corresponding to the color density, that is, the voltage value applied to the acousto-optic modulator (AOM) described later. And the color density SDk of the K plate is given to the K / YMC conversion table 52,
Converted to the color density of the Y, M, and C components of the K plate.

Here, the relationship between the color density and the AOM applied voltage will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows the voltage applied to the AOM when the color photosensitive material F is a negative photosensitive material, and
The solid line shows the relationship between the OM modulation rate, the AOM modulated light quantity, and the color density of the photosensitive material used.
The amount of modulated light and the color density are known as the γ characteristic of the photosensitive material. From the relationships shown in the first, third and fourth quadrants of FIG. 6, the relationship of the applied voltage to the AOM with respect to the color density of the photosensitive material shown in the second quadrant can be obtained.

The color density / voltage value conversion table 51a is
The relationship between the color density obtained as described above and the voltage applied to the AOM is stored in a table. Color density /
The data output from the voltage value conversion table 51a is applied to a D / A (digital to analog) converter 53 and converted into an analog signal, and the applied voltage signal DY for the Y plate and the applied voltage signal for the M plate are supplied. The applied voltage signal DC for the DM and C plates is output from the signal editing circuit 5. These signals DY, DM, DC are input to the input terminals Ia of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, 6C, respectively, as shown in FIG. It should be noted that these signals DY, DM, and DC are used to create a Y-plate portion (ARy in FIG. 5), an M-plate portion, and a C-plate portion that do not overlap with the K plate when the calibration image is created. Used as data.

In this embodiment, the voltage value applied to the AOM corresponds to the modulation information in the present invention, and the color density /
The voltage value conversion table 51a and the color density /
The voltage value conversion tables 51b and 51c correspond to the modulation information specifying means in the present invention.

In the K / YMC conversion table 52, the color density SDk of the K plate is changed to the color density Ky, K of the Y, M, C components.
Convert to m, Kc. This conversion method is Y, M, C, K
It is determined by the conversion method of CMY / CMYK conversion in the layout system that supplies the plate image data Sy, Sm, Sc, Sk to the apparatus. That is, in the layout system, the image is read with R, G, B signals, and the R, G, and B signals are read.
G, B signals are converted into Y, M, C signals, and the Y, M, C signals are converted.
Based on the signal, it is converted into Y, M, C and K signals and output. Therefore, the K / YMC conversion table 52 is configured as a table for converting the K signal into the Y, M, and C signals by the conversion method opposite to the YMC / YMCK conversion method of the layout system. The output data Ky, Km, and Kc from the K / YMC conversion table 52 are given to the color density / voltage value conversion table 51b and the color addition circuit 54.

The color density / voltage value conversion table 51b has the same structure as the color density / voltage value conversion table 51a described above. The output data from the color density / voltage value conversion table 51b is applied to the D / A converter 53 and converted into an analog signal, and the applied voltage signal DKy of the Y component of the K plate and the applied voltage of the M component of the K plate are applied. Signal DKm, K version of C
The applied voltage signal DKc of the component is output from the signal editing circuit 5. These signals DKy, DKm, DKc are input to the input terminals Ib of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, 6C, respectively, as shown in FIG. Note that these signals DK
y, DKm, and DKc are Y when creating the calibration image.
It is used as data for creating a portion (ARk in FIG. 5) in which only the K plate is printed for each of the plate, the M plate, and the C plate.

The color addition circuit 54 is supplied with the output data Ky, Km, Kc from the K / YMC conversion table 52, and the color densities SDy, SD of the Y, M, C color plates.
m, SDc are also supplied, Ky and SDy, Km and S
Dm, Kc and SDc are added, that is, the color density (Ky) of the Y component obtained by color-separating the K plate by the K / YMC conversion table 52 is set to the color density (SDy) of the Y plate, and the K plate is colored. The color density (Km) of the M component obtained by decomposition is set to the color density (SDm) of the M plate, and C obtained by performing color separation on the K plate.
A process of adding the color density (Kc) of the component to the color density (SDc) of the C plate is performed. This color addition circuit 5
In No. 4, it is necessary to perform addition in consideration of the additive rule irregularity. Therefore, for example, the addition is performed based on the trapping principle disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-145876. ing.

Each data output from the color addition circuit 54 is given to a color density / voltage value conversion table 51c (similar in construction to the color density / voltage value conversion table 51a described above), and the voltage corresponding to each color density is given. After being converted to a value,
The signals are supplied to the D / A converters 53 and converted into analog signals, and the applied voltage signal Dyk for the Y plate, the applied voltage signal Dmk for the M plate, and the applied voltage signal Dck for the C plate are output from the signal editing circuit 5. To be done. These signals Dyk, Dm
k and Dck are multiplexers 6 as shown in FIG.
It is input to the input terminals Ic of Y, 6M, and 6C, respectively.
It should be noted that these signals Dyk, Dmk, and Dck are printed on the Y plate, the M plate, and the C plate, respectively, on the Y plate, the M plate, and the C plate when they are created (ARw in FIG. 5).
Used as data to create.

Returning to FIG. 1, in the dot generator 7, the pattern of the white line screen for gravure for each color plate used when creating the plate cylinder is angled for each color plate when creating the plate cylinder. It is stored in the state where it was written. When the output start signal of the image data is given from the system, the pattern of the white line screen for gravure for each color plate corresponding to the image data of each color plate supplied to the color calculation circuit 2 is searched, and each dot is It is judged whether it is the white line part, that is, whether it is the bank that surrounds the cell when creating the plate cylinder or the cell, and if it is the bank, ink will not be attached when printing "OF
If the "F" signal is a portion that becomes a cell, ink will be applied when it is printed, so "ON" signals are output. dy
The signal is the determination result for the pattern of the white line screen for gravure for the Y plate, and the dm, dc, and dk signals are
These are the determination results for the patterns of the white line screen for gravure for M plate, C plate, and K plate, respectively. The dy signal is input to the control input terminal Ix of the multiplexer 6Y, the dm signal is input to the control input terminal Ix of the multiplexer 6M, the dc signal is input to the control input terminal Ix of the multiplexer 6C, and the dk signal is input to each of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C. Terminal Iy
Is supplied to each.

In the present embodiment, the pattern of the white line screen for gravure for each color plate stored in the dot generator 7 corresponds to the pattern of cells formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing in the present invention. . Further, by inputting the image data output start signal to the dot generator 7, the input timing of the voltage signal to each of the input terminals Ia to Ic of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, and 6C and the "to the control input terminals Ix, Iy". The input timings of the “ON” and “OFF” signals can be synchronized, and as described later, the halftone image exposed on the photosensitive material F is changed according to the pattern of cells formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing. It can be

In each multiplexer 6Y, 6M, 6C,
The applied voltage signals input to the input terminals Ia, Ib, Ic, and Id are switched according to the input signals of the control input terminals Ix and Iy, and output to the AOMs 8Y, 8M, and 8C. Note that each input terminal Id has a GND (ground)
Has been entered. This GND is an applied voltage value that does not cause the photosensitive material F to develop color, and is used to create a portion (ARn in FIG. 5) where nothing is printed in the above-described Y plate, M plate, and C plate when creating a calibration image. Used as data.

This switching is a part where only the Y, M, and C plates are printed when Ix is "ON" and Iy is "OFF", so the input terminal Ia is selected and Ix is "OF".
When F ”and Iy are“ ON ”, K for Y, M and C plates
Since only the plate is printed, when the input terminal Ib is selected and both Ix and Iy are "ON", the Y plate, the M plate, and the C plate are printed by overlapping the K plate. When Ic is selected and both Ix and Iy are “OFF”, since nothing is printed, the input terminal Id is controlled to be selected.

The applied voltage values output from the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C are AOMs 8Y, 8M and 8C, respectively.
Given to. B, G, R laser light sources 9B, 9
The respective light beams output from G and 9R are modulated by the corresponding AOMs 8Y, 8M and 8C to a modulated light amount according to the applied voltage. The light beam whose light quantity is modulated by the AOM 8Y is the total reflection mirror 10, and the light beam whose light quantity is modulated by the AOM 8M is the dichroic mirror 11.
The light beams whose light amounts are modulated by the OM 8C are reflected on the same optical axis by the dichroic mirrors 12, and are irradiated onto the photosensitive material F mounted on the rotary cylinder 14 via the imaging lens 13. Note that rotation of the rotary cylinder 14 and sub-scan feed are performed by the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, and 6C so that each light beam is irradiated to a predetermined position on the photosensitive material F with respect to the image data output from the system. It is controlled so as to be performed according to the output timing of the voltage value of.

In the present embodiment and each of the following embodiments, acousto-optic modulators (AOM) 8Y, 8M and 8C are used as the light quantity modulating means in the present invention, but other means may be used. The light quantity of the light beam for exposing the halftone image on F may be modulated.

For example, FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the cells formed on the plate cylinder and the exposure state by the B light beam corresponding to the Y plate. 7A is a diagram showing a state of cells formed on the plate cylinder, FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an exposure state by a B light beam corresponding to the Y plate, and FIG. 7C is a diagram. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dotted line of 7 (b). In the figure, C is a cell,
C _D is the dark portion, C _M is the middle portion, the C _T is the light portion cell, T is the bank, also, D is the exposure unit dot, D _D dots where color density is high exposure, D _M color development Dots exposed with an intermediate density are shown, D _T is an exposed dot with low color density, and D ₀ is a dot with no color. As shown in the figure, according to the pattern of the cells, dots are colored in the cell portion with a coloring density corresponding to the depth of the cell, and the dots in the bank portion are not colored. With respect to the M plate and the C plate, dots are exposed on the photosensitive material F in the same manner as the Y plate according to the array angle of each cell.

Further, in the printed matter of the final printing, Y, M,
For each of the dots of the photosensitive material F and the state of the overprinting of each ink of the C and K plates, the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, 6C
Table 1 below shows the relationship with the selection of the output signal from the. For example, in the printed matter of the final printing, with respect to a portion (dot) where each ink of Y, M, C, and K plates is overprinted, each light emitted to the dot on the photosensitive material F corresponding to the portion. The transmitted light amount of the beam is determined by the multiplexers 6Y, 6M,
The applied voltage value Dyk input from the input terminal Ic at 6C,
Dmk and Dck are selected and output, and the applied voltage value is AOM
8Y, 8M, and 8C, and shows that the emission density at that location on the photosensitive material F is the density when Y, M, C, and K are superposed (table. (1) of 1. Also, in the printed matter of the final printing, Y, M, C
The applied voltage values DY, DM, and DC input from the input terminals Ia are selectively output from the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, and 6C at the locations where the inks of the plate are overprinted ((2) in Table 1).

[0046]

[Table 1]

The depth of each cell formed on the plate cylinder of the final printing is determined by the density gradation of the continuous positive original plate and the chemical conditions such as the exposure, development and corrosion processes, and the depth of the cell. The density gradation of the printed printed matter, that is, the finish of the printed matter is determined. On the other hand, according to the apparatus having the above-described configuration, the change in the cell depth according to the chemical conditions is changed for the image data having the density value according to the density gradation of the continuous positive original plate. On the other hand, according to the pattern of the white line screen for gravure that forms the cell pattern of each color plate (line ratio, number of lines, cell array angle for each color plate, etc.), it corresponds to overprinting of each color plate. As described above, the AOM is controlled so that the halftone image is exposed on the photosensitive material so as to obtain the adjusted color density, and the proof image is created. Therefore, the color proof image corresponding to the printed matter to be printed by the main printing is exposed. Can be created on material.

In the above-mentioned first embodiment device, the D / A
Although the converter 53 is arranged in front of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C, it may be arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, the selectors 15Y, 15M, 15
The applied voltage value is input as digital data to each of the input terminals Ia, Ib, Ic, and Id of C, and the multiplexer 6
The data output by the same switching process as Y, 6M, and 6C is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 53 and supplied to each AOM 8Y, 8M, and 8C. With this configuration, the number of D / A converters 53 can be reduced. 8. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a modified example of the first embodiment device. In addition, each of the embodiments described below can be similarly modified.

Next, a second embodiment device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the color image proofreading apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the signal editing circuit of the second embodiment apparatus. The apparatus of the second embodiment is a printed matter to be printed using a plate cylinder made by the direct gravure method in which the cell depth is constant and the cell area is changed to express the density gradation in the halftone gravure method. This is a device for creating a color proof image. Note that, in the drawing, the portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 have the same configuration as the above-described first embodiment device, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

In this direct gravure method, the density gradation is expressed by the change of the mesh% of each cell, that is, the area. However, due to chemical conditions such as corrosion when creating the plate cylinder, the depth of the formed cells changes overall, and the amount of ink transferred to the paper changes accordingly, so the printed matter The finish changes. Therefore, in this second embodiment apparatus, the light emission density on the photosensitive material F is adjusted according to the conditions for forming the plate cylinder, that is, the conditions in which the cell depth changes, and according to the mesh% of each cell. AOM
ON / OFF is controlled.

In the conditions / coloring density conversion tables 21Y, 21M, and 21C for Y, M, and C plates, the respective coloring densities are specified for each color plate according to the conditions for determining the cell depth. For example, FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the change in cell depth with respect to the change in corrosion time, which is a condition for determining the cell depth, and the change in color density with respect to the cell depth. As shown in the figure, if the condition (corrosion time in the figure) is specified, the color density is specified.

Condition / color density conversion tables 21Y, 21
The M and 21C store the relationship as shown in FIG. 11 as a table. When the conditions for determining the cell depth from the setting device 4, that is, the concentration of the corrosive liquid, the corrosion time, the temperature, the humidity, etc. are set, the condition / coloring density conversion table 21Y,
21M and 21C are color densities Ny and N according to the conditions.
m and Nc are specified and output. The output data Ny, Nm, Nc is given to the signal editing circuit 20.

In this embodiment, the chemical conditions correspond to the cell forming conditions in the present invention, and the condition / color density conversion tables 21Y, 21M, 21C, and K described later.
The / YMC density conversion table 22 corresponds to the color density specifying means in the present invention.

In the K / YMC density conversion table 22, when the condition for determining the depth of the K plate cell set by the setting device 4 is set, the condition / color density conversion table 21Y,
Similar to 21M and 21C, the color density of the K plate is specified, and the color density of the Y, M, and C components is changed by the same conversion method as the K / YMC conversion table 52 of the first embodiment device. The density is converted into NKy, NKm, and NKc and output. The output data NKy, NKm, and NKc are given to the signal editing circuit 20.

The configuration of the signal editing circuit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. Y, M, C given to the signal editing circuit 20
The color densities Ny, Nm and Nc of the plate are the color density / voltage value conversion tables 51a, 51b and 51c and the color addition circuit 54.
Given to each.

Color density / voltage value conversion tables 51a, 5
1b and 51c, the color density N of Y, M, and C, respectively.
According to y, Nm, and Nc, the voltage value to be applied to the AOM is converted, and after being converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 53, the input terminal Ia of each of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, and 6C.
Given to each.

In this embodiment, the color density / voltage value conversion tables 51a, 51b and 51c correspond to the modulation information specifying means in the present invention.

Further, K supplied to the signal editing circuit 20
Color density of plate Y, M, C components NKy, NKm, NKc
Is a color density / voltage value conversion table 51a, 51b, 5
1c and the color addition circuit 54, respectively.

Color density / voltage value conversion tables 51a, 5
1b and 51c are converted into voltage values to be applied to the AOM according to the coloring densities NKy, NKm, and NKc of the Y, M, and C components, respectively, and after being converted into analog signals by the D / A converter 53, It is applied to the input terminals Ib of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C, respectively.

In the color adding circuit 54, the color density of the Y component of the K plate (NKy) is set to the color density of the Y plate (Ny), and the color density of the M component of the K plate is calculated, as in the first embodiment. (NK
m) is added to the color density of the M plate (Nm), and the color density of the C component of the K plate (NKc) is added to the color density of the C plate (Nc). Addition result NY, NM, NC
Is a color density / voltage value conversion table 51a, 51b, 5
In 1c, each is converted into the voltage value supplied to the AOM, and D /
After being converted into an analog signal by the A converter 53, it is given to the input terminals Ic of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C, respectively.

Returning to FIG. 9, each image data S of Y, M, C, and K plates obtained by a layout system (not shown)
y, Sm, Sc, and Sk are provided to the dot generator 23. The dot generator 23 stores the pattern of the net positive master plate for gravure used for making the plate cylinder in an angled state for each plate when making the plate cylinder. , The density of each of the image data Sy, Sm, Sc, and Sk given is converted into halftone dot% of the cell forming portion, and when a cell is formed on the plate cylinder from the pattern based on the halftone dot, each exposure unit dot is recessed. Is determined (where ink is applied) or not determined to be a recess (where ink is not applied). If it is determined to be a recess, “ON” is output, and if not determined, “OFF” is output.

For example, FIG. 12 shows an original plate pattern of the Y plate, and when the plate cylinder is formed, the shaded portion in the center is where the concave portion is formed. It is determined whether or not each dot divided by the dot generator 23 becomes a concave portion based on the density of the Y plate image data and the pattern of FIG. Similar determinations are made for M, C and K plates. However, since the array angle of the pattern of the cells of each color plate is different, the dot generator 23 also takes these angles into consideration so that “ON” and “OFF” of each color plate at the same position (dot) on the photosensitive material F will be considered. Is synchronized and judged, and the result is output.

The determination result dy for the Y version is at the control input terminal Ix of the multiplexer 6Y, and the determination result dm for the M version is at the control input terminal Ix of the multiplexer 6M.
In addition, the determination result dc for the C plate is the multiplexer 6
The control input terminal Ix of C and the determination result dk for the K plate are supplied to the control input terminal Iy of each of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, and 6C.

In the present embodiment, the pattern of the net positive master plate for gravure stored in the dot generator 23 corresponds to the pattern of cells formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing in the present invention. Further, in the present embodiment, if the chemical condition is set, the cell depth becomes constant at a value according to the condition, so that the color density according to the image data is changed as in the first embodiment. No need to change, multiplexer 6
As will be described later, the halftone dot image to be exposed on the photosensitive material F is formed into a pattern of cells formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing, depending on the input timing to the control input terminals Ix and Iy of Y, 6M and 6C. It can be adapted.

In each multiplexer 6Y, 6M, 6C,
The applied voltage signals input to the input terminals Ia, Ib, Ic, and Id are switched according to the input signals of the control input terminals Ix and Iy, and output to the AOMs 8Y, 8M, and 8C. Note that GND is input to each input terminal Id.

The switching by the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C is such that when Ix is "ON" and Iy is "OFF", the input terminal Ia is selected, Ix is "OFF" and Iy is "O".
When "N", the input terminal Ib is selected, when both Ix and Iy are "ON", the input terminal Ic is selected, and Ix and Iy
When both are "OFF", the input terminal Id is controlled to be selected.

The applied voltage values output from the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C are AOMs 8Y, 8M and 8C, respectively.
A color proof image is formed on the photosensitive material F in the same manner as in the first embodiment apparatus described above.

The prepared proof image is formed so that the ink-printed part has a predetermined emission density and the non-ink-printed part does not develop color by the halftone dot pattern according to the density gradation, and Since the color density of the portion to which the ink is applied is the color density corresponding to the cell depth determined by the chemical conditions, a proof image having a finish similar to that of the printed matter of the final printing can be obtained.

Next, the device of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a color image proofing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
This third embodiment device is also a device for creating a color proof image of a printed matter to be printed by using the plate cylinder made by the direct gravure method similarly to the second embodiment described above,
This is an example apparatus when a positive photosensitive material is used as the photosensitive material F. It should be noted that, in the drawings, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 9, and FIG.

The negative photosensitive material F used in the above-described first embodiment apparatus and second embodiment apparatus is a photosensitive material whose exposed portion develops color. Therefore, for example, in the overprinted portion of the Y plate and the K plate, the color density of the Y plate and the Y color obtained by color separation of the K plate are obtained.
Unless the color densities of the components are added in consideration of the additive rule irregularity, the density of the overprinting of the Y plate and the K plate cannot be obtained.

On the other hand, the positive sensitive material is a sensitive material that develops a stronger color in a portion where the exposure is weaker, and when the positive sensitive material is used, the applied voltage to the AOM, the modulation rate of the AOM, and the AOM.
The relationship between the amount of modulated light and the color density of the photosensitive material is as shown by the dotted line in FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The overprinted portion of the Y plate Hy and the K plate Hk may not be exposed to light, like the portion printed only on the Y plate Hy or the portion printed only on the K plate Hk. 14
According to the mode of overprinting of Y version Hy and K version Hk,
It shows the exposure state by the B (blue) light beam. The signal Cy is a signal for coloring only the Y plate Hy in L1-L2, and when "ON" is the state of being exposed with B light, "O"
FF ”indicates a state in which the B light beam is not exposed. Further, the signal Ck is a signal for developing only the K plate Hk in L1-L2. Then, the signal Cyk is a signal for coloring the Y version Hy and the K version Hk in L1-L2, and this signal Cyk is obtained by the logical product of the signal Cy and the signal Ck. In FIG. 14, the signals Cy and C
When “ON” and “OFF” of k and Cyk are inverted, the signal Cyk is obtained by the logical sum of the signal Cy and the signal Ck.

That is, in the overprinting of the K plate and the Y, M, and C plates, it is not necessary to consider the color density of the K plate (color density of the Y, M, and C components of the K plate). Can have a simpler configuration than the second embodiment device.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, when the cell depth conditions for the Y, M, and C plates are set by the setting device 4, the conditions for the Y, M, and C plates / color density conversions are converted. Table 21
Y, 21M, and 21C specify the respective color densities according to the conditions that determine the cell depth for each color plate.

In the present embodiment, the chemical conditions for determining the cell depth correspond to the cell forming conditions in the present invention, and the condition / color density conversion tables 21Y, 21M, 21.
C corresponds to the color density specifying means in the present invention.

Then, the color density / voltage value conversion table 5
1a, 51b and 51c are converted into voltage values supplied to the AOM according to the color densities of Y, M and C, respectively, and D /
After being converted into an analog signal by the A converter 53, it is given to the input terminals Ie of the respective switching devices 24Y, 24M and 24C. Further, GND is given to the input terminal If of each of the switching devices 24Y, 24M and 24C.

In the present embodiment, the color density / voltage value conversion tables 51a, 51b, 51c correspond to the modulation information specifying means in the present invention.

On the other hand, Y, M, C, and K plate image data Sy, Sm, Sc, and S obtained by a system (not shown).
k is provided to the dot generator 23. The dot generator 23 stores a pattern of a net positive master plate for gravure. The dot% of a portion forming a cell is specified by the density of each image data given, and the pattern based on the dot% is applied to the plate cylinder. When a cell is formed, it is determined whether each exposure unit dot becomes a concave portion (where ink is attached) or is not a concave portion (where ink is not attached). Then, depending on the positive photosensitive material F ′, “OFF” is set if the concave portion is formed and “ON” is set if the concave portion is not formed.
Is output.

The output data from the dot generator 23 is given to the signal synthesizing circuit 25. In the signal synthesis circuit 25, the logical product of the Y version “ON” and “OFF” signals and the K version “ON” and “OFF” signals, and the M version “O”.
Logical product of N "and" OFF "signals and K plate" ON "and" OFF "signals, logical product of C plate" ON "and" OFF "signals and K plate" ON "and" OFF "signals Each product is obtained, and as a result, dy, dm, and dc are output, and each switch 2
It is given to the control input terminals Iz of 4Y, 24M, and 24C.

In this embodiment, the pattern of the net positive master plate for gravure stored in the dot generator 23 corresponds to the pattern of cells formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing in the present invention.

In each switch 24Y, 24M, 24C,
When the signal to the control input terminal Iz is “ON”, the input terminal If (GND) is selected and the signal to Iz is “OFF”.
At this time, the input terminal Ie is selected, and the selected applied voltage value is output to each AOM 8Y, 8M, 8C.

The applied voltage values output from the respective switchers 24Y, 24M and 24C are AOM8Y, 8M and 8 respectively.
A color proof image is provided on the positive photosensitive material F ′, which is given to C, similarly to the apparatus of the second embodiment described above.

Next, a fourth embodiment device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a color image proofing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
The apparatus of the fourth embodiment is a plate made by a two-sheet positive method using a continuous positive master plate and a net positive master plate for gravure in a method of expressing density gradation by changing the depth and area of cells. This is an apparatus for creating a color proof image of a printed matter to be printed using a cylinder. In addition, in FIG. 1, FIG.
The parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 9 and 10 have the same configurations as those of the respective embodiments described above, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

In this system, the depth of cells to be formed is determined by the density gradation of the continuous positive master plate, and the pattern of each cell is determined by the pattern of the net positive master plate for gravure according to the density gradation of the image.

Therefore, in the apparatus of this embodiment, the structure for adjusting the color density according to the depth of the cell is the same as that of the apparatus of the first embodiment described above, and, on the other hand, according to the pattern of each cell. The configuration for controlling the switching of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, 6C is the same as that of the second embodiment device described above.

Specifically, each image data Sy, Sm, Sc, Sk from the system is passed through the color calculation circuit 2, the chemical element adjustment LUT 3, and the signal editing circuit 5 (see FIG. 2).
The voltage is converted into an applied voltage value having a color density corresponding to the conditions for forming cells, and then applied to the input terminals Ia to Ic of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, and 6C. This configuration is similar to the configuration of the first embodiment device described above. Note that GND is applied to the input terminals Id of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, and 6C.

In this embodiment, the chemical element adjustment L
Data Sy ₁ , Sm ₁ , Sc ₁ , S given to UT3
The concentration value of k ₁ and the chemical conditions correspond to the cell formation conditions in the present invention, and the chemical element adjustment LUT3
Corresponds to the color density specifying means in the present invention. Also,
Color density / voltage value conversion table 51 in the signal editing circuit 5
Reference characters a, 51b, and 51c correspond to the modulation information specifying means in the present invention.

Further, each image data Sy from the system,
Sm, Sc, and Sk are given to the dot generator 23, and based on the pattern of the net positive master plate for gravure that is stored in association with the density value thereof, the portion to which ink is attached and the portion to which ink is not attached are determined, Judgment result dy, dm, d
c and dk are applied to the respective control input terminals Ix and Iy of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C. This configuration is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment device described above.

In this embodiment, the pattern of the net positive master plate for gravure stored in the dot generator 23 corresponds to the pattern of cells formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing according to the present invention. Further, since the image data to be supplied to the color calculation circuit 2 is supplied to the dot generator 23, the input timings of the voltage signals to the input terminals Ia to Ic of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C and the control input terminals Ix. , Iy can be synchronized with the input timing of the “ON” and “OFF” signals, and a halftone image to be exposed on the photosensitive material F is formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing, as described later. It can be adapted to the pattern of cells.

In this way, the portion with ink and the portion without ink are judged by the density value of the image data and the pattern of the net positive master plate for gravure, and the coloring density of the portion with ink is determined according to the depth of the cell. Since the adjustments have been made, the proof image created will have the same finish as the printed one.

Next, the device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a color image proofreading apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the color density specifying unit of the fifth embodiment apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ON / OFF determination unit of the fifth embodiment device.
This fifth embodiment device creates a color proof image of a printed matter to be printed using a plate cylinder made by the TH gravure method among the methods of expressing density gradation by changing the depth and area of cells. It is a device for. In the figure,
The parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10 have the same configurations as those of the above-described respective embodiments, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Each image data Sy, Sm from the system,
Sc and Sk are given to the color density specifying unit 30 and the ON / OFF judging unit 40 via the I / F circuit 1.

As shown in FIG. 17, the coloring density specifying unit 30 converts the image data into the dot% of each cell according to the density value in the image data / dot% conversion table 31. The converted dot% is given to the dot% / color density conversion table 32. In this halftone dot% / color density concentration conversion table 32, the color density corresponding to the halftone percentage is specified according to the conditions set by the setting device 33 when creating the plate cylinder.

Here, the density value of the image data, the dot%,
FIG. 19 shows the relationship between cell depth and color density. The image data / halftone% conversion table 31 is configured by storing the relationship of the fourth quadrant in FIG. 19 as a table.
The color density conversion table 32 is shown in the third quadrant and the second quadrant of FIG.
It is configured by storing the quadrant relationships as a table. Note that the relationship in the third quadrant in FIG. 19 varies depending on the conditions for forming cells.

In the figure, TaDa is a graph showing the relationship between the dot percentage and the cell depth when the exposure time is Ta and the diffusion sheet condition is Da, and other graphs are also shown. The diffusion sheet conditions are
It is the type and thickness of the diffusion sheet provided between the plate cylinder and the net positive net for offset at the time of exposure in gravure plate making. For example, diffusion sheet condition Da
Defines the diffusion sheet type as A and the thickness as a, and the diffusion sheet condition Db defines the diffusion sheet type as B and the thickness as b.

In the dot% / color density conversion table 32, the dot% / color density conversion is performed according to the conditions for forming cells set by the setting device 33. The conditions to be set include chemical conditions such as exposure time, concentration of corrosive liquid, corrosion time, temperature and humidity, and diffusion sheet conditions (type of diffusion sheet, thickness).

In the present embodiment, the density value of the image data, the chemical condition, and the diffusion sheet condition correspond to the cell forming condition in the present invention, and the color density specifying portion 3
0 corresponds to the color density specifying means in the present invention.

The color density of each color plate specified by the half-tone dot / color density conversion table 32 is color-corrected and gradation-corrected by the color calculation circuit 2 and given to the signal editing circuit 5 (see FIG. 2). , After being converted into a predetermined applied voltage value, are applied to the input terminals Ia to Ic of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C. Further, GND is given to the input terminals Id of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C.

In this embodiment, the color density / voltage value conversion tables 51a, 51b, 51c in the signal editing circuit 5 are used.
Corresponds to the modulation information specifying means in the present invention.

On the other hand, in the ON / OFF judging section 40, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, each image data S of Y, M, C, K plates
Y, SM, SC and SK are given to the dot generator 41. The dot generator 41 stores a pattern obtained by thickening the pattern of the offset positive mesh original plate according to the diffusion sheet condition, and forms a cell by the density value of each image data SY, SM, SC, SK given. Specify the net% of the area to be printed, and from the pattern based on the net%, when cells are formed on the plate cylinder, each dot becomes a recess (where ink is applied) or not a recess (where ink is not applied). To determine. If it becomes a concave portion, "ON" is output, and if it does not become a concave portion, "OFF" is output. Output data oy, om, o
c and ok are the switching devices 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42
It is applied to each of the K input terminals Ie.

Further, the dot generator 7 in which the white line screen for gravure is stored judges whether or not it is a white line portion in synchronization with the output timing of the image data of the system, by the output start signal of the image data from the system. ,
If it is a white line portion, "OFF" is output, and if it is not a white line portion, "ON" is output. Output data gy, gm, gc, g
k is given to the control input terminal Iz of each of the switches 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K.

Each switch 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42
The “OFF” signal is applied to the K input terminal If. In each switch 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K,
If the signal given to the control input terminal Iz is "ON", the input terminal Ie is selected, and if the signal is "OFF", the input terminal If is selected and output. Each switch 42Y, 42
Output data dy, dm, and dc from M and 42C are shown in FIG.
6, the control input terminal I of the multiplexer 6Y is
x, the control input terminal Ix of the multiplexer 6M, and the control input terminal Ix of the multiplexer 6C, respectively, and the output data dk from the switch 42K is supplied to the control input terminal Iy of each of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, and 6C.

These switching devices 42Y, 42M, 42
In C and 42K, the area where ink is applied and the area where ink is not applied are determined from the density value of the image data and the pattern of the positive net for offset, and the result is the embankment area formed by the gravure white line screen. It is provided to add the pattern of. That is, in the TH gravure method, since the plate cylinder for offset and the white line screen for gravure form a plate cylinder with different screen angles and screen rulings, it is determined that ink is applied with the net positive plate for offset. The bank may be formed even in the opened portion, and since ink is not applied to the portion, it is necessary to output the “OFF” signal to each of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C.

In this embodiment, the pattern of the positive net for offset stored in the dot generator 41 and the pattern of the white line screen for gravure stored in the dot generator 7 are used for the gravure printing in the present invention. It corresponds to the pattern of cells formed on the plate cylinder. Further, since the image data to be given to the color density specifying unit 30 is given to the dot generator 41 and the output start signal of the image data from the system is inputted to the dot generator 7, the multiplexers 6Y, 6M,
Input timing of the voltage signal to each of the input terminals Ia to Ic of 6C, and "ON" and "O" to each of the control input terminals Ix and Iy.
It is possible to synchronize the input timing of the "FF" signal,
As will be described later, a halftone image to be exposed on the photosensitive material F is
It can be adapted to the pattern of cells formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing.

In each multiplexer 6Y, 6M, 6C,
The applied voltage signals input to the input terminals Ia, Ib, Ic, and Id are switched according to the input signals of the control input terminals Ix and Iy, and output to the AOMs 8Y, 8M, and 8C. For this switching, Ix is "ON" and Iy is "OF".
When “F”, the input terminal Ia is selected and Ix is “OF
When “F” and Iy are “ON”, the input terminal Ib is selected, when both Ix and Iy are “ON”, the input terminal Ic is selected, and when both Ix and Iy are “OFF”, the input terminal Ib is selected.
It is controlled so that d is selected.

The applied voltage values output from the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C are AOMs 8Y, 8M and 8C, respectively.
A color proof image is formed on the photosensitive material F in the same manner as in the first embodiment apparatus described above.

Next, the device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. The sixth embodiment apparatus is an apparatus for producing a color proof image of a printed matter to be printed using a plate cylinder made by an electronic engraving gravure method.

Before explaining the configuration of the apparatus of the present embodiment, the principle of the apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. In the engraving machine, the cell depth, area, etc. are expressed by the engraving depth (the signal of the depth given to the stylus) according to the density gradation of the original plate according to the relationship shown in FIG. If the type of stylus is different, the cell area will be different even if cells are formed with the same engraving depth. On the other hand, in the apparatus of this embodiment, which creates a calibration image by exposing halftone dots with a plurality of beams, a dot matrix is formed, and each dot is given a density value to represent a cell.

For example, as shown in FIG. 21 (a) (plan view showing the area of the cell) and FIG. 21 (b) (cross-sectional view showing the cell depth at the FF portion of FIG. 21 (a)). Consider the case where cells are represented by a dot matrix.

The cell area is expressed by a dot matrix as shown in FIG. Each dot D forming the dot matrix has a density value, and the density value expresses the cell depth. Each dot D is given a density value such that the density value of the central dot D ₅ is the largest and the density value is smaller toward the periphery. There is a correlation between the cell depth and the concentration value. Therefore, FIG.
When the FF portion of (c) is expressed by the depth corresponding to the density value of each dot D, it becomes as shown in FIG.

In this way, the cells are represented by a dot matrix, and the "ON" and "OFF" of the AOM are controlled so that only the dot portions constituting the dot matrix are exposed, and the density value of each dot of the dot matrix is set. The applied voltage value is controlled so as to be supplied to the AOM.

By the way, when the density gradation given to the engraving machine is, for example, 256 gradations, in order to faithfully reproduce the cell shape in the dot matrix, as shown in FIG. It is necessary to configure a dot matrix with a large number of 512 dots at the maximum and give a density value to each dot according to the shape of the cell. But,
It is not realistic to control a plurality of light beams according to such a dot matrix because of the exposure speed and the memory.

Therefore, for example, a cell is approximately represented by creating a dot matrix with a number of dots according to the density gradation and making the density change of the dot matrix variable. By having as a pattern the number of dots according to the density gradation and how to change the density of the dot matrix, it is possible to deal with the case where the cell shape is changed due to the difference in the type of the stylus, for example.

Specific data expansion will be described below. FIG. 23 shows a pattern of the number of dots according to the density value of image data. In the pattern of FIG. 23, for example, if the density gradation is “1”, the dot matrix is created with 1 dot, and if the density gradation is “3”, the dot matrix is created with 4 dots. . The pattern of the number of dots according to the density value of the image data is variable according to the type of stylus and the like. Further, the dot arrangement determined in this way is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. The dot arrangement pattern is also variable according to the type of stylus. In FIG. 24, the number assigned to each dot is a dot number, and the number of the dot corresponding to the deepest part of the cell is “1”. The density value to be given to each dot is determined according to this number. The pattern of assigning dot numbers is also variable according to the type of stylus and the like.

From the relationship of FIG. 20 described above, if the density value of the original plate is determined, the engraving depth and the cell depth are determined, and the density value of the deepest part of the cell is determined. Therefore, if the density value of the image data input to the calibration device is determined, the density value of the dot having the maximum density of the dot marilix (maximum density value) is determined. This relationship is shown in FIG.

By the way, the shape of the cell engraved with the stylus is not an exact square pyramid but a quadratic or cubic curve, because the shape of the stylus (depending on the type) and its oscillating motion are sin waves. It This is shown in FIG.
Shown in. FIG. 26A shows the shape of a cell having the maximum density (the deepest engraving depth). For example, the engraving depth is (D0
The shape of the cell of −D1) is the shape from D0 (the deepest part) to D1 of FIG. 26A, that is, the shape of the cell of FIG. 26B, and the shape of the cell with the engraving depth of (D0−D2). Is
Similarly, it becomes like FIG.26 (c).

Therefore, first, the relationship between the density value and the dot number of the dot matrix created in the case of the maximum density cell is created as shown in FIG. The curve of this relationship expresses the delicate curve of the shape of the cell of FIG. 26 described above. Further, since the cell shape changes according to the stylus type and the like, the curve in FIG. 26 also changes according to the stylus type and the like.

In this graph, the horizontal axis represents the dot number, and Mmax represents the number of dots in the dot matrix for the maximum density cell. The vertical axis indicates the density value for each dot number, and the density value D for dot number 1
max indicates the maximum density value, that is, the maximum density value in the deepest part.

For example, given the image data Pb,
From FIG. 25, the maximum density Db for Pb is determined. FIG. 26
As shown in FIG. 26, the shape of the cell follows the shape of the cell formed at the maximum density (see FIG. 26A), so the curve of the density change is from Dmax to (Dmax-Db).
Area B between is used. That is, Dmax becomes Db and (Dmax-Db) is set to 0, and the density change curve is used. The dot number Mb corresponding to (Dmax-Db) corresponds to the maximum number of dots obtained from the relationship shown in FIG. For example, if Db is “3”, the number of dots for Db (“3”) is “4” and Mb in FIG. 27 is “4” from the relationship of FIG. FIG. 28 shows a graph in which area B is extracted. Thereby, the density value of the dot of each dot number can be specified. Since the density value of the dot of each dot number thus identified corresponds to the cell depth, the photosensitive material F may be exposed with a light beam by using the density value as it is as the coloring density.

Next, the engraving position of the cell will be described.
Engravers generally engrave cells by spiral scanning or step feed scanning. What is spiral scanning?
As shown in FIG. 9 (a), the stylus (engraving head CH) is moved in the sub-scanning direction at a constant speed while rotating the plate cylinder HD at a constant speed, thereby engraving the cells C in a spiral shape. The stylus engraves the cell C at a constant vibration cycle (sin cycle). Therefore, in the case of spiral scanning, the cell spacing SD in the main scanning direction is
Is determined by the rotational speed RX of the stylus and the vibration cycle of the stylus, and the cell spacing FD in the sub-scanning direction is determined by the speed SY of moving the engraving head CH in the sub-scanning direction and the vibration cycle of the stylus, so that the engraving position of the cell C can be specified. .
If the engraving position of the cell C can be specified, that position may be positioned at the deepest dot of the dot matrix and exposed on the photosensitive material F. Since the photosensitive material F is mounted on the rotary cylinder, for example, as shown in FIG.
X ′ is adjusted by the rotational speed RX of the plate cylinder HD, and the feed speed SY ′ of the exposure head including the imaging lens 13 in the sub-scanning direction is adjusted by the moving speed SY of the engraving head CH and the vibration cycle of the stylus. For example, the dot matrix DM can be exposed on the photosensitive material F according to the engraving position of each cell C. Normally, it is required that the calibration image can be created in a shorter time than the engraving speed of the plate cylinder.
For example, in the device of this embodiment, one of the cylinders 14
Assuming that one line of gravure cells is exposed by rotation, if the cylinder 14 of the apparatus and the plate cylinder HD have substantially the same size, the cylinder rotation speed RX ′ of the apparatus and the sub-scanning of the exposure head are performed. It suffices to increase the feed speed SY ′ by a substantially same ratio with respect to the respective corresponding speeds of the engraving machine. In the drawing, DD is the deepest dot, and SD 'is the cell spacing S in the main scanning direction of the plate cylinder HD.
FD 'corresponds to D, and FD' corresponds to the cell spacing FD of the plate cylinder HD in the sub-scanning direction.

Further, the step feed scanning is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), the plate cylinder HD is rotated at a constant speed, and the cell C is engraved in one line in the main scanning direction of the plate cylinder HD without moving the engraving head CH in the sub-scanning direction. Every time the engraving of the cell C of one line in the direction is completed, the engraving head CH is moved in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined pitch (sub-scan feed amount) in the sub-scanning direction, so that the cells are arranged on the line extending in the main-scanning direction. It is a method of engraving. Therefore, in the case of step feed scanning, the cell spacing SD in the main scanning direction is
It is determined by the rotational speed RX of D and the vibration period of the stylus, and the cell spacing FD in the sub-scanning direction between adjacent cell rows in the main scanning direction is determined by the movement amount SSY for step-feeding the engraving head CH in the sub-scanning direction. The engraving position of the cell C can be specified. If the engraving position of the cell C can be specified, the image proofing device may position the position on the dot at the deepest part of the dot matrix and expose it on the photosensitive material F. For example, as shown in FIG. 30B, the rotation speed RX ′ of the rotary cylinder 14 is set to the rotation speed RX of the plate cylinder HD.
If the distance SSY ′ of the sub-scanning direction step feed of the exposure head including the imaging lens 13 is adjusted by the amount SSY of the sub-scanning direction step feed of the engraving head CH, the engraving position of each cell C is obtained. Accordingly, the dot matrix DM can be exposed on the photosensitive material F.

Based on the above principle, the structure of the sixth embodiment device will be described below with reference to FIGS. 31 to 33. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a color image proofreading apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the color density specifying unit of the sixth embodiment apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ON / OFF determination unit of the sixth embodiment device. It should be noted that, in the drawings, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 have the same configurations as those of the respective embodiments described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Image data Sy, S obtained from the system
m, Sc, and Sk are provided to the color density determination unit 60 and the ON / OFF determination unit 70 via the I / F circuit 1. The image data Sy, Sm, S obtained from the system
c and Sk have the same density gradation as the original plate given to the input scanning device of the engraving machine.

As shown in FIG. 32, the coloring density specifying section 60 gives the image data SY, SM, SC and SK to the image data / cell maximum density point specifying table 61. The image data / cell maximum density point specification table 61 has the above-described relationship shown in FIG. 25 as a table, and the maximum density point of the cell is specified according to the density value of the image data.
Specified maximum density point data Ny, Nm, Nc, Nk
Is given to the dot density value identification table 62.

The dot density value specification table 62 has a plurality of dot density and density values as shown in FIG. 27 described above as a table depending on the type of stylus and the like. Point data Ny, Nm,
Based on Nc and Nk, maximum density points (Ny, Nm, N
c, Nk) from dot number 1 corresponding to ON to be described later
The number of dots output from the / OFF determination unit 70 (My1,
The density value for each dot number up to the dot number corresponding to Mm1, Mc1, Mk1) is specified. Note that FIG.
As described above, the relationship of 1 changes depending on the type of stylus and the like. Therefore, in the dot density value identification table 62,
The control unit 81 is set by the setting device 80 and will be described later.
The density value of each dot number is specified by using the relation table corresponding to the shape of the cell specified in. Then, the density value for each specified dot number is assigned to the beam number. Information about the beam number is given from a dot number / beam number allocation table 73 described later.

The output data SDy, SDm, SDc, SDk from the dot density value specification table 62 are given to the signal editing circuit 5 (see FIG. 2). Each data SDy, SD
Each of m, SDc, and SDk is composed of data for the number of beams. In the signal editing circuit 5, each beam number data is edited into a necessary signal and given to the input terminals Ia to Ic of each of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C. GND is input to the input terminals Id of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, and 6C.

By the way, from the setting device 80, the scan type (spiral scan, step feed scan), stylus type, engraving head vibration period, plate cylinder rotation speed, engraving head feed speed in the sub-scanning direction (spiral). (In the case of scanning), the amount of movement of the step feed in the sub-scanning direction of the engraving head (in the case of step feed scanning) and the like are set.
Each information input from the setting device 80 is given to the control unit 81. The control unit 81 specifies the shape of the cells formed on the plate cylinder, the engraving position of the cells on the plate cylinder, and the like based on the given information.

The shape of the cells formed on the plate cylinder is specified by the type of stylus, the rotation speed of the plate cylinder, the vibration cycle of the engraving head, and the like. Needless to say, if the stylus type is different, especially if the stylus shape is different, the shape of the cell will be different, but even if the stylus type is the same, if the rotation speed of the plate cylinder is different, the shape of the formed cell will be different. Change. For example, in the case of a cell engraved in the main scanning direction in step feed scanning, as shown in FIG. 34, for example, if the rotation speed of the plate cylinder is high, as shown in FIG. If cells C having a long area in the main scanning direction are engraved (compared to a) and the rotation speed of the plate cylinder is slow, as shown in FIG. 34C, main scanning (compared to FIG. 34A) A cell C having a short area in the direction is engraved. Note that FIG. 34 (a) shows
The area of cell C when the plate cylinder is engraved at a standard rotation speed is shown. The control unit 81 specifies the shape of the cells formed on the plate cylinder based on the stylus type set by the setting device 80, the rotation speed of the plate cylinder, the vibration cycle of the engraving head, and the like. Information on the shape of the specified cell is obtained by the color density specifying unit 6
The dot density value specification table 62 within 0 and ON described later.
It is given to the image data / dot number conversion table 71 and the dot number allocation table 72 of the / OFF determination unit 70.

The engraving position of the cell on the plate cylinder is shown in FIG.
9. As described with reference to FIG. 30, the scanning type, the vibration period of the engraving head, the rotation speed of the plate cylinder, the feed speed of the engraving head in the sub-scanning direction (in the case of spiral scanning), and the engraving head in the sub-scanning direction. It is specified by the movement amount of step feed (in the case of step feed scanning) or the like. The control unit 81 specifies the engraving position of the cell based on the set information, and further
Based on the specified engraving position of the cell, the rotation speed RY ′ of the rotary cylinder 14 on which the photosensitive material F is mounted and the feed speed SX ′ in the sub-scanning direction are specified. The operation of the rotary cylinder 14 is controlled by the specified rotation speed RY ′ of the rotary cylinder 14 and the feed speed SX ′ in the sub-scanning direction.

In the present embodiment, the type of stylus, the rotational speed of the plate cylinder, etc. correspond to the cell forming conditions, and the color density determining section 60 corresponds to the color density determining means in the present invention. The color density / voltage value conversion tables 51a, 51b, 51c in the signal editing circuit 5 correspond to the modulation information specifying means in the present invention.

On the other hand, in the ON / OFF judging section 70, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, given image data SY, SM, S
Based on C and SK, the image data / dot number conversion table 71 specifies the number of dots according to the density value of the image data. The image data / dot number conversion table 71 has a plurality of the relationships shown in FIG. 23 as a table according to the shape of the cell. The image data / dot number conversion table 71 specifies the number of dots by referring to the table corresponding to the shape of the cell specified by the control unit 81.

In the dot number allocation table 72, the dot numbers My1, Mm1, Mc1, Mk1 specified in the image data / dot number conversion table 71 are arranged as shown in FIG. Assign dot numbers. In the dot number allocation table 72,
This array and a number allocation pattern are held as a plurality of tables according to the shape of the cells. In the dot number allocation table 72, the table corresponding to the shape of the cell specified by the control unit 81 is referred to, and the dot arrangement and the number allocation are performed.

Dot number / beam number assignment table 73
Then, each dot number is assigned to a beam number. For example, consider a case where the AOM is configured so that the maximum dot matrix is exposed by one irradiation of the light beam (one halftone dot). Now, tentatively, it is assumed that the beam is configured as shown in FIG. A beam number (number in parentheses in the figure) is attached to each beam,
When all the beams are irradiated, the largest dot matrix (formed by 41 dots in the figure) is formed. Then, for example, when the dot matrix is specified by the array as shown in FIG. 35B with 7 dots and the number is assigned, each dot number is assigned to the beam number as shown in FIG. 35C. In FIG. 35C, the beam number to which the dot matrix is assigned is “ON”, and the beam number that is not assigned is “OFF”. The dot number / beam number assignment table 73 outputs “ON” and “OFF” for each beam number. My3 is the result for the Y version, the control input terminal Ix of the multiplexer 6Y, Mm3 is the result for the M version, M3 is the control input terminal Ix for the multiplexer 6M, and Mc3 is the result for the C version. , Mk3 is the result for the K plate and is applied to the control input terminal Iy of each multiplexer 6Y, 6M, 6C.

When the allocation is performed as shown in FIG. 35C, the above-mentioned dot density value specifying table 62
Beam number (12), (13), (14), (20),
The density values of the identified dot numbers 1 to 7 are assigned to (21), (22), and (30).

Next, in the present embodiment, let us consider a case where, for example, dots are linearly exposed by nine beams. In this case, the maximum dot matrix of 9 dots × 9 dots is exposed by irradiation 9 times as shown in FIG. Therefore, for the dot matrix of FIG. 35 (b) described above, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), the beam number (4) of the beam to be irradiated for the fourth time,
Each dot is assigned to (5) and (6), the beam number (4), (5) and (6) of the beam to be irradiated for the fifth time, and the beam number (6) of the beam to be irradiated for the sixth time. Then, the data of each line is stored in the line buffer, and the lines are sequentially irradiated.

In each multiplexer 6Y, 6M, 6C,
“ON” and “OF” input to the control input terminals Ix and Iy
For each beam number, the input terminals Ia ...
Id is selected and output. The selection control for each beam number is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

Output signals (applied voltage values) from the multiplexers 6Y, 6M and 6C are given to the AOMs 8Y, 8M and 8C, and a halftone dot corresponding to one cell is exposed on the photosensitive material F.

This halftone dot is engraved on the cell by controlling the rotary cylinder 14 at the rotational speed RY 'of the rotary cylinder 14 and the feed speed SX in the sub-scanning direction which are specified by the controller 81 as described above. An exposure position corresponding to the position is exposed.

In the control section 81, the multiplexer 6
In order to synchronize the output timing of the signals from Y, 6M, and 6C with the rotation of the rotary cylinder 14 and the timing of the movement control in the sub-scanning direction, the rotation of the rotary cylinder 14 and the sub cylinder according to the engraving position of the cell are controlled. After performing the movement control in the scanning direction, the color density specifying unit 60 and the ON / OFF judging unit 7
It is controlled to start the calculation process at 0.

Further, in the present embodiment, the “ON” and “OFF” states of each dot forming the dot matrix obtained by the ON / OFF judging section 70 become a pattern for each cell, and each dot matrix is exposed. By adjusting the position according to the engraving position of the cell, a halftone image corresponding to the pattern of the cell formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing can be exposed on the photosensitive material F.

By configuring the device as described above,
The density gradation corresponding to the shape of each cell is expressed in a pseudo manner, and the halftone dot corresponding to the cell is exposed at the halftone dot exposure position corresponding to the engraving position of each cell, so the finished product is the same as the final print. A calibration image of is created.

Consider the case where the image proofreading device is connected to an engraving machine. In this case, the I / F circuit 1
Is input with image data used for specifying the engraving depth by the engraving machine. Further, as this image data, data for one cell is sent for each cycle of the sin vibration of the stylus. Therefore, the period data of the stylus sin vibration is given to the control unit 81, and the control unit 81 performs the movement control of the rotary cylinder 14 for one halftone dot and the calculation processing in the color density determination unit 60 and the ON / OFF determination unit 70. , And is configured to be performed in synchronization with the input timing of image data. Further, the scanning type set by the setting device 80, the type of stylus, the vibration cycle of the engraving head, the rotation speed of the plate cylinder, the feed speed of the engraving head in the sub-scanning direction, and the step feed of the engraving head in the sub-scanning direction. Information such as the amount of movement is given from the engraving machine to the control unit 81.

Next, a seventh embodiment device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the color image proofing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. This seventh embodiment apparatus is also an apparatus for creating a color proof image of a printed matter to be printed using a plate cylinder made by the electronic engraving gravure method. In addition, in FIG. 1, FIG.
Since the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 9, 10, and 31 to 33 have the same configurations as those of the above-described respective embodiments,
Detailed description here is omitted.

This seventh embodiment apparatus specifies the color density value of each dot by the color density specification section 60 of the sixth embodiment apparatus described above and "ON" each dot by the ON / OFF determination section 70. It is characterized by simplifying the determination of "OFF".

First, a dot matrix corresponding to a cell having the maximum density (hereinafter referred to as maximum dot matrix) is created, and the density value of each dot is assigned. An example of this is shown in FIG.
8 shows. As shown in the figure, the density value of the central dot is the largest (density value 50), and the density value becomes smaller toward the periphery. This maximum dot matrix is variable depending on the shape of the cells engraved on the plate cylinder.

Further, the density value of the image data and the maximum density value of the dot are proportional to each other as shown in FIG. The maximum density value of the dot with respect to the density value of the image data when forming the maximum cell is D _max . For example, when the density value of the image data is expressed by 256 gradations, the maximum density value D _{max of the} dot is 50 in the case of FIG. 38 with respect to the maximum density value (256) of the image data.

The maximum density value of the dot with respect to the density value of the image data when the image data is input is Da (Da ≦ D
_max ), DA is obtained by _Dmax -Da = DA ... And further, the density value Di of each dot is calculated.
(However, i is 1 to the number of dots in the dot matrix, and in the case of FIG. 38, 1 to 53), and the difference from the DA obtained by the equation is obtained. This is described in the formula. Di-DA = Dxi ... However, i of Dxi is 1 to the number of dots of the dot matrix, and in the case of FIG. 38, it is 1 to 53.

The density value D of each dot thus obtained
The dots having the density value of 0 or less in xi do not form the dot matrix. For example, it is assumed that the image data has 256 gradations, D _max is 50, the density value of the input image data is 100, and the maximum density value of the dots at that time is 20. in this case,
From the above equation, DA is 30 (50-20). Then, the density values Di and DA (3
0), the dot matrix of FIG. 38 is as shown in FIG. 39 when the dot matrix is expressed only by dots having density values exceeding 0. In the figure, the dotted dots do not form a dot matrix. This formula,
By the calculation process of the formula, the B area is extracted from FIG. 27 described in the sixth embodiment, and the same density value specifying process as shown in FIG. 28 is performed.

Further, if the dots which have become 0 or less by the formula and the calculation process of the formula are set to “OFF” and the dots exceeding 0 are set to “ON”, the determination of “ON” and “OFF” of each dot is made at the same time. Can be done.

In the seventh embodiment, the density value of each dot is specified and the determination of "ON" or "OFF" of each dot is made according to the above-mentioned principle.

In the image data / cell maximum density point specification table 61, maximum density point data Ny, Nm, Nc, Nk are specified and the result is given to the signal adjusting section 63.

The signal adjusting section 63 has a plurality of maximum dot matrices according to the cell shape. In the signal adjustment unit 63, the maximum dot matrix according to the shape of the cell specified by the control unit 81 based on the information set by the setting device 80 and the maximum dot matrix given from the image data / cell maximum density point specification table 61. Concentration point data Ny, Nm,
The above equations and equations are calculated using Nc and Nk.
The calculation result is the signal editing circuit 5 and the ON / OFF judging section 74.
Given to.

In the signal editing circuit 5, each dot is edited into a required signal and each multiplexer 6Y, 6M, 6
It is given to the C input terminals Ia to Ic. GND is input to the input terminals Id of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, and 6C.

On the other hand, in the ON / OFF judging section 74, the dots less than 0 are “OFF”, and the dots exceeding 0 are “ON”.
To the control input terminals Ix, Iy of the multiplexers 6Y, 6M, 6C.

In each multiplexer 6Y, 6M, 6C,
Based on the information of the control input terminals Ix and Iy, the input terminal I
The signals input to a to Id are selected. At this time, GND is selected as the density value of the dot that has become 0 or less in the processing of the signal adjusting unit 63. Each dot of the maximum dot matrix and the beam number are set in advance.

Since the other structure is the same as that of the above-mentioned sixth embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted here.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the image proofing apparatus of a typical gravure printing method has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and gravure printing for creating a plate cylinder by another method. Also in the method, according to the procedure for creating the plate cylinder, the halftone image is exposed according to the pattern of the cell,
The image proofreading device can be configured by configuring the color density to be specified according to the conditions for forming cells.

As described above, in each of the above-described embodiments, the proof image is formed by exposing the photosensitive material with the exposure light amount pattern that matches the cell shape formed on the plate cylinder.
In fact, since the ink used for gravure printing is fluid, the cell shape of the plate cylinder and the shape of the ink adhering to the paper are different, but in terms of cells (gravure halftone dots in the calibration image), Since the average density of the printed cells and the average density of the gravure halftone dots of the calibration image are the same, there is no practical problem. Therefore, even if the photosensitive material is not exposed with the exposure light amount pattern that matches the cell shape, the exposure light amount according to the capacity of the cell (ink) that is determined by the cell shape is uniform in the gravure halftone dot corresponding to each cell. You may form a proof image by exposing at.

However, in order to obtain a proof image that is more faithful to the printed matter, the exposure light amount pattern when forming the proof image is determined in consideration of the cell shape of the plate cylinder and the shape of the ink that adheres to the paper at the time of gravure printing. do it. For example, in the case of the electronic engraving gravure method, when the shape of the cell C of the plate cylinder HD is a quadrangular prism as shown in FIG. 40A as shown in FIG. 40, the cell C adheres onto the paper P after gravure printing. Ink I
As for the shape of N, as shown in FIG. 40 (b), the amount of ink deposited on the peripheral portion is larger than that on the central portion. Therefore, the photosensitive material may be exposed with an exposure light amount pattern corresponding to the ink adhesion pattern.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where a color proof image is created has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when creating a proof image for monochrome printing,
It is possible to create a calibration image that similarly expresses the density gradation according to the cell formation conditions.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a color proof image is created in accordance with a predetermined cell forming condition,
Although the usage method of confirming the finished state of the printed matter has been described, it can also be used to specify the optimum cell (plate cylinder) forming conditions by using the above-described respective embodiments. That is, the cell forming conditions are adjusted from the setting device 4 (or 33, 80) until the optimum finished calibration image is obtained, and the plate cylinder is formed under the cell forming conditions when the optimum finished calibration image is obtained. By making the above, a printed matter having a desired finish can be obtained.

[0161]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a halftone dot image is exposed according to a cell pattern,
Since the halftone image is configured to be exposed with the color density according to the cell forming conditions, it is possible to obtain a proof image having the same finish as the final printed matter. Also, since the proof image is created on the photosensitive material, it is possible to confirm the finish of the printed matter before creating the plate cylinder for the final printing,
It is possible to eliminate the waste of remaking the plate cylinder for the final printing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a color image proofing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a signal editing circuit of the first embodiment device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between a density value of an original plate and a depth of a formed cell.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between image data, cell depth, and color density.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a state of overprinting of a Y plate and a K plate.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between a color density and a voltage value applied to an AOM.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing cells formed on a plate cylinder and halftone dots exposed on a photosensitive material.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a modified example of the apparatus of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color image proofing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a signal editing circuit of the second embodiment device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the chemical conditions that determine the cell depth and the depth of the formed cell and the color density.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a pattern of a net positive master plate for gravure.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color image proofing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of a positive photosensitive material.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color image proofing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a color image proofing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color density specifying unit of the fifth embodiment device.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ON / OFF determination unit of the fifth embodiment device.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the density value of image data, the dot percentage, the depth of cells formed, and the color density.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the relationship among the density value of the original plate, the engraving depth, the cell depth, and the cell area.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shape of cells engraved on the plate cylinder and the dot matrix.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of a dot matrix for faithfully reproducing the cell shape when the density gradation given to the engraving machine is 256 gradations.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the relationship between the density value of image data and the number of dots forming a dot matrix.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a dot matrix array.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the relationship between the density value of image data and the maximum density value.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a shape of a cell to be engraved.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a relationship between a dot number given to each dot forming a dot matrix and a density value of the dot.

FIG. 28 is a diagram in which a portion to be used is extracted from FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between an engraving position when engraving a cell by spiral scanning and an exposure position of a halftone image on a photosensitive material.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between an engraving position when engraving a cell by step feed scanning and an exposure position of a halftone image on a photosensitive material.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color image proofing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color density specifying unit of the sixth embodiment device.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ON / OFF determination unit of the sixth embodiment device.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a state in which the shape of a cell to be engraved changes according to the rotation speed of the plate cylinder.

FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining allocation of dot matrices to beam numbers.

FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining allocation of dot matrices to beam numbers.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a color image proofing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the relationship between the cell shape of the plate cylinder in gravure printing and the state of ink adhesion to the paper.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 ... Chemical element adjustment LUT 4, 33, 80 ... Setting device 5, 20 ... Signal editing circuit 6Y, 6M, 6C ... Multiplexer 7, 23, 41 ... Dot generator 8Y, 8M, 8C ... Acousto-optic modulator (AOM) 14 Rotating cylinders 21Y, 21M, 21C Condition / color density conversion table 22 K / YMC density conversion table 30, 60 Color density specification unit 40, 70, 74 ON / OFF determination unit 51a, 51b, 51c Color density / Voltage value conversion table 63 ... Signal adjusting section 81 ... Control section F ... Photosensitive material C ... Cell T ... Bank D ... Dot

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A gravure printing method in which a gravure halftone image whose color density is adjusted according to the density gradation of an image signal is exposed on a photosensitive material according to a pattern of cells formed on a plate cylinder for gravure printing. An image proofing apparatus for gravure printing that obtains a proofing image of: a light quantity modulating means for modulating a light quantity of a light beam for exposing a halftone image on the photosensitive material; and formation of cells formed on the plate cylinder for gravure printing. Depending on the conditions, a coloring density specifying unit that specifies the coloring density of the halftone image, and according to the coloring density specified by the coloring density specifying unit,
An image proofing device for gravure printing, comprising: a modulation information specifying unit that specifies the modulation information to be given to the light amount modulating unit.