Printing method determination method printing method determination device

Abstract

To provide a technique for determining a printing method in consideration of quality of printing.SOLUTION: A screen is defined by page data, a range of a page on the screen is defined by a page region, and the page data includes a content component which is arranged in the page region and defines content. A printing method determination method determines the ratio of an area occupied by the content component in the page region, and determines a printing method on the basis of the ratio.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for determining a printing method and an apparatus for determining a printing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In printing using a printing machine, a technology commonly known as DTP (Desk Top Publishing) is well known. In DTP, for example, data representing a screen to be printed (hereinafter tentatively referred to as a "print target screen") is edited using a computer and created as screen content. For example, in this editing, the arrangement of images and characters on the print target screen is edited.

[0003] A printing machine (printer) receives screen content as print job data and prints the screen to be printed. In printing, a technique for setting printing conditions suitable for the contents of the screen to be printed is known. For example, printing conditions are selected based on the results of simulating the operation of a processing device commonly known as a RIP (Raster Image Processor) (hereinafter referred to as "RIP processing") or a predicted value of ink consumption (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The selection of the printing machine can also be considered as one of the printing conditions.

[0004] Patent Document 2 introduces trapping before RIP processing when a page contains a graphic object. Patent Document 3 introduces a technology for drying ink on a printed surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-135884 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-21751 A [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2022-37537 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, ink consumption is predicted for each color, and printing conditions are set taking into consideration the predicted values. However, Patent Document 1 does not consider how ink is distributed during printing. This is thought to be because Patent Document 1 uses the predicted ink consumption values ​​to determine printing costs.

[0007] In Patent Document 1, ink consumption is not taken into consideration in consideration of print quality, typically the resolution, on the screen to be printed. Patent Document 1 also mentions quality, but the quality is set as a customer condition, and at least no technology for setting print conditions corresponding to this is clearly stated.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technique for determining a printing method taking into consideration print quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A printing method determination method according to the present disclosure is a method for determining a printing method for printing a screen including visual content, the screen being defined by page data, a page range on the screen being defined by a page area, and the page data including content parts arranged in the page area to define the content.

[0010] A first aspect of the printing method determination method determines a ratio of an area that the content component occupies in the page area, and determines the printing method based on the ratio.

[0011] A second aspect of the printing method determination method of the present disclosure is the first aspect, wherein the page data has page content and form content, the page content and the form content individually include the content parts, the content parts included in the page content are arranged in the page area, and the content parts included in the form content are arranged in the page area by a predetermined image conversion.

[0012] A third aspect of the printing method determination method of the present disclosure is the second aspect, wherein each of the content components is either an image component representing an image on the screen, a gradation component representing shading on the screen, or a tint component representing a tint on the screen.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the printing method determination method disclosed herein is the third aspect, in which the printing method is determined based on the proportion of the page area occupied by an image area into which the image parts placed in the page area are composited, the proportion of the page area occupied by a gradation area into which the gradation parts placed in the page area are composited, and the proportion of the page area occupied by a tint area into which the tint parts placed in the page area are composited.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the printing method determination method according to the present disclosure is any of the first to fourth aspects, in which the printing method is determined by setting parameters for the printing based on the ratio.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the printing method determination method according to the present disclosure is the fifth aspect thereof, in which the printing method is plateless printing, and the parameter controls drying in the plateless printing.

[0016] A seventh aspect of the printing method determination method of the present disclosure is any of the first to sixth aspects, and further comprises determining the suitability of the printing method determined based on the ratio for the printing press performing the printing.

[0017] An eighth aspect of the printing method determination method according to the present disclosure is any of the first to seventh aspects, in which the printing method is determined by selecting one from a plurality of different printing methods based on the ratio.

[0018] A ninth aspect of the printing method determination method according to the present disclosure is the eighth aspect, in which the plurality of printing methods include plateless printing and plate printing.

[0019] A printing method determination device according to the present disclosure is a device for determining a printing method for printing a screen including visual content, the screen being defined by page data, a page range on the screen being defined by a page area, and the page data including content parts arranged in the page area to define the content.

[0020] The printing method determination device includes a surface area ratio calculation means for calculating a ratio of an area that the content part occupies in the page area, and a printing processing method determination means for determining the printing method based on the ratio. Effect of the Invention

[0021] In both the printing method determination method and printing method determination device disclosed herein, the printing quality is taken into consideration when determining the printing method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a printing system to which a printing method determination method according to the present disclosure is applied; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of processing in the image processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of one page of data as a screen. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of page content included in page data as a screen. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of form content included in page data as a screen. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of another form content included in the page data as a screen. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the range occupied by a content part in page content. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content occupancy range in form content. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content occupancy range in another form content. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content occupancy range after a first synthesis in page content. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content occupancy range after a first synthesis in form content. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content occupancy range after a first synthesis in another form content. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 illustrates a second synthesis in the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 illustrates a second synthesis in the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating a surface ratio. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart illustrating details of step S5. [Figure 18] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining a printing method. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process from submission of print job data to determination of a printing method. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step K3. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step K3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The components described in each embodiment are merely examples, and the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to only the examples. The drawings are merely schematic. In the drawings, the dimensions and numbers of each part may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding. In the drawings, parts having similar configurations and functions are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, expressions indicating shapes (e.g., "rectangle", "square", etc.) not only indicate shapes strictly geometrically, but also indicate shapes having irregularities or chamfers, etc., within the scope of obtaining the same degree of effect. In this disclosure, a "square" is a type of "rectangle".

[0025] The expressions "comprise," "include," "have," "includes," or "have" of one element are not exclusive expressions excluding the presence of other elements.

[0026] <Image processing devices and printing devices> 1 is a block diagram illustrating a printing system 9 to which the printing method determination method of the present disclosure is applied. The printing system 9 includes a digital printing device 2, a plate printing device 3, a line 5, an image processing device 6, and a communication device 7.

[0027] The digital printing device 2, the plate printing device 3, the image processing device 6, and the communication device 7 are connected to each other via a line 5. The digital printing device 2 has a function of outputting a printed matter 21. The plate printing device 3 has a function of outputting a printing plate 31. The plate-based printing device 4 has a function of outputting a printed matter 41 using the printing plate 31.

[0028] The printing method of obtaining a printed matter 41 using printing plates 31 is commonly known as plate printing. Plate printing can be considered to be performed by both the plate printing apparatus 3 and the plate printing apparatus 4. The plate printing apparatus 4 employs, for example, a plate method commonly known as CTP, which stands for Computer to Plate. A printing press that employs a method commonly known as CTP, which stands for Computer to Press, in which the plate printing apparatus 3 and the plate printing apparatus 4 are integrated, may be connected to line 5 as a printing press that performs plate printing. The plate printing apparatus 4 can be considered to be included in the printing system 9, or can be considered to be distinct from the printing system 9.

[0029] Generally, digital printing can be either plate printing, which uses printing plates, or plateless printing, which does not use printing plates. However, in this disclosure, the digital printing device 2 does not create printing plates and performs plateless printing. Plateless printing is suitable for on-demand printing, commonly known as POD (print on demand). Digital printing creates printed matter by printing directly onto a printing medium using an inkjet method, electrophotography method, or the like.

[0030] The communication device 7 has a function of communicating with the communication network 8. For example, the communication device 7 receives screen content via the communication network 8, and the screen content is input to the image processing device 6 via the line 5.

[0031] The image processing device 6 uses the printing method determination method according to the present disclosure to determine the printing method for the screen content, and issues a command to print the screen content to a printer suitable for the determined printing method. For example, screen content for which it has been determined that plate printing should be used is sent to the plate printing device 3, and screen content for which it has been determined that plateless printing should be used is sent to the digital printing device 2, and printing is performed in each. The image processing device 6 is an example of a printing method determination device according to the present disclosure.

[0032] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the processing in the image processing device 6. The configuration includes a PDF data storage means 621, a content classification means 611, a part classification means 612, a rectangle determination means 613, a logical sum operation means 614, a graphic conversion means 615, a surface ratio calculation means 616, and a print processing method determination means 617.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing device 6. The image processing device 6 has, for example, a calculation unit, a memory, and a storage unit. The calculation unit is realized, for example, by one or more central processing units (CPUs) 61. The memory is realized, for example, by a volatile storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM) 62, or a non-volatile storage medium such as a read only memory (ROM) 63. The storage unit is realized, for example, by a fixed disk 64 such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit can store, for example, programs and various information. The calculation unit can realize various functions by, for example, reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit. At this time, the RAM 62 is used, for example, as a workspace, and stores information that is temporarily generated or acquired. The ROM 63 stores, for example, a basic program executed by the image processing device 6. FIG. 2 illustrates a case in which the image processing device 6 has a display 65 and an input unit 66. A display 65 displays various information to the operator. An input unit 66 employs, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and is used by the operator to input data and commands.

[0034] The components of the image processing device 6, such as the CPU 61, RAM 62, ROM 63, fixed disk 64, display 65, and input unit 66, are connected to one another via a bus 60. At least a part of the functional configuration realized by the image processing device 6 may be realized by hardware such as a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0035] For example, the function of the PDF data storage means 621 is realized by the fixed disk 64. The PDF data storage means 621 stores data in PDF format (also simply referred to as "PDF data") as screen contents. The PDF data is input to the image processing device 6 from, for example, the communication network 8 via the communication device 7, the line 5, and the bus 60 in this order.

[0036] For example, the content classification means 611 has a function of classifying page data into page content and form content. For example, the part classification means 612 has a function of classifying content parts included in page content and form content. A content part is data representing visual content (hereinafter simply referred to as "content") to be placed on a page of a screen to be printed. A screen to be printed includes content. In the following description, images, shading, and tint blocks are exemplified as content. Content may also include characters (fonts).

[0037] For example, the rectangle determination means 613 has a function to determine a rectangle as the shape of a content component. For example, the logical sum calculation means 614 has a function to calculate the logical sum of determined rectangles. For example, the graphic conversion means 615 has a function to change the size and position of the obtained rectangles and polygons. For example, the surface ratio calculation means 616 has a function to calculate the ratio of the area occupied by the content component to the area in which the content component is placed. For example, the print processing method determination means 617 has a function to determine the print processing method taking into account the area of ​​the content component. These functions are realized by, for example, the CPU 61. These functions will also be described later in the description of the flowchart.

[0038] <Example of screen content> The following description will be given taking PDF data as an example of screen content. The PDF data has page data, which is data corresponding to the pages of the screen to be printed, for example. When the screen to be printed includes multiple pages, the PDF data includes page data corresponding to each page.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of one page data 1. The screen to be printed is defined by the page data 1. For the sake of convenience, Fig. 4 shows the page data 1 using the screen to be printed.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of page content 11 included in page data 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of form content 12 included in page data 1. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of form content 13 included in page data 1.

[0041] The page data 1 includes one page content 11 and multiple, here two, form contents 12 and 13. From the viewpoint of a data description language, it can be said that both the page content 11 and the two form contents 12 and 13 are described in the page data 1.

[0042] The page content 11 mainly includes variable parts, and the form contents 12 and 13 mainly include reused parts. A reused part is a content part that represents content that is shared among different screens to be printed. A variable part is a content part that represents different content among different screens to be printed. The page content 11 and the form contents 12 and 13 each individually include content parts.

[0043] From the viewpoint of data description language, the page content 11 and the form contents 12 and 13 each individually describe content parts, with the page content 11 mainly describing variable parts and the form contents 12 and 13 mainly describing reusable parts.

[0044] Content parts are classified into, for example, image parts, gradation parts, and tint parts. Image parts are data representing an image to be placed on the screen to be printed. Gradation parts are data representing shading having non-uniform gradation and to be placed on the screen to be printed. Tint parts are data representing tint parts to be placed on the screen to be printed. For ease of explanation, in the following explanation, although content parts are data, they are shown in the form of content in the drawings.

[0045] The range of a page on the screen to be printed is defined by a page area. The page area is described by page content 11. For example, referring to FIG. 5, area F11 is exemplified as a page area. For example, area F11 is a rectangle, and is described by four coordinates (not shown) in Cartesian coordinates that define the long side direction and short side direction of the rectangle. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, area F11 may be referred to as "page area F11". From the viewpoint of a data description language, it can be said that the coordinates that define page area F11 are described in page content 11.

[0046] The page content 11 includes content parts arranged in the page region F11. Specifically, the content parts include an image part I11, which is all polygonal, for example a rectangular image part S11, a gradation part S11, and a shaded part T11 (see FIG. 5). From the viewpoint of the data description language, it can be said that the coordinates of the vertices that define the arrangement area of ​​the image part I11, the coordinates of the vertices that define the arrangement area of ​​the gradation part S11, and the coordinates of the vertices that define the arrangement area of ​​the shaded part T11 are described in the page content 11, and all of these coordinates are between the maximum and minimum coordinates that define the page region F11.

[0047] 6, the form content 12 includes content parts arranged in a polygonal, for example, rectangular area F12 (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, may be referred to as "form area F12"). Specifically, the content parts include polygonal, for example, rectangular image parts I12a and I12b (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "image part group I12"), a gradation part S12, and mesh part parts T12a and T12b (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "mesh part group T12"). From the viewpoint of the data description language, it can be said that the coordinates of the vertices that define the arrangement area of ​​the image parts I12a and I12b, the coordinates of the vertices that define the arrangement area of ​​the gradation part S12, and the coordinates of the vertices that define the arrangement area of ​​the mesh part parts T12a and T12b are described in the form content 12, and all of these coordinates are between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the coordinates that define the form area F12.

[0048] 7, the form content 13 includes content parts arranged in a polygonal, for example, rectangular area F13 (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, may be referred to as "form area F13"). The content parts specifically include polygonal, for example, rectangular image parts I13a and I13b (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "image part group I13"), a gradation part S13, and mesh part parts T13a, T13b, and T13c (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "mesh part group T13"). From the perspective of the data description language, the coordinates of the vertices defining the placement area of ​​the image components I13a and I13b, the coordinates of the vertices defining the placement area of ​​the gradation component S13, and the coordinates of the vertices defining the placement area of ​​the grid components T13a, T13b, and T13c are described in the form content 13, and it can be said that all of these coordinates are between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the coordinates defining the form area F13.

[0049] The page area F11 and the form areas F12 and F13 may define shapes different from each other.

[0050] Table 1 lists in table form the content parts included in page data 1. The contents are described in list form, for example, using a data description language.

[0051] [Table 1]

[0052] Table 1 is a list listing the placement areas and containing elements of each content for each of page content 11, form content 12, and form content 13 included in page data 1. In Table 1, the content parts included in page data 1 are listed in the second, third, and fourth columns for each of page content 11 and form contents 12 and 13 shown in the first row. The second row contains an item indicating the area in which the content part is placed (abbreviated as "placement area" in Table 1), and the third to seventh rows contain items indicating the first to sixth elements, in order.

[0053] The first element through the sixth element indicate the content parts individually contained in the page content 11 and the form contents 12 and 13. In the above example, since the page content 11 has three content parts, the absence of the fourth element through the sixth element is indicated by the symbol "-". Since the form content 12 has five content parts, the absence of the sixth element is indicated by the symbol "-".

[0054] Page data 1 is obtained by compositing page content 11 with form contents 12 and 13 (hereinafter referred to as "third composition" to distinguish it from "first composition" and "second composition" described later). Specifically, image conversion is performed on the form contents 12 and 13 separately, and the data is arranged in page area F11. Page data 1 obtained by the third composition represents the screen to be printed.

[0055] With the third composition, for example, content represented as a screen result obtained by performing a predetermined magnification change on all of the image components I12a and I12b, the gradation component S12, and the tint components T12a and T12b is placed on the screen represented by the page content 11. With the third composition, for example, content represented as a screen result obtained by performing a predetermined magnification change on all of the image components I13a and I13b, the gradation component S13, and the tint components T13a, T13, and T13c is placed on the screen represented by the page content 11.

[0056] It can be said that page data 1 includes, as content parts to be arranged in page area F11, image part I11, gradation part S11, tint part T11, as well as resized image parts I12a, I12b, I13a, I13b, gradation parts S12, S13, tint parts T12a, T12b, T13a, T13, T13c.

[0057] From the perspective of a data description language, such a third synthesis is realized, for example, by a description using an affine transformation.

[0058] <Area of ​​each content part> In this disclosure, the printing method is determined taking into consideration the print quality by taking into account the areas occupied by the image, shading, and tint screen on the print target screen represented by the page data 1. From this perspective, in this disclosure, the area of ​​the content part is obtained.

[0059] <Getting the area occupied by a content part> Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the range occupied by content components (hereinafter tentatively referred to as the "content occupation range") in page content 11. Fig. 8(a) shows rectangle J11, which is the content occupation range of image component I11, and rectangle W11, which is the range of page region F11. Fig. 8(b) shows rectangle Q11 and rectangle W11, which are the content occupation range of gradation component S11. Fig. 8(c) shows rectangle R11 and rectangle W11, which are the content occupation range of halftone component T11.

[0060] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the content occupation range of the form content 12. Fig. 9(a) shows rectangles J12a and J12b which are the content occupation ranges of image components I12a and I12b, respectively, and rectangle W12 which is the range of form field F12. Fig. 9(b) shows rectangles Q12 and W12 which are the content occupation ranges of gradation component S12. Fig. 9(c) shows rectangles R12a and R12b which are the content occupation ranges of screen elements T12a and T12b, respectively, and rectangle W12.

[0061] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content occupation range of the form content 13. Fig. 10(a) shows rectangles J13a and J13b which are the content occupation ranges of image components I13a and I13b, respectively, and rectangle W13 which is the range of form field F13. Fig. 10(b) shows rectangles Q13 and W13 which are the content occupation ranges of gradation component S13. Fig. 10(c) shows rectangles R13a, R13b, and R13c which are the content occupation ranges of screen elements T13a, T13b, and T13c, respectively, and rectangle W13.

[0062] The technique of obtaining rectangles J11, J12a, J12b, J13a, and J13b from image components I11, I12a, I12b, I13a, and I13b, obtaining rectangles Q11, Q12, and Q13 from gradation components S11, S12, and S13, and obtaining rectangles R11, R12a, R12b, R13a, R13b, and R13c from halftone components T11, T12a, T12b, T13a, T13b, and T13c, for example, by description in a data description language, is well known, and therefore the details thereof will be omitted in this disclosure. For example, rectangle J11 can be obtained as the logical product of the area occupied by page area F11 and the area occupied by image component I11.

[0063] Table 2 lists in table form the content parts included in page data 1. The contents are described in list form, for example, using a data description language.

[0064] [Table 2]

[0065] In Table 2, the content occupancy ranges included in page data 1 are listed in the second, third, and fourth columns for each of page content 11 and form contents 12 and 13 shown in the first row. The second row lists an item indicating the range of the area in which the content component is placed (abbreviated as "placement area" in Table 2), the third row lists an item indicating the content occupancy range of the image component, the fourth row lists an item indicating the content occupancy range of the gradation component, the fifth row lists an item indicating the content occupancy range of the grid component, and the fifth row lists an item indicating the content occupancy range of the gradation component.

[0066] <First synthesis> 11 to 13 are diagrams illustrating content occupancy ranges after the first synthesis in this disclosure. The first synthesis is a synthesis of the individual content occupancy ranges in each of the page content 11 and the form contents 12 and 13. In the first synthesis, a logical sum of the content occupancy ranges is obtained for each of the image components, gradation components, and tint components. The technology for obtaining the logical sum of ranges, for example, realization by description in a data description language, is well known, so details thereof will be omitted in this disclosure.

[0067] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the content occupancy range after the first composition in page content 11. With reference to Tables 1 and 2 and Figs. 5 and 8, since there is one image component I11, one gradation component S11, and one halftone component T11 in page content 11, rectangles J11, Q11, and R11 are maintained before and after the first composition. Fig. 11(a) shows rectangles J11 and W11, Fig. 11(b) shows rectangles Q11 and W11, and Fig. 11(c) shows rectangles R11 and W11.

[0068] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content occupancy range after the first composition in the form content 12. FIG. 12(a) shows rectangles J12 and W12. With reference to Tables 1 and 2 and FIGS. 6 and 9, the form content 12 includes two image parts I12a and I12b. It can be said that the rectangle J12 obtained by the first composition is the content occupancy range of the image part group I12. However, since the rectangle J12a is surrounded by the rectangle J12b (see FIG. 9), the rectangle J12 coincides with the rectangle J12b as a result of the first composition. This coincidence is represented in the figure by the symbol "J12(J12b)".

[0069] 12B shows rectangles Q12 and W12. Since one gradation component S12 exists in the form content 12, rectangles Q12 and W12 are maintained before and after the first composition.

[0070] 12(c) shows a polygon R12 and a rectangle W12. Two mesh elements T12a and T12b are included in the form content 12. The logical sum of the content occupancy ranges of the mesh elements T12a and T12b is the content occupancy range of the mesh element group T12, which is represented by a polygon R12.

[0071] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content occupancy range after the first synthesis in the form content 13. Fig. 13(a) shows polygons J13 and W13. With reference to Tables 1 and 2 and Figs. 7 and 10, the form content 13 includes two image parts I13a and I13b. The logical sum of the image parts I13a and I13b is the content occupancy range of the image part group I13, and is represented by polygon J13.

[0072] 13B shows rectangles Q13 and W13. Since one gradation component S13 exists in the form content 13, rectangles Q13 and W12 are maintained before and after the first composition.

[0073] FIG. 13(c) shows a polygon group R13 and a rectangle W13. The polygon group R13 includes a polygon R131 and a rectangle R132. The form content 13 includes three mesh parts T13a, T13b, and T13c. The logical sum of the content occupancy ranges of the mesh parts T13a and T13b is a polygon R131, and the content occupancy range of the mesh part T13c is a rectangle R132. Since the mesh part T13c does not contact or overlap with the mesh parts T13a and T13b, the rectangle R132 coincides with the rectangle R13c. This coincidence is represented in the figure by the symbol "R132(R13c)."

[0074] The content occupancy range after the first synthesis is summarized in table form in Table 3. This content is described in list form using, for example, a data description language.

[0075] [Table 3]

[0076] In Table 3, the content occupancy range after the first composition is listed in the second, third, and fourth columns for each of the page content 11 and the form contents 12 and 13 shown in the first row. The second row lists an item indicating a polygon (abbreviated as "image polygon" in Table 3) indicating the content occupancy range of the image component after the first composition, the third row lists an item indicating a polygon (abbreviated as "gradation polygon" in Table 3) indicating the content occupancy range of the gradation component after the first composition, and the fourth row lists an item indicating a polygon (abbreviated as "grid mesh polygon" in Table 3) indicating the content occupancy range of the mesh component after the first composition.

[0077] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the content occupancy range after the first synthesis is provisionally referred to as the first synthesis figure. In the above example, referring to Table 3, the first synthesis figure for the image of the page content 11 is a rectangle J11, and the first synthesis figure for the mesh of the form content 13 is a polygon group R13.

[0078] <Second synthesis> 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating a second compositing method according to the present disclosure. The second compositing method is a compositing method of content occupancy ranges that does not depend on page content 11 and form contents 12 and 13. In the second compositing method, a logical sum of the content occupancy ranges of an image component, a gradation component, and a tint component is obtained.

[0079] In the second synthesis, taking into consideration the third synthesis, as a first step, a predetermined image conversion is performed on the polygons (including rectangles) representing the content occupation areas in each of the form contents 12 and 13. A logical sum is obtained between the content occupation area represented in the page content 11 (which can also be said to be described by a data description language) and the content occupation area represented in the form contents 12 and 13 after the image conversion (which can also be said to be described by a data description language).

[0080] Figure 14(a) shows a rectangle J11, which is the content occupancy area for an image in page content 11, a rectangle J12m after image conversion of the content occupancy area for an image in form content 12, and a polygon J13m after image conversion of the content occupancy area for an image in form content 13.

[0081] Figure 14 (b) shows a rectangle Q11, which is the content occupation area for shading in page content 11, a rectangle Q12m after image conversion of the content occupation area for shading in form content 12, and a polygon Q13m after image conversion of the content occupation area for shading in form content 13.

[0082] 14(c) shows a rectangle R11 which is the content occupation area for the mesh in the page content 11, a polygon R12m after image conversion of the content occupation area for the mesh in the form content 12, and a polygon R131m and a rectangle R132m after image conversion of the content occupation area for the mesh in the form content 13. The polygon R131m and the rectangle R132m can be collected as a polygon group R13m. The polygon group R13m may be obtained by image conversion of the polygon group R13.

[0083] From the viewpoint of a data description language, the image transformation to obtain rectangles J12m, Q12m, and R132m and polygons J13m, Q13m, R131m, and R12m from rectangles J12, Q12, and R132 and polygons J13, Q13, R131, and R12, respectively, is realized by a description using, for example, an affine transformation.

[0084] In the second synthesis, in the second stage, a logical OR is calculated between the rectangle and the polygon in each of the content occupancy range for the image, the content occupancy range for the shading, and the content occupancy range for the tint screen.

[0085] Figure 15(a) shows image area J1 and rectangle W11, which are the logical sum of the content occupation areas for an image. Image area J1 is the logical sum of rectangles J11 and J12m, which are content occupation areas, and polygon J13m (see Figure 14(a)). Image area J1 is a figure that brings together polygons J1a and J1b. Polygon J1a is the logical sum of rectangle J11 and polygon J13m. Since rectangle J12m does not touch or overlap with other content occupation areas (see Figure 14(a)), polygon J1b ​​coincides with rectangle J12m. This coincidence is represented in the figure by the symbol "J1b(J12m)."

[0086] Figure 15(b) shows gradation area Q1, which is the logical sum of the content occupation range for shading, and rectangle W11. Gradation area Q1 is the logical sum of rectangles Q11, Q12m, and J13m (see Figure 14(b)), which are content occupation areas. Since neither rectangle Q12m nor Q13m extends beyond rectangle Q11 (see Figure 14(b)), gradation area Q1 coincides with rectangle Q11. This coincidence is represented in the figure by the symbol "Q1(Q11)."

[0087] Figure 15(c) shows mesh area R1 and rectangle W11, which are the logical sum of the content occupation range for meshes. Mesh area R1 is the logical sum of rectangles R11 and R132m, which are the content occupation areas, and polygons R12m and R131m (see Figure 14(c)). Mesh area R1 is a figure combining polygons R1a and R1b. Polygon R1a is the logical sum of rectangle R11 and polygon R131m. Polygon R1b is the logical sum of polygon R12m and rectangle R132m.

[0088] The logical sum after the second synthesis is summarized in table form in Table 4. The contents are described in list form using, for example, a data description language.

[0089] [Table 4]

[0090] In Table 4, in the first column, the disjunction after the second synthesis is divided into image region J1, gradation region Q1, and mesh region R1. The second and third columns show the breakdown of the disjunction shown in each row. The breakdown shows the separated regions. Image region J1 can be considered as the disjunction of polygons J1a and J1b, and mesh region R1 can be considered as the disjunction of polygons R1a and R1b.

[0091] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the content occupancy range after the second synthesis is provisionally referred to as the second synthesis figure. In the above example, the second synthesis figure for the image is the image area J1, the second synthesis figure for the shading is the gradation area Q1, and the second synthesis figure for the tint is the tint area R1.

[0092] In this disclosure, the area of ​​the second composite figure is tentatively referred to as the “sum area,” and the ratio of the sum area to the area of ​​the page area F11 is tentatively referred to as the “area ratio.” In this disclosure, the printing method is determined based on the area ratio.

[0093] The sum of the areas of the image objects is the area of ​​image area J1, which is the composite of rectangles J11, J12m, and polygon J13m, which represent image objects arranged in page area F11. The surface ratio of the image object is the proportion of image area J1 to rectangle W11, which represents the extent of page area F11.

[0094] The sum area of ​​the gradation components is the area of ​​the gradation region Q1, which is a composite of the rectangles Q11, Q12m, and Q13m that represent the gradation components arranged in the page region F11. The surface ratio of the gradation components is the proportion of the gradation region Q1 to the rectangle W11 that represents the range of the page region F11.

[0095] The sum area of ​​a mesh element is the area of ​​mesh area R1, which is a combination of rectangles R11 and R132m and polygons R131m and R12m that represent mesh elements placed in page area F11. The surface ratio of a mesh element is the proportion that mesh area R1 occupies in rectangle W11 that represents the range of page area F11.

[0096] <Significance of the first and second synthesis> As described above, in the third combination, the content parts included in the form contents 12 and 13 are subjected to image conversion and resized, and are arranged in the page area F11. Therefore, the area occupied by the image, shading, and tint block in the page represented by the page data 1 is affected by the image conversion. However, the image conversion is not performed for each content part, but is performed individually for each of the form contents 12 and 13. Therefore, after the first combination is performed once to obtain the first composite figure for each of the page content 11 and the form contents 12 and 13, image conversion is performed in the first stage of the second combination in the same way as in the third combination, and a logical sum is obtained for each content part in the second stage.

[0097] <The significance of calculating the logical sum for each content part individually> 4 to 7, content components of different types may overlap in page data 1. For example, in the screen to be printed represented by page data 1, content represented by other content components (e.g., image component I11, image component group I12, and tint component group T12) is displayed with priority over shading represented by gradation component S11. Considering such priority, even if the area of ​​gradation region Q1 is calculated as the sum of the areas of shading, a printing method that accurately considers the degree of influence of shading on the screen to be printed may not be determined.

[0098] However, performing calculations taking such priorities into consideration leads to a drawback that the calculation time increases. In other words, the technique disclosed herein has the advantage that the calculation time is unlikely to increase.

[0099] <Calculation of surface ratio> Fig. 16 is a flow chart showing the procedure for calculating the surface ratio. This procedure is realized, for example, in the image processing device 6. This procedure can be understood to be realized functionally by the means shown in Fig. 2, and structurally by the elements shown in Fig. 3.

[0100] In Fig. 16, the procedure is exemplified in the case where the screen to be printed has multiple pages, and the average value of the surface area ratio is also calculated for all pages of the screen. The average value is tentatively called the "average surface area ratio." From this perspective, the title "Calculation of (average) surface area ratio" is added to the flowchart in Fig. 16.

[0101] The flowchart includes steps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7.

[0102] In step S1, the number of pages of the screen to be printed is confirmed using PDF data representing the screen to be printed. The PDF data is stored in, for example, the PDF data storage unit 621 (see FIG. 2), and the number of pages of the screen to be printed is confirmed from the contents described in the PDF data.

[0103] After step S1 is executed, step S2 is executed. In step S2, one unselected page in the page data is selected as a page to be processed. In accordance with the above-mentioned Figs. 4 to 15, page data 1 is the page to be processed.

[0104] After step S2 is executed, step S3 is executed. In step S3, the page content and form content in the page to be processed are recognized. In accordance with the above-mentioned Figs. 4 to 15, the page content 11 and the form contents 12 and 13 are recognized in the page data 1. These are recognized from the contents described in the page data 1.

[0105] For example, the operation of the content classification means 611 (see FIG. 2) corresponds to the recognition. Since the page content 11 and the form contents 12 and 13 are different in type, the above recognition can also be considered as classification.

[0106] After step S3 is executed, step S4 is executed. In step S4, for each of the page contents and form contents in the page to be processed, the content components are recognized by type, specifically, image components, gradation components, and shaded-tone components. In accordance with the above-mentioned Figs. 4 to 15, the image component I11, gradation component S11, and shaded-tone component T11 are recognized in the page contents 11, the image components I12a, I12b, gradation component S12, and shaded-tone components T12a, T12b are recognized in the form contents 12, and the image components I13a, I13b, gradation component S13, and shaded-tone components T13a, T13b, and T13c are recognized in the form contents 13 (see also Table 1).

[0107] For example, the operation of the object classification means 612 (see FIG. 2) corresponds to the recognition. Since an image object, a gradation object, and a halftone object are different content objects, the recognition can also be considered as classification.

[0108] After step S4 is executed, step S5 is executed. Fig. 17 is a flow chart illustrating the details of step S5. Step S5 includes steps S51, S52, S53, and S54 which are executed in this order.

[0109] In step S5, more specifically, in steps S51, S52, and S53, the above-mentioned sum area is calculated. The sum area is calculated for each of the image components, gradation components, and halftone components, regardless of the page content or form content. In step S5, more specifically, in step S54, the surface ratio of each sum area to the area of ​​the page to be processed is calculated.

[0110] Step S51 generates a first composite figure. The first composite part generates a first composite figure for each of the image parts, gradation parts, and flat screen parts recognized in step S4 for each page content and form content recognized in step S3. In the above example, the contents summarized in Table 3 show the first composite figure.

[0111] In the above example, the first composite figure is obtained after the rectangles listed in Table 2 are obtained. The rectangle is determined by, for example, the rectangle determination means 613 (see FIG. 2). The first synthesis is the acquisition of the logical sum of the content occupation areas (see FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13), and the first composite figure is obtained by, for example, the logical sum calculation means 614 (see FIG. 2).

[0112] After step S51 is completed, step S52 is executed. In step S52, a second composite figure is generated. The second composite figure is obtained by compositing the first composite figure for each of the image components, gradation components, and flat screen components across all of the page content and form content. At this time, as described in the first stage of the second composition, the first composite figure of the form content undergoes a predetermined image conversion. The size of the page to be processed is determined by the placement area defined by the page content. As described above, the first composite figures of the form contents 12 and 13 are resized by image conversion and placed in the page content 11, which can be said to be a composition that takes into account the magnification within the page to be processed. In the above example, the contents summarized in Table 4 show the second composite figure.

[0113] The process for image converting the first composite graphic in the first stage of the second composition is performed by, for example, the graphic conversion means 615 (see FIG. 2). The arrows from the logical sum operation means 614 to the graphic conversion means 615 represent the input / output of the content occupation area before the image conversion, and the arrows from the graphic conversion means 615 to the logical sum operation means 614 represent the input / output of the content occupation area after the image conversion. The acquisition of the logical sum in the second stage of the second composition (see FIG. 14 and FIG. 15) is also performed by the logical sum operation means 614.

[0114] After step S52 is completed, step S53 is executed. In step S53, the areas of the second composite components are calculated as the sum of the areas of the image components, gradation components, and mesh components. In the above example, the sum of the areas of the image components is the area of ​​the image region J1, which is the sum of the areas of the polygons J1a and J1b that do not overlap with each other. The sum of the areas of the gradation components is the area of ​​the gradation region Q1, which is the area of ​​the rectangle Q11. The sum of the areas of the mesh components is the area of ​​the mesh region R1, which is the sum of the areas of the polygons R1a and R1b that do not overlap with each other.

[0115] The area of ​​a polygon, including a rectangle, is generally calculated using the coordinates of its vertices. For example, the area of ​​a polygon with n vertices is calculated by dividing the vertices by the coordinates (x j ,y j) is calculated using the following formula:

[0116]

number

[0117] After step S53 is completed, step S54 is executed. In step S54, the surface ratio is calculated for each of the image component, the gradation component, and the halftone component. The surface ratio is the ratio (proportion) of the sum of the areas to the area of ​​the page to be processed.

[0118] In the above example, the ratio of the area of ​​image region J1 to the area of ​​region F11 is the surface ratio of the image component. The ratio of the area of ​​gradation region Q1 to the area of ​​region F11 is the surface ratio of the gradation component. The ratio of the area of ​​halftone region R1 to the area of ​​region F11 is the surface ratio of the halftone component. The surface ratio is calculated, for example, by the surface ratio calculation means 616 (see FIG. 2).

[0119] Upon completion of step S54, step S5 is completed, and step S6 is executed. Step S6 judges whether steps S2, S3, S4, and S5 have been executed for all pages. If the judgment result is negative, there is a page in the PDF data that has not been selected as a processing target page. In this case, step S2 is executed, and steps S2, S3, S4, and S5 are executed for a new processing target page.

[0120] If all pages in the PDF data are selected as pages to be processed and steps S2, S3, S4, and S5 have been executed for each of them, the result of the determination in step S6 is affirmative. In this case, step S7 is executed.

[0121] When the determination result in step S6 is positive, the surface ratios are obtained for each of the image components, gradation components, and halftone components for all pages. In step S7, the average surface ratios (average surface ratios) across all pages are obtained for each of the image components, gradation components, and halftone components. The average surface ratios are calculated, for example, by surface ratio calculation means 616 (see FIG. 2). The surface ratios and average surface ratios are stored in fixed disk 64 (see FIG. 3) in association with, for example, PDF data.

[0122] <Determining the printing process> 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining a printing method (abbreviated as "printing method determination process" in the figure). This flowchart includes steps S8, S9, and S10. For example, the average area ratio and the area ratio are provided from the area ratio calculation means 616 to the printing processing method determination means 617, and this process is executed by the printing processing method determination means 617 (see FIG. 2). It can be said that the image processing device 6 is a printing processing method determination device that determines a printing processing method, and is equipped with the area ratio calculation means 616 and the printing processing method determination means 617.

[0123] Step S8 makes a decision based on the average area ratio, Step S9 makes a decision based on the area ratio for each page, and Step S10 makes a decision based on the number of pages.

[0124] If any of steps S8, S9, and S10 result in a negative decision, a decision is made to use plate printing in step P1. If all of steps S8, S9, and S10 result in a positive decision, a decision is made to use plateless printing in step P2.

[0125] In this flowchart, the order of execution of steps S9 and S10 does not matter, and either or both of steps S9 and S10 may be omitted.

[0126] Step S8 includes steps S81, S82, and S83. The order in which steps S81, S82, and S83 are executed does not matter.

[0127] In step S81, it is determined whether the average surface ratio of the image components is less than a first threshold value. In step S82, it is determined whether the average surface ratio of the gradation components is less than a second threshold value. In step S83, it is determined whether the average surface ratio of the halftone components is less than a third threshold value.

[0128] A small average surface area ratio corresponds to a small area per page on which content is printed. In this case, print speed takes precedence over quality, and it is preferable to use plateless printing. However, if any one type of content, specifically images, shading, or tint, is to be printed widely enough that quality takes precedence over print speed, it is preferable to use plate printing.

[0129] The first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold can be set independently of each other depending on the characteristics of the image, the shading, and the tint screen to be printed, respectively. For example, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold are all 30%.

[0130] From the above perspective, when a positive determination is made in all of steps S81, S82, and S83, a decision is made to employ plateless printing in step P2, except when a negative determination is made in either step S9 or S10. When a negative determination is made in either step S81, S82, or S83, a decision is made to employ plate printing in step P1.

[0131] 18 illustrates a case where step S81 is executed without executing steps S82 and S83. Step S82 is executed when a positive determination is obtained in step S81. Step S83 is executed when a positive determination is obtained in step S82. Either step S9 or S10 is executed when a positive determination is obtained in step S83.

[0132] If steps S9 and S10 are omitted, and affirmative decisions are made in all of steps S81, S82, and S83, then the decision to employ plateless printing is made in step P2. From this perspective, steps S9 and S10 can also be said to make decisions to perform exceptional processing regarding the execution of step P2 based on the decision in step S8.

[0133] Step S9 includes steps S91, S92, and S93. The order in which steps S91, S92, and S93 are executed does not matter.

[0134] In step S91, it is determined whether the surface ratio of the image component is less than a fourth threshold value on all pages. In step S92, it is determined whether the surface ratio of the gradation component is less than a fifth threshold value on all pages. In step S93, it is determined whether the surface ratio of the halftone component is less than a sixth threshold value on all pages.

[0135] If even one type of content, specifically an image, shading, or tint screen, or even just one page, is to be printed widely enough that quality takes precedence over printing speed, it is desirable to use plate printing for all pages. However, for images, shading, and tint screen, if the content is to be printed narrowly on any page, plateless printing can be used.

[0136] The fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, and the sixth threshold can be set independently of each other depending on the characteristics of the image, the shading, and the tint screen to be printed, respectively. For example, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, and the sixth threshold are all 30%.

[0137] From the above perspective, when a positive determination is made in all of steps S91, S92, and S93, a decision is made to employ plateless printing in step P2, except when a negative determination is made in step S10. When a negative determination is made in any of steps S91, S92, and S93, a decision is made to employ plate printing in step P1.

[0138] 18 illustrates a case where step S91 is executed without executing steps S92 and S93. Step S92 is executed when a positive determination is obtained in step S91. Step S93 is executed when a positive determination is obtained in step S92. Step S10 is executed when a positive determination is obtained in step S93.

[0139] In the case where step S10 is omitted, if affirmative determinations are made in all of steps S91, S92, and S93, a decision is made in step P2 to employ plateless printing.

[0140] In step S10, it is determined whether the total number of pages is less than a seventh threshold. Regardless of the type of content, aspect ratio, or average aspect ratio, it is desirable to use plate printing when the number of pages is large. If the determination result in step S10 is positive, it is determined in step P2 that plateless printing will be used. If the determination result in step S10 is negative, it is determined in step P1 that plate printing will be used.

[0141] Through such processing, a printing method is determined that takes into consideration print quality rather than simply ink consumption.

[0142] <Processing from receiving print job data to deciding the printing method> 19 is a flowchart illustrating a process from the submission of print job data to the determination of a printing method. This process includes steps K1, K2, K3, K4, and K5.

[0143] In step K1, the determination conditions are input. Specifically, the determination conditions are, for example, input of the first to third thresholds when the above-mentioned steps S9 and S10 are omitted, input of the first to third thresholds and the seventh threshold when step S9 is omitted, and input of the first to sixth thresholds when step S10 is omitted (see FIG. 18). These determination conditions are input by the operator using, for example, the input unit 66 and stored in the RAM 62.

[0144] In step K2, the PDF data submitted as print jobs is classified. For example, N print jobs are input, and the print jobs are stored in the fixed disk 64 while being distinguished from one another.

[0145] Steps K3 and K4 are executed for each individual print job, and are repeated N times. In the flowchart, this repetition is represented by placing steps K3 and K4 between a loop start command L11 and a loop stop command L12. Steps K3 and K4 are repeatedly executed for different print jobs between the loop start command L11 and the loop stop command L12.

[0146] In step K3, the PDF data is analyzed (abbreviated as "PDF analysis" in the figure). Step K3 is realized, for example, by steps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7 (see FIG. 16). Specifically, the surface ratio and average surface ratio are calculated for each of the image components, gradation components, and halftone components.

[0147] In step K4, information showing the analysis results performed in step K3 is collected (abbreviated as "analysis information collection" in the figure). In step K4, for example, the surface ratio and average surface ratio determined in step K3 are collected for each individual print job. For example, the surface ratio and average surface ratio are stored in fixed disk 64 in association with each print job.

[0148] In step K5, a printing method is decided (abbreviated as "printing method decision" in the figure). Step K5 is realized, for example, by steps S8, P1, and P2, or steps S8, S9, P1, and P2, or steps S8, S10, P1, and P2, or steps S8, S9, S10, P1, and P2 (see FIG. 18).

[0149] For example, any of the flowcharts illustrated in Fig. 16 to Fig. 19 are executed in the image processing device 6. These calculations and processes are realized, for example, by the CPU 61 using the RAM 62 and ROM 63 to execute a program stored in the fixed disk 64.

[0150] <Transformation> <First transformation> In the above embodiment, two types of printing methods, plate printing (see step P1 in FIG. 18) and plateless printing (see step P2 in FIG. 18), are exemplified, but the number of types of printing methods may be increased. In this disclosure, the printing method is determined by selecting one from a plurality of mutually different printing methods. In the above embodiment, plate printing and plateless printing are exemplified as two different printing methods. The printing method may be determined by selecting one from three or more printing methods including these two printing methods.

[0151] <Second transformation> 18, it is decided to employ plateless printing in both steps P1 and P2, and the printing parameters may differ between the plate-based printing employed in step P1 and the plateless printing employed in step P2. Such differences in parameters can also be considered differences in printing methods.

[0152] As the parameters, the specifications during drying in plateless printing can be used. The specifications are introduced in, for example, Patent Document 3. Specifically, for example, plateless printing and normal drying may be adopted in step P2, while plateless printing and special drying may be adopted in step P1. For example, the drying temperature in special drying is 10% higher than that in normal drying. Alternatively, for example, if the determination in step S81 is negative, the drying temperature may be determined to be higher as the average surface ratio of the image components increases, for example, between 10% and 50% higher.

[0153] The parameter may be the printing speed. Specifically, for example, plateless printing at a standard speed may be used in step P1, while plateless printing at a speed faster than the standard speed may be used in step P2.

[0154] Similarly, the adoption of plate printing may be decided in both steps P1 and P2 of Fig. 18, and the printing parameters may be different between the plate printing adopted in step P1 and the plate printing adopted in step P2. The printing method may be decided by setting the printing parameters based on the ratio indicated by the surface ratio or the average surface ratio.

[0155] <Third Transformation> The suitability of the printing method once determined may be further judged. For example, the suitability of the printing method determined in step P1 or P2 may be judged as to whether it is suitable for the printing press that will perform printing.

[0156] Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 1, when the digital printing device 2 is connected to the line 5 and the plate printing device 3 is not connected: When the decision to adopt plate printing is made in step P1, it is determined that the printing method is not in compliance; When the adoption of plateless printing is decided in step P2, it is determined that the printing method is compliant; Each may be performed.

[0157] Or, if line 5 is connected to a plate printing device 3 but not to a digital printing device 2: When the adoption of plate printing is decided in step P1, it is determined that the printing method is compliant; When the decision is made to adopt plateless printing in step P2, it is determined that the printing method is not in compliance; Each may be performed.

[0158] <Fourth Transformation> For example, the determined printing method is displayed on the display 65 and notified to the worker. For example, the compatibility referred to in the "third variant" is displayed on the display 65 instead of the determined printing method or together with the determined printing method and notified to the worker.

[0159] <Fifth Transformation> It is assumed that the form content may further include form content. Figures 20 and 21 are flowcharts illustrating the details of step K3 including such an assumption.

[0160] The flowchart illustrated in Fig. 20 includes steps K31, K32, K33, K34, and K35. Steps K31, K32, K33, and K34 are shown sandwiched between a loop start command L31 and a loop stop command L32. The loop start command L31 and the loop stop command L32 cause a plurality of processes sandwiched between them to be repeatedly executed in one page data 1. In the above example, since the page data 1 includes a page content 11 and form contents 12 and 13, steps K31, K32, K33, and K34 are repeatedly executed three times between the loop start command L31 and the loop stop command L32.

[0161] The loop start command L31 and the loop stop command L32 are shown sandwiched between the loop start command L21 and the loop stop command L22. The loop start command L21 and the loop stop command L22 cause the multiple processes sandwiched between them to be repeatedly executed for each page. The loop start command L21 and the loop stop command L22 correspond to steps S1 and S6 in Fig. 16. For example, when the page data 1 indicates two pages, steps K31, K32, K34, and K34 are repeatedly executed six (=3 x 2) times.

[0162] In step K31, a decision is made as to whether to branch the processing for the form contents 12 and 13 in the page data 1 to another processing. Here, the form contents 12 and 13 and the content components are considered to be elements in the page data 1, and the processing is branched depending on the element. Step K31 corresponds to the recognition of the form contents in step S3 in FIG.

[0163] If the determination result is positive, form content analysis B1 is executed. For example, when the determination result is positive, form content analysis B1 is executed for either of the above-mentioned form contents 12 and 13. The form content analysis B1 will be described again in FIG. 21.

[0164] If the result of the determination is negative, the processes of steps K32, K33 and K34 are executed on the page contents 11.

[0165] In step K32, it is determined whether the element is an image component. In step K33, it is determined whether the element is a gradation component. In step K34, it is determined whether the element is a halftone component. Steps K32, K33, and K34 are executed when the result of the determination in step K31 is negative, and therefore the elements referred to in these steps correspond to content components in the page content 11. Thus, the determinations in steps K32, K33, and K34 correspond to the recognition of content components in the page content in step S4 in FIG. 16.

[0166] If the result of the determination in step K32 is positive, image object process B2 is executed. Image object process B2 corresponds to the generation of a first composite figure (for example, rectangle J11: see Table 3) for an image object in the page contents in step S51 in FIG.

[0167] If the result of the determination in step K33 is positive, the gradation component process B3 is executed. The gradation component process B3 corresponds to the generation of a first composite figure (for example, a rectangle Q11: see Table 3) for the gradation component in the page content in step S51 in FIG.

[0168] If the result of the determination in step K34 is positive, the process B4 for the mesh element is executed. The process B4 for the mesh element corresponds to the generation of a first composite figure (for example, a rectangle R11: see Table 3) for the mesh element in the page content in step S51 in FIG.

[0169] The order of execution of steps K32, K33, and K34 does not matter. In Fig. 20, step K32 is executed prior to steps K33 and K34, and if the result of the determination in step K32 is negative, step K33 is executed, and if the result of the determination in step K33 is negative, step K34 is executed.

[0170] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating the details of form content analysis. This flowchart is used for the form content analysis B1 shown in Figure 20. However, this flowchart itself also includes the form content analysis B1, and can be executed recursively. Such recursive execution occurs when the form content includes further form content.

[0171] The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 21 includes steps B31, B32, B33, B34, and B35. Steps B31, B32, B33, and B34 are shown sandwiched between a loop start command L41 and a loop stop command L42. The loop start command L41 and the loop stop command L42 cause a plurality of processes sandwiched between them to be repeatedly executed in one of the form contents 12 and 13. In the above example, since the page data 1 includes the page content 11 and the form contents 12 and 13, steps B31, B32, B33, and B34 are repeatedly executed twice between the loop start command L41 and the loop stop command L42.

[0172] In step B31, a judgment is made as to whether the processing for each of the form contents 12 and 13 should be branched to another processing. For example, if the form content 12 includes other form contents, the judgment is affirmative. If the judgment result is affirmative, form content analysis B1 is executed recursively.

[0173] If the result of the determination is negative, the processes of steps B32, B33, and B34 are executed for the form contents 12 and 13, respectively.

[0174] In step B32, it is determined whether the element is an image component. In step B33, it is determined whether the element is a gradation component. In step B34, it is determined whether the element is a tint component. Steps B32, B33, and B34 are executed when the determination result in step B31 is negative, so the elements referred to in these steps correspond to content components in form contents 12 and 13. Therefore, the determinations in steps B32, B33, and B34 correspond to the recognition of content components in form contents in step S4 in FIG. 16.

[0175] If the determination result of step B32 is positive, image object process B2 is executed. Image object process B2 in this flowchart corresponds to generation of a first composite figure (e.g., a rectangle J12 for form content 12 and a polygon J13 for form content 13: see Table 3) for an image object in a form content in step S51 in Fig. 17.

[0176] If the result of the determination in step B33 is positive, the gradation component process B3 is executed. The gradation component process B3 in this flowchart corresponds to the generation of a first composite figure (e.g., a rectangle Q12 for the form content 12, a rectangle Q13 for the form content 13: see Table 3) for the gradation component in the form content in step S51 in FIG.

[0177] If the result of the determination in step B34 is positive, then a mesh object process B4 is executed. The mesh object process B4 in this flowchart corresponds to the generation of a first composite figure (e.g., polygon R12 for form content 12, polygon group R13 for form content 13: see Table 3) for the mesh object in the form content in step S51 in FIG.

[0178] The order of execution of steps B32, B33, and B34 does not matter. In Fig. 20, step B32 is executed prior to steps B33 and B34, and if the determination result of step B32 is negative, step B33 is executed, and if the determination result of step B33 is negative, step B34 is executed.

[0179] In step B35, the processing results of the form contents are collected. In the above example, data indicating rectangles J12, Q12, and Q13, polygons R12 and J13, and polygon group R13 are collected.

[0180] 20, in step K35, the processing result obtained in the form content analysis B1 (which is obtained from the processing results collected in step B35 for the form contents 12 and 13: in the above example, data showing rectangles J12, Q12, and Q13, polygons R12 and J13, and polygon group R13), the processing result obtained in the image component processing B2 (rectangle J11 in the above example), the processing result obtained in the gradation component processing B3 (rectangle Q11 in the above example), and the processing result obtained in the mesh component processing B4 (rectangle R11 in the above example) are collected. In step K35, a second composite figure is generated and the face ratio is obtained. Step K35 corresponds to steps S52, S53, and S54 in FIG. 17.

[0181] It goes without saying that all or part of the components constituting each of the above-described embodiments and various modified examples can be appropriately combined to the extent that no contradictions occur. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 1 Page Data 2 Digital printing equipment 3 Plate printing device 4 Plate printing equipment 6 Image Processing Device 11 Page Content 12,13 Form Content 616 Surface ratio calculation method 617 Print processing method determination means B1 Form Content Analysis B2 Image component processing B3 Gradient component processing B4 Flat mesh parts treatment F11 Area (Page Area) F12,F13 area (form area) I11, I12a, I13a Image components J1 Image Area S11, S12, S13 Gradation components Q1 Gradation Area T11, T12a, T13a, T13c Flat mesh parts R1 flat mesh area J11,J12,J12a,J12b,J12m,J13a,Q11,Q12,Q12m,Q13,R11,R12a,R132,R132m,R13a,R13c,W11,W12,W13 Rectangle J13,J13m,J1a,J1b,Q13m,R12,R12m,R131,R131m,R1a,R1b Polygon B31,B32,B33,B34,B35,K1,K2,K3,K4,K5,K31,K32,K33,K34,K35,P1,P2,S1,S 2,S3,S4,S5,S6,S7,S8,S9,S10,S51,S52,S53,S54,S81,S82,S83,S91,S92,S93 step

Claims

1. 1. A method for determining a printing method for printing a screen including visual content, comprising: the screen is defined by page data; the extent of a page on the screen is defined by a page region; the page data includes a content part that is arranged in the page area and defines the content; A printing method determining method for determining a proportion of an area of ​​the content part to the page area, and determining the printing method based on the proportion.

2. 2. The printing method according to claim 1, further comprising: The page data is Page content and Form content and having The page content and the form content each include the content part, the content parts included in the page content are arranged in the page area; The printing method of the present invention further comprises the steps of: placing the content parts included in the form content in the page area by a predetermined image conversion;

3. 3. The printing method according to claim 2, further comprising: The printing method of the present invention, wherein each of the content components is any one of an image component that represents an image on the screen, a gradation component that represents shading on the screen, and a tint component that represents a tint screen on the screen.

4. 4. The printing method according to claim 3, further comprising: A printing method determination method that determines the printing method based on a proportion of the page area occupied by an image area into which the image parts arranged in the page area are composited, a proportion of the page area occupied by a gradation area into which the gradation parts arranged in the page area are composited, and a proportion of the page area occupied by a tint area into which the tint parts arranged in the page area are composited.

5. 5. A printing method determination method according to claim 1, further comprising: a printing method determining method for determining the printing method by setting parameters for the printing based on the ratio.

6. 6. A printing method determination method according to claim 5, A printing method determination method, wherein the printing method is plateless printing, and the parameter controls drying in the plateless printing.

7. The printing method according to claim 1 , further comprising: a printing method determination method for determining suitability of the printing method determined based on the ratio for a printing press that performs the printing.

8. 5. A printing method determination method according to claim 1, further comprising: a printing method determining method for determining the printing method by selecting one from a plurality of printing methods different from each other based on the ratio.

9. 9. A printing method determination method according to claim 8, A printing method determination method, wherein the plurality of printing methods include plateless printing and plate printing.

10. 1. An apparatus for determining a printing method for printing a screen including visual content, comprising: the screen is defined by page data; the extent of a page on the screen is defined by a page region; the page data includes a content part that is arranged in the page area and defines the content; The apparatus comprises: an area ratio calculation means for calculating the ratio of an area of ​​the content part to the page area; a print processing method determination means for determining the printing method based on the ratio; A printing method determination device comprising:

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