Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To appropriately perform printing even when the printing is performed on the basis of pieces of image data with different print settings.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus connected with an image forming apparatus, has: determination means that determines if setting information is commonly set to a plurality of pieces of image data included in the same page to be printed by the image forming apparatus; and control means that, when the determination means determines that the setting information is not commonly set to the plurality of pieces of image data, converts at least some of the plurality of pieces of image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when a plurality of images with different print settings are input and the plurality of images are to be printed simultaneously, a method has been proposed in which one of the print settings is disabled before printing (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-136001 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, since printing is performed by disabling one of the print settings, it is not possible to properly print an image for which the print setting has been disabled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device connected to an image forming device, and is characterized in having a judgment means for judging whether setting information set for each of multiple image data included in the same page to be printed by the image forming device is common, and a control means for converting at least a portion of the image data of the multiple data when the judgment means judges that the setting information set for each of the multiple image data is not common. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, even when printing is performed based on image data with different print settings, printing can be performed appropriately. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a basic flowchart of printing in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a setting UI screen of a print layout application in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining a data conversion method for white image data in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5 is a graph showing the relationship when converting into a value of white image data in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a print layout process in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a data conversion method for white image data in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a print layout process according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0009] First Embodiment The configuration of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus that forms an image on a continuous print medium (hereinafter, roll paper) 111 used in this embodiment on which continuous image formation is possible. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is composed of a paper feeder 104 that feeds the roll paper 111, and a recording unit 116 that performs spot color printing. It is further composed of a recording unit 115 that performs basic color printing, a winding device 105 that winds up the roll paper 111, and a user interface (hereinafter, UI) operation panel 101. The paper feeder 104 is an apparatus that supplies the roll paper 111 to the image forming apparatus 100. The paper feeder 104 rotates the paper tube of the roll paper 111 around a rotation shaft 117, and transports the roll paper 111 wound around the paper tube toward the image forming apparatus 100 at a constant speed via multiple rollers (transport roller, paper feed roller, etc.). The winding device 105 is a device that winds up the roll paper 111 transported from the image forming device 100 around a paper tube. The paper tube is attached to a rotating shaft 118, and by rotating around the rotating shaft 118, the roll paper 111 transported to the paper tube via multiple rollers (e.g., transport rollers, paper discharge rollers) is wound up as a print product at a predetermined speed. The print product is wound around the paper tube and held in a roll shape. As a work before printing starts, the roll paper 111 is passed from the paper feeder 104 to the winding device 105. The roll paper 111 is set in the paper feeder 104, and the leading edge of the roll paper 111 is passed over the skew correction device 110. Next, it is passed under the printing device 103 of the recording unit 116.

[0010] The printing device 103 in this embodiment is a device that prints using a specific color other than the color inks (CMYK) of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), such as white ink. The printing device 103 in this embodiment prints a white image based on binary white image data. The paper passes under a drying device 112, and over cooling devices 113 and 114. Next, the paper passes under a mark detection sensor 120 of a recording unit 115 and the printing device 102, passes under a drying device 106, and passes over cooling devices 108 and 109. In this embodiment, the mark detection sensor 120 is used for alignment when an image of the printing device 102 is formed on an image formed by the printing device 103, but a scanner device may also be used, and this is not limited to this.

[0011] The printing device 102 of this embodiment is a device that prints basic printing colors (CMYK) based on binary CMYK image data (color image data). The paper is wound around a winding device 105 via a connected scanner device 107. After the roll paper 111 is passed through the image forming device 100, a print job is submitted to a control PC (print control device) 119 of the image forming device 100. After the print job is submitted, the print start button is pressed on the UI operation panel 101 to start printing. The printed image is read by the scanner device 107, and the read image is analyzed by the control PC 119 to inspect whether there are any defects in the printed matter. The control PC can also perform editing processing of the submitted print job.

[0012] Next, the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a paper transport unit 201, an image forming unit 202, a communication unit 203, a control unit 204, a storage unit 205, an operation display unit 206, an inspection unit 207, a paper feed control unit 208, and a winding control unit 209. The paper transport unit 201 is a transport mechanism for the roll paper 111 inside the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the roll paper 111 transported from the paper feed control unit 208 is transported to the image forming unit 202 by a plurality of rollers, and the roll paper 111 that has passed through the image forming unit 202 is transported to the winding control unit 209. The image forming unit 202 forms an image on the roll paper 111 supplied from the paper feed control unit 208 based on the print data for which it has received an output command. The image forming unit 202 transports the roll paper 111 on which an image has been formed toward the winding control unit 209. The communication unit 203 is composed of a communication control card such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card. It transmits and receives various data to and from an information processing device 211 (for example, a personal computer) connected to a communication network 210 such as a LAN or WAN (Wide Area Network). A printing application required for printing and the like are installed in the information processing device 211.

[0013] The control unit 204 is composed of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and the like. The CPU of the control unit 204 reads out various programs such as a system program or a processing program stored in the storage unit 205, expands the programs in the RAM, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs. For example, the control unit 204 can perform image formation processing to execute an image formation job (hereinafter, referred to as a job) in response to a user's instruction. The storage unit 205 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 205 stores various programs, including a system program and a processing program, executed by the control unit 204, and various data required for executing these programs. The operation display unit 206 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) with a touch panel, and includes a display unit 206a and an operation unit 206b. The display unit 206a displays various information on a display screen according to a display control signal input from the control unit 204. The operation unit 206b includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and receives various input operations by the user to output operation signals to the control unit 204. The operation display unit 206 is used, for example, to set job information when executing a job. The user can arbitrarily set any of the conditions, including the paper to be used, printing speed information, number of prints, number of copies, print length, and print diameter.

[0014] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 when performing image formation processing on the roll paper 111 will be described. First, the user uses a print layout application (imposition application) in the information processing apparatus 211 to create print job data including multi-value white image data and color image data, sets the print settings of the job and the number of rolls to be delivered, and transmits this information to the image forming apparatus 100 via a communication network. The control unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives the job data transmitted from an external device via the communication unit 203, and a job ticket including the print settings information of the job and the number of rolls to be delivered. The inspection unit 207 is a device that checks whether the printed image sheet is printed without any discharge defects. A detection pattern for the discharge defect inspection is printed and read by a scanner to check whether there is any discharge defect in the printed image, and if a discharge defect is detected, the image forming apparatus is stopped. There are various methods for inspection, such as a method of printing a detection pattern and reading it by a scanner, a method of directly reading and inspecting the printed image by a camera or scanner, and a method of monitoring the discharge status from the nozzles. In this embodiment, a method for checking for ejection defects is used in which a detection pattern is printed and read by a scanner.

[0015] Next, a basic flowchart for printing with image forming apparatus 100 will be explained step by step. Fig. 3 is a basic printing flowchart, and explains the flow from mounting the print medium in image forming apparatus 100 to printing. The processing of this flowchart is performed by the CPU of control unit 204 reading various programs such as system programs or processing programs stored in storage unit 205, expanding them in RAM, and executing various processes according to the expanded programs. Also, the symbol "S" in the explanation of each process in this flowchart means a step in the flowchart, and the same applies to the subsequent flowcharts.

[0016] First, in S301, a print medium is loaded into the paper feeder 104 of the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the print medium is wound in a roll. While the rolled print medium is pulled out, it passes through a plurality of transport rollers along the path of the transport mechanism of the printer and is fixed to a winding core attached to the winding device 105 at the end of the transport path. In S302, the print medium loaded into the printer is set by the user before starting the printing process. This setting is performed by designating it from among the print media preregistered in the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, optimal transport parameters linked to the prestored print medium information are set, making it possible to properly transport the loaded print medium.

[0017] In addition to the transport parameters, the parameters set for a print job include the presence or absence of white printing, the coverage rate when printing white, the drying temperature after white printing, or the drying temperature when printing color, and the tension applied to the print medium. In addition, the type of ink to be used, or the type of color profile to be used when matching color, may be considered. Note that these print parameters are merely examples, and the present embodiment is not limited to these. If the list does not display a print medium that is the same as the one loaded in the printer, a print medium with similar physical characteristics or origins to the loaded print medium is selected. The physical characteristics include the type of material of the print medium (coated paper, fine paper, film, etc.), the thickness, width, or basis weight of the print medium, etc.

[0018] In S303, a print job is set, which describes the data to be printed (multi-value white image data, CMYK image data), the medium to be printed, and the print settings. Note that the processes of S302 and S303 are executed by the user operating the information processing device 211 connected to the image forming device 100. The created print job is sent to the image forming device 100.

[0019] In S304, the control unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires print setting information including a print job set by the user of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the control unit 204 analyzes the print job included in the print setting information.

[0020] In S305, before starting printing, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the print medium specified in the print job matches the print medium mounted on the printer. If the print medium specified in the print job does not match the print medium mounted on the printer, the control unit 204 proceeds to S306 and notifies the user that printing cannot be started. If the print medium specified in the print job matches the print medium mounted on the printer, the control unit 204 proceeds to S307 and determines whether all print settings necessary for printing have been completed. If it is determined in S307 that the print settings necessary for printing are incomplete, the control unit 204 proceeds to S308 and notifies the user of an incomplete state. If it is determined that all print settings necessary for printing have been set, the control unit 204 proceeds to S309 and performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing of the print image data specified in the print job.

[0021] In RIP processing, it is possible to perform processing to convert vector image data, which is image data described in a command, into raster image data, which is a collection of print pixels. In addition, some also have a color conversion function to convert the color of the print data. In S310, the control unit 204 executes printing of the print image data generated by the RIP. Thereafter, the control unit 204 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0022] 4(A) is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing device 211 of this embodiment. The information processing device 211 has an input interface 410, a CPU 411, a ROM 412, a RAM 413, an external storage device 414, an output interface 415, and an input / output interface 416. Input devices such as a keyboard 418 and a pointing device 417 are connected to the input interface 410, and a display device such as a display unit 419 is connected to the output interface 415.

[0023] The CPU 411 is a control unit that controls the information processing device 211, and loads programs stored in the ROM 412, the external storage device 414, etc. into a work area of ​​the RAM 413 and executes them. An initialization program is stored in the ROM 412. Programs relating to applications, which will be described later, an operating system (OS), and various other data are stored in the external storage device 414. The RAM 413 is used as a work memory or the like when the CPU 411 executes programs.

[0024] The programs executed by the information processing device 211 include applications such as a print layout application 450. Details of the print layout application will be described later. In the printing system of this embodiment, the CPU 411 reads out a program stored in the ROM 412 or the external storage device 414, and executes the processing described in the program according to the procedure of a flowchart described later. In this way, the information processing device 211 realizes various functions described later.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the information processing apparatus 211 via the input / output interface 416. Note that a plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 may be connected to the information processing apparatus 211. Here, an example in which the information processing apparatus 211 and the image forming apparatus 100 are configured separately is shown, but these may be configured as a single apparatus. Also, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 211 may be connected to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0026] 4B is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the print layout application 450. The storage unit 451 is a functional unit that stores information such as data used for various controls of the print layout application 450. The control unit 452 is a functional unit that executes various controls of the print layout application 450. The acquisition unit 453 is a functional unit that acquires print setting information such as image data registered in the artwork and a white coverage rate set by the user.

[0027] Next, a method of setting print settings for white image data by the print layout application 450 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a UI screen for registering artwork image data, setting a white coverage rate, and arranging images (imposition) in the print layout application 450. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the user first selects a PDF file to be a candidate for printing on the artwork registration screen 506. As a selection method, the PDF file may be dragged and dropped onto the artwork registration screen 506, or the target PDF file may be selected from a folder. The PDF file to be printed includes white image data and CMYK color image data as data of different layers, and information on the white image data is registered on the artwork registration screen 506. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which three image data, white image data 1 503, white image data 2 504, and white image data 3 505, are registered on the artwork registration screen 506. Note that, here, a thumbnail image of each white image data is displayed, but only the file name of the original PDF file of the white image data may be displayed. Further, here, the size of each piece of white image data is also displayed, but this display is not essential.

[0028] Then, check boxes 500 to 502 are provided for each registered white image data to specify whether to set the white concealment rate to 70% or 60%. Here, an example is shown in which a white concealment rate of 60% is set by the user for white image data 1 503, and a white concealment rate of 70% is set by the user for white image data 2 504 and white image data 3 505. Note that the method of setting the white concealment rate is not limited to the above, and a check box that allows another white concealment rate such as 80% to be set may be further provided, or a field for directly inputting a white concealment rate value may be provided.

[0029] The white hiding rate is a print setting value for controlling the transmission of a predetermined optical percentage of light for an area (pixel) having a maximum density (255) by printing on a transparent medium (e.g., transparent film) based on white image data for which the white hiding rate is set. For example, when 70% is set as the white hiding rate, the ink deposition amount for pixels having a value of 255 is adjusted according to the set white hiding rate, and white printing is performed so that 30% of light is transmitted. For areas of other densities (e.g., a value of 128), although the amount of transmitted light is not proportional to the white hiding rate, the amount of transmitted light decreases as the white hiding rate increases.

[0030] FIG. 5B shows a layout setting screen 507 for setting the layout (imposition) of the white image data registered in the artwork registration screen 506. The user selects the white image data to be printed and places it on the layout setting screen 507 in FIG. 5B by, for example, drag-and-drop operation. Here, two pieces of data, white image data 1 503 and white image data 2 504, are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (the direction intersecting the print medium transport direction). Here, the paper width of the print medium set in the print layout application 450 is 150 mm, and only two pieces of white image data can be arranged in the horizontal direction, so only two pieces of white image data are arranged, but if the set paper width is longer, more white image data may be arranged. Here, an example is shown in which multiple pieces of white image data are arranged only in the horizontal direction, but multiple pieces of white image data can also be arranged in the vertical direction. In this way, one or more pieces of white image data arranged on the same page on the layout setting screen 507 are treated as one unit (one copy), and the image forming apparatus 100 prints the separately set number of copies on the print medium.

[0031] In this embodiment, the print layout application 450 judges whether or not the white image data arranged on the layout setting screen 507 includes white image data with different print setting values ​​(white hiding ratios). If it is judged that the white image data with different white hiding ratios is included, the print layout application 450 performs data conversion of at least one or more pieces of white image data so that the multiple pieces of white image data arranged on the layout setting screen 507 can be printed with a common white hiding ratio setting. The print layout application 450 then transmits a print job including the white image data that has been subjected to data conversion and data of the common setting value (white hiding ratio) to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0032] In the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, when the white concealment ratios are different (when the white concealment ratios are not common), the reason why multiple white image data cannot be printed at once is because different conveying speeds are set for each white concealment ratio. This is because when a high white concealment ratio is set for the white image data, a relatively large amount of white ink is discharged onto the printing medium, so it is necessary to relatively lengthen the time for the printing medium to pass under the drying device 112 after printing to ensure a long drying time. Therefore, when the white concealment ratio set for the white image data is high, the conveying speed is set to be slow. On the other hand, when a low white concealment ratio is set for the white image data, not much white ink is discharged onto the printing medium, so it is not necessary to ensure a long drying time. Therefore, when the white concealment ratio set for the white image data is low, a relatively fast conveying speed is set. In this way, since the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is configured to change the conveying speed depending on the white concealment ratio, printing cannot be performed at once unless the white concealment ratio settings for multiple white image data are common.

[0033] Next, we will explain the data conversion method of white image data by the print layout application 450. Fig. 6 is a diagram explaining the data conversion method when a plurality of white image data with different white covering rates are laid out on the same page by the print layout application 450.

[0034] FIG. 6(A) shows white image data set to standard density (white hiding rate 60%). The standard density (white hiding rate 60%) setting is a setting in which, as described above, when the white data value is specified as 255, the white hiding rate is printed at 60%. FIG. 6(C) shows white image data set to high density (white hiding rate 70%). The high density (white hiding rate 70%) setting is a setting in which, as described above, when the white data value is specified as 255, the white hiding rate is printed at 70%. The areas (pixels) shown in black in the figure indicate areas of white data having values ​​such as 255 or 210.

[0035] In this embodiment, data conversion is performed on some of the white image data so that the multiple pieces of white image data arranged on the layout setting screen 507 can be printed at once with a common white hiding ratio. More specifically, data conversion is performed on some of the white image data so that the highest white hiding ratio among the white hiding ratios set for the multiple pieces of white image data arranged on the layout setting screen 507 can be printed as the common white hiding ratio.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, data conversion is performed on the white image with a white hiding rate of 60% shown in Fig. 6(A), and no data conversion is performed on the white image data with a white hiding rate set to 70% shown in Fig. 6(C). The white image data shown in Fig. 6(B) is obtained by converting the white image data with a white hiding rate of 60% shown in Fig. 6(A) into data with a white hiding rate of 70%. In this data conversion, the print layout application 450 converts the data by calculating using the following conversion formula (1), where Y is data for a white hiding rate of 70% and X is data for a white 60%.

[0037] Y=X×6 / 7... conversion formula (1) For example, in Fig. 6(A), if a value of 255 is specified for a certain pixel, the value becomes 216 (rounded off to the first decimal place) in the converted data in Fig. 6(C) by calculation using the above conversion formula (1). Also, in Fig. 6(A), if a value of 210 is specified for a certain pixel, the value of that pixel becomes 180 in the converted data in Fig. 6(C) by calculation using the above conversion formula (1). Note that, although the data conversion formula in this embodiment is a simple linear formula of Y=X×6 / 7, a quadratic or cubic formula may be used depending on the characteristics of the image forming apparatus, and the handling of decimal points is not limited to the conversion formula shown above, such as rounding up or down.

[0038] In this way, when data conversion of all pixels is performed according to the formula and printing is performed with a white hiding rate setting of 70%, the same print result as when printing with a white hiding rate setting of 60% is obtained. On the other hand, for the white image data with a white hiding rate set to 70% in Fig. 6(C), no data conversion is performed as in Fig. 6(D), and the data registered in the print layout application 450 is used as is. After the white image data is created as in Fig. 6(B) and (D), the print layout application 450 lays out (imposes) multiple pieces of white image data on the same paper surface as shown in Fig. 6(E), and transmits the laid out data to the image forming apparatus 100, where printing is performed.

[0039] In the above description, data conversion is performed when the settable white concealment rate is 60% and 70%. In this embodiment, data conversion is performed on some white image data so that the highest white concealment rate among the white concealment rates set for the multiple white image data arranged on the layout setting screen 507 can be printed as a common white concealment rate. Therefore, when the settable white concealment rates are, for example, 60%, 70%, and 80%, if the concealment rates set for the registered white image data are 60% and 70%, the white image data with a white concealment rate of 60% is converted to data for 70%, and no data conversion is performed on the white image data with a concealment rate of 70%.

[0040] 7 is a graph showing the relationship when converting the value of white image data with a white hiding rate of 60% into the value of white image data for a white hiding rate of 70% by the conversion formula (1) of this embodiment. As described above, the conversion formula (1) performs calculation (conversion) with data Y for a white hiding rate of 70% = data X for a white hiding rate of 60% × 6 / 7. For example, when a value of 255 in white image data with a white hiding rate of 60% is converted into data for a white hiding rate of 70%, the value becomes 219. Also, when a value of 210 in white image data with a white hiding rate of 60% is converted into data for a white hiding rate of 70%, the value becomes 180. Furthermore, when a value of 102 in white image data with a white hiding rate of 60% is converted into data for a white hiding rate of 70%, the value becomes 87. In the present embodiment, the conversion formula (1) is data for a white concealment rate of 70% = data for a white concealment rate of 60% x 6 / 7, but the conversion formula is not limited to this formula, and various forms of conversion formulas can be applied according to the characteristics of the image forming apparatus. In addition, in the present embodiment, the converted value is determined by calculation using the conversion formula, but for example, the relationship between the values ​​before and after conversion may be stored as a table in the storage unit 451 of the print layout application 450, and the converted value may be determined by referring to this table.

[0041] 8 is a flowchart showing a process related to layout (imposition) executed by the print layout application 450 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the highest white concealment rate among the white concealment rates set for a plurality of white image data registered in the print layout application 450 is used as a common white concealment rate to convert data of some white image data.

[0042] First, in S800, the acquisition unit 453 of the print layout application 450 acquires one or more image data registered in the artwork by the user. Next, in S801, the control unit 452 of the print layout application 450 judges whether there are multiple pieces of white image data among the image data of the registered artwork. If it is judged in S801 that there are multiple pieces of white image data, in S802, the acquisition unit 453 of the print layout application 450 accepts the designation of the white concealment rate for each image registered in the artwork, and acquires information on the designated concealment rate. In this embodiment, the method of designating the white concealment rate is as described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0043] In S803, the control unit 452 of the print layout application 450 judges whether there are multiple pieces of white image data laid out (imposed) on the same page. If it is judged in S803 that multiple pieces of white image data are laid out on the same page, the process proceeds to S804. In S804, the control unit 452 of the print layout application 450 judges whether the white concealment rate settings of the multiple pieces of white image data laid out on the same page are common or not. In this embodiment, the white concealment rate settings that can be set are a high density white concealment rate (white concealment rate 70%) and a standard white concealment rate (white concealment rate 60%), so it is judged whether the settings of the high density white concealment rate (white concealment rate 70%) and the standard white concealment rate (white concealment rate 60%) are mixed. Note that the setting of the white concealment rate is not limited to this, and may be configured to allow multiple settings such as a low white concealment rate (white concealment rate 50%) and an ultra-high density white concealment rate (white concealment rate 80%).

[0044] If the control unit 452 of the print layout application 450 determines in S804 that the white hiding rate settings of the multiple white image data are not common, the process proceeds to S805. In S805, the print layout application 450 does not perform data conversion on the white image data with the maximum white hiding rate setting among the set white hiding rates (white hiding rate of 70% in this embodiment). For white image data with other white hiding rates (white hiding rate of 60% in this embodiment), the white image data is converted according to the maximum white hiding rate setting. Then, the process proceeds to S806.

[0045] On the other hand, if the control unit 452 of the print layout application 450 determines in S804 that the white covering ratios set for the plurality of white image data are common, the process also proceeds to S806. In S806, the print layout application 450 lays out (imposes) the plurality of white image data on the same page to generate laid-out image data. After laying out the data on the same page in S806 and generating the image data, the process proceeds to S808.

[0046] If it is determined in S801 that there are not multiple pieces of white image data, the print layout application 450 lays out one piece of white image data within the page in S807 to generate image data.

[0047] In S808, the control unit 452 of the print layout application 450 transmits image data including white image data laid out on a page via an input / output interface together with information (ticket) related to print settings including a white masking ratio to the image forming apparatus 100. Note that in this embodiment, print setting information related to the white masking ratio set in the print layout application 450 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus in the form of a ticket, and the image forming apparatus 100 executes printing with the received masking ratio, but the setting of the masking ratio is not limited to this. A configuration may be adopted in which the user inputs the masking ratio setting via the UI operation panel 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 before printing is executed by the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, it is not necessary to transmit print setting information related to the white masking ratio from the information processing apparatus 211 to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0048] In the image forming apparatus 100, printing is performed based on the received image data and print settings. In this embodiment, white image data is described, but the actual image data may include not only white image data, but also CMYK data, other spot color data, and other attribute data required for printing.

[0049] As described above, according to the present embodiment, data conversion is performed on some white image data so that the highest white coverage rate among the white image data sets registered in the print layout application can be printed as a common white coverage rate. This allows printing to be performed appropriately even when printing is performed based on image data with different print settings.

[0050] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, when multiple white coverage rates are set for white image data registered in the print layout application 450, the print layout application 450 converts a portion of the white image data, thereby enabling printing to be performed at a common white coverage rate. In the second embodiment, when multiple white coverage rates are set for white image data registered in the print layout application 450, the image forming apparatus 100 converts a portion of the white image data, thereby enabling printing to be performed at a common white coverage rate. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and common descriptions will be omitted.

[0051] 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining a data conversion method and an imposition method when white image data with different white hiding rate settings are laid out (imposed) on the same page in the image forming apparatus 100. Fig. 9A shows white image data set to standard density (white hiding rate 60%), which, as already explained, is a setting in which the white hiding rate is printed at 60% when the white data value is specified as 255. Fig. 9C shows white image data set to high density (white hiding rate 70%), which, as already explained, is a setting in which the white data value is specified as 255 when the white hiding rate is printed at 70%.

[0052] 9(A) and 9(C) respectively show white image data with a white hiding rate set to 60% and white image data with a white hiding rate of 70% arranged on paper of the same size and transmitted from the information processing device 211 to the image forming device 100. In this embodiment as well, an example is described in which high density (white hiding rate of 70%) is the maximum white hiding rate, and the two types of white image data shown in Fig. 9(A) and Fig. 9(C) are transmitted (submitted) to the main body of the image forming device 100. The method of submitting the white image data to the main body of the image forming device may be as two separate types of spot color data different from the CMYK data in the printing image data, or as separate spot color data files in a file different from the CMYK data.

[0053] The image forming apparatus 100 performs data conversion of the submitted white image with a white concealment rate of 60% shown in FIG. 9(A). FIG. 9(B) shows the white image data of FIG. 9(A) converted into data with a white concealment rate of 70%, and the conversion method is the same as that described in the first embodiment. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 converts data by Y=X×6 / 7, where Y is data for a white concealment rate of 70% and X is data for a white concealment rate of 60%. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 also performs data conversion of all pixels specified as white image data using the conversion formula (1) already described. For example, if a value of 255 is specified for a pixel in the white image data of FIG. 9(A), the value of the pixel in FIG. 9(B) becomes 216 (rounded off to the first decimal place) by calculation using the conversion formula (1) above. Also, if a value of 210 is specified for a pixel in Figure 6-1, when this is applied to the formula, the value of the corresponding pixel in Figure 6-2 becomes 180. The data conversion formula in this embodiment is a simple linear formula Y=X×6 / 7, but it can also be a quadratic or cubic formula depending on the characteristics of the printing machine, and the handling of decimal points is not limited to the formula shown above, as it can be rounded up or down.

[0054] In this way, by performing data conversion of all pixels using the above conversion formula (1) and then printing, the image forming apparatus 100 can obtain print results when printing with a white coverage setting of 70% that are similar to those when printing with a white coverage setting of 60%.

[0055] Since Fig. 9(C) is white image data with a white hiding rate of 70%, the registered data is used as is without data conversion as shown in Fig. 9(D). The image forming device 100 generates the white image data of Fig. 9(B) and (D), lays out (imposes) the data on the same sheet of paper as shown in Fig. 9(E), and prints based on the imposed data.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of control for converting a part of a plurality of pieces of white image data input to the image forming apparatus 100 into partial white data in accordance with the maximum white hiding rate within the main body of the image forming apparatus, and printing the converted data.

[0057] In S1000, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires print image data transmitted (submitted) to the image forming apparatus main body. Next, in S1001, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether multiple pieces of white image data are included based on the submitted image data. In the example of this embodiment, as described in FIG. 9, a high density white concealment rate (white concealment rate 70%) and a standard white concealment rate (white concealment rate 60%) are input as different pieces of white image data. If it is determined in S1001 that multiple pieces of white image data are included, the process proceeds to S1002.

[0058] In S1002, the image forming apparatus 100 does not convert the data of white image data with the maximum white hiding rate setting (white hiding rate of 70% in this embodiment). On the other hand, the white image data with other white hiding rates (white hiding rate of 60% in this embodiment) is converted according to the maximum white hiding rate setting. After the data conversion of the white image data in S1002, the image forming apparatus 100 lays out (imposes) multiple pieces of white image data on the same page in S403.

[0059] After performing the layout in S1003, in S1004 the image forming apparatus 100 automatically changes the setting of the white concealment rate of the image forming apparatus main body to the maximum white concealment rate setting among the concealment rates set in the plurality of white image data (white concealment rate of 70% in the example of this embodiment). On the other hand, if it is determined in S1001 that there is not a plurality of submitted white image data, in S1005 the image forming apparatus 100 automatically changes to the white concealment rate set in the submitted white image data. Note that, even in this embodiment, the setting of the white concealment rate may be configured such that the user inputs the setting of the concealment rate via the UI operation panel 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 before printing is executed by the image forming apparatus 100.

[0060] Then, in S1006, the image forming apparatus 100 executes printing based on the received image data and the set print settings (white covering rate).

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, data conversion is performed on a portion of white image data so that the highest white hiding ratio among the set white hiding ratios can be printed as a common white hiding ratio in the image forming apparatus 100. This allows appropriate printing even when printing is performed based on image data with different print settings.

[0062] <Other embodiments> Needless to say, the object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a recording medium on which the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is recorded to a system or device, and having the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device read and execute the program code stored in the recording medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the storage medium on which the program code is stored constitutes the present invention.

[0063] Examples of storage media for supplying the program code include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, and DVDs.

[0064] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are not only realized by the computer executing the program code it has read, but also that the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by the OS running on the computer performing some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code.

[0065] Furthermore, it goes without saying that this also includes cases where the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board added to a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then a CPU provided on the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0066] It should be noted that, within the scope of the present disclosure, the embodiments may be freely combined, any component of each embodiment may be modified, or any component of each embodiment may be omitted.

[0067] (Item 1) An information processing device connected to an image forming device, a determination unit that determines whether setting information set for each of a plurality of pieces of image data included in the same page to be printed by the image forming apparatus is common; a control means for converting at least a part of the image data of the plurality of data when the determination means determines that the setting information set for each of the plurality of image data is not common; 13. An information processing device comprising:

[0068] (Item 2) 2. The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the control means converts values ​​designated for pixels included in the portion of image data.

[0069] (Item 3) 3. The information processing device according to item 2, wherein the control means converts a value designated for the pixel using a conversion formula.

[0070] (Item 4) 4. The information processing device according to item 3, wherein the conversion formula is a linear formula.

[0071] (Item 5) 5. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the setting information is a concealment ratio for controlling an amount of light passing through a printing medium on which printing is to be performed based on the image data.

[0072] (Item 6) 6. The information processing device according to item 5, wherein the control means converts the part of the image data based on a maximum of the concealment ratios among the concealment ratios set for the plurality of image data.

[0073] (Item 7) 7. The information processing device according to item 6, wherein the part of image data is image data other than the image data for which the maximum concealment ratio is set.

[0074] (Item 8) 8. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the image data is image data for executing printing using ink of a specific color.

[0075] (Item 9) 9. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the control means displays a screen for allowing a user to set setting information for each of the plurality of image data.

[0076] (Item 10) 10. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the image forming device varies a conveying speed depending on the setting information that is set.

[0077] (Item 11) 1. An information processing method for processing image data to be printed by an image forming device, comprising: determining whether setting information set for each of a plurality of pieces of image data included in the same page to be printed by the image forming apparatus is common; converting at least a part of the image data of the plurality of pieces of data when it is determined that the setting information set for each of the plurality of pieces of image data is not common; 13. An information processing method comprising:

[0078] (Item 12) On the computer, A step of determining whether setting information set for each of a plurality of pieces of image data included in the same page to be printed by the image forming device is common; converting at least a part of the image data of the plurality of pieces of data when it is determined that the setting information set for each of the plurality of pieces of image data is not common; A program for executing the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 100 Image forming device 211 Information processing equipment 411 CPU 412 ROM 413 RAM

Claims

1. An information processing device connected to an image forming device, a determination unit that determines whether setting information set for each of a plurality of pieces of image data included in the same page to be printed by the image forming apparatus is common; a control means for converting at least a part of the image data of the plurality of pieces of data when the determination means determines that the setting information set for each of the plurality of pieces of image data is not common; 13. An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means converts a value designated for a pixel included in said portion of image data.

3. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control means converts the value designated for said pixel using a conversion formula.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the conversion formula is a linear formula.

5. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information is a hiding ratio for controlling an amount of light passing through a print medium on which printing is to be performed based on the image data.

6. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control means converts the part of the image data based on a maximum one of the concealment ratios set for the plurality of image data.

7. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the part of image data is image data other than the image data for which the maximum concealment ratio is set.

8. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is image data for executing printing using ink of a specific color.

9. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means displays a screen for allowing a user to set setting information for each of said plurality of image data.

10. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming apparatus changes a transport speed depending on the setting information that is set.

11. 1. An information processing method for processing image data to be printed by an image forming device, comprising: determining whether setting information set for each of a plurality of pieces of image data included in the same page to be printed by the image forming apparatus is common; converting at least a part of the image data of the plurality of pieces of data when it is determined that the setting information set for each of the plurality of pieces of image data is not common; 13. An information processing method comprising:

12. On the computer, A step of determining whether setting information set for each of a plurality of pieces of image data included in the same page to be printed by the image forming device is common; converting at least a part of the image data of the plurality of pieces of data when it is determined that the setting information set for each of the plurality of pieces of image data is not common; A program for executing the above.

Images