Information processing device, control method therefor, image formation system, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that can perform appropriate printing even when printing is performed on the basis of image data with different print settings.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes control means for controlling conversion of at least some of a plurality of images having different set contrast rates included in a print target to be printed on a same print medium by an image formation device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, a program, and a storage medium. [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] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-136001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by having a control means for controlling the conversion of at least some of a plurality of images included in a printing target to be printed on the same printing medium by an image forming device and having different set hiding rates. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a basic flowchart of printing in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 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] 6 is a graph showing the relationship when converting into white image data values ​​in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a print layout process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B 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 INVENTION

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

[0009] First Embodiment The configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 forms images on a continuous print medium (hereinafter referred to as roll paper) 111 used in this embodiment, which is capable of continuous image formation. 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 also includes a recording unit 115 that performs base color printing, a winding device 105 that winds up the roll paper 111, and a user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) operation panel 101. The paper feeder 104 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 axis 117, and transports the roll paper 111 wound around the tube toward the image forming apparatus 100 at a constant speed via multiple rollers (transport rollers, paper feed rollers, etc.). The winding device 105 is a device that winds up the roll paper 111 transported from the image forming apparatus 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 at a predetermined speed as a print product. 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 cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) (CMYK), 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, under a drying device 106, and over cooling devices 108 and 109. In this embodiment, the mark detection sensor 120 is used for alignment when forming an image from the printing device 102 on an image formed by the printing device 103, but a scanner may also be used; 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 submitting the print job, the user presses the print start button 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 the printed matter for defects. The control PC can also perform editing processing on 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 memory 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 paper transport unit 201 transports the roll paper 111 transported from the paper feed control unit 208 to the image forming unit 202 using multiple rollers, and then transports the roll paper 111 that has passed through the image forming unit 202 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). The information processing device 211 has installed therein a printing application and the like required for printing.

[0013] The control unit 204 is configured with, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a random access memory (RAM). The CPU of the control unit 204 reads various programs, such as system programs or processing programs, stored in the storage unit 205, loads them into the RAM, and executes various processes in accordance with the loaded 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 configured with, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 205 stores various programs, including the system program and processing program, executed by the control unit 204, as well as various data required to execute these programs. The operation display unit 206 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 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 in accordance with a display control signal input from the control unit 204. The operation unit 206b has various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, accepts various input operations by the user, and outputs 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, such as the paper to be used, print speed information, number of prints, number of copies, print length, and print diameter.

[0014] Next, we will explain the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 when performing image formation processing on roll paper 111. First, a user uses a print layout application (imposition application) on the information processing device 211 to create print job data including multi-value white image data and color image data, configure job print settings and the number of rolls to be delivered, and transmit this information to the image forming apparatus 100 via a communications network. The control unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives job data transmitted from an external device via the communications unit 203, along with a job ticket containing information such as the job's print settings 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 ejection defects. A detection pattern for ejection defect inspection is printed and scanned with a scanner to check for ejection defects in the printed image. If an ejection defect is detected, the image forming apparatus is stopped. There are various inspection methods, including printing the detection pattern and scanning it with a scanner, directly scanning and inspecting the printed image with a camera or scanner, and monitoring the ejection status from the nozzles. In this embodiment, a detection pattern is printed and read by a scanner to check for ejection defects.

[0015] Next, a basic flowchart for printing with image forming apparatus 100 will be explained step by step. Figure 3 is a basic printing flowchart, and explains the flow from loading a print medium into image forming apparatus 100 to printing. The processing of this flowchart involves the CPU of control unit 204 reading various programs, such as system programs or processing programs, stored in storage unit 205, expanding them into RAM, and executing various processes in accordance with the expanded programs. Furthermore, the symbol "S" in the explanation of each process in this flowchart indicates a step in the flowchart, and the same applies to 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. As the rolled print medium is pulled out, it passes through multiple transport rollers along the path of the printer's transport mechanism and is fixed to a take-up core attached to the winding device 105 at the end of the transport path. In S302, the user sets the print medium loaded in the printer before starting the printing process. This setting is performed by specifying the print medium from among the print media pre-registered in the image forming apparatus 100. This sets optimal transport parameters linked to the pre-stored print medium information, making it possible to properly transport the loaded print medium.

[0017] In addition to the transport parameters, parameters set for a print job include whether or not to print white, the opacity when printing white, the drying temperature after printing white, or the drying temperature when printing color, and the tension applied to the print medium. Other possible parameters include the type of ink to be used, the type of color profile to be used during color matching, and so on. Note that these printing parameters are merely examples, and the present embodiment is not limited to these. If the list display does not include a print medium that is the same as the one loaded in the printer, a print medium with similar physical characteristics or features to the loaded print medium is selected. Physical characteristics include the type of print medium material (coated paper, wood-free paper, film, etc.), the thickness, width, or basis weight of the print medium, etc.

[0018] In S303, a print job is set that describes the data to be printed (multi-value white image data, CMYK image data), the medium to be printed, and 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 loaded in the printer. If the print medium specified in the print job does not match the print medium loaded in the printer, the control unit 204 proceeds to S306 and notifies the user that printing cannot start. If the print medium specified in the print job matches the print medium loaded in 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 that the settings have not been completed. 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 on the print image data specified in the print job.

[0021] RIP processing can convert vector image data, which is image data written in a command, into raster image data, which is a collection of print pixels. Some RIP processes also have a color conversion function that converts the color of print data. In S310, the control unit 204 prints the print image data generated by the RIP. The control unit 204 then terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0022] 4A is a block diagram showing the 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 display devices such as a display unit 419 are 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, external storage device 414, etc. into a work area of ​​the RAM 413 and executes them. The ROM 412 stores an initialization program. The external storage device 414 stores programs related to applications, which will be described later, an operating system (OS), and various other data. 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 is shown in which the information processing apparatus 211 and the image forming apparatus 100 are configured separately, but they may also 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 image data registered in the artwork and print setting information such as the white coverage rate set by the user.

[0027] Next, a method for setting print settings for white image data using the print layout application 450 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a UI screen for registering artwork image data, setting the white coverage rate, and performing image layout (imposition) in the print layout application 450. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the user first selects a PDF file to be printed on an artwork registration screen 506. The selection method may involve dragging and dropping the PDF file onto the artwork registration screen 506, or selecting the target PDF file from a folder. The PDF file to be printed contains white image data and CMYK color image data as data on separate layers, and information about the white image data is registered on the artwork registration screen 506. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which three pieces of 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, although thumbnail images of each piece of white image data are displayed here, it is also possible to simply display the file name of the PDF file from which the white image data originated. Here, the size of each 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 the user has set a white concealment rate of 60% for white image data 1 503, and a white concealment rate of 70% for white image data 2 504 and white image data 3 505. Note that the method for setting the white concealment rate is not limited to the above, and further check boxes may be provided that allow other white concealment rates, such as 80%, to be set, or a field may be provided for directly inputting the white concealment rate value.

[0029] The white hiding rate is a print setting value that controls the optical transmission of a predetermined percentage of light for areas (pixels) having the maximum density (255) when printing is performed on transparent media (e.g., transparent film) based on white image data for which that white hiding rate is set. For example, if 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), the amount of transmitted light is not proportional to the white hiding rate, but 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 on the artwork registration screen 506. The user selects the white image data to be printed and arranges it on the layout setting screen 507 in FIG. 5B, for example, by drag-and-drop. Here, two pieces of data, white image data 1 503 and white image data 2 504, are shown arranged side by side horizontally (a 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 horizontally. Therefore, only two pieces of white image data are arranged. However, if the set paper width is longer, more white image data may be arranged. Also, while this example shows multiple pieces of white image data arranged only horizontally, multiple pieces of white image data can also be arranged vertically. In this way, one or more pieces of white image data arranged on the same page on the layout setting screen 507 constitute 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 determines whether or not the white image data arranged on the layout setting screen 507 includes white image data for which different print setting values ​​(white coverage rates) are set. If it is determined that white image data for which different white coverage rates are set is included, the print layout application 450 performs data conversion on 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 coverage rate setting. The print layout application 450 then transmits a print job including the converted white image data and data for the common setting value (white coverage rate) to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0032] In the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, when the white image data have different white coverage rates (when they are not a common white coverage rate), the reason why multiple white image data cannot be printed at once is because different conveying speeds are set for each white coverage rate. This is because when a high white coverage rate is set for the white image data, a relatively large amount of white ink is ejected onto the print medium, so it is necessary to relatively lengthen the time that the printed print medium passes under the drying device 112 to ensure sufficient drying time. Therefore, when a high white coverage rate is set for the white image data, the conveying speed is set to be slow. On the other hand, when a low white coverage rate is set for the white image data, not much white ink is ejected onto the print medium, so it is not necessary to ensure sufficient drying time. Therefore, when a low white coverage rate is set for the white image data, a relatively fast conveying speed is set. As such, the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment is configured to vary the conveying speed depending on the white coverage rate, and therefore cannot print multiple white image data at once unless the white coverage rate setting is common.

[0033] Next, we will explain the data conversion method for white image data by the print layout application 450. Fig. 6 is a diagram explaining the data conversion method when multiple pieces 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 a standard density (60% white hiding rate). The standard density (60% white hiding rate) 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 a high density (70% white hiding rate). The high density (70% white hiding rate) 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 image data 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] For this reason, 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 performs data conversion by calculating using the following conversion formula (1), where Y is the data for a white hiding rate of 70% and X is the data for a white hiding rate of 60%. Y=X×6 / 7... Conversion formula (1)

[0037] For example, if a value of 255 is specified for a certain pixel in Fig. 6(A), the value will be 216 (rounded to the first decimal place) in the converted data of Fig. 6(C) through calculation using the above conversion formula (1). Also, if a value of 210 is specified for a certain pixel in Fig. 6(A), the value of that pixel will be 180 in the converted data of Fig. 6(C) through calculation using the above conversion formula (1). Note that although the data conversion formula of this embodiment is a simple linear formula, 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 is performed for all pixels using the formula and printing is performed with a white masking rate set to 70%, the same print result is obtained as when printing with a white masking rate set to 60%. On the other hand, for the white image data in Figure 6(C) with a white masking rate set to 70%, no data conversion is performed, as shown in Figure 6(D), and the data registered in the print layout application 450 is used as is. After the white image data is created as shown in Figures 6(B) and (D), the print layout application 450 lays out (imposes) multiple pieces of white image data on the same sheet of paper, as shown in Figure 6(E), and sends the laid-out data to the image forming apparatus 100, where it is printed.

[0039] Note that the above description has been given of data conversion when the settable white concealment rate is 60% and 70%. In this embodiment, data conversion is performed on some of the 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 particular 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 white image data values ​​with a white hiding rate of 60% into white image data values ​​for a white hiding rate of 70% using conversion formula (1) of this embodiment. As described above, conversion formula (1) performs calculation (conversion) using the following formula: 70% white hiding rate data Y = 60% white hiding rate data X × 6 / 7. For example, when a value of 255 in white image data with a white hiding rate set to 60% is converted into data for a white hiding rate of 70%, the value becomes 219. Furthermore, when a value of 210 in white image data with a white hiding rate set to 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 set to 60% is converted into data for a white hiding rate of 70%, the value becomes 87. In the present embodiment, conversion formula (1) is set as follows: data for a white concealment rate of 70% = data for a white concealment rate of 60% × 6 / 7. However, the conversion formula is not limited to this formula, and various types of conversion formulas can be applied in accordance with the characteristics of the image forming apparatus. Also, 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 the layout (imposition) processing 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 the plurality of white image data registered in the print layout application 450 is used as a common white concealment rate to convert the data of some white image data.

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

[0043] In S803, the control unit 452 of the print layout application 450 determines whether there are multiple pieces of white image data laid out (imposed) on the same page. If it is determined 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 determines whether the white image data to be laid out on the same page have a common white coverage setting. In this embodiment, the available white coverage settings are a high-density white coverage rate (70% white coverage rate) and a standard white coverage rate (60% white coverage rate), so it is determined whether a mixture of high-density white coverage rate (70% white coverage rate) and standard white coverage rate (60% white coverage rate) settings is present. Note that the white coverage rate setting is not limited to this, and may be configured to allow multiple settings, such as a low white coverage rate (50% white coverage rate) and an ultra-high-density white coverage rate (80% white coverage rate).

[0044] If the control unit 452 of the print layout application 450 determines in S804 that the white coverage settings of the multiple pieces of white image data are not common, the process proceeds to S805. In S805, the print layout application 450 does not perform data conversion on white image data with the maximum white coverage setting among the set white coverage rates (70% white coverage in this embodiment). For white image data with other white coverage rates (60% white coverage in this embodiment), the white image data is converted to match the maximum white coverage setting. Thereafter, 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 coverage rates set for the plurality of white image data are the same, 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 performing layout on the same page and generating image data in S806, 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 the input / output interface to the image forming apparatus 100, together with information (ticket) related to print settings including the white masking rate. Note that in this embodiment, print setting information related to the white masking rate 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 using the received masking rate, but the setting of the masking rate is not limited to this. A configuration may also be adopted in which the user inputs the masking rate 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 rate from the information processing apparatus 211 to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0048] The image forming apparatus 100 executes printing based on the received image data and print settings. In this embodiment, white image data is described, but 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 this 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 for appropriate printing 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 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 at a common white coverage rate. In the following description, the same components as in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and common descriptions will be omitted.

[0051] 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating 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 by the image forming apparatus 100. Fig. 9A shows white image data set to a standard density (60% white hiding rate), which, as already explained, is a setting whereby when the white data value is specified as 255, the white hiding rate is printed at 60%. Fig. 9C shows white image data set to a high density (70% white hiding rate), which, as already explained, is a setting whereby when the white data value is specified as 255, 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 set to 70%, arranged on paper of the same size and transmitted from the information processing device 211 to the image forming apparatus 100. This embodiment also describes an example in which high density (white hiding rate of 70%) results in the highest white hiding rate, and the two types of white image data shown in FIGS. 9(A) and 9(C) are transmitted (submitted) to the image forming apparatus 100. The white image data may be submitted to the image forming apparatus as two separate types of spot color data separate from the CMYK data within the print image data, or as separate spot color data files in a file separate from the CMYK data.

[0053] The image forming apparatus 100 performs data conversion on the submitted white image shown in FIG. 9A, which has a white masking rate of 60%. FIG. 9B shows the white image data of FIG. 9A converted into data with a white masking rate of 70%. The conversion method is the same as that described in the first embodiment. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 converts data by the formula Y = X × 6 / 7, where Y is data for a 70% white masking rate and X is data for a 60% white masking rate. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 also performs data conversion on all pixels specified as white image data using the conversion formula (1) described above. For example, if a value of 255 is specified for a pixel in the white image data of FIG. 9A, the value of the corresponding pixel in FIG. 9B becomes 216 (rounded to the nearest whole number) using the conversion formula (1). Also, if a value of 210 is specified for a pixel in Figure 6-1, when this is applied to the formula and calculated, the value of the corresponding pixel in Figure 6-2 will be 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 press, 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, the image forming device 100 performs data conversion of all pixels using the above conversion formula (1) before printing, so that when printing with a white obscuration rate setting of 70%, the same print results can be obtained as when printing with a white obscuration rate 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 apparatus 100 generates the white image data of Fig. 9(B) and (D), performs layout (imposition) on the same paper as shown in Fig. 9(E), and prints based on the imposed data.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a flowchart 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 image forming apparatus main body, 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. Subsequently, 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, white image data with different high-density white hiding rates (white hiding rate of 70%) and standard white hiding rates (white hiding rate of 60%) are input. 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 white image data with the maximum white hiding rate setting (70% white hiding rate in this embodiment). On the other hand, the white image data with other white hiding rates (60% white hiding rate in this embodiment) is converted to match the maximum white hiding rate setting. After the white image data is converted 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 layout in S1003, in S1004 the image forming apparatus 100 automatically changes the setting of the white concealment rate of the image forming apparatus body to the setting of the largest white concealment rate 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 the white concealment rate 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 so 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 some of the white image data so that the highest white coverage rate among the set white coverage rates can be printed as a common white coverage rate in the image forming apparatus 100. This allows for 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 program code for software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or device, and having the computer (or CPU or MPU) of that system or device read and execute the program code stored on the recording medium. In this case, the program code read from the recording medium itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the recording medium on which the program code is stored constitutes the present invention.

[0063] Examples of storage media that can be used to supply 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 not only are the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments realized by the computer executing the program code it has read, but also cases are included in which the OS running on the computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by that processing.

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

[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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 100 Image forming device 211 Information processing equipment 411 CPU 412 ROM 413 RAM

Claims

1. A control means for controlling the conversion of at least some of a plurality of images having different set hiding rates included in a print target to be printed on the same print medium by an image forming apparatus. An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion is a conversion that enables the plurality of images to be printed with a common hiding ratio.

3. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means controls the conversion so that the highest concealment ratio among the concealment ratios set for the plurality of images is used as the common concealment ratio.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control means does not perform the conversion on the image having the highest hiding rate among the plurality of images.

5. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion increases the hiding rate of the image to be converted and decreases the density value of a specific color of the image to be converted.

6. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, in the conversion, if the density value of the specific color of the image to be converted is 255, the control means converts it to a value smaller than that.

7. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the conversion is performed on at least some of a plurality of images having different white hiding rates, and the specific color is white.

8. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hiding rate is a setting value for controlling the amount of light that passes through a print medium on which printing is to be performed based on the image.

9. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all of the plurality of images are images printed using ink of a specific color.

10. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for controlling to display a screen for prompting a user to set a hiding rate for each of the plurality of images.

11. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission control unit that controls the transmission of print data in which the plurality of images after converting at least some of the images are arranged on the same page to an image forming apparatus.

12. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image forming apparatus carries out conveyance for printing at different conveyance speeds depending on a set concealment rate.

13. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus cannot simultaneously print a print object including a plurality of images with different concealment rates.

14. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the transport for the printing is a transport in which the sheet passes under a drying device.

15. a control means for controlling the image forming apparatus to convert at least some of a plurality of images having different set hiding rates included in a print target to be printed on the same print medium; a transport control means for controlling transport for printing at different transport speeds according to the set concealment rate; An image forming system comprising:

16. A control step of controlling the image forming apparatus to convert at least some of a plurality of images having different set hiding rates included in a print target to be printed on the same print medium.

1. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

17. An information processing apparatus that processes a print object to be printed by an image forming apparatus that performs conveyance for printing at a conveyance speed that differs depending on setting information for a specific item, a control means for controlling the conversion of at least some of the images among the plurality of images included in the print target, which have different setting information set for the specific item, so that the images are transported for printing at the same transport speed in the image forming apparatus; An information processing device comprising:

18. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the image forming apparatus cannot simultaneously print a print target including a plurality of images with different setting information for the specific item.

19. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the specific item is a concealment rate.

20. A control method for an information processing device that processes a print object to be printed by an image forming device that performs conveyance for printing at different conveyance speeds for each setting information of a specific item, a control step of controlling the image forming apparatus to convert at least some of the images among the plurality of images included in the print target and having different setting information set for the specific item so that the images are transported for printing at the same transport speed.

1. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

21. a control means for controlling conversion so that at least some of the images among a plurality of images included in the print target and having different setting information set for specific items are transported for printing at the same transport speed in the image forming device; a transport control means for transporting the print at a transport speed that differs depending on the setting information of the specific item; An image forming system comprising:

22. 20. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and 17 to 19.

23. 20. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and 17 to 19.

Images