Print data processing method, device, equipment, storage medium and printing system

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of digital printing technology and solves the problem of high printing costs in existing technologies. It provides a printing data processing method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and printing system. The method includes: acquiring multiple print jobs, each of which can simultaneously enter a color management process to generate printable files, wherein all print jobs are located on the same device; acquiring and parsing each printable file, entering a printing parameter setting process for each printable file, and completing pre-press preparation work, wherein all printable files are located on the same device. Compared to existing technologies that require multiple pre-press management devices to process multiple print jobs simultaneously, this invention can process multiple print jobs in parallel using only one pre-press management device and control multiple printers with one pre-press management device, saving space and costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of digital printing, and more particularly to a printing data processing method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and printing system. Background Technology

[0002] Digital printing, also known as digital printing, differs from traditional printing in that it can produce a single printout, with variable data, and allows images and text to be disseminated across various media, greatly expanding the application scope of digital imaging. The technical principle of digital printing is to use a prepress system to transmit image and text information via a network to a digital printing press to produce color prints.

[0003] In existing technologies, a host computer (such as a PC) can only control one digital printing press connected to it, and can only handle a single printing task at a time. To increase output, multiple prepress systems must be configured and connected to different digital printing presses. This approach is not only cumbersome but also costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a printing data processing method, apparatus, device and storage medium to solve the problem of high cost caused by configuring multiple prepress systems to increase digital printing output in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for processing print data, the method comprising:

[0006] Multiple print jobs are acquired, and each print job can simultaneously enter the color management process to generate print files, wherein each print job is located on the same device;

[0007] The system acquires and parses each of the files to be printed, enters the printing parameter setting process for each of the files to be printed, and completes the pre-press preparation work. All of the files to be printed are located on the same device.

[0008] Preferably, the method is applied to a color management program, wherein the step of acquiring multiple print jobs, each of which can simultaneously enter the color management process to generate a print file, includes:

[0009] The printing materials are obtained from each of the aforementioned print jobs, and the corresponding print pattern files are generated after image rendering.

[0010] Each of the printed pattern files is color-corrected to adjust the colors of each printed pattern file.

[0011] Each of the color-calibrated print pattern files is then screened to generate the printable file.

[0012] Preferably, after the steps of acquiring and parsing each of the documents to be printed, entering the printing parameter setting process for each of the documents to be printed, and completing the pre-press preparation work, the process includes:

[0013] Multiple files to be printed with pre-set printing parameters are scheduled according to a preset method and sent to a designated printer for printing. The designated printer includes an idle printer and / or a pre-selected printer.

[0014] Preferably, the color management program includes a color configuration file for color management, and the step of acquiring multiple print jobs, each of which simultaneously enters the color management process to generate a print file includes:

[0015] Determine whether the first print job and the second print job use the same color profile in their color management process;

[0016] If so, the order in which the first print job and the second print job use the color profile is determined according to the order in which they enter the color management stage using the same color profile, wherein the first print job and the second print job are included in all print jobs, and the first print job and the second print job are different print jobs.

[0017] Preferably, after the step of determining whether the first print job and the second print job use the same color profile in a color management process, the method includes:

[0018] If not, the first print job and the second print job can simultaneously use the corresponding color profiles for color management.

[0019] Preferably, the method is applied to n print control programs, where n≥1. The steps of acquiring and parsing each of the files to be printed, entering the print parameter setting process for each of the files, and completing the pre-press preparation work include:

[0020] Each of the aforementioned documents to be printed is sent to the corresponding printing control program;

[0021] The print file to be printed is parsed, and the print parameters for each print file are set in the corresponding print control program.

[0022] or,

[0023] Each of the aforementioned documents to be printed is sent to the same printing control program;

[0024] The document to be printed is parsed, and the printing parameters for each document are set in the same printing control program.

[0025] Preferably, the method is applied to a management program, the management program including color management and print control functions, and the method includes:

[0026] Multiple print jobs complete the color management process and the print parameter setting process in the management program.

[0027] Preferably, the method is applied to n color management programs and n print control programs, where n > 1, and the method includes:

[0028] Each of the print jobs can enter the color management process in parallel through the corresponding color management program to generate print files, wherein each print job and each color management program are located on the same device;

[0029] Each of the documents to be printed can have its printing parameters set in parallel through the corresponding printing control program to complete the pre-press preparation work. Each of the printing control programs and the documents to be printed are located on the same device, and each of the color management programs and the printing control programs are located on the same device.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a printing data processing apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

[0031] The color management module is used to acquire multiple print jobs, each of which can simultaneously enter the color management process to generate print files. All print jobs are located on the same device.

[0032] The printing control module is used to acquire and parse each of the documents to be printed, enter the printing parameter setting process for each of the documents, and complete the pre-printing preparation work. All of the documents are located on the same device.

[0033] Thirdly, the present invention provides a prepress management device, comprising: at least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory, wherein when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, the printing data processing method described above is implemented.

[0034] Fourthly, the present invention provides a storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the above-described printing data processing method.

[0035] Fifthly, the present invention also provides a printing system, including a prepress management device and a printer, wherein the prepress management device performs the printing data processing method as described above.

[0036] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0037] The printing data processing method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and printing system provided in this invention, compared with the prior art which processes multiple print jobs simultaneously by configuring multiple prepress management devices, can process multiple print jobs in parallel with only one prepress management device and control multiple printers with one prepress management device, saving space and cost. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, and these are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a printing data processing method according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first embodiment of a printing system according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the color management program.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the color management process of a second embodiment of a printing data processing method of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the color management process of a third embodiment of a printing data processing method of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first embodiment of a printing data processing device according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second embodiment of a printing data processing device according to the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first embodiment of a printing control program according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first embodiment of a management program of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first embodiment of a prepress management device according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second embodiment of a prepress management device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain the present invention and are not configured to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can be practiced without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely to provide a better understanding of the present invention by illustrating examples of the invention.

[0051] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] Reference Figure 1 and 2 The present invention provides a method for processing print data, the method comprising:

[0054] S1: Acquire multiple print jobs, each of which can simultaneously enter the color management process to generate print files. All print jobs are located on the same device.

[0055] S2: Obtain and parse each file to be printed, enter the printing parameter setting process for each file, and complete the pre-press preparation work. All files are located on the same device.

[0056] In this embodiment of the invention, a prepress management device 1 (such as a computer) acquires multiple print jobs. The print jobs include TIFF images, JPG images, PDF files, etc. Each print job can simultaneously enter the color management process. Specifically, the prepress management device 1 is equipped with a color management program 11. After acquiring the print jobs, the color management program 11 enters the color management process. The color management process includes, but is not limited to, image rendering, color correction, halftone, and generating print files. For example, the color management program 11 includes multiple RIP modules (Raster Image Processors) for color management. The first print job and the second print job can simultaneously enter the color management process, be processed in parallel, and not interfere with each other. After color management, each print job generates a print file. A print control program 12, located on the prepress management device 1, acquires and parses the multiple print files, breaks them down into data for each printhead pass, acquires the print parameters, and completes prepress preparation work. The settings include, but are not limited to, printhead selection, white border settings, general print settings, color bar settings, and feathering settings. In this embodiment of the invention, each document to be printed can enter the printing parameter setting process simultaneously or in sequence; the color management program 11 and the printing control program 12 can be the same program or different programs, and the invention does not impose any specific limitations.

[0057] For example, in this embodiment of the invention, the prepress management device 1 has five print jobs a, b, c, d, and e. The color management program 11 acquires print jobs a to e, allowing each print job to simultaneously enter the color management process and generate printable files A, B, C, D, and E. The print control program 12, located on the same device, acquires and parses printable files A to E, and enters the print parameter setting process. In this process, printable files A to E can be processed in parallel, and the prepress management device 1 completes the prepress preparation work.

[0058] Compared to existing technologies that use multiple prepress management devices 1 to process multiple print jobs simultaneously, this invention can use only one prepress management device 1 to process multiple print jobs in parallel and control multiple printers 2 with one prepress management device 1, saving space and cost.

[0059] Further, after acquiring and parsing each document to be printed, entering the printing parameter setting process for each document to be printed, and completing step S1 of the pre-press preparation work, the process includes:

[0060] S1111: Schedule multiple files with pre-set printing parameters to be printed according to a preset method and send them to a designated printer for printing. The designated printer includes an idle printer and / or a pre-selected printer.

[0061] In this embodiment of the invention, after the printing parameters for documents A to E to be printed are set, the prepress management device 1 begins scheduling the documents A to E, sending them to designated printers for printing via TCP / IP or other methods. The designated printers include idle printers and / or pre-selected printers. For example, the prepress management device 1 is communicatively connected to the first, second, and third printers. At this time, the prepress management device 1 obtains the working status of each printer and sends a print job to an idle printer (such as the third printer). In this way, the printer can print multiple print jobs in parallel, improving printing efficiency. Alternatively, the prepress management device 1 may send a print job to a pre-selected printer (such as the first printer), allowing the user to print the print job according to their selection.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and 3 The method is applied to a color management program 11 to obtain multiple print jobs, each of which can simultaneously enter the color management process. Step S1, which generates a print file, includes:

[0064] S11: Obtain printing materials from each job to be printed, and generate corresponding printing pattern files after image drawing;

[0065] S22: Each printed pattern file is color-corrected to adjust the colors of each printed pattern file.

[0066] S23: Each printed pattern file after color calibration is screened to generate the file to be printed.

[0067] In this embodiment of the invention, for example, a single color management program 11 includes multiple color management modules 111, each used to handle the color management process of each print job. The color management program 11 obtains printing materials from each print job, including but not limited to image patterns and text patterns. The image drawing process involves the printing materials appearing on the canvas of the color management program 11. The user adds patterns (such as vector color blocks) to the canvas and arranges the newly added patterns and printing materials. In other embodiments of the invention, the user can also directly arrange the printing materials on the canvas without adding new patterns. Whether to add new patterns is adjusted according to actual needs, and the invention does not limit this. After the image drawing is completed, a print pattern file is generated based on the pattern arranged on the canvas. Each print pattern file undergoes color calibration to correct its color. Color calibration methods include, but are not limited to, modifying the ICC color profile of the printer 2. The purpose of color calibration is to ensure that the color of the printed object is the same as the color seen on the prepress management device 1, i.e., what you see is what you get. After color calibration, each printed pattern file undergoes partial screening. The purpose of partial screening is to enrich the colors and tones of the printed matter. In summary, by managing the color management process of multiple pending print jobs simultaneously through a single color management program 11, images, graphics, and text pending print jobs are interpreted into data formats that the printer can recognize (i.e., generating files to be printed), thereby improving the efficiency of color management for pending print jobs by the prepress management device 1.

[0068] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The color management program 11 includes a color profile for color management, acquires multiple print jobs, and each print job simultaneously enters the color management process. Step S2, which generates a print file, includes:

[0069] S2A: Determine whether the first print job and the second print job use the same color profile in their color management process;

[0070] S2B: If so, the order in which the first print job and the second print job use the color profile is assigned according to the order in which they enter the color management phase using the same color profile, wherein the first print job and the second print job are included in all print jobs, and the first print job and the second print job are different print jobs.

[0071] In this embodiment of the invention, the content of the color profile includes, but is not limited to, dot information, printing accuracy information, color calibration file information, and ICC color characteristic file information. Exemplarily, the first color management module and the second color management module in the color management program 11 process the first and second print jobs in parallel. The color management program 11 determines whether the first and second print jobs use the same color profile in a color management step, wherein the color management step includes image rendering, color calibration, and halftone addition. Exemplarily, for example, if the first and second print jobs use the same color profile for color calibration, the first print job enters the image rendering step after processing by the first color management module, and the second print job enters the image rendering step after processing by the second color management module. After image rendering is completed, the second print job enters the color calibration step. If the first print job completes the image rendering step first, the first color management module prioritizes using the color profile for color calibration. The second print job must wait until the first print job completes color calibration before the second color management module uses the same color profile for color calibration. Conversely, the second color management module prioritizes using the color profile to calibrate the second print job, while the first color management module must wait. Compared to existing technologies where the color management program 11 sorts the first and second print jobs, and the second print job only begins color management after the first print job completes its color management process, in this embodiment, the first and second print jobs can be processed in parallel. Only parts requiring the use of the same color profile need to wait, significantly improving the efficiency of color management for print jobs. Furthermore, using the same color profile eliminates the need to set multiple color profiles, reducing the difficulty of operating the color management program 11 for the user.

[0072] Example 3

[0073] Reference Figure 5 After step S2A, which determines whether the first print job and the second print job use the same color profile in their color management process, the process includes:

[0074] S2C: If not, the first and second print jobs can simultaneously use the corresponding color profiles for color management.

[0075] In this embodiment of the invention, for example, the first color management module uses a first color profile to manage the color of the first print job, and the second color management module uses a second color profile to manage the color of the second print job. The first and second print jobs are processed in parallel without waiting, effectively improving the processing efficiency of multiple print jobs. Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the first and second color profiles can be the same or different color profiles. By setting multiple color profiles, the efficiency of color management for print jobs is further improved.

[0076] Example 4

[0077] Reference Figure 6 and 7 The method is applied to n print control programs 12, n≥1, to acquire and parse each file to be printed, to enter the print parameter setting process for each file to be printed, and to complete the pre-press preparation work step S2, including:

[0078] S21: Send each document to be printed to the corresponding print control program 12;

[0079] S22: Parse the file to be printed and set the printing parameters for each file in the corresponding print control program 12;

[0080] or,

[0081] S23: Send each document to be printed to the same print control program 12;

[0082] S24: Parse the file to be printed and set the printing parameters for each file in the same print control program 12.

[0083] In this embodiment of the invention, reference is made to Figure 6The color management program 11 and the print control program 12 communicate via TCP / IP protocol and virtual ports. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, one color management program 11 processes multiple print jobs (e.g., print jobs a, b, c, d, and e) in parallel. Specifically, the color management program 11 has multiple color management modules 111 that process each print job in parallel. For example, the first color management module processes the first print job, the second color management module processes the second print job, and so on. After processing, each color management module 111 generates printable files A, B, C, D, and E. Each print control program 12 is assigned a corresponding IP address, and each print job is sent to a different IP address. The print control program 12 obtains and parses the printable files. Exemplarily, the first print control program obtains and parses printable file A. The user sets print parameters in the first print control program. After obtaining the print parameters, pre-press preparation is completed. The settings include, but are not limited to, print head selection, white border settings, general print settings, color bar settings, and feathering settings. Meanwhile, the second print control program acquires and parses the file to be printed, B, and the third print control program acquires and parses the file to be printed, C, and so on. This process is the same as that for the file to be printed, A, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0084] In other embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 8 Multiple print jobs are processed in parallel through a color management program 11 and a print control program 12. After the color management program 11 generates the print file, it is sent to the print control program 12 via a virtual port. The print control program 12 has multiple print control modules 121 that can process multiple print files (such as print files A to E) in parallel. Through a software development kit, print parameter settings can be synchronized to each print control module 121, enabling one-click control of each print task and facilitating user operation.

[0085] Example 5

[0086] Reference Figure 9 The method is applied to a management program 1A, which includes color management and print control functions. The method includes:

[0087] S3: Multiple print jobs complete the color management and print parameter setting processes in the management program 1A.

[0088] In this embodiment of the invention, the management program 1A includes color management and print control functions. Specifically, the management program 1A contains multiple color management modules 111 and multiple print control modules 112. The color management module 111 handles the color management process for the print job, which includes, but is not limited to, image rendering, color correction, halftone display, and generating print files. After color management, the print job generates a print file, which is stored in virtual memory. The print control module 112 retrieves and parses the print file from the virtual memory and sets the print parameters, including but not limited to printhead selection, white border settings, general print settings, color bar settings, and feathering settings. The color management program 111 and the print control program 12 transfer files through virtual memory; this method is unaffected by network conditions and ensures stable transmission.

[0089] For example, management program 1A simultaneously acquires a first print job and a second print job, and processes the first print job and the second print job in parallel. Specifically, the first color management module performs color management on the first print job and generates a first print file; the second color management module performs color management on the second print job and generates a second print file. The first print file and the second print file are respectively transmitted to the first print control module and the second print control module. The first print control module and the second print control module set printing parameters for the first print file and the second print file respectively, completing the pre-press preparation work. In the above process, the first color management module, the second color management module, the first print control module, and the second print control module can work simultaneously, that is, management program 1A can process multiple print jobs and multiple print files in parallel, without the need to configure multiple pre-press management devices 1, significantly reducing the printing costs for manufacturers.

[0090] Example 6

[0091] Reference Figure 10 The method is applied to n color management programs 11 and n printing control programs 12, where n > 1, and the method includes:

[0092] S41: Each print job can enter the color management process in parallel through the corresponding color management program 11 to generate print files. Each print job and each color management program 11 are located on the same device.

[0093] S42: Each document to be printed can have its printing parameters set in parallel through the corresponding printing control program 12 to complete the pre-press preparation work. Each printing control program 12 and the document to be printed are located on the same device, and each color management program 11 and each printing control program 12 are located on the same device.

[0094] In this embodiment of the invention, the prepress management device 1 is equipped with multiple color management programs 11 and printing control programs 12. The color management module 111 handles the color management process for jobs to be printed, including but not limited to image rendering, color correction, halftone, and generating print files. Each color management program 11, after acquiring a job to be printed, performs color management and generates a print file. The print file is sent to the corresponding printing control program 12 for extraction and parsing, and the printing parameters are set, including but not limited to printhead selection, white border settings, general printing settings, color bar settings, and feathering settings. For example, the prepress management device 1 acquires jobs a through e to be printed. The first color management program 11 processes job a to generate print file A, the second color management program 12 processes job b to generate print file B, and so on; the color management processes for jobs a through e can be performed simultaneously. After completing the color management process, the prepress management device 1 sends the documents to be printed, A to E, to the first print control program and the fifth print control program, respectively. Each print control program 12 can simultaneously set the printing parameters for each document to be printed. By installing multiple color management programs 11 and print control programs 12 on the prepress management device 1, the printing jobs can be processed in parallel, saving costs.

[0095] Example 7

[0096] Further, after acquiring and parsing each of the documents to be printed, entering the printing parameter setting process for each of the documents to be printed, and completing step S2 of the pre-press preparation work, the process includes:

[0097] S401: Obtain the number of jobs to be printed and determine whether the number of jobs to be printed exceeds a preset threshold;

[0098] S402: If so, monitor the operation of each color management program 11 and / or each print control program 12, and assign the print jobs and / or print documents to the idle programs;

[0099] or,

[0100] S403: If so, monitor the operation of each color management module 111 and / or each print control module 121, and assign the print jobs and / or print files to the idle modules.

[0101] In this embodiment of the invention, the prepress management device 1 includes multiple color management programs 11 and multiple print control programs 12. A scheduling program is set in the prepress management device 1 to monitor the operation of each color management program 11 and print control program 12, and to schedule print jobs and printable documents. The scheduling module obtains the number of print jobs currently pending. If there are 10 print jobs, exceeding a preset threshold (e.g., 8), the scheduling module monitors the operation of each color management program 11 and / or each print control program 12, and allocates the print jobs and / or printable documents to idle programs.

[0102] In this embodiment of the invention, the management program 1A includes multiple color management modules 111 and multiple print control modules 121. A scheduling module is provided in the management program 1A to monitor the operation of the color management modules 111 and the print control modules 121, and to schedule print jobs and files to be printed. The scheduling module obtains the number of print jobs currently pending. If there are 10 print jobs, exceeding a preset threshold (e.g., 8), the scheduling module monitors the operation of each color management module 111 and / or each print control module 121, and allocates the print jobs and / or files to be printed to idle modules. Through the above measures, print jobs are sent to idle program or functional modules, maximizing the efficiency of parallel processing of multiple print tasks.

[0103] Reference Figure 7 The present invention also provides a printing data processing apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

[0104] The color management module 111 is used to acquire multiple print jobs, each print job can enter the color management process at the same time to generate print files, wherein all print jobs are located on the same device.

[0105] The print control module 112 is used to acquire and parse each of the documents to be printed, enter the print parameter setting process for each print document, and complete the pre-printing preparation work. All of the print documents are located on the same device.

[0106] In this embodiment of the invention, a prepress management device 1 (such as a computer) acquires multiple print jobs. The print jobs include TIFF images, JPG images, PDF files, etc. Each print job can simultaneously enter the color management process. Specifically, the prepress management device 1 is equipped with a color management program 11. After acquiring the print jobs, the color management program 11 enters the color management process. The color management process includes, but is not limited to, image rendering, color correction, halftone, and generating print files. For example, the color management program 11 includes multiple RIP modules (Raster Image Processors) for color management. The first print job and the second print job can simultaneously enter the color management process, be processed in parallel, and not interfere with each other. After color management, each print job generates a print file. A print control program 12, located on the prepress management device 1, acquires and parses the multiple print files, breaks them down into data for each printhead pass, acquires the print parameters, and completes prepress preparation work. The settings include, but are not limited to, printhead selection, white border settings, general print settings, color bar settings, and feathering settings. In this embodiment of the invention, each document to be printed can enter the printing parameter setting process simultaneously or in sequence; the color management program 11 and the printing control program 12 can be the same program or different programs, and the invention does not impose any specific limitations.

[0107] For example, in this embodiment of the invention, the prepress management device 1 has five print jobs a, b, c, d, and e. The color management program 11 acquires print jobs a to e, allowing each print job to simultaneously enter the color management process and generate printable files A, B, C, D, and E. The print control program 12, located on the same device, acquires and parses printable files A to E, and enters the print parameter setting process. In this process, printable files A to E can be processed in parallel, and the prepress management device 1 completes the prepress preparation work.

[0108] Compared to existing technologies that use multiple prepress management devices 1 to process multiple print jobs simultaneously, this invention can use only one prepress management device 1 to process multiple print jobs in parallel and control multiple printers 2 with one prepress management device 1, saving space and cost.

[0109] Furthermore, the print data processing device includes:

[0110] The printing module is used to schedule multiple files with pre-set printing parameters to be printed and send them to a designated printer for printing according to a preset method. The designated printer includes an idle printer and / or a pre-selected printer.

[0111] In this embodiment of the invention, after the printing parameters for documents A to E to be printed are set, the prepress management device 1 begins scheduling the documents A to E, sending them to designated printers for printing via TCP / IP or other methods. The designated printers include idle printers and / or pre-selected printers. For example, the prepress management device 1 is communicatively connected to the first, second, and third printers. At this time, the prepress management device 1 obtains the working status of each printer and sends a print job to an idle printer (such as the third printer). In this way, the printer can print multiple print jobs in parallel, improving printing efficiency. Alternatively, the prepress management device 1 may send a print job to a pre-selected printer (such as the first printer), allowing the user to print the print job according to their selection.

[0112] Furthermore, the color management module 111 includes:

[0113] The image drawing module is used to obtain printing materials from each print job and generate corresponding print pattern files after image drawing.

[0114] The color calibration module is used to perform color calibration on each printed pattern file separately, correcting the colors of each printed pattern file.

[0115] The halftone module is used to perform halftone processing on each printed pattern file after color calibration to generate the file to be printed.

[0116] In this embodiment of the invention, for example, a single color management program 11 includes multiple color management modules 111, each used to handle the color management process of each print job. The color management program 11 obtains printing materials from each print job, including but not limited to image patterns and text patterns. The image drawing process involves the printing materials appearing on the canvas of the color management program 11. The user adds patterns (such as vector color blocks) to the canvas and arranges the newly added patterns and printing materials. In other embodiments of the invention, the user can also directly arrange the printing materials on the canvas without adding new patterns. Whether to add new patterns is adjusted according to actual needs, and the invention does not limit this. After the image drawing is completed, a print pattern file is generated based on the pattern arranged on the canvas. Each print pattern file undergoes color calibration to correct its color. Color calibration methods include, but are not limited to, modifying the ICC color profile of the printer 2. The purpose of color calibration is to ensure that the color of the printed object is the same as the color seen on the prepress management device 1, i.e., what you see is what you get. After color calibration, each printed pattern file undergoes partial screening. The purpose of partial screening is to enrich the colors and tones of the printed matter. In summary, by managing the color management process of multiple pending print jobs simultaneously through a single color management program 11, images, graphics, and text pending print jobs are interpreted into data formats that the printer can recognize (i.e., generating files to be printed), thereby improving the efficiency of color management for pending print jobs by the prepress management device 1.

[0117] Printing control module 112 includes:

[0118] The first judgment module is used to determine whether the first job to be printed and the second job to be printed use the same color profile in the color management process.

[0119] The first execution module is configured to, if so, allocate the order in which the first print job and the second print job use the color profile according to the order in which they enter the color management stage using the same color profile, wherein the first print job and the second print job are included in all print jobs, and the first print job and the second print job are different print jobs.

[0120] In this embodiment of the invention, the content of the color profile includes, but is not limited to, dot information, printing accuracy information, color calibration file information, and ICC color characteristic file information. Exemplarily, the first color management module and the second color management module in the color management program 11 process the first and second print jobs in parallel. The color management program 11 determines whether the first and second print jobs use the same color profile in a color management step, wherein the color management step includes image rendering, color calibration, and halftone addition. Exemplarily, for example, if the first and second print jobs use the same color profile for color calibration, the first print job enters the image rendering step after processing by the first color management module, and the second print job enters the image rendering step after processing by the second color management module. After image rendering is completed, the second print job enters the color calibration step. If the first print job completes the image rendering step first, the first color management module prioritizes using the color profile for color calibration. The second print job must wait until the first print job completes color calibration before the second color management module uses the same color profile for color calibration. Conversely, the second color management module prioritizes using the color profile to calibrate the second print job, while the first color management module must wait. Compared to existing technologies where the color management program 11 sorts the first and second print jobs, and the second print job only begins color management after the first print job completes its color management process, in this embodiment, the first and second print jobs can be processed in parallel. Only parts requiring the use of the same color profile need to wait, significantly improving the efficiency of color management for print jobs. Furthermore, using the same color profile eliminates the need to set multiple color profiles, reducing the difficulty of operating the color management program 11 for the user.

[0121] Furthermore, the print control module 112 includes:

[0122] The second execution module is used to ensure that, if not, the first and second jobs to be printed can simultaneously use the corresponding color profiles for color management.

[0123] In this embodiment of the invention, for example, the first color management module uses a first color profile to manage the color of the first print job, and the second color management module uses a second color profile to manage the color of the second print job. The first and second print jobs are processed in parallel without waiting, effectively improving the processing efficiency of multiple print jobs. Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the first and second color profiles can be the same or different color profiles. By setting multiple color profiles, the efficiency of color management for print jobs is further improved.

[0124] Furthermore, the print control module 112 includes:

[0125] The third execution module is used to send each document to be printed to the corresponding print control program 12.

[0126] The first parsing module is used to parse the file to be printed and set the printing parameters for each file in the corresponding print control program 12.

[0127] or,

[0128] The fourth execution module is used to send each document to be printed to the same print control program 12.

[0129] The second parsing module is used to parse the file to be printed and set the printing parameters for each file in the same print control program 12.

[0130] In this embodiment of the invention, reference is made to Figure 6 The color management program 11 and the print control program 12 communicate via TCP / IP protocol and virtual ports. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, one color management program 11 processes multiple print jobs (e.g., print jobs a, b, c, d, and e) in parallel. Specifically, the color management program 11 has multiple color management modules 111 that process each print job in parallel. For example, the first color management module processes the first print job, the second color management module processes the second print job, and so on. After processing, each color management module 111 generates printable files A, B, C, D, and E. Each print control program 12 is assigned a corresponding IP address, and each print job is sent to a different IP address. The print control program 12 obtains and parses the printable files. Exemplarily, the first print control program obtains and parses printable file A. The user sets print parameters in the first print control program. After obtaining the print parameters, pre-press preparation is completed. The settings include, but are not limited to, print head selection, white border settings, general print settings, color bar settings, and feathering settings. Meanwhile, the second print control program acquires and parses the file to be printed, B, and the third print control program acquires and parses the file to be printed, C, and so on. This process is the same as that for the file to be printed, A, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0131] In other embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 8Multiple print jobs are processed in parallel through a color management program 11 and a print control program 12. After the color management program 11 generates the print file, it is sent to the print control program 12 via a virtual port. The print control program 12 has multiple print control modules 121 that can process multiple print files (such as print files A to E) in parallel. Through a software development kit, print parameter settings can be synchronized to each print control module 121, enabling one-click control of each print task and facilitating user operation.

[0132] Furthermore, the print data processing device also includes:

[0133] The management module is used to complete the color management process and print parameter setting process for multiple print jobs in the management program 1A.

[0134] In this embodiment of the invention, the management program 1A includes color management and print control functions. Specifically, the management program 1A contains multiple color management modules 111 and multiple print control modules 112. The color management module 111 handles the color management process for the print job, which includes, but is not limited to, image rendering, color correction, halftone display, and generating print files. After color management, the print job generates a print file, which is stored in virtual memory. The print control module 112 retrieves and parses the print file from the virtual memory and sets the print parameters, including but not limited to printhead selection, white border settings, general print settings, color bar settings, and feathering settings. The color management program 111 and the print control program 12 transfer files through virtual memory; this method is unaffected by network conditions and ensures stable transmission.

[0135] For example, management program 1A simultaneously acquires a first print job and a second print job, and processes the first print job and the second print job in parallel. Specifically, the first color management module performs color management on the first print job and generates a first print file; the second color management module performs color management on the second print job and generates a second print file. The first print file and the second print file are respectively transmitted to the first print control module and the second print control module. The first print control module and the second print control module set printing parameters for the first print file and the second print file respectively, completing the pre-press preparation work. In the above process, the first color management module, the second color management module, the first print control module, and the second print control module can work simultaneously, that is, management program 1A can process multiple print jobs and multiple print files in parallel, without the need to configure multiple pre-press management devices 1, significantly reducing the printing costs for manufacturers.

[0136] Furthermore, the print data processing device also includes:

[0137] The color processing module is used so that each print job can enter the color management process in parallel through the corresponding color management program 11 to generate print files. Each print job and each color management program 11 are located on the same device.

[0138] The control processing module is used to set the printing parameters of each document to be printed in parallel through the corresponding printing control program 12, and complete the pre-press preparation work. Each printing control program 12 and the document to be printed are located on the same device, and each color management program 11 and each printing control program 12 are located on the same device.

[0139] In this embodiment of the invention, the prepress management device 1 is equipped with multiple color management programs 11 and printing control programs 12. The color management module 111 handles the color management process for jobs to be printed, including but not limited to image rendering, color correction, halftone, and generating print files. Each color management program 11, after acquiring a job to be printed, performs color management and generates a print file. The print file is sent to the corresponding printing control program 12 for extraction and parsing, and the printing parameters are set, including but not limited to printhead selection, white border settings, general printing settings, color bar settings, and feathering settings. For example, the prepress management device 1 acquires jobs a through e to be printed. The first color management program 11 processes job a to generate print file A, the second color management program 12 processes job b to generate print file B, and so on; the color management processes for jobs a through e can be performed simultaneously. After completing the color management process, the prepress management device 1 sends the documents to be printed, A to E, to the first print control program and the fifth print control program, respectively. Each print control program 12 can simultaneously set the printing parameters for each document to be printed. By installing multiple color management programs 11 and print control programs 12 on the prepress management device 1, the printing jobs can be processed in parallel, saving costs.

[0140] Furthermore, the print data processing device also includes:

[0141] The second judgment module is used to obtain the number of current jobs to be printed and to determine whether the number of current jobs to be printed exceeds a preset threshold.

[0142] The first scheduling module is used to monitor the working status of each color management program 11 and / or each print control program 12 if the conditions are met, and to allocate the print jobs and / or print files to the idle programs.

[0143] or,

[0144] The second scheduling module is used to monitor the working status of each color management module 111 and / or each print control module 121 if the conditions are met, and to allocate the print jobs and / or print files to the idle modules.

[0145] In this embodiment of the invention, the prepress management device 1 includes multiple color management programs 11 and multiple print control programs 12. A scheduling program is set in the prepress management device 1 to monitor the operation of each color management program 11 and print control program 12, and to schedule print jobs and printable documents. The scheduling module obtains the number of print jobs currently pending. If there are 10 print jobs, exceeding a preset threshold (e.g., 8), the scheduling module monitors the operation of each color management program 11 and / or each print control program 12, and allocates the print jobs and / or printable documents to idle programs.

[0146] In this embodiment of the invention, the management program 1A includes multiple color management modules 111 and multiple print control modules 121. A scheduling module is provided in the management program 1A to monitor the operation of the color management modules 111 and the print control modules 121, and to schedule print jobs and files to be printed. The scheduling module obtains the number of print jobs currently pending. If there are 10 print jobs, exceeding a preset threshold (e.g., 8), the scheduling module monitors the operation of each color management module 111 and / or each print control module 121, and allocates the print jobs and / or files to be printed to idle modules. Through the above measures, print jobs are sent to idle program or functional modules, maximizing the efficiency of parallel processing of multiple print tasks.

[0147] Reference Figure 2 The present invention provides a prepress management device, comprising: at least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory, wherein when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, the printing data processing method described above is implemented.

[0148] In this embodiment of the invention, a prepress management device 1 (such as a computer) acquires multiple print jobs. The print jobs include TIFF images, JPG images, PDF files, etc. Each print job can simultaneously enter the color management process. Specifically, the prepress management device 1 is equipped with a color management program 11. After acquiring the print jobs, the color management program 11 enters the color management process. The color management process includes, but is not limited to, image rendering, color correction, halftone, and generating print files. For example, the color management program 11 includes multiple RIP modules (Raster Image Processors) for color management. The first print job and the second print job can simultaneously enter the color management process, be processed in parallel, and not interfere with each other. After color management, each print job generates a print file. A print control program 12, located on the prepress management device 1, acquires and parses the multiple print files, breaks them down into data for each printhead pass, acquires the print parameters, and completes prepress preparation work. The settings include, but are not limited to, printhead selection, white border settings, general print settings, color bar settings, and feathering settings. In this embodiment of the invention, each document to be printed can enter the printing parameter setting process simultaneously or sequentially; the color management program 11 and the printing control program 12 can be the same program or different programs, and the invention does not impose any specific limitations. Compared with the prior art, which configures multiple prepress management devices 1 to process multiple print jobs simultaneously, the present invention can process multiple print jobs in parallel with only one prepress management device 1 and control multiple printers 2 with one prepress management device 1, saving space and cost.

[0149] The present invention also provides a storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, characterized in that, when the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, the printing data processing method described above is implemented.

[0150] In addition, combined Figure 2 The printing data processing method described in this embodiment of the invention can be implemented by the prepress management device 1. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the prepress management device 1 provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0151] The prepress management device 1 may include a processor and a memory storing computer program instructions.

[0152] Specifically, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits that can be configured to implement embodiments of the present invention.

[0153] The memory may include a large-capacity storage device for data or instructions. For example, and not limitingly, the memory may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flash memory, an optical disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, the memory may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Where appropriate, the memory may be internal or external to a data processing device. In a particular embodiment, the memory is a non-volatile solid-state memory. In a particular embodiment, the memory includes a read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, the ROM may be a mask-programmed ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), an electrically rewritable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0154] The processor implements any of the printing data processing methods described in the above embodiments by reading and executing computer program instructions stored in memory.

[0155] In one example, the prepress management device 1 may also include a communication interface and a bus. The processor, memory, and communication interface are connected via the bus and communicate with each other.

[0156] The communication interface is mainly used to enable communication between various modules, devices, units and / or equipment in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0157] A bus, including hardware, software, or both, couples components of a device together. For example, and not limitingly, a bus may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a Front Side Bus (FSB), HyperTransport (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an Infinite Bandwidth Interconnect, a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Microchannel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association Local (VLB) bus, or other suitable buses, or combinations of two or more of these. Where appropriate, a bus may include one or more buses. While specific buses are described and illustrated in embodiments of the invention, the invention contemplates any suitable bus or interconnect.

[0158] Furthermore, in conjunction with the printing data processing methods in the above embodiments, this invention can be implemented using a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions; when these computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they implement any of the printing data processing methods in the above embodiments.

[0159] The present invention also provides a printing system, including a prepress management device 1 and a printer 2, wherein the prepress management device performs the printing data processing method as described above.

[0160] In this embodiment of the invention, a prepress management device 1 (such as a computer) acquires multiple print jobs. The print jobs include TIFF images, JPG images, PDF files, etc. Each print job can simultaneously enter the color management process. Specifically, the prepress management device 1 is equipped with a color management program 11. After acquiring the print jobs, the color management program 11 enters the color management process. The color management process includes, but is not limited to, image rendering, color correction, halftone, and generating print files. For example, the color management program 11 includes multiple RIP modules (Raster Image Processors) for color management. The first print job and the second print job can simultaneously enter the color management process, be processed in parallel, and not interfere with each other. After color management, each print job generates a print file. A print control program 12, located on the prepress management device 1, acquires and parses the multiple print files, breaks them down into data for each printhead pass, acquires the print parameters, and completes prepress preparation work. The settings include, but are not limited to, printhead selection, white border settings, general print settings, color bar settings, and feathering settings. In this embodiment of the invention, each document to be printed can enter the printing parameter setting process simultaneously or sequentially; the color management program 11 and the printing control program 12 can be the same program or different programs, and the invention does not impose any specific limitations. Compared with the prior art, which configures multiple prepress management devices 1 to process multiple print jobs simultaneously, the present invention can process multiple print jobs in parallel with only one prepress management device 1 and control multiple printers 2 with one prepress management device 1, saving space and cost.

[0161] In summary, the printing data processing method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and printing system provided by the embodiments of the present invention can process multiple print jobs in parallel with only one prepress management device 1 and control multiple printers 2 with one prepress management device 1, thus saving space and cost.

[0162] It should be clarified that the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations and processes described above and shown in the figures. For the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of known methods are omitted here. In the above embodiments, several specific steps are described and shown as examples. However, the method process of the present invention is not limited to the specific steps described and shown, and those skilled in the art can make various changes, modifications, and additions, or change the order of steps, after understanding the spirit of the present invention.

[0163] The functional blocks shown in the above-described structural diagram can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in hardware, they can be, for example, electronic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), appropriate firmware, plug-ins, function cards, etc. When implemented in software, the elements of this invention are programs or code segments used to perform the required tasks. The programs or code segments can be stored on a machine-readable medium or transmitted over a transmission medium or communication link via data signals carried in a carrier wave. "Machine-readable medium" can include any medium capable of storing or transmitting information. Examples of machine-readable media include electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, ROM, flash memory, erasable ROM (EROM), floppy disks, CD-ROMs, optical disks, hard disks, fiber optic media, radio frequency (RF) links, etc. Code segments can be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, intranets, etc.

[0164] It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments mentioned in this invention describe methods or systems based on a series of steps or apparatus. However, this invention is not limited to the order of the steps described above; that is, the steps can be performed in the order mentioned in the embodiments, or in a different order, or several steps can be performed simultaneously.

[0165] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, modules and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, and these modifications or replacements should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for processing print data, characterized in that, The method includes: Multiple print jobs can be obtained, and each print job can simultaneously enter the color management process to generate print files. The method involves acquiring and parsing each of the files to be printed, entering the printing parameter setting process for each file, and completing pre-press preparation. All files to be printed are located on the same pre-press management device. The method is applied to a color management program. The acquisition of multiple print jobs, each of which can simultaneously enter the color management process, and the generation of print files include: The printing materials are obtained from each of the aforementioned print jobs, and the corresponding print pattern files are generated after image rendering. Each of the printed pattern files is color-corrected to adjust the colors of each printed pattern file. After color calibration, each of the aforementioned print pattern files undergoes halftone processing to generate the printable file; wherein, the color management program includes a color configuration file for color management, and the steps of acquiring multiple print jobs, each print job simultaneously entering the color management process, and generating the printable file include: Determine whether the first print job and the second print job use the same color profile in their color management process; If so, the order in which the first print job and the second print job use the color profile is determined according to the order in which they enter the color management stage using the same color profile, wherein the first print job and the second print job are included in all print jobs, and the first print job and the second print job are different print jobs.

2. The printing data processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After acquiring and parsing each of the files to be printed, entering the printing parameter setting process for each of the files to be printed, and completing the pre-press preparation work, the process includes: Multiple files to be printed with pre-set printing parameters are scheduled according to a preset method and sent to a designated printer for printing. The designated printer includes an idle printer and / or a pre-selected printer.

3. The printing data processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the step of determining whether the first print job and the second print job use the same color profile in a color management process, the following steps are included: If not, the first print job and the second print job can simultaneously use the corresponding color profiles for color management.

4. The print data processing method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method is applied to n print control programs, where n≥1. The steps of acquiring and parsing each of the files to be printed, entering the print parameter setting process for each of the files to be printed, and completing the pre-press preparation work include: Each of the aforementioned documents to be printed is sent to the corresponding printing control program; The printable file is parsed, and the print parameters for each printable file are set in the corresponding print control program. or, Each of the aforementioned documents to be printed is sent to the same printing control program; The printable files are parsed, and the print parameters for each printable file are set in the same print control program.

5. The printing data processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method is applied to a management program, the management program including color management and print control functions, the method comprising: Multiple print jobs complete the color management process and the print parameter setting process in the management program.

6. The printing data processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method is applied to n color management programs and n print control programs, where n > 1, and the method includes: Each of the print jobs can enter the color management process in parallel through the corresponding color management program to generate print files, wherein each print job and each color management program are located on the same device; Each of the documents to be printed can have its printing parameters set in parallel through the corresponding printing control program to complete the pre-printing preparation work. Each of the printing control programs and the documents to be printed are located on the same device, and each of the color management programs and the printing control programs are located on the same device.

7. A printing data processing device, characterized in that, The device includes: A color management module is used to acquire multiple print jobs, each of which can simultaneously enter the color management process to generate printable files. All print jobs reside on the same device, which is applied to a color management program. During the process of acquiring multiple print jobs and simultaneously entering the color management process to generate printable files, the color management module specifically performs the following: acquiring printing materials from each print job, generating corresponding printable pattern files after image rendering; performing color correction processing on each printable pattern file to correct its colors; and performing color correction on each printable pattern file. The files are respectively screened to generate the printable file; wherein, the color management program includes a color profile for color management; it determines whether the first print job and the second print job have a color management stage that uses the same color profile; if so, it assigns the order in which the first print job and the second print job use the color profile according to the order in which they enter the color management stage that uses the same color profile, wherein the first print job and the second print job are included in all print jobs, and the first print job and the second print job are different print jobs; The printing control module is used to acquire and parse each of the documents to be printed, enter the printing parameter setting process for each of the documents to be printed, and complete the pre-printing preparation work. Each of the documents to be printed is located on the same device.

8. A prepress management device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory, which, when executed by the processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. A storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, characterized in that, The method as described in any one of claims 1-6 is implemented when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor.

10. A printing system, characterized in that, It includes a prepress management device and a printer, wherein the prepress management device performs the print data processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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