Printing device, printing system, information processing device, and medium

Abstract

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a printing device, a printing system, an information processing device, and a medium. A printing device is provided. The printing device includes a storage component configured to store a table associating a type of a print medium with an output profile, and a processing component configured to, for each page included in a print job, perform color conversion using an output profile for a page for which the output profile is set in the print job, and for a page for which the output profile is not set in the print job, perform color conversion using an output profile associated with a type of a print medium set for the page by referring to the table, and to perform printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to printing apparatus, printing system, information processing apparatus, and media. Background Technology

[0002] In commercial printing, print files (described in PDL (Page Description Language)) created by graphics software are submitted to the printing company. In this case, the colors in the submitted PDL will differ from the colors of the actual printed product because there is a difference between the color gamut that can be expressed by the RGB color space (used in graphics software) and the color gamut that can be expressed by the CMYK color space (used during printing). Furthermore, both RGB and CMYK color spaces are output device-dependent. Even with the same color space and the same color values, the color will change depending on the output device.

[0003] To address the aforementioned problem, a method is known to suppress color errors between input data and output products by performing color conversion to a device-independent color space using a mapping table, referred to as a profile. Here, the device-independent color space is, for example, the Lab color space.

[0004] When performing the above color conversion, an input profile, created taking into account the color space and device characteristics of the input side, is used to convert the input data into intermediate data expressed in a device-independent color space. Then, an output profile, created taking into account the color space and device characteristics of the output side, is used to convert the intermediate data into output data.

[0005] At this point, in order to print in the correct colors, it is necessary to create an output profile that takes into account not only the characteristics of the equipment but also the surface properties and thickness of the printing media. Therefore, it is preferable to prepare an output profile for each type of printing media.

[0006] To properly utilize multiple prepared profiles, a method has been proposed to pre-link the output profile to the printing media, thereby automatically applying the linked output profile without setting an output profile for each job (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-25775). Profiles linked to the media via this function will be referred to hereinafter as MLPs (Media Linked Profiles).

[0007] Accordingly, image processing information, including the output profile, is linked to each of the front and back sides of the printing medium and saved, and image processing is performed on the image based on the image processing information linked to the surface on which the image will be printed.

[0008] Based on the aforementioned conventional techniques, when printing double-sided or onto multiple types of paper, it is not necessary to know the media characteristics of each page on which an image will be printed each time, and then set the image processing information for each page. This simplifies setup and eliminates errors. However, it does not consider how to handle situations where the output profile needs to be adjusted based on the decoration on the printing media.

[0009] As mentioned above, MLPs essentially simplify setup. However, if decorative processes such as lamination are performed on the printing media, MLPs may not reproduce colors as expected.

[0010] In conventional techniques, if decoration is performed on the print media as described above, it is necessary to change the settings using MLP and reset the output profile for each page. In this case, for example, even if only one page is decorated, the output profile needs to be reset for all pages, and it is impossible to fully utilize MLP. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention makes it easy to set up output profiles suitable for excellent color rendering and create high-quality printed products.

[0012] The present invention has the following structure. Specifically, according to one aspect of the invention, a printing apparatus is provided, comprising: a storage unit for storing a table associating the type of printing medium with an output profile; and a processing unit for performing color conversion using the output profile for each page included in a print job for which a processing target is to be processed, for pages for which an output profile has been set in the print job, and for performing color conversion using an output profile associated with the type of printing medium set for that page by referring to the table for pages for which an output profile has not been set in the print job, and for performing printing.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer-readable medium storing a program is provided, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to function as the aforementioned printing apparatus.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a printing system is provided, comprising an information processing device configured to create a print job and a printing device configured to perform printing by executing the print job. The information processing device includes: a storage unit for storing a first table associating a type of print medium, a type of decorative treatment, and an output profile; a creation unit for setting the type of print medium and the type of decorative treatment for each page, and creating a print job by referring to the first table, wherein an output profile is set for the page for which the decorative treatment is set; and a unit for transmitting the print job to the printing device. The printing device includes: a storage unit for storing a second table associating a type of print medium with an output profile; and a processing unit for performing color conversion using the output profile for each page included in the print job, for pages for which an output profile is set in the print job, and for performing color conversion using the output profile associated with the type of print medium set for that page by referring to the second table for pages not for which an output profile is set in the print job, and for performing printing.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus for creating print jobs is provided, comprising: a storage component for storing a table associating a type of print medium, a type of decorative treatment, and an output profile; a creation component for setting the type of print medium and the type of decorative treatment for each page, and creating a print job by referring to the table, wherein an output profile is set for the page with the decorative treatment; and a component for transmitting the print job to a printing device.

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily set up an output profile suitable for excellent color rendering and create high-quality printed products.

[0017] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the entire system;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the printing device;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of an information processing device;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the software configuration of the printing device;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the software configuration of the information processing device;

[0023] Figure 6Aand 6B This is a flowchart of how the information processing device handles job requests;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart about input / output profile conversion;

[0025] Figure 8 It is a flowchart used to explain the process from creating a work order to setting up the work assignment;

[0026] Figure 9A This is a view showing an example of the UI for setting the media used for each printed sheet;

[0027] Figure 9B This is a view showing an example of a UI configured to set decorations and output profile information for each printed page;

[0028] Figure 9C This is a view showing the output profiles that will change depending on the type of decoration and the table linked to each medium;

[0029] Figure 10A It is a view showing the structure of the data transmitted from the information processing device in response to a job request;

[0030] Figure 10B This is a view that shows an example of a worksheet that specifies an output profile for a particular page when applying MLP;

[0031] Figure 11 It is a flowchart used to explain the process from creating a work order to setting up the work assignment;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a view showing an example of the UI configured to set up the use of output profiles linked to print media and decorations;

[0033] Figure 13A This is a view showing an example of a work order specifying the output profile used for decoration processing;

[0034] Figure 13B This is a flowchart for creating the color conversion unit of JDF based on the output profile;

[0035] Figure 14 This is a view showing how the output profile has been appropriately applied to a job with decorations;

[0036] Figure 15 This is a view showing an example of a profile setup screen based on the MFP's decor; and

[0037] Figure 16 This is a flowchart when only a portion of the page is decorated. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Multiple features are described in the embodiments, but this does not limit the invention to claim all such features, and multiple such features can be suitably combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are given the same or similar constructions, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. Each embodiment of the invention described below can be implemented individually, or as necessary, or as a combination of multiple embodiments or features thereof, when combining elements or features from various embodiments is advantageous in a single embodiment.

[0039] <Description of System Construction>

[0040] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a printing processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) will be described as an example of a printing device 101, and an information processing device 102 will be described as an example of an information processing device. An MFP is also referred to as a multifunction copier and an image forming device focused on image forming functions. The printing processing system can be referred to as a printing system or an image forming system. In the printing processing system, the printing device 101 and the information processing device 102 are communicatively connected via a network 100.

[0041] Note that, Figure 1 This illustration shows a case where an information processing device 102 is provided in a print processing system. The print device 101 and multiple information processing devices can be communicatively connected via a network 100, and the number of information processing devices is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the print processing system according to this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a print device and an information processing device. For example, the print device can be defined as a print processing system. In this case, the print device 101 performs the same function as the information processing device 102 according to this embodiment.

[0042] Information processing device

[0043] First, the information processing device 102 will be described. The information processing device 102 can execute various programs, such as applications configured to submit print jobs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as jobs). Furthermore, a printer driver, which has the function of converting raw data of documents or images into print data described in a printer language corresponding to the printing device 101, is installed in the information processing device 102. Users who wish to print can input print commands from various applications. The printer driver can convert data output from the application into print data that the printing device 101 can interpret based on the print commands and transmit the print data to the printing device 101 connected to the network 100.

[0044] Note that in this embodiment, a PC has been shown as an example of an information processing device. However, an information processing device can be a portable information terminal, such as a smartphone or tablet. Note that the method of transmitting print data to the printing device can be appropriately modified. Print data can be transmitted to the printing device 101 via an application or driver for printing, or print data can be transmitted to the printing device 101 via a cloud server.

[0045] Printing device

[0046] The printing apparatus 101 will now be described. The printing apparatus 101 has a function for reading an image on a sheet and a function for printing an image on the sheet. The printing apparatus 101 also has post-processing functions for binding multiple sheets with printed images, aligning multiple sheets, and assigning the discharge destinations of the multiple sheets to multiple trays. Note that the sheets include paper such as plain paper and thick paper, films, etc.

[0047] In this embodiment, printing device 101 will be described as an example of a printing device. However, it can be a printing device without reading capabilities, such as a printer. A configuration in which a device 103, having some of the functions of printing device 101 or other additional functions, is added to the MFP can be adopted. In this case, from the perspective of information processing device 102, device 103 can be considered to provide the functions of printing device 101 via network 100. Various input / output devices similar to the input / output devices of information processing device 102 (such as, for example, monitor 105) can be added to device 103. Even with the additional device 103 attached, printing device 101 can be configured to be directly connected to network 100 using network cable 104.

[0048] The printing apparatus 101 is configured to perform complex sheet processing by connecting devices with multiple different roles to each other. The components constituting the printing apparatus 101 will be described below.

[0049] Based on image data, printer unit 201 uses toner to form (print) an image on the sheet fed from the paper supply unit. The configuration and operating principle of printer unit 201 are as follows.

[0050] A light beam, such as a laser beam modulated according to image data, is reflected by a rotating faceted mirror (multifaceted mirror, etc.), and the reflected light scans and exposes the surface of a photosensitive drum. The electrostatic latent image formed by the laser beam on the photosensitive drum is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet adhered to a transfer drum. A series of image-forming processes are sequentially performed on yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, thereby forming a panchromatic image on the sheet. A configuration can be used that can transfer toners called spot color toners or transparent toners in addition to the four colors. In this way, the sheet on which the panchromatic image is formed is transported to a fixing device. The fixing device includes rollers, belts, etc. A heat source, such as a halogen heater, is incorporated inside the rollers, and the toner on the sheet onto which the toner image is transferred is dissolved and fixed to the sheet by heat and pressure.

[0051] Note that, according to this embodiment, the printer unit 201 of the printing apparatus 101 includes a scanner 203 and an operation unit 204 disposed on the upper surface of the printer unit 201. According to this embodiment, the operation unit 204 provides various interfaces when the user performs various settings and operations on the printer unit 201. The operation unit 204 according to this embodiment includes... Figure 11 The settings for the printing device shown are "Media Link Profile Usage Assignment", "Output Profile Assignment", and "Output Profile Assignment in Decoration". Details of the settings will be described later.

[0052] Furthermore, the printing device 101 is configured to be able to attach various additional devices in addition to the printer unit 201.

[0053] The high-capacity paper feeder 220 is a paper feeder that can be separated from the printer unit 201. The paper feeder includes multiple paper feed units 223. With this configuration, the printer unit 201 can perform printing on high-capacity sheets.

[0054] Insertor 221 is a device for inserting a sheet without an image into a product of a sheet created by printer unit 201. Figure 1 The device, comprising two trays 224 and 225, is shown.

[0055] The printing apparatus 101 can be roughly divided into three parts, with the printer unit 201 as the boundary. (Reference) Figure 1The device arranged on the right side of the printer unit 201, indicated by reference numeral 200, is called the paper supply system device. The main function of the paper supply system device is to continuously supply the loaded sheet material to the printer unit 201 at appropriate timings. Furthermore, the paper supply system device detects the amount of remaining sheet material loaded inside. The paper supply unit 223 is also present inside the printer unit 201 and can perform operations similar to the paper supply system device in terms of functionality. In this description, even the paper supply unit provided in the printer unit 201 will be referred to as the paper supply system device.

[0056] On the other hand, Figure 1 In the accompanying drawing, the device arranged to the left of the printer unit 201, indicated by reference numeral 202, is called a sheet processing device. This device is also referred to as a sheet handling device or a post-processing device. The sheet processing device performs various processing operations, such as applying various processing techniques to sheets that have already undergone printing or integrating sheets. In the following description, the aforementioned paper feeding system device 200 and sheet processing device 202 will be referred to as sheet handling devices 200 and 202.

[0057] According to the settings, the printed sheet (printed product) or inserted sheet is discharged into the paper tray 226 or 227 or the paper table 228 after image formation and post-processing according to the settings.

[0058] <Description of Printing Device 101>

[0059] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the printing device 101. The printing device 101 has functions for reading images from sheets and printing images onto the sheets. The printing device 101 also has post-processing functions for binding multiple sheets with printed images, aligning multiple sheets, and assigning the ejection destinations of the multiple sheets to multiple trays. Note that the sheets include paper such as plain paper and thick paper, film sheets, etc.

[0060] Figure 2 The printing device 101 shown is configured to perform complex sheet processing by connecting devices with multiple different roles to each other.

[0061] The printing device 101 also has a copying function, which stores data received from the scanner unit 203 in the HDD 209, reads data from the HDD 209, and prints it using the printer unit 201. The printing device 101 also has a printing function, which stores job data received from an external device via an external I / F unit 210 (example of a communication unit) in the HDD 209, reads job data from the HDD 209, and prints it using the printer unit 201. The printing device 101 is a multi-function processing device (MFP) (also called a printing device) with these multiple functions. Note that the printing device 101 can perform either color printing or monochrome printing.

[0062] The scanner unit 203 reads the original image, performs image processing on the image data obtained by reading the original, and outputs the image data.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the CPU of the control device 205 reads and executes programs stored in ROM 207 and HDD 209, thereby causing the printing device 101 to perform various operations. ROM 207 also stores programs configured to cause the control device 205 to perform operations such as interpreting Page Description Language (hereinafter referred to as PDL) data received from an external device via external I / F 210 and rasterizing the data into raster image data (bitmap image data). Similarly, ROM 207 stores programs configured to cause the control device 205 to interpret and process jobs received from an external device via external I / F 210. ROM 207 is a read-only memory and pre-stores programs such as boot sequences and font information, as well as various other programs such as those described above. Details of the various programs stored in ROM 207 will be described later. RAM 208 is a read / write memory and stores image data sent from scanner 203 or external I / F 210, various programs, setting information, etc.

[0064] HDD 209 stores image data compressed by compression / decompression unit 206. HDD 209 is configured to hold multiple types of data, such as print data for a job as the processing target. Control device 205 stores the job data as the processing target in HDD 209, which is input via various input units (such as scanner unit 203 and external I / F 210), reads data from HDD 209, and outputs it to printer unit 201 for printing. Control device 205 also controls the transmission of job data read from HDD 209 to an external device via external I / F 210. As described above, control device 205 performs various output processing on the data of the processing target job stored in HDD 209. Compression / decompression unit 206 uses various compression methods such as JBIG and JPEG to compress or decompress image data stored in RAM 208 and HDD 209. Control device 205 also controls the operation of sheet processing devices 200 and 202. Sheet processing devices 200 and 202 are related to reference... Figure 1 The paper feeding system equipment and sheet processing equipment described correspond to each other.

[0065] External I / F 210 transmits / receives image data to / from fax machines, network-connected devices, or external dedicated devices. HDD 209 also stores various management information that is permanently stored, modified, and managed by printing device 101. Printing device 101 includes printer unit 201, which performs printing processing on data of jobs stored in HDD 209 as print targets. Printing device 101 also includes operation unit 204, which includes a display unit corresponding to an example of a user interface unit. Control device 205, corresponding to an example of a control device provided in printing device 101, includes a CPU (not shown) and comprehensively controls the processing, operation, etc., of the various units provided in printing device 101. ROM 207 stores various control programs necessary for this embodiment, including programs configured to execute various processes of the flowcharts described later, which are executed by control device 205. In addition, ROM 207 stores display control programs configured to display various UI screens (including user interface screens (hereinafter referred to as UI screens)) on the display unit of operation unit 204.

[0066] <Description of Information Processing Device 102>

[0067] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the construction of an information processing apparatus (PC) 102 according to this embodiment.

[0068] refer to Figure 3The CPU 301 executes programs stored in the program ROM of ROM 303 or loaded from HDD 311 into RAM 302, such as OS, general applications, and binding applications. ROM 303 also includes font ROM and data ROM. RAM 302 serves as the main memory, working area, etc. of the CPU 301. Keyboard controller (KBC) 305 controls input from keyboard (KB) 309 or a pointing device (not shown). Display controller (CRTC) 306 controls the display on display unit (CRT) 310. Disk controller (DKC) 307 controls access to HDD 311, etc., which stores boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, etc. Network controller (NC) 312 connects to network 100 and performs communication control processing for other devices connected to network 100. Bus 304 connects the CPU 301 to RAM 302, ROM 303, and various controllers, and transmits data signals and control signals.

[0069] <Software Configuration of Printing Device 101>

[0070] Figure 4 This is a view for explaining the programs of the printing apparatus 101 according to this embodiment. These programs are stored in ROM 207, read by the control device 205 of the printing apparatus 101 (in particular its CPU or processor), and executed.

[0071] Operating system 401 is a program designed to provide an execution environment for various programs configured to implement the functions of printing device 101. This primarily provides resource management for the printing device 101's memory (i.e., ROM 207, RAM 208, and HDD 209) and... Figure 2 The unit shown has basic input / output control functions.

[0072] When a data input / output request occurs via external I / F 210, data transmission / reception program 402 performs transmission / reception processing. More specifically, this program incorporates a protocol stack such as TCP / IP and controls communication for transmitting / receiving various types of data to / from external devices connected via network 100. The communication processing performed here is specifically for packet transmission / reception or HTTP server communication processing and does not include the analysis processing of the content of the received data, as described later. Data analysis processing is performed by control device 205 based on the description of another program.

[0073] The copying function program 403 is a program configured to perform the copying function. When the user of the printing device 101 instructs the operation unit 204 to perform the copying function, the control device 205 performs the copying function according to the instruction from the operation unit 204. In the copying function performed by the control device 205, the control device 205 instructs the operation of the devices that are resources of the printing device 101 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in this program. This control is executed so that the copying process is ultimately performed. These devices include the scanner unit 203, the printer unit 201, the sheet handling devices 200 and 202, the HDD 209, the compression / decompression unit 206, the RAM 208, etc.

[0074] The scanning function program 404 is a program configured to perform a scanning function. When the user of the printing device 101 instructs the operation unit 204 to perform a scanning function, the control device 205 executes the scanning function according to the instructions from the operation unit 204. Modules such as the scanner unit 203, HDD 209, compression / decompression unit 206, and RAM 208 are controlled by the control device 205 according to the processing order and processing conditions described in this program. At this time, control is executed so that the scanning process is ultimately performed by instructing the operation of the device in an appropriate order.

[0075] When the printing device 101 receives PDL data (print job data) via external I / F 210, the PDL function program 405 executes the PDL function performed by the control device 205. In the PDL function executed by the control device 205, the specified PDL file is analyzed and processed, and a print image is created. In the analysis and processing of the PDL file, print settings obtained by analyzing the JDF (Job Description Format) function program 406 are used. JDF is a job sheet format that allows for various print specifications, such as imposition, paper feeding, output, finishing, and briefing.

[0076] JDF function program 406 is a program configured to perform JDF functions. When the printing device 101 receives JDF job data via external interface 210, the control device 205 executes the JDF function according to instructions from the external I / F 210. In the JDF function executed by the control device 205, the received JDF is analyzed and processed, and print settings to be used in printing are created. According to this embodiment, JDF function program 406 has the function of analyzing only the PDL portion of the JDF and obtaining the URL of the PDL. JDF function program 406 also has the function of creating... Figure 7The flowchart illustrates the functions of various settings. JDF function program 406 also includes a program configured to perform discrimination processing, as a result of analysis, to determine whether incorrect settings are included in the JDF and to make setting changes to eliminate the incorrect settings.

[0077] The BOX function program 407 executes the BOX function. When the user of the printing device 101 instructs the operation unit 204 to execute the BOX function, the control device 205 executes the BOX function according to the instructions from the operation unit 204. In the BOX function, BOX processing is performed by the control device 205 sequentially instructing the operation of the devices in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in this program. These devices include the scanner unit 203, the printer unit 201, the sheet handling devices 200 and 202, the HDD 209, the compression / decompression unit 206, the RAM 208, etc. As for the job data stored in the HDD 209 by the BOX function, it is also possible to change the job settings when storing and executing the job.

[0078] The hold function program 408 is a program executed by the control device 205 when the user of the printing device 101 instructs the operation unit 204 to perform the hold function. The hold function stores print target data in the HDD 209 of the printing device 101 until a print instruction is received from the user, and then performs printing based on the data received from the user. In the hold function, the printing process of job hold is performed by the control device 205 sequentially instructing the operation of the devices in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in this program. These devices include the printer unit 201, sheet handling devices 200 and 202, HDD 209, compression / decompression unit 206, RAM 208, etc. Regarding the stored job data, settings may be changed during job storage and execution.

[0079] UI function program 409 is the control program of operation unit 204. UI function program 409 recognizes the content input by the user of printing device 101 from operation unit 204, and executes appropriate screen transitions and processing request instructions for control device 205.

[0080] Media management program 410 is a program configured to perform management functions associated with the sheet that can be used by printing device 101. The sheet-related information managed by the program is stored in HDD 209.

[0081] The job management program 411 is configured to enable the printing device 101 to manage a series of processes created by programs such as the copy function program 403, the PDL function program 405, and the JDF function program 406 as jobs. Among the processes included in a job are RIP processing and printing processing, and the number of processes that can be executed simultaneously is limited. The job management program controls the order of these processes and also manages the execution results (log), etc.

[0082] The operation is performed by control device 205. See below for further details. Figure 6A and 6B Describe the process of controlling device 205 when a job is received.

[0083] <Software Configuration of Information Processing Device 102>

[0084] Figure 5 This is a view showing the configuration of the program held by the information processing device 102 according to this embodiment.

[0085] Operating system 501 is a program designed to provide an execution environment for various programs configured to perform the functions of information processing device 102. This primarily provides functions such as resource management for the memory of the information processing device (i.e., ROM 303, RAM 302, and HDD 311).

[0086] Device driver 502 is a program configured to control various hardware connected to information processing device 102. Device driver 502 includes programs configured to control keyboard controller 305, display controller 306, DKC 307, etc.

[0087] Printing application 503 is a general term for programs that operate on information processing device 102 and are designed to provide various functions and services to users of the printing system. Printing application 503 has the function of creating or editing print job data. Furthermore, printing application 503 has the function of converting various print specifications set from the settings screen (not shown) of application 503 into corresponding print settings. Printing application 503 also has the function of selecting print settings files stored in HDD 311 and creating print job data. For print settings, printing application 503 has the ability to create print job data by converting print settings into a PDL command format or JDF job sheet and obtaining a simple job sheet as print job data, or by combining a job sheet with print target data.

[0088] Network control program 504 is a program executed to transmit print job data created by printing application 503 to printing device 101 connected via network 100. Program 504 can also be configured to, for example, transmit print data and, after transmission, acquire progress information of the print job executed by printing device 101. For example, information acquisition can be achieved through requests and responses to them.

[0089] Other programs 505 include programs that do not belong to any of the above types, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0090] <Flowchart of print job acceptance>

[0091] Figure 6A and 6B This is a flowchart illustrating the process of controlling the control device 205 of the printing device 101 when a print job is received. The process begins when a print job is received from the information processing device 102 via an external I / F 210. Figure 6A and 6B The process mainly related to the processing of accepted print jobs is explained.

[0092] In step S601, the control device 205 receives the JMF (Job Message Passing Format) portion of the print job data transmitted from the information processing device 102 via the external I / F 210 and executes the JDF function program 406 to analyze this portion. JMF is a communication-related specification configured to control devices connected to a workflow based on an integrated command system. Using the functions provided by JMF, jobs can be submitted or various information can be retrieved from the devices. (See reference...) Figure 10A The structure of the print job data is described. When the JMF portion is received and analyzed, the control device 205 advances the processing to step S602.

[0093] In step S602, the control device 205 determines whether the received JMF is a print instruction message that is the analysis result of a part of the JMF. The print instruction message is a Command-SubmitQueueEntry. After determining that the received JMF is a print instruction message, the control device 205 advances the process to step S603. Otherwise, the process ends. Note that the process will end even if an error occurs in the JMF.

[0094] In step S603, the control device 205 generates a job and, after generation, advances the process to step S604.

[0095] In step S604, the control device 205 receives the JDF portion of the print job data transmitted from the information processing device 102 via the external I / F 210 and stores it in a file. Afterward, the control device 205 advances the processing to step S605.

[0096] In step S605, the control device 205 analyzes only the PDL portion of the JDF and stores the necessary values. The stored values ​​include at least the URL of the PDL and the values ​​of attributes specifying the file type. The PDL portion of the JDF will be referenced later. Figure 10B The analysis of the JDF can be performed by reading the JDF file stored in step S604, or by directly performing the analysis on the data read from the external I / F 210 in step S604. When the analysis of the PDL portion is completed, the control device 205 advances the processing to step S606.

[0097] In step S606, control device 205 determines whether an error has occurred in the PDL analysis in step S605. If an error is determined to have occurred, control device 205 branches the processing to step S614. If no error is determined to have occurred, control device 205 advances the processing to step S607. The error detected in step S605 will be discussed later. Figure 10B Description, but not limited to the content of the description.

[0098] In step S607, control device 205 refers to the URL of the PDL stored in step S605 and determines whether the transmission of print job data including PDL files has been specified. If multiple PDL files have been specified, the determination is performed in the specified order, and the PDL files are processed one by one. In JDF, if a value starting with "cid:" is specified in the URL attribute, then the transmission of print job data including PDL files has been specified. After determining that the transmission of print job data including PDL files has been specified, control device 205 proceeds the process to step S609. Otherwise, control device 205 proceeds the process to step S608.

[0099] In step S608, the control device 205 refers to the URL of the file stored in step S605 and obtains the deployed PDL file. The acquisition method includes HTTP, SMB, WEBDAV, etc., and the method specified by the URL is used.

[0100] In step S609, the control device 205 determines whether there is any unacquired print job data. When JDF is transmitted via HTTP, the print job data is transmitted in MIME format. In MIME, data can be divided into parts. After determining that there is unacquired print job data, the control device 205 proceeds the process to step S611. After determining that all data has been acquired, the control device 205 proceeds the process to step S614.

[0101] In step S610, the control device 205 determines whether an error occurred during the PDL acquisition performed in step S608. If an error is determined to have occurred, the control device 205 proceeds the process to step S614. If no error is determined to have occurred, the control device 205 proceeds the process to step S612. An example of an error determined in step S610 is a PDL acquisition failure. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0102] In step S611, the control device 205 determines whether the type of unacquired data included in the print job data matches the file type specified by JDF acquired in step S605. In MIME format, the file type can be determined by the value of "Content-Type" in the header of the reference portion header. After determining that the file type matches, the control device 205 advances the process to step S613. After determining that the file type does not match, the control device 205 advances the process to step S614.

[0103] In step S612, the control device 205 transmits the acquired PDL to the PDL analysis unit created when the control device 205 executes the PDL function program 405. In practice, when a predetermined amount of PDL is read, the data is sequentially transmitted to the PDL analysis unit, thereby suppressing the use of storage devices and memory. When the transmission of PDL to the PDL analysis unit ends, the control device 205 advances the process to step S615. Note that the PDL analysis unit is implemented when the CPU of the control device 205 reads and executes the program stored in ROM 207 or HDD 209, but it can be implemented by hardware independent of the control device 205.

[0104] In step S613, the control device 205 transmits the PDL obtained from the print job data to the PDL analysis unit. When transmitting the PDL in MIME format, the PDL needs to be decoded before transmission because it is encoded in a format such as base64. Similarly, in this case, the control device 205 transmits a predetermined number of PDLs to the PDL analysis unit. Afterwards, the control device 205 advances the processing to step S615.

[0105] In step S614, the control device 205 cancels the accepted print job. The control device 205 stops acquiring PDL data and requests the deletion of the job instruction registered in the job management unit created when the control device 205 executes the job management program 411. If a PDL file is being transmitted to the PDL analysis unit, the control device 205 issues a PDL file deletion instruction to the PDL analysis unit. When the print job is canceled, the control device 205 advances the process to step S616.

[0106] In step S615, the control device 205 determines whether there is an unacquired PDL. If an unacquired PDL is determined, the control device 205 returns the process to step S607 to perform processing for the next PDL. Conversely, if no unacquired PDL is determined, the control device 205 advances the process to step S617.

[0107] In step S617, control device 205 determines whether the number of JDF analysis jobs is less than a predetermined number. The predetermined number of JDF analysis jobs is a value required regarding resource constraints and is the number of jobs whose values ​​can be stored after the entire JDF is analyzed. JDF analysis is performed in step S619. When a job is discarded in step S628, the number of JDF analysis jobs decreases. After determining that the number of JDF analysis jobs is less than the predetermined number, control device 205 advances the process to step S619. Otherwise, control device 205 advances the process to step S618.

[0108] In step S618, the control device 205 waits until the number of JDF-analyzed jobs becomes less than a predetermined number. The number of JDF-analyzed jobs decreases when jobs are discarded from those that have previously undergone JDF analysis in step S630. After determining that the number of JDF-analyzed jobs has become less than the predetermined number, the control device 205 advances the process to step S619.

[0109] In step S619, control device 205 analyzes the JDF stored in the file in step S604. Unlike step S605, which only analyzes and stores a portion of the PDL, the method of analysis performed here is not particularly limited. Control device 205 analyzes the entire JDF and stores the values. The values ​​stored at this time include those described later. Figure 7 The color conversion used is based on the information in the input profile and the output profile. When the analysis is complete, the control device 205 advances the process to step S620.

[0110] In step S620, the control device 205 determines whether an error occurred during the JDF analysis in step S619. Errors include XML syntax analysis, specification of unexecutable jobs, and specification of prohibited operations. If an error is determined to have occurred, the control device 205 proceeds the process to step S627. If no error is determined to have occurred, the control device 205 proceeds the process to step S621.

[0111] In step S621, the control device 205 determines whether the analysis execution resources of the PDL analysis unit are idle. The analysis execution resources are defined, for example, by the number of jobs that can be analyzed simultaneously.

[0112] After determining that the analysis execution resources are available, the control device 205 advances the processing to step S623.

[0113] After determining that the analysis execution resources are not idle, the control device 205 advances the processing to step S622.

[0114] In step S622, the control device 205 waits until the analysis execution resources of the PDL analysis unit become idle. When the analysis processing of a job that previously underwent PDL analysis is completed, the analysis execution resources become idle. After determining that the analysis execution resources are idle, the control device 205 advances the processing to step S623.

[0115] In step S623, the control device 205 performs analysis of the PDL file linked to the job using the PDL analysis unit. The PDL analysis consists of, for example, RIP processing that creates a print image by reflecting the print settings specified by JDF and the print settings set on the operation unit 204. Here, the print settings specified by JDF refer to the JDF setting values ​​stored in step S619. In step S623, the conversion from PDL to print data using the input and output profiles is performed, which will be referred to later. Figure 7 The description is as follows. When the PDL analysis is complete, the control device 205 advances the process to step S624.

[0116] In step S624, the control device 205 determines whether the printing resources of the printer unit 201 are idle. Typically, the printing resources are assigned to the earliest accepted job registered in the job management department. After determining that the printing resources are idle, the control device 205 proceeds the process to step S626. After determining that the printing resources are not idle, the control device 205 proceeds the process to step S625.

[0117] In step S625, the control device 205 waits until the printing resources of the printer unit 201 become idle. Printing resources become idle when the previously executed job is completed. Therefore, when the printing resources become idle, the control device 205 advances the process to step S626.

[0118] In step S626, the control device 205 performs a printing process to form the printed image created in step S623 onto the paper. The printing process sometimes includes preprocessing after the printed image is created, such as typesetting. When the printing process is complete, the control device 205 advances the process to step S627.

[0119] In step S627, the control device 205 transmits report information indicating the printing result to a designated transmission destination. The transmission destination can be the information processing device 102 that has already received the print job data, or it can be another device on the network. The report information includes at least information indicating whether printing was completed normally, whether an error occurred, and whether printing was interrupted due to a cancellation operation. When using JDF, the transmission destination is specified as the value of the ReturnJMF attribute in the JMF.

[0120] In step S628, control device 205 deletes the jobs registered in the job management department. This reduces the number of jobs analyzed by JDF. When a job is discarded, control device 205 terminates the process.

[0121] <Use input / output profiles to convert PDL into print data>

[0122] Reference Figure 7 Describe the color conversion of the input and output profiles used in the PDL analysis performed in step S623.

[0123] In step S701, the control device 205 reads the input profile setting value from the held JDF and specifies the input profile to be used for color conversion. Note that if the JDF does not include input profile settings or is set with incorrect values, the input profile preset in the printing device is used for color conversion. After specifying the input profile for color conversion, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0124] In step S702, the control device 205 uses the specified input profile to convert the PDL file. In this embodiment, the color space is converted to the Lab color space, which is a device-independent color space. Note that the color space of the PDL data before conversion can be either RGB or CMYK. After the color space is converted to the Lab color space, the process proceeds to step S703.

[0125] In step S703, the control device 205 reads the output profile setting value from the held JDF and specifies the output profile to be used for color conversion. Note that if the JDF does not include an output profile setting, or if an incorrect value is set, the output profile preset in the printing device is used for color conversion. The details of the process for switching the output profile to be used for color conversion based on the JDF output profile setting value will be described later in steps S806 to S812. After specifying the output profile to be used for color conversion, the process proceeds to step S704.

[0126] In step S704, the control device 205 re-converts the PDL file using the specified output profile. In this embodiment, the Lab color space, which is a device-independent color space, is converted to a device CMYK color space, which is a color space that depends on the color gamut that can be expressed by the printing device 101.

[0127] After converting the PDL to a color space dependent on the printing device 101, the control device ends the color conversion process.

[0128] <Flowchart explaining the process of setting up operations related to the output profile: When the information processing device 102 determines whether each page has / does not have decoration>

[0129] Reference Figure 8 This describes the process from the creation of a print job by the information processing device to the job setup by the control device 205. Through this process, when an additional output profile is specified for the decorated page while applying the MLP, the information processing device 102 creates a print job that specifies an output profile for each page.

[0130] In step S801, the information processing device 102 loads the information of the PDL to be printed. The loaded PDL information is maintained and expanded, and processing proceeds to step S802. Figure 8 The example shown is a PDF.

[0131] In step S802, the information processing device 102 sets the medium to be used for each printing sheet. Here, step S802 includes layout settings, such as single-sided / double-sided printing for each page. See later. Figure 9A An example of setting up the screen is described. After setting the media and layout, the process proceeds to step S803.

[0132] In step S803, the information processing device 102 sets decoration information. Here, decoration refers to a process that changes the color of the printed image by altering the surface properties of the medium, and for example, it refers to lamination or spot coloring agents such as transparent or white toners. The decoration information can be set based on PDL data or can be reset by the information processing device 102. After setting the decoration information for each printed page, the process proceeds to step S804.

[0133] In step S804, the information processing device 102 sets an output profile for each printed page for which decoration was set in step S803. Note that output profiles may not be set for printed pages with decoration, and output profiles may be set for printed pages without decoration. To set an output profile, the user can select any profile or select an output profile registered for each combination of media and decoration. See below for further details. Figure 9B Examples of the setup screens in steps S803 and S804 are described below, and will be referenced later. Figure 9C An example table is described that maintains the output profile information registered for each combination of media and decoration. After setting the output profile for the print page, the process proceeds to step S805.

[0134] In step S805, the information processing device creates a print job based on the information set in steps S802 to S804, and transmits the print job to the printing device 101 via the external I / F 210. After the print job is transmitted, the process proceeds to step S806.

[0135] Starting from step S806, the process of setting an output profile for each printed page by the control device 205 in the printing apparatus 101 is shown. Note that the statement "apply output profile (including MLP)" in steps S806 to S812 means that, as a result of the overall JDF analysis in step S619, the output profile used for color conversion in the PDL analysis of step S623 is maintained at the JDF setting value. For example... Figure 7 In the process shown, the output profile is used for color conversion.

[0136] In step S806, the control device 205 determines whether an output profile has been specified for the print page in the output profile settings in the print job. More specifically, the control device 205 determines whether, as described later... Figure 10BThe UserFileName attribute of the "FileSpec" element immediately below the "ColorSpaceConversionParams" element in the color conversion unit 1014 shown in the diagram sets the output profile. If an output profile is specified, the process proceeds to step S807. If no output profile is specified, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0137] In step S807, the control device 205 applies the output profile specified in the print job to the currently set print page. Then, the process proceeds to step S811.

[0138] In step S808, the control device 205 determines whether media has been specified in the print job for the currently set print page. More specifically, the control device 205 determines whether the ID of the media registered by the media information specifying unit 1018 is specified by the media specified later. Figure 10B The media specification is defined by the rRef attribute of the "MediaRef" element immediately below the "DigitalPrintingParams" element in the media specification section 1017 shown. If a media is specified, the process proceeds to step S809. If no media is specified, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0139] In step S809, the control device 205 applies the MLP to the currently set print page. The MLP is pre-linked with a registered medium and stored in the HDD 209 via the operation unit 204, etc. If the link is not performed, that is, if the MLP does not exist, then the MLP is not applied. After applying the MLP, the process proceeds to step S811.

[0140] In step S810, the control device 205 applies the output profile set in the printing device to the currently set print page. Here, the output profile set in the printing device indicates the output profile specified by the output profile setting of the operation unit 204. The output profile used in step S810 is sometimes referred to as the default output profile.

[0141] In step S811, the control device 205 determines whether there is a next page for the currently set print page. If a next page exists, the process proceeds to step S812. If no next page exists, the process ends.

[0142] In step S812, the control device 205 advances the process to the next print page relative to the currently set print page and returns to step S806.

[0143] < Figure 8 The UI and output profile of the information processing device shown in the diagram.

[0144] Reference Figure 9A The description provides an example of a settings screen configured in step S802 to select the media to be used for printing by the information processing device 102 and to set the layout. Additionally, reference will be made to... Figure 9B An example is described for setting the decoration and the output profile for the decoration in step S803. Furthermore, reference will be made to... Figure 9C A table describing the output profiles to be used for each combination of media and decoration in registration step S804.

[0145] Layout settings

[0146] Figure 9A This shows the settings. Figure 8 This is an example view of a screen showing the media types and layout settings for an eight-page PDL. Paper settings such as page number, sheet number, and media type (the type of media to be used) are displayed on the left, and a preview of a printed image reflecting the settings on the left is displayed on the right. Here, the sheet number increments by 1 for every 2 pages. This means that pages are laid out on each of the front and back sides of the sheet. The media type is described only for page 1. This means that the same media is used for subsequent pages. To specify a different media, set the media type in the media type field of the page. For example, if in Figure 9A In the settings shown, if "Paper 2" is specified for pages 3 and 4, then "Paper 2" will be additionally displayed in the media type field of page 3, and "Paper 1" will be additionally displayed in the media type field of page 5. Note that if no media type is specified, it can be set to "Not Specified".

[0147] Furthermore, depending on the page-specific setting 901, a sheet can be inserted before the page, or the page can be deleted. When "Advanced Page Setup" is selected in the page-specific setting 901, the screen transitions to... Figure 9B The advanced page settings screen shown.

[0148] Advanced page settings

[0149] Figure 9B Showing options Figure 9A The screen changes as a result of the "Advanced Page Setup" and allows you to set the media type, decoration, and input / output profile for the page.

[0150] The media type specification section 911 allows you to set the media type of the page. Note that the media type set here is also reflected in the page layout. Figure 9A In the media type settings.

[0151] The decoration information specification section 912 uses PDL information to set the page's decoration information based on the decoration information added to the PDL. This function can be enabled via a checkbox. If not checked, the function is disabled, and the decoration information display section will be grayed out. Figure 9B As shown in the image.

[0152] In the decoration information designation section 913, the user sets the decoration information to be used on the page. If the decoration information designation section 912, which uses PDL information, is enabled, then the decoration information designation section 913 is disabled and grayed out.

[0153] Regarding the settings for input and output profiles, to use the profiles set in the printing device, check the "Compatible with device settings" option in designator sections 914 and 916, respectively. Alternatively, to set the profiles via user settings, select any input and output profiles from drop-down menus 915 and 918, respectively. As for output profiles, in addition to designator sections 916 and 918, output profiles can also be set using output profile designator section 917, which links to media and decoration. If designator section 917 is checked, output profiles linked to a combination of the media type specified by media type designator section 911 and the decoration specified by decoration information designator section 912 or 913 can be loaded from separately maintained registry entries. The structure of the maintenance table will be described later. Figure 9C As shown in the image.

[0154] Note that if the designation unit 917 is set for the output profile, the MLP set in the printing device 101 can be applied to pages for which no decoration has been set. For this purpose, the type of printing media is set for the pages in the JDF. If multiple pages are designated, then those pages are naturally included in the setting target. Furthermore, for example, if the designation unit 916 is set for the output profile, then it is not necessary to set the output profile for the pages in the print job. When the printing device 101 processes pages for which no output profile has been set, the output profile set in the printing device 101 can be used. This will be discussed later with reference to examples... Figure 15 This describes the settings for the output profile in the printing apparatus 101. These settings include the MLP associated with the print media type and the decoration output profile associated with the print media type and decoration processing type. The settings may also include settings for a specified (or predetermined) output profile to be used for pages for which no print media type has been specified.

[0155] Decoration Output Profile

[0156] Reference Figure 9C Describe the structure of a table (Decoration Output Profile Table) that maintains the registration information of the output profile according to the decoration type of each medium.

[0157] Media Table 921 maintains a list of registered media types. It may also maintain a list of output profiles based on the decoration type linked to each media type.

[0158] As described above, output profile tables 922, 923, and 924 are linked to each media type in the media table according to the decoration. Note that an output profile to be used when the decoration is not present (i.e., a normal MLP) can be registered. Output profiles for decorations may not be registered. If an output profile is not registered, then output profile designation section 917 linked to the media and decoration cannot be set for combinations of media and decorations.

[0159] Figure 9C The table shown can be set up by, for example, information processing device 102 based on the type of printing media available in printing device 101, the type of available decoration, and the available profiles. For this purpose, a list can be displayed, and the operator can select desired combinations from the list, link them together, and store them as a decoration output profile table. Alternatively, a sample of a printed product that has undergone decoration processing can be read by a scanner, and the read colors can be compared with the colors of the submitted original to create a profile for correction. The created profile for correction can be combined with the output profile used when printing the sample to create a new output profile. The new output profile created can be associated with the type of decoration processing used in the printed product and the type of printing media and stored as a decoration output profile table.

[0160] <Schematic diagram of print job data configuration and JDF transmission in step S805>

[0161] Reference Figure 10A and 10B Describe the print job data received from the information processing device 102 and the structure of the JDF.

[0162] Figure 10A This shows the configuration when the print job data is a print instruction request using JDF.

[0163] MIME data 1000 uses a format called MIME to concatenate JMF, JDF, and PDL files that form print job data. MIME is a method designed for handling various files via email. Files forming a MIME are concatenated into sections separated by strings called boundaries. Each section begins with a section header, which describes information such as the files included in that section.

[0164] JMF section 1001 is the MIME section that stores the JMF file. In this embodiment, the case where the JMF is a Command-SubmitQueueEntry used to execute print commands will be described. To implement this embodiment, only the JMF section always needs to be included in the MIME. JMF section 1001 always needs to be included in the first part of the MIME. However, if only the JMF section exists, then the MIME format does not always need to be used.

[0165] JDF section 1002 is the MIME section that stores the JDF file. All specifications related to printing can be described in the JDF. JDF will use... Figure 10B The example shown is used for description. Note that there is a method to specify the URL in which the JDF is located without transmitting the JDF in the JMF at the same time. If this specification method is used, then the JDF portion is not included in MIME 1000.

[0166] PDL section 1003 is the MIME section that stores the PDL file. Figure 10A The example shown is for PDF. Unlike JMF and JDF, MIME 1000 may include multiple PDL sections 1003, or MIME 1000 may not include any PDL sections at all. The number of PDL sections 1003 is equal to the number of PDL sections 1012 (see [link to PDL section 1003]). Figure 10B The PDL file specified in the specification defines the number of files to be transmitted simultaneously. If this number does not match the number specified in PDL section 1012, and the number in the PDL section is smaller, an error is detected in step S609. If the PDL section is binary data, it always needs to be encoded in a format such as base64.

[0167] Figure 10B This is a view illustrating an example of the JDF portion of the print job transmitted in step S805. While various print specifications can be made in the JDF, only a few portions associated with the embodiment will be described here. That is, the elements that can be specified are not limited to what is described. Moreover, the specified attributes and their values ​​are merely examples and are not limited to this description. Note that, due to Figure 10B The JDF shown contains omitted parts, so if it is transmitted directly as a job, an error will be detected in the JDF analysis.

[0168] JDF section 1011 is the part described by JDF elements. JDF always needs to be described from JDF section 1011. If the root element is not a JDF, then an XML syntax error is detected in step S605.

[0169] PDL section 1012 is the part that specifies the PDL file to be printed. In this embodiment, the specification of the PDL section is essential. If PDL section 1012 is not specified, a PDL specification missing error is detected in step S605.

[0170] Typesetting section 1013 specifies how the PDL is typeset onto the media. Here, "TwoSideFlipY" is specified by the Sides attribute, and this means that typesetting is performed on both surfaces while setting the image in the same direction on both the front and back sides.

[0171] Color conversion section 1014 includes "ColorSpaceConversionParams" as its root element. Color conversion section 1014 comprises two elements, namely page-specific color conversion sections 1015 and 1016, which nest the same "ColorSpaceConversionParams" as the root element. Only one color conversion section 1014 can be specified for the root element, but multiple page-specific color conversion sections can be specified. The PartIDKeys property sets the scope of application for specifying the nested color conversion sections.

[0172] The page-specific color conversion section 1015 sets the PDL page number using the RunIndex attribute in the "ColorSpaceConversionParams" element and sets the output profile using the UserFileName attribute in the "FileSpec" element. This also applies to the page-specific color conversion section 1016. As the PDL page number specified by the RunIndex attribute, the first page of the PDL page is set to 0. Figure 10B The PDL page numbers are designated as "0 to 1" and "7 to 7". Therefore, pages two and eight, starting from page one, are specified. Note that the specified pages must be consecutive and fall within the total number of pages in the PDL document specified by the PDL section.

[0173] The media designation section 1017 specifies the media to be used for printing, and the media to be used is specified by the rRef attribute in the "MediaRef" element. Here, "MED_000" is specified by the rRef attribute. This is the ID of the media information assigned by the media information designation section described later. Note that, like the color conversion section 1014, the media designation section 1017 can specify the media for each page by having child elements. The media designation section 1017 specifies "MED_000" for the entire PDL.

[0174] The media information specifying section 1018 is the section that specifies the media information to be used for printing. Figure 10BIn the Media element, the media size is set by the Dimension attribute, the media name by the DescriptiveName attribute, and the media ID by the ID attribute. Figure 10B In the first example, only one media information entry is set. To perform printing using multiple media, multiple "Media" elements are set. Furthermore, the media designation unit 1017 specifies the media to be used for each page via a media ID, as in page-specific color conversion units 1015 and 1016. Therefore, the ID of each element needs to be uniquely set.

[0175] <Flowchart explaining the process of setting up operations related to the output profile: When control device 205 determines whether the decoration on each page exists or not>

[0176] exist Figure 8 In this process, the information processing unit 102 determines the presence / absence of decorations on each page and specifies an output profile. The determination of the presence / absence of decorations can be performed on the MFP side. (See reference...) Figure 11 The process for setting up a job is described in the following case: when another output profile is specified for the decorated page while applying MLP, the information processing device 102 creates a print job in which an output profile for each decoration type is specified for each medium.

[0177] In step S1101, the information processing device 102 sets the medium for each printed sheet. After setting the medium, the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0178] In step S1102, the information processing device 102 sets up an output profile for each decoration to be linked with the usage medium set in step S1101. (See later...) Figure 12 and 13B The method for setting up an output profile based on a combination of media and decoration is described. After setting up the output profile for the decoration using the media, the process proceeds to step S1103.

[0179] In step S1103, the information processing device creates a print job based on the information set in steps S1101 and S1102, and transmits the print job to the printing device 101 via the external I / F 210. After the print job is transmitted, the process proceeds to step S1104.

[0180] Starting from step S1104, the process of setting an output profile for each printed page by the control device 205 is shown. Note that "applying the output profile (including MLP)" in steps S1104 to S1111 means that, as a result of the entire JDF analysis in step S619, the output profile to be used for color conversion in the PDL analysis in step S623 is maintained at the JDF setting value.

[0181] In step S1104, the control device 205 loads decoration information from the received PDL. Figure 11 The case of a PDF is illustrated. Consider that the decoration information of the PDL is maintained as, for example, attributes or metadata. However, the invention is not limited thereto. After loading the decoration information, the process proceeds to step S1105.

[0182] In step S1105, the control device 205 determines whether to set the decoration information loaded in step S1104 for the print page in the output profile settings. If the decoration information is set, the process proceeds to step S1106. If the decoration information is not set, the process proceeds to step S1107.

[0183] In step S1106, the control device 205 applies the output profile for the decoration specified in the JDF for each medium to the currently set print page. Note that this process is omitted if the decoration information set in the PDL does not match the decoration specified for the medium in the JDF, or if the decoration specification itself does not exist. After applying the output profile, the process proceeds to step S1110.

[0184] In step S1107, the control device 205 determines whether media has been specified in the print job for the currently set print page. If media has been specified, the process proceeds to step S1108. If no media has been specified, the process proceeds to step S1109.

[0185] In step S1108, the control device 205 applies the MLP to the currently set print page. The MLP is pre-linked with a registered medium via the operation unit 204 and stored in the HDD 209. If the link is not performed, i.e., the MLP does not exist, then the MLP is not applied. After applying the MLP, the process proceeds to step S1110.

[0186] In step S1109, the control device 205 applies the output profile set in the printing device to the currently set print page. Here, the output profile set in the printing device indicates the output profile specified by the output profile setting of the operation unit 204.

[0187] In step S1110, the control device 205 determines whether there is a next page for the currently set print page. If a next page exists, the process proceeds to step S1111. If no next page exists, the process ends.

[0188] In step S1111, the control device 205 advances the process to the next print page relative to the currently set print page and returns to step S1105. Note that, although in Figure 11 In this case, the process returns to step S1105, but depending on the data format of the PDL's decoration information, the process may return to step S1104. In this case, the processing of step S1104 is performed for each printed page.

[0189] <Setup screen in steps S1101 and S1102>

[0190] Reference Figure 12 An example is described of the settings screen of the information processing device that performs settings in steps S1101 and S1102. For example... Figure 9A As shown, the media type to be used is set for each sheet.

[0191] When setting the media type, you can configure the item "Use registration-based table output profile" at the bottom of the settings screen. This item is enabled by a checkbox, and profile information for each decoration linked to the media is obtained from the corresponding checkbox. Figure 9C The table shown is similar to the one obtained from and reflected in the print job settings.

[0192] <Diagram of JDF transmission in step S1103>

[0193] Reference Figure 13A and 13B An example of the JDF section of the print job transmitted in step S1103 and its creation method are described.

[0194] Figure 13A An example of the JDF section of the print job transmitted in step S1103 is shown. Note that the main extraction is related to... Figure 10B Different parts, and omissions with Figure 10B The same parts are described below. Only the color conversion part will be described below.

[0195] Color conversion section 1301 includes two elements, namely, color conversion sections 1302 and 1303 specific to the medium and decoration type, as sub-elements.

[0196] In media and decoration type-specific color conversion sections 1302 and 1303, the decoration type is specified by the `cj:Scope_Decoration` attribute, and the media to which the output profile is applied is specified by the `cj:Media_ID` attribute. Furthermore, as with page-specific color conversion sections 1015 and 1016, the output profile applicable to each media type and each decoration type is set by the `UserFileName` attribute in the `FileSpec` element. Based on the decorations linked to the media to be used in the media table 921, as many media and decoration type-specific color conversion sections as there are entries in the output profile table are created.

[0197] Figure 13B This shows the creation made by the information processing device 102. Figure 13A The process of the color conversion section is shown.

[0198] In step S1311, the information processing device 102 determines whether... Figure 12 The settings screen shown indicates the media type is set. If a media type is set for a sheet, the process proceeds to step S1312. If no media type is set for any sheet, the process ends.

[0199] In step S1312, the information processing device 102 proceeds to create a color conversion unit for the medium to be printed first among the set media types. Afterwards, the process proceeds to step S1313.

[0200] In step S1313, the information processing device 102 determines whether the output profile for the decoration is linked to the medium being created in the color conversion unit. If the output profile is linked, the process proceeds to step S1314. If the output profile is not linked, the process proceeds to step S1315.

[0201] In step S1314, the information processing device 102 creates a color conversion unit, which determines the media type and decoration type when an output profile is applied. After creating the color conversion unit, the process proceeds to step S1315.

[0202] In step S1315, the information processing device 102 determines whether there are any media for which a color conversion unit has not yet been created. If there are media among the installed media for which a color conversion unit has not yet been created, the process proceeds to step S1316. If color conversion unit processing has been performed on all installed media, the process ends.

[0203] In step S1316, the information processing device 102 proceeds to create a color conversion unit for the next medium to be printed, based on the currently configured medium. Afterward, the process returns to step S1313.

[0204] <show Figure 10B and 13A View of JDF application results shown >

[0205] Figure 14 This is a view showing the application results of the output document in the following case: for a PDF with a total of eight pages, the information processing device 102 outputs the document according to... Figure 8 The process shown generates Figure 10BThe JDF shown is analyzed by the control device 205 according to this process. Note that for paper 1, which is the medium whose information is specified by the media information designation unit 1018, the file X is registered as an MLP on the operation unit 204.

[0206] Suppose we perform lamination on the first sheet and use a transparent toner on the eighth page. In this case, profile A can be applied to the sheet for which lamination was performed, and profile B can be applied to the page for which the transparent toner was used. Profile X, as an MLP, can be applied to every page that has not undergone modification and uses a standard MLP.

[0207] Note that, Figure 14 This can be considered a view showing the output profile to be applied to a PDF, which has a total of eight pages and information indicating that lamination was performed on the first and second pages and that a transparent toner was used on the eighth page. When the information processing device 102... Figure 11 The process shown generates Figure 13A When the JDF shown is analyzed by the controlled device 205 according to this process, the output profile to be applied is specified.

[0208] When performed on operation unit 204 Figure 13A Example of settings when setting the output profile shown>

[0209] Figure 15 This illustrates the operation performed on the operating unit 204 of the printing device 101. Figure 13A Examples of settings in JDF for specifying output profiles for each media type and each decoration type, as well as normal MLP settings. The profile for decoration can be specified on operation unit 204 instead of in the print job.

[0210] exist Figure 15 In the screen shown, besides the default output profile (without decoration), you can also select and set the output profile for each decoration type from the candidates. However, because... Figure 15 The settings shown can be configured for each media type; "default" means for the MLP (Media Link Profile) of the media type for which the setting is targeted. If an output profile is configured on operation unit 204, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the media type, decoration type, and output profile identification information are associated and stored, for example, in an HDD 209. The storage format can be... Figure 9C The decoration output profile shown is the same.

[0211] For example, in Figure 7 In step S703, if no output profile is set for each page included in the print job, then refer to... Figure 15 The screen settings shown are stored in the output profile table in the printing device 101. A corresponding output profile is specified, and color conversion processing is performed using the specified output profile in step S704. Here, for example, it is first determined whether a print media type and decoration processing type are set in the JDF, and the output profile corresponding to the setting is specified. If no corresponding output profile exists, or if only the print media type is set, then MLP is specified as the output profile to be used. If no print media type is set, or if MLP is not set, then a predefined (default or predetermined) output profile can be specified and used. Note that in... Figure 15 The screen shown allows you to set up a specified output profile for pages that do not have their media type set in JDF or similar software.

[0212] Using the above configuration, according to this embodiment, it is possible to set an output profile associated with the print media type and decoration processing type. During printing, if a page exists that corresponds to the set print media type and decoration type, then color conversion is performed on that page using the set output profile. On the other hand, for the remaining pages, color conversion is performed using the default output profile or the output profile based on the media type. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deviations between the printed color and the submitted original color due to decoration. Furthermore, when a print job is generated, the print media type and decoration type are associated with the output profile, and a media link profile is defined. Therefore, in addition to decoration settings, it is possible to set the output profile through simple operations.

[0213] (Modified Example)

[0214] Note that in the above embodiments, it is assumed that an output profile is specified for each page. However, when only a portion of a page is decorated, an output profile can be specified for a single object or each object attribute within the page. When the printing device 101 receives a document similar to... Figure 13A When the processing of the JDF in the control device 205 changes, the output profile to be applied can be set for each object or each object property.

[0215] <Flowchart of the control device 205 applying the output profile to each object without changing the JDF jobs generated in steps S1101 to S1103>

[0216] Reference Figure 16 Describe the process of setting the output profile to be applied to each object property. Note that the basic process is similar to... Figure 11 The same as in, and will omit the pair with the same Figure 11 Description of the parts that are processed in the same way.

[0217] The processing of steps S1601 to S1603 is the same as that of steps S1101 to S1103.

[0218] In step S1604, the control device 205 loads the decoration information of the printed page of the received PDL that is being analyzed and processed. Figure 16 The PDF example is shown. Note that the decoration information here is maintained by each object in the printed page. As a method for maintaining decoration information by objects, one could consider maintaining the information as object metadata. However, the invention is not limited to this. After loading the decoration information, the process proceeds to step S1605.

[0219] In step S1605, the control device 205 determines, based on the information loaded in step S1604, whether there is an object with decoration information (the decorated object) in the print page being analyzed. If a decorated object exists, the process proceeds to step S1606. If the decorated object does not exist, the process proceeds to step S1607.

[0220] The processing of steps S1607 to S1611 is the same as that of steps S1107 to S1111.

[0221] In step S1606, for the decorated object loaded from the PDL and undergoing analysis processing, the control device 205 verifies the type and media type of the decoration specified in the print job of the processing target and to be used on the print page having the values ​​set in step S1602. The values ​​set in step S1602 are obtained, for example, by referring to the received JDF. Through verification, an output profile corresponding to the media type and decoration type is specified. Therefore, the output profile is specified and applied to the decorated object.

[0222] If the combination of media type and decoration type in the PDL decoration information does not match the combination in the print job settings, then this process is omitted. Note that the term "apply" here means that, as a result of the entire JDF analysis in step S619, the output profile used for color conversion in the PDL analysis in step S623 is maintained at the JDF setting value. After applying the output profile to the decorated object in the analysis process, the process proceeds to step S1612.

[0223] In step S1612, the control device 205 determines whether there are any decorated objects in the printed page during the analysis process that have not yet undergone analysis processing. If there are decorated objects that have not yet undergone analysis processing, the process proceeds to step S1613. If there are no such decorated objects, the process proceeds to step S1610.

[0224] In step S1613, the control device 205 proceeds to the analysis process of the next decorated object that has not yet undergone analysis processing. Afterward, the process returns to step S1606.

[0225] It should be noted that, Figure 16 The process shown can be performed even if the “object” is replaced with an “object attribute” such as text or graphics. In this case, the decoration information is not maintained as object metadata, but as a characteristic of the entire PDL.

[0226] As described above, in this modified example, for each decorated object, an output profile linked to the decoration type is applied. Note that decoration processing is performed on an object-based or page-based basis depending on the decoration type. For example, lamination is performed on a page-based (or sheet-based) basis. Therefore, depending on the decoration type, the decorated object is not specified, and an output profile linked to the decoration can be applied on a page-based basis.

[0227] As described above, according to this embodiment, while using an output profile linked to the media, it is possible to use another output profile for the page or object being decorated, thereby preventing color changes caused by the decoration. This makes it possible to more flexibly reproduce the colors desired by the user.

[0228] Other embodiments

[0229] One or more embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transient computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more embodiments described above, and by a method executed by a computer of a system or device, for example, by reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of individual computers or individual processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a storage device for a distributed computing system, an optical disc (such as a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc), or a digital versatile disc (BD). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0230] Other embodiments

[0231] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads out and executes the program.

[0232] While the invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus comprising: a storage section for storing a table associating a type of print medium with an output profile; a determination section for determining, for each page included in a print job, whether output profile information specifying an output profile is included in a predetermined area of the print job to be processed; and a color conversion section for in a case where the determination section determines that output profile information specifying an output profile is included in the print job, performing color conversion on a page determined to include the output profile information using the output profile specified by the print job without referring to the table, and performing printing, and in a case where the determination section determines that output profile information specifying an output profile is not included in the print job, referring to the table, performing color conversion on a page determined to not include the output profile information using an output profile associated with a type of print medium, and performing printing.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the table further includes associations between a type of print medium, a type of finishing process, and an output profile, and for a page included in a print job, if a type of print medium and a type of finishing process are set in the print job and an output profile is not set in the print job, the color conversion section refers to the table and performs color conversion using an output profile associated with the type of print medium and the type of finishing process set for the page.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, for a page included in a print job for which a type of print medium and a type of finishing process are set in the print job and for which an output profile is not set in the print job, if an output profile associated with the type of print medium and the type of finishing process does not exist in the table, the color conversion section performs color conversion using an output profile associated with the type of print medium.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, for a page included in a print job for which a type of print medium and a type of finishing process are set in the print job and for which an output profile is not set in the print job, if an output profile associated with the type of print medium does not exist in the table, the color conversion section performs color conversion using a predetermined output profile.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, for a page included in a print job, if a type of print medium is not set in the print job and an output profile is not set in the print job, the color conversion section performs color conversion using a predetermined output profile.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output profile associated with a type of print medium and a type of finishing process is set in a print job, and if a finishing process is set for an object of a page included in a print job, the color conversion section performs color conversion on the object using an output profile associated with a type of print medium and a type of finishing process of the page.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting section for selecting a type of print medium and an output profile associated with the type of print medium, and storing the selected type of print medium in association with the selected output profile in the table.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the setting means further selects a type of the decoration processing, and further stores the selected type of the decoration processing in the table in association with the selected type of the print medium and the selected output profile.

9. A computer-readable medium storing a program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to function as the print apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A print system including an information processing apparatus configured to create a print job, and a print apparatus configured to perform printing by executing the print job, the information processing apparatus including: a storage means for storing a first table associating a type of a print medium, a type of a decoration processing, and an output profile; a creation means for setting the type of the print medium and the type of the decoration processing for each page, and creating a print job in which an output profile is set for a page for which the decoration processing is set, by referring to the first table; and a means for transmitting the print job to the print apparatus, and the print apparatus including: a storage means for storing a second table associating a type of a print medium with an output profile; a determination means for determining, for each page included in the print job, whether output profile information specifying an output profile is included in a predetermined area of the print job to be processed; and a color conversion means for in a case where the determination means determines that the output profile information specifying the output profile is included in the print job, performing color conversion on a page determined to include the output profile information using the output profile specified by the print job without referring to the second table, and performing printing, and in a case where the determination means determines that the output profile information specifying the output profile is not included in the print job, referring to the second table, performing color conversion on a page determined not to include the output profile information using the output profile associated with the type of the print medium, and performing printing.

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