Image formation system

Abstract

To provide an image formation system that appropriately forms a white image even from data where characters or line drawings and the background are difficult to discriminate.SOLUTION: An image formation system 100 includes: an image processing device 9 which generates color image data and white image data 25 from received printing data 20; and an image formation device which prints the white image data and the color image data. The image processing device 9 has a white image formation unit 92 for controlling the density of the white image data 25. The white image formation unit 92 sets the density of white image data from the transmittance of a medium 101 on which to print and a printing density of the color image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] When printing on highly transparent media such as stickers or posters, the color of the background may be affected and the desired color may not be achieved depending on where the image is attached. To avoid this, for example, you can print the base with white ink to prevent it from being affected by the background.

[0003] To print the background data in white ink, a special object is required in addition to the original document. In this case, a spot color is created in a DTP (Desktop Publishing) application, such as Adobe®, and then printed in white ink. This requires specialized knowledge.

[0004] However, when using applications such as Office (registered trademark), although it is possible to create simple posters and illustrations, it is not possible to set spot colors in process colors. If spot colors cannot be set, data for white ink is generated separately from the manuscript and printed with white ink. By printing the manuscript on paper printed with this white ink again, it is possible to print the base, but there is a problem of misalignment.

[0005] Known as a solution to these problems is the color image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1. The color image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 reads an original image and forms a white toner image over the entire surface or in a specific area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-268318 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The color image forming device described in Patent Document 1 reads a bitmapped original image and checks the density distribution of pixels and the density difference between adjacent dots to determine whether the image is a photograph, text, or line drawing, and then determines the area where the white image is to be formed.As a result, for example, depending on the density of the text or line drawing and its background, a deviation from the area where the white image is to be formed may occur, resulting in an inappropriate area where the white image is to be formed. For example, in complex images or depending on the density of the characters or line drawings and their background, it can be difficult to distinguish which are the characters, making the image difficult to read.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an image forming system that can appropriately form a white image even when the data contains characters or line drawings that are difficult to distinguish from their backgrounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. (1) An image forming system including an image processing device that generates color image data and white image data from received print data, and an image forming device that prints the white image data and the color image data.

[0010] (2) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing device has a white image forming unit that controls the density of the white image data.

[0011] (3) The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the white image forming unit sets the density of the white image data based on the transmittance of the medium to be printed and the print density of the color image data.

[0012] (4) The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the white image forming unit allows the print density of the color image data and the density of the white image data to be set up to a toner amount limit value of the image processing device.

[0013] (5) The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the white image forming unit makes the density of the white image data uniform.

[0014] (6) The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising an image forming unit that generates the color image data inside the register marks and not outside the register marks.

[0015] (7) The image forming system according to claim 2, further comprising a white image combining unit that acquires a tint block or stamp from the image processing device and combines it with the white image data.

[0016] (8) The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the color image data includes a plurality of color image data, and the white image forming unit generates the white image data based on selected color image data.

[0017] (9) The image forming system according to claim 8, further comprising an operation unit that accepts selection of color image data that constitutes the color image data.

[0018] (10) The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the white image forming unit determines an object from the print data.

[0019] (11) The image forming system according to claim 10, further comprising an operation unit for selecting the object.

[0020] (12) The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the generated white image data.

[0021] (13) The image forming system according to claim 12, further comprising an operation unit for receiving unnecessary portions of white ink.

[0022] (14) The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a white image forming unit that does not generate a white ink image for data that overlaps with the back side when a print job is double-sided.

[0023] (15) The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a white image synthesis unit that generates a common portion and synthesizes it with a variable portion in variable printing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming system that can appropriately form a white image even when data is difficult to distinguish between characters or line drawings and their backgrounds. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a medium on which a whiteout image is printed. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display unit and an operation unit of an operation panel when whitening is set. [Figure 5B] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display unit and an operation unit of an operation panel in a white outline object. FIG. [Figure 5C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display unit and an operation unit of an operation panel in a whiteout output version. [Figure 5D] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display unit and an operation unit of an operation panel when setting a range. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a white image forming unit. [Figure 7] This is a transmission information database showing the transmittance density of various media. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a white image synthesis unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to designate common components in the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] <Image forming system> As shown in Fig. 1, image forming system 100 is a device that automatically generates white image data 25 from manuscript data 10 based on a print job received from terminal 1 and performs whiteout printing on a recording medium. Image forming system 100 is configured with a controller 2 and a printer 3. Image forming system 100 generates print data 20 written in PDL (Page Description Language) from manuscript data 10 using an application 12, a printer driver 11, etc. from terminal 1 operated by a user, and controller 2 receives print data 20 via network interface 13.

[0028] Terminal Terminal 1 is an input terminal for internet communication, and is a device that allows a user to input and output data. Terminal 1 may be a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or the like. Terminal 1 generates print data 20 written in PDL from manuscript data 10 and transmits the print data 20 to controller 2. As shown in FIG. 2, terminal 1 includes printer driver 11, application 12, and network interface 13.

[0029] The printer driver 11 is software required to connect the terminal 1 to the printer 3 and print. The application 12 is a program for operating the terminal 1 . The network interface 13 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data from the terminal 1 to the controller 2 .

[0030] <Manuscript data> The manuscript data 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes character data, line drawing data, background data, and the like.

[0031] <Media> FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a medium 101 on which a whitened image is printed. The medium 101 used in the image forming system 100 is a recording medium capable of storing data. The medium 101 only needs to have a relatively high transmittance, be capable of forming an image on its surface, and be usable as a recording medium. The medium 101 can be, for example, a plastic film, a sticker, a glass plate, paper, etc. White image data 25 is printed as a base on the medium 101, and then the CMYK image data 21 is printed on it. This makes it possible to prevent the area where the medium 101 is attached from being affected by what is behind it, even if the medium 101 has high transparency.

[0032] Controller The controller 2 is a control device that converts the manuscript data 10 received from the terminal 1 into actual drawing data and controls each part of the printer 3. The controller 2 receives print data 20 written in PDL from the terminal 1 and sends this print data 20 to the image forming unit 91. The print data 20 sent to the image forming unit 91 is converted into CMYK image data 21, which is raster data, and tag information 22 by RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing by the image forming unit 91. Furthermore, the controller 2 automatically generates white image data 25 from the conditions of the CMYK image data 21 and tag information 22 using condition settings 24 and sends the white image data 25 to the printer 3.

[0033] 1 is data obtained by rasterizing the print data 20. The CMYK image data 21 is made up of pixels arranged in a grid pattern. The tag information 22 is information tagged to each data item. The tag information 22 has, within one byte, object information classified into text, graphics, and images on the document, as well as color space information for each.

[0034] The transparency information database 23 for each medium contains information such as the transparency of each of various media 101. The transparency information database 23 for each medium is stored in the memory 52 (see FIG. 2). The condition settings 24 are settings for conditions such as object selection, plate selection, areas where white ink is not required, job settings, double-sided (front and back) settings, and background pattern settings. Based on the CMYK image data 21, tag information 22, and the condition settings 24, white image data 25 is generated.

[0035] <Printer> 1 is an image forming device that prints whiteout data onto a recording medium without misprinting, based on CMYK image data 21, white image data 25, and condition settings 24 from a controller 2. The printer 3 may be an electrophotographic image forming device that forms a toner image, or may be an inkjet or other type of device.

[0036] <Controller Details> 2 includes a control unit 5, an operation panel 6, a network interface 7, and an image processing device 9. The controller 2 is connected to a printer 3 and uses the printer 3 to perform printing.

[0037] <Control Unit> The control unit 5 converts the print data 20 received from the terminal 1 into CMYK image data 21 and tag information 22. The control unit 5 further generates white image data 25 from the CMYK image data 21, tag information 22, and condition settings 24. The control unit 5 is a computer (not shown) that controls the operation of each functional unit, such as the operation panel 6, network interface 7, and image processing device 9. Based on operations on the operation panel 6 and signals received from the terminal 1, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the operation panel 6 and image processing device 9, determines objects from the print job, and controls the operation of the printer 3. The control unit 5 also adjusts the image color, image formation position, registration marks, etc., based on the print data 20 from the terminal 1. The control unit 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a memory 52, and a hard disk drive 53. The memory 52 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0038] <cpu> 2 reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the hard disk 53, expands it in a RAM (not shown), and executes the expanded program to control each component of the image forming system 100. At this time, the CPU 51 refers to various data stored in the memory 52 and the hard disk 53.

[0039] <Memory> The memory 52 is a first storage device that stores information about the image forming system 100. The memory 52 stores the transmittance of the medium 101, image data, and the like.

[0040] <Hard disk> The hard disk 53 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing a large amount of image data and various programs, and serves as a second storage device. The hard disk 53 stores the print data 20 transmitted from the terminal 1, and stores the output CMYK image data 21, white image data 25, etc.

[0041] <Operation Panel> The operation panel 6 shown in Fig. 2 is composed of, for example, a touch panel display with a touch panel stacked on top of a liquid crystal display. The operation panel 6 is used to input various settings such as printing conditions and the timing for adjusting the formation position of front and back images, to display the status of the device, and to input various instructions. The operation panel 6 accepts plate selection and displays the determination results of the control unit 5. The operation panel 6 is equipped with a display unit 61, an operation unit 62, and an alarm 63. The operation panel 6 may be configured to display the image formed by the image forming system 100 or other images.

[0042] <Display> The display unit 61 is a display device that displays the contents of operations performed on the operation unit 62, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 61 displays information about the image forming system 100, information about the state of the medium 101, an automatically generated white ink image, etc.

[0043] <Operation section> The operation unit 62 is an input device for inputting settings for a job to be performed using the image forming system 100. The operation unit 62 is composed of, for example, a touch panel. The operation unit 62 is used to select an object. A user can input media information for various types of media 101 through the operation unit 62. The media information includes the type, material, thickness, size, etc. of the media 101. The media information input through the operation unit 62 is stored in the memory 52.

[0044] <Alarm> The alarm 63 is an audio alarm device that notifies the user by voice and is made up of, for example, a speaker.

[0045] <Network interface> 2 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from external devices. The network interface 7 receives print data 20 from the terminal 1 and transmits it to each part of the controller 2 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 5.

[0046] <Printer> The printer 3 is a device that prints an image on the medium 101 based on set printing conditions.

[0047] Image processing device 2 is a device that sets and controls the density of white image data 25 that is automatically generated from the transmittance of the medium 101 and the print density of the job. The image processing device 9 makes it possible to set the print density of the job and the density of the white ink up to the toner amount limit value of the image processing device 9.

[0048] <Image forming section> The image forming unit 91 is a device that forms whiteout data on the recording medium of the printer 3. The image forming unit 91 does not generate ink images outside the register marks.

[0049] <White image forming unit> The white image forming unit 92 is a device that generates white image data 25 for a selected plate. The white image forming unit 92 controls the density of the automatically generated white image data 25. The white image forming unit 92 also sets the density of the white image data 25 based on the transmittance of the medium 101 and the print density of the job. The white image forming unit 92 also has the function of making the white ink density of all data uniform. The white image forming unit 92 forms white image data 25 based on the CMYK image data 21, tag information 22, and the following conditions 1 to 3.

[0050] <Condition 1> The information obtained by the image forming unit 91 is notified to the user, and conditions are set based on input from the user. The CMYK plates to be output may be pressed together using CMYK toner in processes such as foil stamping, and in this case there is no need to apply white ink.

[0051] Depending on the design, the output object may utilize transparency, and this can be set as desired by selecting the object. The output range can be made compatible with a variety of media and designs by forming a range in which a white image is not generated.

[0052] <Condition 2> If the job setting is double-sided, the front and back pages are compared, and the overlapping part between the front and back pages has low transmittance, so a white image is not generated. If a background pattern setting is set, the white image data 25 generated by the white image forming unit 92 is combined with the background pattern data.

[0053] <Condition 3> The controller 2 has a transmission information database 23 for each medium 101 and determines the density of the white image from the transmission information database 23 for each medium 101 . In addition, in the case of an undefined medium 101, the information on the maximum toner density of the engine is also referenced.

[0054] Moreover, when variable data is received, the white image data 25, which is master data, is stored, and the white image data 25 is formed while combining the variable data. The CMYK image data 21 generated by the image forming unit 91 and the white image data 25 generated by the white image forming unit 92 are sent to the printer 3.

[0055] <White image synthesis section> 2 is a device that acquires a tint block or stamp from the image processing device 9 and combines it with the white image data 25. In variable printing, the white image combining unit 93 generates a common part and combines it with the variable part.

[0056] <<Overall operation of the image forming system>> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Next, the overall operation of image forming system 100 will be described with reference mainly to FIGS. 1 to 5D. 1, a user operates terminal 1 to generate print data using an application 12, a printer driver 11, etc. Controller 2 receives print data 20 written in PDL from terminal 1 via network interfaces 13 and 7 (step S1) and detects job settings (step S2).

[0058] Next, the image forming unit 91 shown in FIG. 2 starts RIP (rasterization) (step S3). Subsequently, the image forming unit 91 generates RIP'd CMYK image data 21 and tag information 22 (step S4). Subsequently, the image forming unit 91 detects the position of the printer's marks from the tag information 22 and determines the output range of the white image data 25 for each page (step S5). If the position of the printer's marks cannot be detected, full bleed is performed. Then, in step S5, the image forming unit 91 stores the detected positions of the printer's marks for each page in the printer's mark position storage unit 521 of the memory 52.

[0059] Next, the image forming unit 91 scans the tag information 22 and stores the detected position of the color information (Separation All) used for the register marks in a table. Next, the image forming unit 91 checks whether reception of all pages of the manuscript data 10 has been completed (step S7). If there are pages of the manuscript data 10 that have not yet been received (No), the process returns to step S4. If reception of all pages of the manuscript data 10 has been completed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0060] Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display unit 61A and operation unit 62 of the operation panel 6 when setting whitening. The display unit 61A of the operation panel 6 for setting whitening shown in Fig. 5A displays an OFF radio button 61Aa, an object radio button 61Ab, C / M / Y / K plate radio buttons 61Ac for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and a range specification radio button 61Ad. The operation unit 62 consists of an OK button 621 and a Cancel button 622.

[0061] Fig. 5B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display unit 61B and operation unit 62 of the operation panel 6 for a white-lined object. When the user selects the object radio button 61Ab on the display unit 61A shown in Fig. 5A, the operation panel 6 switches to the display unit 61B for the white-lined object shown in Fig. 5B. Display unit 61B displays a text radio button 61Ba for displaying only text, a graphic radio button 61Bb for displaying only graphics, and an image radio button 61Bc for displaying only an image.

[0062] Fig. 5C is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display unit 61C and operation unit 62 of the operation panel 6 for the whiteout output plate. When the C / M / Y / K plate radio button 61Ac on the display unit 61A shown in Fig. 5A is selected, the operation panel 6 switches to the display unit 61C for the whiteout output plate shown in Fig. 5C. Display unit 61C displays a cyan radio button 61Ca that displays only cyan, a magenta radio button 61Cb that displays only magenta, a yellow radio button 61Cc that displays only yellow, and a black radio button 61Cd that displays only black.

[0063] Fig. 5D is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display unit 61D and operation unit 62 of the operation panel 6 when setting a range. When the range specification radio button 61Ad on the display unit 61A shown in Fig. 5A is selected, the operation panel 6 switches to the range specification display unit 61D shown in Fig. 5D. Display unit 61D displays a design area 61Da showing the entire design and an area 61Db showing the range to be specified.

[0064] Next, when all pages of the manuscript data 10 have been processed, the user is notified of the completion by an alarm 63. Furthermore, condition setting 66 of the whiteout object (see FIG. 5B), the whiteout output plate (see FIG. 5C), and the range setting (see FIG. 5D) is performed (step S8). Subsequently, the received image is sent to the white image forming unit 92 (step S9) and also to the white image combining unit 93 (step S10), and the process ends.

[0065] <<Overall operation of the image forming system>> 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the white image forming unit 92. FIG. 7 is a transmission information database 23 showing the transmittance density N of various media 101.

[0066] Next, the overall operation of the image forming system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the controller 2 reads the CMYK image data 21 and tag information 22 (step S11). Next, the controller 2 acquires the transmittance of the medium 101 from the transparency information database 23 (step S12) and determines the density of the medium 101 being used. If it is undefined, the maximum density of the engine is uniformly set.

[0067] FIG. 7 shows the transmission information database 23 showing the transmittance density N of various media 101. The transmittance density N of the medium 101 is the density obtained by adding the density of white, which is not transparent, to the CMYK image data 21. The transparency information database 23 includes a media column and a media transmittance density column. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the transmittance density N of plain paper is 250%, the transmittance density N of colored paper is 240%, the transmittance density N of transparent film is 300%, and the transmittance density N of coated paper is 240%.

[0068] Next, the white image forming unit 92 of the controller 2 checks whether the job is variable data (step S14). That is, it checks the PDL type and the job type. If the job is variable data (Yes in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15, where the white image forming unit 92 combines the page master data with the variable data. That is, the white image forming unit 92 combines the rasterized page master data (invariant part) with the variable data (components) according to the position in the job settings. If the job is not variable data, the process proceeds to step S16, where the white image forming unit 92 reads out and judges each of the condition settings 24 in step S7 of FIG.

[0069] If the condition of the condition setting 24 is "Off" in step S16, the white image forming unit 92 turns off the condition setting 24 and generates white image data 25 (step S17). Specifically, the white image forming unit 92 sequentially scans the CMYK image data 21 and calculates the white image pixel density from the same position of each pixel of the raster data plane to generate a white image. For example, if the transmittance density of the medium 101 is N, the white density printed on this medium 101 is the transmittance density N minus the cyan density, magenta density, yellow density, and black density.

[0070] If the condition in the condition setting 24 is "object designation" in step S16, the white image forming unit 92 generates white image data 25 by the object designation (step S18). Specifically, the white image forming unit 92 sequentially scans the CMYK image data 21 and tag information 22, and for each pixel in the raster data version and an object designated by the object information in the tag information 22, calculates the white image pixel density at the same position to generate white image data 25. Note that if the object is not a designated object, the white image forming unit 92 skips generating white image data.

[0071] In step S16, if the condition in the condition setting 24 is "C / M / Y / K plane," the white image forming unit 92 specifies a plane (step S19). Specifically, the white image forming unit 92 sequentially scans the CMYK image data 21, calculates the density of each pixel of the white image from the same position of each pixel of the raster data plane, and generates white image data 25. For planes that are not specified, calculation is performed by setting each plane in the density calculation formula above to 0.

[0072] In step S20, the white image forming unit 92 determines whether or not processing of all pages of the print job has been completed. If not all pages have been completed (No in step S20), the process returns to step S11. If all pages have been completed (Yes in step S20), the process ends.

[0073] <<White image synthesis unit operation>> 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the white image synthesis unit 93. Next, the operation of the white image synthesis unit 93 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0074] First, the white image synthesis unit 93 reads the CMYK image data 21 from the image forming unit 91 and the white image from the white image forming unit 92 (step S21). Next, the white image synthesis unit 93 checks the background pattern in the job settings (step S22). If there is no job setting (No in step S22), the process proceeds to step S26. If there is a job setting (Yes in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23, where the white image synthesis unit 93 reads the background pattern image data (step S23). Next, the white image synthesis unit 93 grayscales the background pattern data and converts it into a white image (step S24).

[0075] When converting to grayscale, a general calculation formula is used. The formula for converting the CMYK image data 21 to grayscale is, for example, the following formula (1).

number

[0076] Next, the white image synthesis unit 93 synthesizes the grayscaled image with the white image read out in step S21 (step S25), and the process proceeds to step S26. Next, the white image synthesis unit 93 determines whether the range of the register mark data detected in step S6 of Fig. 4 has been set. If the range of the register mark data has not been set (No), the process proceeds to step S26. If the range of the register mark has been set (Yes in step S26), the white image synthesis unit 93 reads the range of the register mark data for the corresponding page (step S27).

[0077] Next, the white image synthesis unit 93 generates a mask image of the page size of the relevant page from the read range (step S28). The white image synthesis unit 93 synthesizes the white image of step S21 or step S25 with the mask image of step S25 and deletes unnecessary parts (step S29).

[0078] Next, the white image composition unit 93 checks the job settings (step S30). If the job settings are not double-sided (No in step S30), the process proceeds to step S33. If the job settings are double-sided and front-side, the white image composition unit 93 temporarily saves the front-side white image to compare it with the back-side white image (step S31), and the process proceeds to step S33.

[0079] If the job setting is for the back side, the white image synthesis unit 93 references the transmittance density N of the medium 101, and once it has acquired a white image of the back side, it scans the same position as the front image saved in step S31 for comparison, and the process proceeds to step S33. In this scan, if the pixels on the front and back sides do not overlap, they are skipped, and the following is carried out to reduce the white image in the overlapping areas between the front and back sides.

[0080] The white images generated by the white image forming unit 92 up to this point satisfy the transmittance density N of the medium on both the front and back sides. The white image synthesis unit 93 removes the white image pixels on the back side, and then recalculates the white image pixels on the front side.

[0081] The case where the density of the raster data on the front and back sides is greater than the transmittance density N of the media is shown in the following formula (2).

number

[0082] At this time, it is advisable to remove the white image pixels on the surface. The case where the density of the front and back CMYK image data 21 is smaller than the transmittance density N of the medium 101 is shown in the following equation (3).

number

[0083] The white pixel value of the surface is given by the following equation (4).

number

[0084] In step S33, the white image synthesis unit 93 determines whether or not a range was specified in step S8 of Fig. 3. If a range was not specified (No), the process proceeds to step S36.

[0085] If the range is specified (Yes), the white image synthesis unit 93 reads the specified range from the settings and generates a mask image (step S34). Next, the white image synthesis unit 93 synthesizes the mask image and the white image, removes the specified range (step S35), and the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the white image composition unit 93 determines whether scanning of all pages has been completed. If scanning of all pages has not been completed (No), the process returns to step S21. If scanning of all pages has been completed (Yes), the process of FIG. 7 ends.

[0086] As such, the image forming system 100 of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, comprises an image processing device 9 that generates color image data and white image data 25 from received print data 20, and an image forming device (printer 3) that prints the white image data 25 and color image data.

[0087] With this configuration, the image forming system 100 generates white image data 25 from the print data 20 based on the print job and controls whitening printing, so there is no misalignment with the white ink even in data where characters, line drawings, backgrounds, etc. are difficult to distinguish. Therefore, the present invention eliminates the need for overprinting, reducing the rate of print defects and cutting costs.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 9 also includes a white image forming unit 92 that controls the density of the white image data 25.

[0089] According to this configuration, the image processing device 9 has the white image forming unit 92, and thus can control the density of the white image data 25, thereby reducing printing defects.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 2, the white image forming unit 92 sets the density of the white image data 25 based on the transmittance of the medium to be printed and the print density of the color image data.

[0091] With this configuration, the white image forming unit 92 can set the density of the white image data 25, thereby adjusting the density of the white ink, thereby improving the quality of printed matter. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the density, it is possible to ensure uniform application of the white ink and color reproducibility. In particular, when printing photographs or graphics, by appropriately setting the density of the white ink, it is possible to adjust the brightness and contrast and create clear, beautiful printed matter. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the density of the white ink, it is possible to maximize the visibility and effect of printed matter.

[0092] 2, the white image forming unit 92 allows the print density of the color image data and the density of the white image data 25 to be set up to the toner amount limit value of the image processing device 9.

[0093] With this configuration, the white image forming unit 92 can set the print density of the color image data and the density of the white image data 25 up to the toner amount limit of the image processing device 9, allowing the image processing device 9 to flexibly adjust the density and white ink. This allows the white image forming unit 92 to improve the variety of printed materials. As a result, when printing photographs or illustrations on posters or pamphlets, for example, the white image forming unit 92 can optimize the combination of density and white ink to create an attractive design. Therefore, the white image forming unit 92 can improve the quality and variety of printed materials by adjusting the print density and white ink up to the toner amount limit.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 2, the white image forming unit makes the density of the white image data uniform.

[0095] With this configuration, the white image forming unit 92 can make the density of the white image data 25 uniform, and therefore can always print images with stable white ink density. Furthermore, if printing is done directly on colored media 101 (for example, colored paper), the ink color will blend with the color of the media 101 and will not stand out clearly. In this case, printing with white ink can create the texture of colored paper while also making the ink color stand out clearly. In other words, the white image forming unit 92 first prints white ink in areas where you want the color to stand out clearly, and then prints color on top of that, making it possible to make the ink color stand out clearly, even on media 101 or materials that are difficult to color, as if it were printed on white paper. Furthermore, for example, if letters, logos, illustrations, etc. are printed in white ink on black paper, it is possible to create printed matter with a strong impact.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 100 also has an image forming unit 91 that generates color image data inside the register marks but not outside them.

[0097] With this configuration, the image forming system 100 has the image forming unit 91, so that the ink image can always be printed inside the register marks, thereby preventing the image from being printed outside the register marks.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 100 also includes a white image combining unit 93 that acquires a tint block or stamp from the image processing device 9 and combines it with the white image data 25.

[0099] According to this configuration, the white image synthesizing unit 93 can acquire a background pattern or stamp on the image processing device 9 side and synthesize it with the white image data 25, thereby improving aesthetics and reliability.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 2, the color image data includes a plurality of color image data, and the white image forming unit 92 generates white image data 25 based on the selected color image data.

[0101] With this configuration, the white image forming unit 92 can generate white image data 25 from the selected color image data, thereby creating a clear contrast and highlighting text, figures, etc.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 100 also has an operation unit 62 that accepts the selection of color image data that constitutes the color image data.

[0103] According to this configuration, the image forming system 100 has the operation unit 62, which allows the user to select desired color image data.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 2, the white image forming unit 92 determines an object from the print data 20.

[0105] According to this configuration, the image forming system 100 has the white image forming unit 92, and therefore, the determination result of the object from the print data 20 can be displayed and confirmed.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 100 also has an operation unit 62 for selecting an object.

[0107] According to this configuration, the image forming system 100 has the operation unit 62, which allows the user to select a desired object.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 100 also includes a display unit 61 that displays the generated white image data 25.

[0109] According to this configuration, the image forming system 100 has the display unit 61, and thus can display the generated white image data 25 and inform the user of the state of the white image.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 100 also has an operation unit 62 that accepts unnecessary white ink areas.

[0111] According to this configuration, the image forming system 100 has the operation unit 62, which allows it to receive and remove unnecessary portions of white ink, thereby making it possible to obtain a desired white ink image.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 100 has a white image forming unit 92 that does not generate a white ink image for data that overlaps with the back side when the print job is double-sided.

[0113] With this configuration, when a print job is double-sided, the white image forming unit 92 does not generate a white ink image for data that overlaps with the back side, thereby making it possible to effectively use both sides of a single medium 101. This reduces waste of the medium 101 when printing, thereby reducing costs.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 100 also includes a white image composition unit 93 that generates a common portion in variable printing and combines it with a variable portion.

[0115] With this configuration, the white image synthesis unit 93 can generate common parts in variable printing and synthesize them with variable parts, which is convenient because it allows printing while appropriately changing the information to be printed based on the original data 10.

[0116] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 3. Printers (image forming devices) 5. Control section 6 Operation panel 9 Image Processing Device 10 Manuscript data 20 Print data 25 White image data 61 Display section 62 Operation section 91 Image forming unit 92 White image forming unit 93 White image synthesis unit 100 Image forming system 101 Media< / cpu>

Claims

1. an image processing device that generates color image data and white image data from received print data; an image forming device that prints the white image data and the color image data; An image forming system comprising:

2. the image processing device has a white image forming unit that controls the density of the white image data; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

3. the white image forming unit sets the density of the white image data based on the transmittance of a medium to be printed and the print density of the color image data; The image forming system according to claim 2 .

4. the white image forming unit allows the print density of the color image data and the density of the white image data to be set up to a toner amount limit value of the image processing device; The image forming system according to claim 2 .

5. the white image forming unit uniformizes the density of the white image data; The image forming system according to claim 2 .

6. an image forming unit that generates the color image data inside the register marks and not outside the register marks; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

7. a white image synthesis unit that acquires a background pattern or stamp from the image processing device and synthesizes it with the white image data; The image forming system according to claim 2 .

8. the color image data includes a plurality of color image data; the white image forming unit generates the white image data based on the selected color image data; The image forming system according to claim 2 .

9. an operation unit for receiving a selection of color image data constituting the color image data; The image forming system according to claim 8 .

10. the white image forming unit determines an object from the print data; The image forming system according to claim 2 .

11. an operation unit for selecting the object; The image forming system according to claim 10.

12. a display unit that displays the generated white image data; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

13. An operation unit for receiving unnecessary white ink portions is provided. The image forming system according to claim 12.

14. When a print job is double-sided, a white image forming unit is provided that does not generate a white ink image for data that overlaps with the back side. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

15. In variable printing, a white image synthesis unit is provided to generate common areas and synthesize them with variable areas. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

Images